Glossybox - February 2014

THE MONTH OF LOVE

::sigh:: I would love just one month of writing my Glossybox post IN the appropriate month. You're killing me, Glossybox, you're killing me. I did not receive my February Glossybox until March! Of course, I wanted to try out all the products for a while before I wrote my review, and then I had a whole bunch of stuff come up including Birthday weekend! Woohoo! It was a ton of fun, I had such a blast! But I digress, anyhow, here I am, and here you are, and here is my February Glossybox post!...

I received under eye patches, eyeliner, nail polish, face serum and a hair product

From Glossybox's February 2014 card - 
  

"Here at GLOSSYBOX, we aim to deliver a box filled with love and happiness every month. We hope that as you receive your box, it serves as a reminder to take some time off to primp and pamper yourself. This month's lineup includes a wonderful hair treatment for color-treated hair (inhale deeply after spritzing into hair, it smells divine) and an eyeliner of the darkest black that stays on like no other.

GLOSSYBOX subscribers also get an exclusive sneak peek at Lauren B. Beauty, a brand new nail polish line that will launch in Spring 2014. What better than pink polish to celebrate the month of love?"

XoXo,
The GLOSSYBOX Team

Can I just say I loooooove the idea of a primp and pamper box? Oh yes, indeed. Let's take a closer look at what I received....


ANATOMICALS
PUFFY THE EYE BAG SLAYER WAKE UP UNDER EYE PATCHES

"These eye patches are specially formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and revitalize delicate skin around the eyes. Each patch intensively moisturizes, nourishes and hydrates, working to restore elasticity and helping skin to look and feel rejuvenated, vibrant and smooth." - February 2014 Glossybox card

First of all, I ADORE all things Anatomicals! There's just something so charming, hilarious and downright adorable about the names of the products, the coloring and design of the packaging and how they're presented. This is my third Anatamicals product I've tried, the first being a face spritz and the second a body wash, and I could not have been any more excited to try out their under eye patches, I LOVE THOSE THINGS!

The box that I received came with three sets of patches, each good for a single use. This IS actually the full-size set, so if you were to purchase online, this is what you'd receive. 

I've used two packets at this point and oh my goodness, they are SO fab. When you open the packet, there's a plastic tray that you slide out which has the patches on top of it. The patches NEVER remained in their indented grooves on the plastic tray when I slid them out though, haha. No biggie! However, just to note, the patches are rather delicate, although they are fairly thick compared to most patches, but they can rip if you tug on them hard enough. Now, I learned there is a right side and wrong side to these. One side is flatter and the other side bumps up a bit right inside the edge. It's the FLAT side that presses against the skin. There is a slight tell from the way the patch is designed as far as it's curve and how that does make it easier to wrap the patch under the eye. 

Fair warning, it does feel a bit slimy just because it's quite a bit of moisture and the material is smooth and slippery. It didn't bother me at all though! Depending on your eye shape, the patch may slide down a teensy bit during wear. If the puffiness under your eyes is fairly big, or you have protruding eyes then you may have to readjust them and push them back up every few minutes or so. I only had to about two times during the half an hour period (which is the recommend wear time).

They are only usable once ::tear::, so after use, you just throw them away, but they do quite a bit of work in that thirty minutes! While they're on they're so superdupes refreshing! I love that cool, hydrating feeling under the eyes, it's so relaxing, and afterwards it makes my eyes feel so much more perky, awake and well-rested. As far as puffiness, I definitely saw some improvement with both uses. I don't have a TON of problems with puffy eyes, my issues tend to stay more around dryness in fine lines and dark circles. However, my sleep has been a little up and down lately (so busy!), so I have had a bit more puffiness than usual. I traveled to Ft. Worth last week and stayed at a hotel for a few days. Imagine this visual....hotel room, TV turned on to Sex and the City reruns, room service breakfast along with a marble mocha latte from Starbucks that Hubby brought before leaving for a conference that morning, just freshly showered and in a fluffy bathrobe, applying eye patches and laying back on the already made fluffy bed because housekeeping had already stopped by........BLISS. Seriously, I could have spent all week like that. 

