Unboxing: February's Glymm Box

So, despite my shipping concerns in my previous Glymm posting, my Glymm box arrived (self note: Canada Post tracking information is not always up to date. Stop checking it 5x/day).
It was shipped Feb 17th, and received today, Feb 27th. Pretty long wait (in addition, Glymm was a week late in sending out boxes).
Anyhow, I received not one...but two boxes!! Not a mistake though.
I was all euphoric last month with my Glymm box, and was getting caught up with my Glymm store purchases (had to redeem my discount & freebie vouchers!), that I decided to buy an extra box.
Not completely sure why...but...oh well, hindsight is 20/20.

 This awaited me as I took off the lid. Ack. Ribbon malfunction.

Box A: Why's that bronzing papier all bent up??

Box A

Box B: This box was packaged much nicer

Contents of Box A
1. Sula Natural Creme Shadow in He Loves Me - full size given 0.15oz = $8.00
2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (award winner) in Hibiscus- full size given 4.25g = $7.99
3. GlamGlow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask - 7ml sample (full size 50 ml/$78.00) = $10.92
4. Mai Couture 2-1 Oil blotting/bronzing papier- 2 sheet sample (full size 100 sheets/$24.00) = $0.48

Contents of Box B
1. Sula Paint & Peel in Naked - full size given 11ml  = $9.00
2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (award winner) in Rose- full size given 4.25g = $7.99
3. GlamGlow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask - 7ml sample (full size 50 ml/$78.00) = $10.92

4. Mai Couture 2-1 Oil blotting/bronzing papoer- 2 sheet sample (full size 100 sheets/$24.00) = $0.48

Total Value
Box A: $27.15
Box B: $28.15

Impression
Sorta satisfied.
Yes, got 2 full sized samples this month, which is excellent. But were the samples all luxury brands? I don't know much about Sula; but I never considered Burt's Bees as one.
Also, just because we got full sized samples, it doesn't cancel out the fact that we never received "4-5 deluxe sized samples". If anything, I'd say we got 3 deluxe samples (with 2 being full-sized).
I find it quite laughable that 2 measly sheets of bronzing papier would be called deluxe sized, especially priced out at 0.24/sheet.

As for the items themselves, I was stoked that in both boxes, I got a variation of 2 of the products.
I got the Sula creme shadow, which I was hoping for, in a beautiful pink tone. I've read that other people got regular shadow and it did not have much pigmentation. After trying to apply some of the creme shadow my skin, it came on very very sheer and all that's really visible is some sparkles, so I would not purchase this.

The Sula Paint & Peel nailpolish is an interesting concept; no nail polish remover required to remove, simply just peel away. It also does not contain the big bad 3 toxins. The unfortunate thing is that it came in "Naked" which is a tan color that would be wonderful as a foundation, but not so much as a nailpolish. Another miss for me.

I probably enjoyed the tinted lip balm the most out of all Burt's Bees products I've tried.
The tinted lip balm in "Hibiscus" has a light berry scent which is not overpowering; has a subtle color that looks nice on my lips; and my lips now feel soft and moisturized.

The GlamGlow mud mask contains volcanic rock, French sea clay, and green tea leaf pieces.
Sounds enticing, but the samples are very small; I've read people could only get 1-2 applications from it (which isn't really enough to decide whether to buy an item or not). Since I have 2, I should be able to judge it a bit better. Almost hard to believe this is "deluxe sized" but based on the retail size in comparison, it's believable. It came with a Glymm offer to buy full sized for $50 from the regular price of $78. Good deal, but still pricey. But could be worth it if the results are remarkable!

Will I continue my subsciption?
I was supposed to make a decision. If anything, I'd probably cancel Glymm over Luxe Box, but I decided it can't hurt to see what's in my Glymm box next month...so...I'm not cancelling any of my boxes! Haha.
I'm so weak.

First card post!

I started to become interested in card making back in 2008/2009; mostly after discovering Michaels and after tagging along with my sister to various craft and scrapbooking stores.

I spent tons of money on supplies; but when it came to trying to design something I often hit a creative block (seriously; I probably made 10 cards over a period of 3 years).

After finishing school and after recently discovering (and investing) in copic markers + Penny Black stamps (cutest stamps, ever!) + twine, I figured I should probably put some of my supplies to good use and start making some cards.

While I find card making fun, it's also a bit exhausting.

I'm quite picky and if I don't think even 1 thing matches, then I end up redoing a card even if I was almost done constructing it.

Or other times I'd get so tired trying to think of a design (even after browsing for hours getting inspiration from card designers) that I'd stop before I've even really started (sad!).

