My First GlossyBox AU

Hello! Last week I was contacted by Amanda of GlossyBox and from that I was sent January's GlossyBox - a box filled with full-sized products/samples from a range of beauty brands. I'm sure most of you bloggers out there are already familiar with these boxes. If not then here's what I know about them:

• A subscription is required to receive these boxes monthly
• Generally they range from $14.95-$20 a box p/month
• Contain 4-6 samples/full-sized products which are beauty, skincare or haircare related
• At least a few high-end branded items are included
• The items are unknown before receiving the box
• Every box's items are the same

They first became known around early last year where they weren't available in Australia. I remember thinking to myself, 'I wish they had these in Aus, it's such a good idea!'. About 6 or so months later, many different companies started launching these beauty boxes in Aus and before we knew it, we were pretty much bombarded with many to choose from! And because of this, I wasn't able to make up my mind on which to subscribe to. I decided to wait for others in Aus to receive their boxes and review. Then after seeing reviews, I still couldn't make up my mind so I subscribed to none :| Not to mention that I wasn't too keen on spending 'x' amount for a box where there may be products unsuitable for my skin (my sensitive skin can be so problematic).

Here is the GlossyBox for January 2012:

Contents:

• Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser
• Sheer Cover Nourishing Moisturiser
• Sheer Cover Lipgloss
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex
• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Colour
• Australia Day Temporary Tattoos
• GlossyBox Welcome Card
• GlossyBox Men Discount Card
• Sally Hansen Booklet July to December 2011
• 2 x THE ICONIC $25 Gift Cards

The box was sent via express post and was delivered straight to my door :) It arrived on the morning of Australia Day (January 26) and since it was a public holiday, my mum was home. Haha, you're probably thinking why I mentioned that. Well, my mum is always extremely curious when I receive a package in the mail and she makes me open it straight away. I had planned to take pictures of the box and everything before opening it but of course, I couldn't because I did end up opening it beforehand. I did my best to package it all back nicely for photos:

A box within a box

Cushion-y stuffing wrapped with black crepe paper tied with a pink ribbon

These are the 5 items that were inside the wrapped packaging

List of items in the box and brief descriptions, pricing

I actually didn't know that this GlossyBox would also come with a few discount codes for affiliated companies but yeah, it's cool =] These are the ones that came with my box:

GlossyBoxes for men are now available! If you're interested in purchasing one for your man, this is a $5 off code which is redeemable until February 29 2012

CODE: GBMEN2012

I made use of my $25 gift card for THE ICONIC (I made a blog post about them here)

I'm willing to share this code with my blog readers ^_^

$25 off your purchase from THE ICONIC - one per person and minimum $49 spend

CODE: GLOSSY

Since it was Australia Day in January, these temporary tattoos were included

Does anyone want them? First person to request them can have them for free!

My initial thoughts on the GlossyBox

• Lovely packaging, pink sturdy re-usable box is perfect
• Secure wrapping around the products
• A theme within the items - 'goodies to make your outer beauty glow'
• Informative card about each product
• Sally Hansen nail booklet included has some very helpful tips
• 2 full-sized products and 3 sample-sized products
• 3 skincare, 1 nail and 1 lip product
• Honestly expected there to be a few more items in the box
• Discount codes seem to be a bonus in the box, also the tattoos

Thoughts on the products provided

I'm not a very fussy person and I am usually happy/grateful for things that I am given. In this case, the box was provided for me free of charge and being the nice person that I am, I can't exactly 'complain' about the items. But from a beauty blogger's perspective, I don't feel obliged to point out my concerns and give my honest opinions. I'll start off by saying that yes, I would use all of these products as they all are suitable for my skin type... and taste in skincare/cosmetics =P But I already have heaps of body moisturiser. That's my only complaint, if you even call it a complaint, lol.

I have to admit that I did feel a bit puzzled after seeing only 5 items in my box. I did a little search on GlossyBox's site and I found out that there are two products that weren't in my box - Kosmea Daily Exfoliant and Mirenesse Tight Liner Hydra Gel Eye Liner. BUT then I found out that there are actually 2 versions of the box where they would include those two products but then not have two of the ones that I had!! Thanks for the clarification Sue and Anna.

Because I've had these products for only a bit over a week, I haven't been able to use them to their full extents to be able to write a review. If anyone would like a review for any of January's GlossyBox items, just let me know!

Repurchase?

$14.95 is a decent price I suppose, so yes I would repurchase, aka keep the subscription. It's just that I'd rather use that money on products that I actually want or need to purchase. But I've realised that this a good way to try new products without having to buy full-sized items.

And guess what? I have now subscribed to GlossyBox! I found out about their limited edition Valentine's Day GlossyBox that will have an extra gift never before in their boxes! I am super eager to find out what it is, and I couldn't wait until other bloggers receive and review so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and be one of the first to receive it ^o^

 Credit to GlossyBox

Do you know what's even better? Groupon are having a deal right now where it's only $7 for a women's GlossyBox and $9 for a men's GlossyBox! I must thank Sue who tweeted this amazing deal, I just couldn't resist! Interested in your own GlossyBox for less than half of its RRP? Here is the link to the deal :D Be quick because this deal will be over in less than 72 hours!!

I'll do a post like this when I receive the Valentine's Day edition of GlossyBox. I seriously cannot wait!

My questjen of the week:

What are your thoughts on paying for samples?

And would you subscribe to a box like GlossyBox?

Disclaimer: Products mentioned in this blog post were sent to me for consideration. I am not affiliated with GlossyBox and I do not receive monetary compensation for this review. All opinions stated are my own and are 100% honest.