I didn't notice a huge lessening in the dark circles, but mine are more hereditary than anything. I did see some improvement in my fine lines, though! They didn't completely disappear, but they were less visible and wearing the patches made applying concealer under the eyes SO much easier! I absolutely love using them before an evening out to prep the skin. My eyes just look brighter, and smoother underneath and feel fresh and very hydrated. Did I mention I love them? I seriously need more of these in my life!





SUMITA BEAUTY
KALA COLOR INTENSE PENCIL

"Transform your eyes and add beautiful definition by simply drawing the line. Inspired by the deep pigment of the kajal pencil, this long-wearing liner is ideal for use on the inner water line of your eye, as well as the outer lash." - February 2014 Glossybox card

Yeeeeeeeeeees. YES! Ok...that's my review. Haha, I jest! But really now, I am so obsessed with this liner! It is so amazing. 

The design is an all black pencil (hello gorgeous!) and it is meant to be sharpened. It reminds me a bit of Urban Decay's 24/7 pencils, however the formula is not quite as creamy. 

It's seriously giving UD's Perversion pencil a run for it's money, though, look at how BLACK that is! ::siiiiiigh:: Gorgeous. As I mentioned previously, the formula is a bit rougher, not as creamy as other eyeliners I've used, but it's certainly very pigmented and still easy to apply. You may want to warm it up a bit on the back of your hand first, however, keep in mind that it does have excellent staying power and does set fairly quickly so you may have to use a makeup wipe or some good soap to wash it off your hand afterwards. Speaking of it's staying power...this liner will last alllllllll day! It sets quickly and stays looking fresh and fabulous for hours on end! It's my new favorite black pencil eyeliner. I did not have any problems with it smudging on my eyelid or waterline except for the lower outer corners of my eyes only because my eyes tend to get watery and smudge any eye product I have there, so it's not waterproof but it still lasts such a long time if my eyes aren't watery! It makes me just....so happy. ::grin:: If you're on the lookout for a deep blacker than black pencil eyeliner that lasts hours after application and works well for tightlining and waterline...look no further! 





LAUREN B. BEAUTY
NAIL COUTURE
in City of Angels

"Lauren B. Beauty's advanced quick-drying nail enamels deliver a high-shine, chip-resistant, long-lasting finish. City of Angels is a sheer, tender blush pink that flatters all skin tones. Not too saccharine sweet, it's possibly the chicest neutral ever." - February 2014 Glossybox card

That's some mighty fine flattery, Glossybox! First of all, I think the packaging of the bottle is absolutely gorgeous, I'm loving the font of the Lauren B. Beauty, I love the rectangular bottle and square cap, it's all adorable!

The brush is fairly standard, and as you can see the formula isn't EXAAAACTLY sheer, as the description states, it's somewhere between a sheer and a cream...let's just say a thinner milky cream. The color is gorgeous, it's a super duper pale pink, almost like a ballet pink, but with no peach tone. 

Here is my swatch picture! (Excuse my poor short middle finger nail). This is two coats with no top coat. It was pretty darn streaky with the first coat and a bit trickier to apply than most creams that I love. If you look at the right bottom side of my middle and ring finger nails you can see a thick line where the polish wouldn't even out. It just wanted to go on thick and even when I tried to take off excess polish from the brush before applying, it still was determined to go on thick. The thickness definitely evened out the streaks, but it left the polish uneven and a tad lumpy looking. I almost feel like I want to add a bit of polish thinner to it, although that might mean this will become a three-coater to reach full opacity.

All that aside, I love the color! I think it's super soft and sweet and great for Spring. Also, an important factor to mention, Lauren B. Beauty's polishes are all listed as being vegan friendly AND 5 Free! Meaning, they are free from DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and camphor. Majority of polishes are 3 Free but there are a few good brands that claim to be 5 Free, however, there aren't TOO many, so I'm excited to find another! I want to play around with this polish and see if I can find a better way to apply and maybe add a little polish thinner because I think it's too darn gorgeous to set aside! Although the formula wasn't my absolute favorite, I'm still very curious as to what other shades this brand might carry. 





