Glossybox August 2012 Review

The August 2012 Glossybox is a nice combination of luxuries and treats for the skin and nails as summer winds down and the cooler air heralds the coming of fall.  I do feel that some of the products here are luxurious, especially since it has my favorites in full-sizes, the Illamasqua nail varnish in Purity and Ellis Faas Milky Lips.  Here are my thoughts on these.


 



The Biolage Exquisite Replenishing Treatment is a serum infused with Moringa Oil Blend.  It is supposed to give instant shine and weightless replenishment to all hair types.  I have oily hair so I probably won't be able to use this as much as those who have normal or dry hair, except that I do use this when I want to give some healthy shine to my short hair.  I like the nice pleasant scent and the light texture - not heavy and does not drag hair down.








Illamasqua nail varnish in Purity




Illamasqua in Purity layered with Lynnderella nail polish in Golden Rules

I've always loved Illamasqua nail varnishes.  I've been impressed with Illamasqua's brand concept and how they market their brand, as well as the quality of their products.  I am a big fan of the nail lacquers and I have several in my nail polish collection, and they are pretty much of good quality and apply really well.  Illamasqua Purity in this Glossybox is a full-size nail varnish and is a really pretty pale peach cream.  It is beautiful by itself or layered with other polishes, as shown here.

   









Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base is a primer that is used to smooth the appearance of skin and diminish appearance of pores and other blemishes prior to the application of makeup.  I tried this and it has a bit of a slimy feel upon contact, but it dissipates.  The description states that the honey texture (or what I called "slimy feel") firms and revitalizes the skin and allows for a better makeup application.  It does give my makeup a nice, flawless finish, but I don't feel  that it particularly made my makeup wear or last longer.  I do like the finish after the application of makeup, and the fact that this is substantially sized.













Ellis Faas Ellis Lips is a lightweight but long-lasting product that come in 3 textures: Creamy lips for a matte finish, Milky lips for a gloss finish and Glazed lips for a hint of color.  I got the Milky lips finish and I really love this particular shade!  It's perfect for fall, like a terracotta brick red shade.  Super pretty and I like that it is paraben-free and does not dry out my lips.


OleHenriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster






Blended into skin

I've tried the OleHenriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster from a kit sent to me by the brand called OleHenriksen The Whole Truth Anti-Aging Kit. It contains potent vitamin C, rosehips, green tea and orange extract to boost hydration and help prevent the appearance of anti-aging. I love Vitamin C in my serums because not only is it a powerful anti-oxidant, it also lightens dark spots or any acne scarring. This product is a light serum and refreshes the skin.


All in all, I think this is one of the better Glossyboxes that I've tried, mostly because I got 2 full sizes of brands that I really like, namely Illamasqua and Ellis Faas.  I don't really care much for the Biolage oil, but I feel that I will be able to put the other products to good use.  The sizes of the samples are substantial - they are not flimsy, tiny samples that one usually sees in other subscription sample boxes.  I really liked the Illamasqua, Ellis Faas and OleHenriksen Truth Serum products.  For $20, I think you get value for your money, especially if you think that the Illamasqua nail varnish already retails for $14 a pop.

The Shades Of U Rating for August 2012 box: 4.5 out of 5

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration.  All opinions are completely mine.