Two weeks ago I managed to pump out 4 cards in a day.

Then I got tired. And took a long break. I managed to do 1 card/day the last few days but then I got worn out/out of ideas.

So I decided to join my first challenge over at Penny Black Saturday Challenge , All Sorts Challenge , 2 Sisters Challenge and Simon Says Stamp Challenge!

It's fun because for some challenges there are specific layout/instructions to follow; ones that I would never have though of on my own.

Here's my submission below (it reminds me of the beach and Hawaii!):

Penny Black Party Time stamp colored with various Copic markings; Cricut for the sun + waves; Prima flowers; Twine; anddd you can't really see it, but the circle is embossed with Tiny Flowers by Sizzix Texturz

Thanks for looking!

Unboxing: February's Luxebox by Loose Button

Luxebox delivery! This month, they collaborated with Flare in creating the box. I noticed that there were quite a few variations of this month's box. See below for details on what I got...

 

Contents

1. pureDKNY Verbena by DKNY perfume - 7 ml sample (full size 50 ml /$80 or 100 ml/$105) = $7.35
2. Dermalogica Microfoliant - 13g sample (full size 75g/$72) = $12.48
3. Cargo Lash Activator - sample size, but amount not listed, I'll guess just below 1 ml (full size 11ml/$35) = $3?
4. Redken Color Extend Shampoo + Conditioner = 6 samples x 10 ml each = 60 ml (full size shampoo 300ml/$15 or conditioner 250 ml/$17) = $3.54
5. $25 off purchase of $75 or more at dealuxe

Total estimated value
 $26.37 not including the $25 dealuxe card (likely will not use it)

Impressions
Well. The first word that comes to mind is "meh".
Luxebox delivered their promise of 4 deluxe samples.
However, I was disappointed with the contents, especially after peeking at what others had received (e.g. someone had gotten dermalogica + moroccan oil + benefit bronze highlighter + Mereadesso body balm; others received full size China Glaze polish + variations of the above).
But I think that's just the repercussions of being a bit too nosy + having preferences for the above versus what I got.
I know last month's box was pretty varied for many subscribers too. I actually lucked out because my friend traded me my full size Pur minerals powder for her full sized Benefit Powda Wowza! Awesome friend or what??
Overall, I think I'm borderline satisfied this month.

Product reviews wise... I have yet to try any of them except the perfume.
The Dermalogica microfoliant and Lash Activator I will use for sure within the next day or two. I don't have colored hair so will probably use anyway/give away the shampoo/conditioner. As for the perfume itself...I'm not crazy on the scent. It is citrusy and fresh but doesn't really stand out for me.

Will I continue my subscription?
It's going to be a toss up between Luxebox and Glymm this month. I said I'd try to discontinue either of these...um...we'll see. I might need another month to decide...hehee...suggestions, anyone?

My friend in the same area got the same products as me. Almost wonder if similar areas got the same items! Curious as to other people's thoughts on their Luxe Box?

A post about Glymm. And unreasonable things.

[Okay, this is just a rant.
And just a disclaimer...in no way, shape, or form, am I affiliated with Glymm. Just my opinion.]

Many people were a bit upset when Glymm recently decided to disable their Facebook wall; I admit I was a bit too because I found that was the only way to read other members' suggestions/comments/concerns.

After some thinking, I don't blame them!! People can be so ridiculous!
Glymm's reason to close the wall? "Individual queries on our Facebook Page are difficult to track and therefore limit our ability to answer your questions effectively and efficiently".

1) I believe this is a very legitimate reason, however I honestly think it's dumb of people to expect a reply from the company when people solely contacted them via the wall. Were those really people's expectations?? Seriously? I know social media is one of those new ways to get in contact with the community but I don't think this should be an expectation of a company.

2) I remember seeing plenty of people asking questions repeatedly when it was asked and answered in previous posts...I'm sure that wasn't annoying/frustrating or anything...

3) I'm sure they also suffered a lot of negative feedback. Some were legitimate, such as people complaining about late shipping (they were 1 week late this month), missing products, or not receiving deluxe samples (which is one of the major points of service that Glymm clearly advertises). Some were not so legitimate. Really, complaining that you didn't like the color of your full size eyeshadow/lipgloss/eyeliner/nailpolish?? Right, because they are going to start catering to everyone's color preferences...I'm sure that wouldn't be super time consuming or anything!! Seriously, this is only a $10 box. The amount of personalization is only going to be so limited and it's reflected in the price of the service.  I wouldn't want bright blue eye shadow either but some people like that sorta thing; I'm not going to fault Glymm for it.

