Hi guys!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! Mine was pretty good, if slightly quieter than usual. I received lots of lovely gifts including Glossier’s Phase 1 set and the Lush Snow Fairy box, all of which I will review in good time!
Today’s post is a review of the contents of my December Glossybox – my first Glossybox!
Earlier this year I subscribed to Birchbox, and after several disappointing deliveries (too many sample sizes and moisturisers) I cancelled it. Looking at other beauty box subscriptions, I couldn’t decide if they’d be just as bad. However, in November I saw an advertisement for the December Glossybox with the addition of a Secret Santa box if I signed up then. I figured I couldn’t go wrong with two boxes of goodies for £10 so I subscribed!
And I’m so glad I did!
This month, Glossybox collaborated with luxury paper goods company, Dusty Boy. They came up with the fabulous “Mince pies Starry skies” box design, which I absolutely love and will be keeping hold of to store my bits and bobs.
When it arrived, the first thing I noticed was how much bigger it was than Birchbox. Definitely a good sign that the contents are a decent size.
I adore the packaging and the wrapping with the bow and little sticker. It looks like it’s been carefully put together. It came with the standard contents card with a description of each product.
The first product I took from the box was the Lypsyl Compact. I love it’s size and the little mirror has been handy over Christmas for applying the balm as and when I need it. The balm itself is good and softening, however doesn’t smell like orange blossom, as it’s states on the packaging. It won’t replace my Palmer’s Lip Butter, but it’s a nice compact to pop in my handbag.
The next product was the Naobay Equilibria Gel to Milk cleanser. I’ve used this a few times since receiving it, and while it’s not brilliant at removing the “first layer” of a days makeup, it’s very good at the deep cleansing afterward and leaves your skin feeling beautifully soft.
The only thing I would say is it takes a while to get used to the texture. The gel is very sticky, almost like glue! It feels strange to spread it on your face, but once a little water is added it turns into a milky cleanser and washes off well. I would recommend for anyone who’s looking to try something new as an alternative to their regular cleanser.
The Laqa & Co Cloud Lips was something I knew was pretty much guaranteed in this months box. I was really excited to receive it and used it almost immediately.
I was happy with the application and the colour payoff, the product is creamy and moisturising, and I really like how it looks on.
However, it doesn’t last long. Like most cream lipsticks, it rubs off very quickly when eating and drinking, and as a result also bleeds around the lips a little, which isn’t a great look. As a freebie, I love it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it myself.
Now this Kryolan Eyeshadow Primer was a huge surprise. I’ve only ever known Kryolan to do theatrical makeup, I’ve used their stage makeup on several occasions and it’s excellent, so I was excited to try this.
I don’t often use Eyeshadow Primer, it’s just not something I think about when applying makeup (though probably should) and primers I’ve always used before have been cream coloured. This however was clear, and went on smoothly. I put it on over foundation, which it removed a bit, but that’s just my poor application. I let it dry and applied my eyeshadow and it went on a little easier, presumably because the primer had smoothed out the creases etc.
I don’t know if it improved the longevity of my eyeshadow because I don’t usually have problems with it coming off or anything, but I did think it improved the colour payoff and application!
I decided to leave my favourite til last. The Steve Laurant Precision Tip Liner. I was thrilled with this, felt tip liners are my absolute favourite and I love how easy they are to apply.
This one in particular had a very fine tip, and even after using every day for about two weeks, I’ve not noticed any feathering of the tip or difficulty in getting a fine line. I always shake it to make sure there’s plenty of “ink” and then build up my eyeliner bit by bit. I love how sharp I can get the points and it stays put all day, it’s quite difficult to accidentally rub off like previous liners I’ve used. I would seriously recommend this eyeliner in a heartbeat! It may have even replaced my trusty Barry M liquid liner!
I did briefly mention that with this box I also got a “Secret Santa” Glossybox, which you can read about here!
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