SKIN&CO ROMA
TRUFFLE THERAPY SERUM

"A luxurious beauty base that plumps the skin with hydration and fights off any free radicals your day brings on. This is a serum that goes on under your moisturizer that increases hydration and reduces fine lines and wrinkles." - February 2014 Glossybox card

I'm definitely no stranger to this product, as I have already reviewed it in a past beauty subscription box from a different company! From my Birchbox December 2013 review:

"I have a funny feeling Birchbox thinks I'm old! Hahaha, firming fondant cream, wrinkle serum. It is always good to use preventative products though at my age....actually, truth be told, I started using preventative anti-aging products about 8 years ago! Woman in their early 20's don't typically think of doing that, but it's really the best thing to do. That way you PREVENT the problem instead of having to treat it! 

This Truffle Serum is quite nice, although, I've been using it for weeks and haven't seen much of a difference other that slightly softer skin. I don't really have wrinkles though, so it's just not right for the type of product I need exactly. The coloration is slightly off-white but not unusually looking for a creamy serum. It has a very light, slightly earthy smell - which I'm assuming comes from the truffle ingredient. It's very mild though, and isn't at all a bad aroma to me. Some interesting ingredients that really popped out at me in regards to aroma were:

  

 Irish moss extract, horsetail extract (plant, not really horsetail LOL), hydrolized hibiscus extract, TUBER MELANOSPORUM EXTRACT (the truffle), and a climbing rose extract.

I'm guessing that these particular ingredients give it that slightly earthy scent that I'm detecting. Since it is a serum, I've been using it after I wash my face and before I moisturize and I noticed that it just gives my moisturizing a little boost for softening my skin. Other than that I haven't noticed any major differences with use. I will continue to finish up the bottle though, since I do enjoy that light hydrating boost!" - Cookie, The Charming Cheshire, Birchbox December 2014 post

I've been using this exact tube sample from my December box again as I still had a bit left (so I can gift this new sample to someone since I've tried it already) and I do have a few more comments to make now! I just love the way my skin feels after application. It is very luxurious feeling for a serum so it gives my skin...hmmm...how can I put this...an almost pampered feeling. One of the best after effects that I've had from face serum use. The skin is smooth, it hydrates so much easier with moisturizer afterwards, and right now my face is loving it! My skin has looked clearer and overall a good appearance and finish! Goes to show you that it's best to switch up your facial routine depending on what your skin is currently NEEDING and not just stick to a single routine day in and day out. If you skin needs more hydration, use hydrating products. If it's breaking out, use salicylic products or acne treating formulas. If it's oily, use mattifying or lighter products, etc. Switch up facial masques and serums every 3-4 days or on the weekends to adjust to how your skin is reacting and what needs to be treated. I even like to use a few different masques at the same time on different areas of the face if I need different things done (NOT on top of each other, and usually they don't even touch each other, I leave a tiny gap in between). For example, just the other day I used a mattifying serum on my t-zone and a hydrating serum on the rest of my face and later that night I used a green tea serum on the areas of my face which have rosacea, a blackhead/pore reducing masque on my nose and around it, as well as my chin, and a tightening masque on the remainder of my face....left it all on for 15 minutes (average for all masques I had on) then rinsed! Hooray for multitasking! 

PUREOLOGY SERIOUS COLOR CARE

COLOR FANATIC

MULTI-TASKING HAIR BEAUTIFIER FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

"This is a multi-tasking hair treatment spray that provides 21 essential benefits to prime, protect, and perfect color-treated hair." - February 2014 Glossybox card

Oh yes, indeedy, I have color-treated hair! Cookie NEEDS products like these! Bring them on over! 

This spray is fantastic! A fantastic Fanatic? YES. I'm seriously going to need to purchase some more soon, I'm almost out of the sample, I love it way too much. They're so right, the smell is divine! It's sweet, but not overly sweet like candy, however it's not quite a floral either....it's something of a smooth fruity-floral...maybe like a delicious smoothie scent! Yes! That's what it reminds me of! Here is what Pureology lists for it's 21 benefits:

    

PRIME

• Hair Color Protection
•  Leave In Conditioner
• Hair Detangler Spray
• Blow Dry Spray for Quick Drying
• Moisturizer for Dry Hair
• Low Porosity Hair Care
• Weightless Conditioner
• Hair Cutting Lotion