Or complaining that the product you received didn't work/you got an allergic reaction/ or you simply didn't like it?? The whole purpose of the subscription is to introduce you to products you may not usually buy to test it out before buying the full size items...it's not a guarantee you will LIKE it or that your body won't suffer a reaction! Everyone reacts differently to products; that's out of Glymm's control.

Or how about complaining that Glymm isn't sending jellybeans anymore??? Many people acted angry/nagging/annoyed at its sudden disappearance. Yeah, it was kinda neat to get a small bottle of jelly bellys in each month's box. This was an EXTRA. It was never promised in their terms of service that this was going to be a monthly thing, so why should they be expected? I bet Glymm wishes they never sent them to begin with.

Oookay.
So in other news, I am a bit sad panda that in addition to Glymm being 1 week behind in shipping, my box was supposedly shipped on Feb 17th but not actually processed (i.e. received by Canada Post) until Feb 21! Sigh. Expected delivery date...Feb 28th.
I've already peeked (obviously) at what others have received. I'm pretty sure that battle of trying to decide to discontinue Glymm versus Luxebox is much more obvious.

Unboxing: February's Glossybox Canada

After a long day at work, it was nice to come home to this in the mail!

Glossybox is yet another monthly beauty box subscription service that has made its way to Canada (had originated in the UK but they have expanded); February was their debut box. When I heard about it, I began researching products people had gotten from them in the UK and subscribed immediately.

I was at first put off because they stated they would begin shipping February's box at the end of January; but later after people questioned them on their Facebook page, found they delayed shipping until one week into February.
That's fine, I just thought that for their debut in Canada they would keep to their promises and not be politicians about it ;)

The box is very sturdy, and as such, has great uses for later :)
I admitted in previous posts, I am not very patient and so of course, I looked up many other reviews/unboxing of this month's box as I was waiting for it to arrive to me in the westcoast, so I had a good idea I knew what I was getting.

Contents
1. Essie nail polish in Neo Whimsical - full size given = $10
2. Ahava mineral body lotion - 40ml sample (250 ml for 28.00) = $4.48
3. Prevage anti aging moisture cream spf 30 - 7 ml sample (50 ml for $160)= $22.40
4. Wella brilliance shampoo - 50ml sample (300 ml for 13.99) = $2.33
5. Elizabeth Grant moisturizing stick - 3.5 g (5g for $12) = $8.40
BONUS: Beauty So Clean cosmetic sanitizer mist 8 ml (125ml for $15.99)= $1.02
BONUS: Beauty So Clean cosmetic wipes - 4 (48 pack for $12.50) = $1.04

Total estimated value
$49.67
 



Impression

Well, despite being put off initially, I'm very happy with my box because I will happily use each and every item!
I know I'm lucky to get the Essie polish; press boxes included the nailpolish so many people expected the same but did not receive them due to variations. I'm also impressed because Glossybox had an option for subscribers to not receive fragrances for those allergic + the shampoo was for my hair type also...so they definitely do cater to you  based on your beauty profile.

The lip moisturizing stick is wonderful. I carry chapstick with me wherever I go, and this felt really nice and moisturizing and was lightly scented like faux watermelon (don't care for the scent but it isn't overpowering).  I just ran out of chapstick too, so it's perfect timing, haha.

The shampoo is delicious smelling; has a fruity scent reminding me of Pantene/Herbal Essences so I can't wait to try it out. I have gotten Ahava cream previously in a Glymm box, so I am happy to see it, as it is moisturizing, although I dislike the smell of it (I can never have enough cream on my hands...they were washed probably 100x today and are dying for some moisture). And the anti-aging cream I will try as a moisturizer (I need a new one) but I highly doubt I would buy a full size retail version due to the cost.

Also can't wait to try the bonus items. I work in a hospital, so I think the whole wanting to sanitize and be all anti-germy is a given ;)

**Edit: Just went to apply some Ahava lotion and thought I'd mention; Glossybox gave a 40 ml sample versus Glymm, with a 20 ml sample. Definitely think the "deluxe" promise is with Glossybox at the moment.
Woops, was pointed out the Ahava samples were different; Glymm was a hand cream; Glossybox's a body lotion. Oversight! Anytime I get a cream/lotion I consider it for use on my hands only. I literally have over 20 creams/lotions; only one do I ever use on my body...everything else is reserved for my eighty-year-old-hands-stuck-on-a-20-something-year-old-body.

Will I continue my subscription?
Yes! Once I get my Glymm and Luxebox this month, I will have to make a decision to cancel one! Hopefully it will be an easy enough decision to make.

If you got a Glossybox too, what did you think?