Holiday Glossybox Review: CLEAR, Vitabath, Curel, Nicole by OPI,Kryolan & MNY

Although I was unable to attend the super-fun Glossybox holiday party – I was excited to be given the opportunity to review the Holiday Glossybox.  I reviewed Glossybox when they first arrived in Canada (see post here) and it was interesting to see how they were doing nearly a year later.

I received the box in December (just in time for the holidays!) – but I took my time to write this as I wanted to thoroughly try out the products before posting about them. The box was a treat to open: I loved the holiday themed packaging – the ginger bread print tissue paper was so pretty – and the mini candy cane was a sweet touch.

BATH & SKINCARE:

CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy TOTAL CARE Shampoo & Conditioner – This is a unique range because it focuses on treating your scalp. In fact, even the conditioner is applied onto your scalp (rather than just the length & tips like most other conditioners). I’ve used up the sample bottles and they were AMAZING. I shampoo my hair every 3rd day – and these products left my hair more voluminous and grease-free than anything else I’ve used – even on the 3rd day! The nourishing effects are especially appreciated in winter, when the cold air, heating & general dryness can leave your scalp feeling extra sensitive. Though it is in many ways a miracle product – I was alarmed to read some of the negative reviews on Makeup Alley – apparently some reviewers claimed it made their hair fall out in clumps (link here). That wasn’t my experience at all – and I’m not sure how accurate/unbiased those reviewers are  – but I thought I should mention it.

Vitabath Moisturizing Bath & Shower Gel – THE GOOD:  It softens and moisturizes my skin without leaving any oily residue behind. THE BAD: fragrance in shower gels is VERY important to me – this one smelled very generic and drugstore-like. THE CONFUSING: The glossybox insert says this is Paraben & Sulfate-free, yet Sodium Laureth Sulfate is second on the list of ingredients?? VERDICT: Will use up but won’t repurchase – I prefer my more luxurious-feeling L’Occitane shower gels.

Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream – I’ve reviewed a lot of hand creams (link here) and this one is now one of my top 3 (the other 2 are Soap & Glory Hand Food and Fruits & Passion Avocado Butter). WHAT I LOVE: Leaves my skin feeling soft, plumped up & moisturized. One of the only hand creams that lightens up my darker knuckles and makes my whole hand look airbrushed (strange I know!). Applies slippery but dries to a matte finish within a minute. Has long-lasting and cumulative effects – my hands are now softer and go for longer without getting dry patches. Will definitely repurchase!!!

MAKEUP:

Nicole by OPI in Kardashing Through The Snow – Perfect sparkly nailpolish for the holiday season – I wore mine on New Years Eve! This has a lovely formula: lots of glitter in each coat yet the particles are tiny and the polish distributes smoothly. There was no lumpiness even after applying 3 coats (unlike some other glitter polishes I own!) Although this looks great worn on its own (see swatch below), it would also look gorgeous layered over a navy or dark purple base.

Kryolan Blusher in Glossy Pink – I love how this ‘made-for-glossybox’ blush is the same dusty pink as the glossybox packaging! The product is VERY finely-milled, it’s so soft and smooth. I was a bit worried the shade would be too light or chalky for me – but it DEFINITELY shows up on my skin – and transforms into a flattering rosy color. This was going to be my travel blush since it’s so tiny and pigmented – but unfortunately, the packaging is a little weak – the lid keeps detaching. As a blush-lover, I was pleased to try this and will definitely use it up!

Maybelline MNY My Gloss – Love this clear gloss with golden shimmer – the perfect product to apply over lipstains and other drying lip products. Has already earned a permanent place in my on-the-go make-up bag.

SWATCHES:

Nicole by OPI “Kardashing Through the Snow”, Kryolan Blusher & Maybelline Gloss swatches on paper & me

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
–DRUGSTORE VERSUS HIGH END: The recent box had mostly drugstore brands (other than Kryolan) while the first box was more exclusive: AHAVA, Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth Grant, Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE & Essie versus CLEAR, Vitabath, Curel, Nicole by OPI, Kryolan & Maybelline. However, a lot of the drugstore product were larger or full-size which offset the brand difference to an extent.
–USABILITY: This box was well-curated. I was super-happy with the quality and type of products: hand creams, nailpolishes, blushes & lip products are ALWAYS welcome in my book! I will use up every single one of these products and may repurchase a few…no waste!
–FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTION: Glossybox offers several subscription options: 1 month for $21, 3 months for $60, 6 months for $115 and 1 year for $220.

WOULD I PURCHASE IT?
While it’s easy to like something that was sent to you – the true test is if I would go out and purchase a subscription myself. I can honestly say that I would definitely purchase the 1 month subscription option – both for myself and as a gift for others. $21 includes shipping and is very reasonable for such a beautifully packaged assortment of products. As a mom of school-aged children, I especially think this would make a great teacher gift – it’s pampering and has enough variety to account for a wide range of tastes.

Hope you found my review helpful. Which of these products would you like to try?

DISCLAIMER: Not a sponsored post. I received this glossybox but was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. As usual, my thoughts are 100% my own. I blog to share my true feelings not to receive free products.