A new year and the start of another twelve beauty boxes from Glossybox!
Like all beauty box subscriptions there are both good and bad boxes, but on the whole looking back over 2016 I was happy with what I'd received from Glossybox. I discovered quite a few new favourite products and was introduced to some new brands, some of which I've gone on to buy from. Maybe I should write a year in review type post?
Basically, I was pleased to start a new year off with Glossybox. The theme of the January box (which you can still pick up here until the end of the month) is a take on the super food movement but with beauty products instead and is actually a collaboration box with Instagram-famed Deliciously Stella; a parody account taking the chia seed biscuit out of 'clean' eating. Which to be honest I'm just not sure about for a large brand like Glossybox... but then again are the products selected by anyone else other than the Glossybox team? I think not.
Unusual choice of collaboration aside, this month's box is fairly skincare heavy which I know some will love and some will dislike. I personally would have liked to have seen one less skincare product in favour of another makeup product or even a hair product, but it is often swings and roundabouts with beauty boxes and I'm almost sure next month's Valentine's edition box with contain more in the way of beauty. Having said that the skincare products included are gentle and balanced enough to be used by all skin types which I do appreciate.
What you will find in the January 2017 box
theBalm Matt Moskowitz eyeshadow
Being a total fan of theBalm anything from them, big or small, in a beauty box is totally okay with me! So I was more than thrilled to receive this miniature eyeshadow compact sample. The shade is a matte deep plum that feels smooth and blendable. This may be a little daunting for some but makes a perfect shade for the crease to deepen any look up. The 0.5g size is pretty measly but I'm sure it will last awhile!
Vitamasques Manuka Honey Face Mask
Sheet face masks are totally 'in' right now and although I don't find sheet masks as relaxing as cream face masks I do find they always give good results. Side note: I think the fact they are cold to put on and you can't be that mobile when wearing one, only horizontal, is the reason for my dislike of them! However, I will be using this as I love Korean skincare and anything honey based/scented I'm a fan of. I'm glad to see Glossybox is keeping up with beauty trends.
Unani Illuminate Milk Cleanser
Unani is a skincare brand I've vaguely heard of, I think from other beauty boxes, and it's one of those brands that are good for sensitive skin and will work for all skin types but it's just all a bit bland - sorry Unani. Nothing jumps out at me with this product. The packaging is simple, no bold claims, a very mild to non-existent scent and the cream cleanser feels nice enough I guess. I'm sure I will use this but I expect it to be mild and nothing wonderful - milk cleanser never seem to remove all makeup I've found. In an industry with the likes of Pixi skincare a cleanser like this just doesn't cut it for me sadly.
Nip + Fab Kale Fix Moisturiser
Another brand I was happy to see in this month's box! In fact I've been wanting to try something from the Kale Fix range for a while now, so I may just have 'ooo'd' at this product. Although not full size the 30ml is enough to try out and perfect for travel. I've been using the Kale Fix Moisturiser for a few days and have found it slightly too heavy for my oily skin but a touch is perfect as a night cream. I've also been loving the fresh scent which feels very soothing on the skin. Another nice product here.
True Organic of Sweden All your Need Is Me
Lastly, an interesting multi-purpose product that can be used literally everywhere that requires intensive nourishment - lips, hands, elbows, knees, feet, cuticles, any dry patches on the face and even on the hair! Having never tried the infamous Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream I'm glad to now have a similar product that applies easily and is ideal for this time of year. This will be staying next to my bed to apply to my cuticles and any dry patches.
How to subscribe or pick up this month's box
To pick up your own Glossybox you can either pay a one-off payment of £10.00 + £3.25 p&p here for the single box or sign up for the 3-month plan, £28.50 + £3.25 p&p here which will mean you receive Glossybox's Valentine's Day box which I have a feeling will be a good one!
With a strong box to end 2016 I would have loved to have seen a box of the same calibre to start off a new year and get me excited for things to come.
Although this isn't an awful box, especially with the Nip & Fab and theBalm being included, it just wasn't as glossy as I'd had hoped.
Finger crossed for an amazing Valentine's box next month!
Fee xo.
