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GlossyBox Review – October 2014

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanOct 10, 2014 | 37 comments

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Box

GlossyBox is a monthly beauty subscription box. They have the best packaging in the business, their products are usually deluxe-size or full size, and the value is usually really good too. The only issue with this box seems to be the late shipping – I would recommend just keeping that in mind and setting your expectations accordingly if you sign up for this box.

GlossyBox sent us this box for review purposes. (My Subscription Addiction also pays for this subscription, but I haven’t received a shipping notification email for my October box yet). (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

A quick FYI before I get into the October review, if you signed up for a Boscia BB Cream promo with the September box, and then didn't get the Boscia BB Cream in your September box, you should be getting a replacement September box with the Boscia BB Cream. GlossyBox sent this email to anyone who was affected:

BB Bosica Cream

Anyway, I was happy to see that they went above and beyond what I expected in fixing the situation.

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Items

The Subscription Box: GLOSSYBOX

The Cost: $21 a month (save more with 3-month, 6-month or annual subscription)

The Products: Deluxe and full size beauty products.

Check out all of my GlossyBox reviews and the list of the best beauty and makeup subscription boxes!

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Info

Each box comes with a fold out card detailing the items included.

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Tarte

Proganix Volume Root Boost Finish + Body Builder - FULL SIZE! Value $11

tarte cosmetics Power Pigment in Flush - FULL SIZE! Value $24

Well, as soon as there was a full-sized tarte spoiler for this box I knew I'd like it! This color works for my skin tone too so I'm thrilled. (subscribers will get one of two shades). I gave this Progranix volume spray a try on dry hair (I'm always looking for a great volumizing hair product), and I wasn't impressed with the results. They recommend it mainly for damp hair though, so I'll give it another try before I rule it out.

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Perfume

Vince Camuto Amore – .25 FL oz – Value $6

I'm a little weird when it comes to perfume in subscription boxes. If it's that tiny vial sample I'm not happy, but if it's a perfume mini like this one, I'm thrilled! (I don't wear perfume enough to every need a full size bottle, and these mini perfume bottles look adorable on my vanity)

I like this scent too. It's not my all time favorite, but I'll definitely wear it.

GlossyBox Review – October 2014 Mask

Sesha Botanical Hydro Mask - Value $9

Nails Inc Westminister Bridge Matte Topcoat– FULL SIZE! Value $10

This isn't the first time GlossyBox included a Sesha mask in a box, but at least I didn't get an exact duplicate.

And I'm not too adventurous when it comes to nail art, but this matte top coat is something I can handle for a unique look. (I'm not sure how much I'll use it though since I love a glossy creme nail lacquer finish!)

Verdict: This box has a value of about $60. I think that's a good value for the $21 a month cost, and I'm happy with the sizes of all the items this month. The tarte lip crayon is definitely my favorite, but I'm pretty sure I'll use everything else, with the exception of the volume spray depending on how it works with damp hair.

What do you think of the October GlossyBox?

Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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37 comments

NIKKI

I cannotwait for the DECEMBER BOX!! They posted a spoiler on their Twitter feed, 4 FULL SIZE size luxury beauty products…box value $90!!

Ugh…I just wish these would ship earlier this month!
But holiday boxes are suppose to already start shipping…It took awhile to get throwbacks but I as over the moon when I received them!! Plus, in their FAQ it says they start shipping monthly boxes in the 3rd week…ugh…so no wonder they always seem so late!

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Laurie

I just got mine and didn’t get the Tarte lipstain either, or the nails inc polish. Instead I got a second Black Dahlia lip tar (which I’d just gotten in the Sept Harper’s Bazaar box, from the throwback promo), and a Kryolan highlighter (from the August box). Grmph. And I got the Proganix I wanted – the Anti-Fade Argan Oil – but it had weirdly crystallized and looks to be unusable. Double grmph.

As soon as my Alex and Ani bracelet comes, I’m outta there. :p

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Mary

This was a great box but I did not receive my Tarte lip stain ~ the best product in the box! I tried to contact them thru their website but have not received a response yet. Now, after reading the comments, I realize they likely will never respond. That is terrible service! I do not have a FB account to complain on so it puts me in a bind. My only consolation is the lovely little Vince Camuto mini. This is only my second month back in and if they do not rectify the error I don’t know if I will renew.

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Lilly

This is my favorite glossy box to date! Actually…it’s probably my favorite box of any subscription services I’m currently subbed to. The perfume is right up my alley – mine came broken and leaked everywhere but I’ve emailed them to get replacement. I love everything in here – the gift card to Hello Fresh is amazing too! So excited for this month’s box!

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Cindy

I was amazed and shocked to return home today and find my October Glossybox on my doorstep. Have never received it in the same month it purported to be.

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Erin

I got the BB cream alone this week, no free box. And the BB cream is actually a bronzing BB cream. I don’t remember that being the advertised product at all. If I overlooked it then it’s my bad, but I feel like they couldn’t get their hands on what they promised and then just substituted a different product from the same company. This stuff is super, super dark. I use self tanner year round, and have medium skin tone to start with and it’s way too dark for me even at my darkest tan level. So let’s see, that means boxes shipped late in Sep, didn’t include the promised bonus item (that I specifically resubbed to get, knowing I would be stuck with an extra Sep box due to a 3 month sub overlap), and now it’s a different and as it turns out, unusable product. And there was no promised free box! Um Glossy, I’m all done now. If they can’t play it straight and own their mistakes, I’ll take my $ elsewhere. For a company that’s been around this long, this kind of sloppiness is inexcusable. And it happens month after month (at least in my 18 months with them).