PROTECT

•  Split End Treatment & Prevention
• Hair Breakage Treatment from Daily Brushing & Combing
• Hair Fiber Product
• Repair and Protect Heat Damaged Hair
• Shields Hair Against Environmental Damage

PERFECT

• Hair Smoothing Treatment
• Silky Hair Treatment 
• Seals Hair Cuticle
• Hair Moisturizer Spray for Reduced Dryness
• Anti-Frizz Hair Spray
• Reduces Hair Static
• Hair Refresher Spray for Restyling
• Hair Shine Treatment

- from pureology.com

Wooooooo, that's a lot of stuff! It's key ingredients are:

Fennel Seed Extract, a natural plant extract and powerful antioxidant, offering environmental protection for hair.

Keravis, a vegetable-based protein known for it's strengthening properties

Xylose, derived from sugar, protects hair from heat-style damage

Camelina, Coconut and Olive Oil, a blend of natural oils that offer light weight conditioning, smoothing and anti-frizz results

It's listed of being completely free of salts, parabens, colorants, drying alcohols, mineral oil, and DEA (diethanolamine). All in all it is shown to be the bombdiggity of hair sprays for color-treated hair. I must say, I have to agree with them!

This is an absolutely MUST for ladies with color-treated hair! It gives your strands a much needed pampering and loving attention. I've been spraying it on right out of the shower, after towel-drying my hair off a bit and I seriously give it some good squirts, all over every bit of my hair. It detangles it sooooo fast, and makes my hair superdupes soft and smell scrumptious. After I let my hair air-dry a bit, then finish it off by blow-drying and styling, I'll spray just a teensy bit more on to finish the look, add some shine and give my ends a bit more of a softer feel. I've been noticing that hair has a lot of split-ends at the moment, so I'm on a mission to repair! This spray has made such a huge difference just from a week or so of use! My color has stayed fresh looking, and shiny, my hair has been more manageable and smooth and it's certainly aiding in the repair! I do believe I need to buy myself a full-size soon! 

WORTH AND PURCHASE

1) Anatomicals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches:

• Full-size (.21 oz x 3 patches) - $11
• I received a full-size!

2) Sumita Beauty Kala Color Intense Pencil:

• Full-size (0.06 oz) - $15
• I received a full-size!

3) Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture in City of Angels:

• Full-size (0.5 fl oz) - $18
• I received a full-size!

4) Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum:

• Full-size (1 fl oz) - $75
• I received a 0.17 fl oz sample tube - $12.75

5) Pureology Serious Color Care Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier for Color-Treated Hair:

• Full-size (6.7 oz) - $24
• I received a 1 fl oz sample bottle - $3.58

Total Paid for Box:  $0*

Total Worth of Box:  $60.33

So I had an extra special worth box for February as I had cashed in my 1,000 Glossydot points that I had been accumulating and received a free box! ::dancedance, dancedance!:: So awesome! I was also very excited to see three of the five products were full-size and even the two sample sized products were decently sized. I still have a single packet of the eye patches left, as well as an entire bottle of polish and nearly an entire eyeliner pencil left. I won't be using the serum as I still have my original tube and would like to gift this one, but I'm almost out of the hair spray, so I'll be wanting to purchase more soon! Awesome purchase month!

FINALE

Makeup finale! Haha, even though there is only technically one makeup product included, I decided to base a look around the eyeliner...

I went for something romantic, sweet, but still with a sexy edge. 

I know it seems a little Valentines-y and you're thinking whooooa, Cookie, girl, that is OVER, haha, I know, but it's still a great Spring evening/nighttime look! 

For this look I drew inspiration from the products in the box and went with pale pinks for my eyes and cheeks, with a bright fuchsia pink for my lips. I applied a fairly thick cat-eye with the Sumita eyeliner, and used it to tightline as well as applying on the waterline. I finished the eyes with several coats of intense black mascara. 

That's it for my February 2014 Glossybox review! I hope you enjoyed it! I very much loved the box, there really wasn't anything in it that I didn't like or wouldn't care to continue using. It certainly had that pampering side in some products, as well as being girly, chic and glamorous. CROSS THOSE FINGERS that this month's Glossybox will get here in time! Haha!

Happy Makeuping! XOXO