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Anna

It was advertise all the time as bronzing BB Boscia cream,so no mistake there.

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Sneaky Burrito

Just got an e-mail from Glossybox — get 1 past box for $15, 2 for $24, or 3 for $30. They’re mystery boxes so you won’t know in advance what you’ll get.

While I am cutting back, I did go for this. My birthday is next week and I can spare $30 since I got some birthday money. Who knows when it will come, of course — it’s Glossybox we’re talking about.

I paid with PayPal in case there are any issues.

So if you are a subscriber, check your e-mail. Or maybe Liz will get the e-mail and can post about it?

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Karen

Yeah I just got that email too. I just cancelled my subscription with them-which won’t take effect until after the November box, hmmm, seems to me canceling 3 weeks before the billing date would be enough time but, whatever…And then this offer! Blarg! Anyway ordered the 3 box, which supposedly will arrive between 10/25 and 11/6 with a couple extra days for west coast deliveries.
PS When I followed the email link back again to check the delivery date the 3 box offer wasn’t there?

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Karen Mattingly

I’ve been very frustrated with GlossyBox, the late shipping and lousy customer service. I was planning on breaking up with them after I received the October box-which I got free with Glossydots. But now I’m debating. Actually received the box in a timely manner! I think it’s the first time since I signed up that I’ve gotten it before the 25th of the month…

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Sara

PS did you also get a $40 gift card for Hellofresh.com?

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Lisa

I got the giftcard also. Love Glossy Box and I subscribed to Hello Fresh. I recently rejoined the job market and have an hour commute so it will definitely help.
Yesterday, I cancelled Ipsy , Allure, BoxyCharm and Julep (I don’t use a lot of polish). I am keeping BB and GB.
I love this site and I love reading different opinions that everyone has. You may not realize how much you help someone who has only been subscribing for months and trying to wade through the sea of subscription boxes. Thank you all.

Sneaky Burrito

GlossyBox is doing that too? I got one from Bestowed last month. Didn’t use it because almost all their vegetarian options have mushrooms, which I can’t stand.

Karen

Yes-not sure if I’ll use it though

Sara

Same here, I just got my October box, middle of the month. I’m shocked, normally I get it on the 30th or 31st. That being said, this isn’t my favorite box, though I do really like the perfume, which is surprising and the Tarte lip crayon.

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Karen

I’m ok with the box, like that the perfume is a mini and not a little vial. But that hair product, available at Walmart! So much for high end…

Erin

Can’t wait for my October box! Anyone know if the replacement box for September will ship with the October box? I haven’t received either and am just curious if they will be coming together.

Thanks!

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Sara

I guess I’m the only one not thrilled with this box. I hate getting perfumes in boxes, since I rarely like them. I like the Tarte and the mask possibly I’ve never tried it. But not super excited about this box, I liked last month’s box and ended up with 2 of them, now with the replacement I’ll get a 3rd, I liked it but definitely didn’t need 3 of them lol.

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Leilana

I have been a loyal Glossybox subscriber from the beginning of my subscription box journey, however, I have been a little frustrated with the application of their promos (like the Glossybox 3 month/Boscia deal–wound up with double Sept. boxes then they just cancelled my entire 3 month deal when I said I didn’t want 2 Sept boxes), and getting a response from customer svc. I have learned it is pointless to send an inquiry thru the website form, they never reply and always say they didn’t receive the message, for over a year now. However, I always get a quick reply when I send a FB message. Since they cancelled my 3 month sub. I am going to wait for another irresistible deal before resubscribing, and am glad I am not getting this month’s box as there just aren’t any products in the Oct. box that are relevant to me, but I will resubscribe eventually as I do love Glossybox as a whole. Checking out Beauty Test Tube and Sample Society for now. The new Sample Society has really impressed me! I got the Sept. and Oct. boxes and while I didn’t love every product, there were a couple products in each box that I did love, and the value is absolutely there now!

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Amy BB

Love!!! Glossybox is really my favorite right now. Between creative collaborations and little extras, they have it sewn up tight. I love the top coat and the tarte crayon the best! Their choices are very appealing to me….not too teeny boppy but also cool and relevant.

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Bonnie Morales

Super excited! I literally looked in the Vince Camuto perfume last night because I smelled it in a magazine and thought it was so pretty! It is a 2014 perfume so it is totally new and relevant. I also almost bought a matte too coat too — super win for me :)))

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Mags

I’m bummed – I decided to get the Sample Society Box in October over the GlossyBox but I definitely chose wrong. Really like this one much better.

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Heather

Liz, I was thinking the same thing till I saw that you can use the matte top coat as a Base coat for lighter Polish’s so you won’t need to apply 10 coats to get the color you want! Hope this helps! 😉

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Leilana

Thanks for posting that tip! I don’t care for the matte finish, but I do have several lighter polishes that take what seems like a dozen coats to build up the color of the bottle!

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Chelsea

Fabulous! Thank you for sharing that tip. I have 2 bottles of matte just wasting away. I’ll have to try this out.

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Joanna

Wow! That’s an amazing idea! I already have an OPI matte coat at home and don’t really use it because like Liz, I like a glossy creme finish. But I love that it can be a base coat for lighter colors! Now I don’t have to use half the bottle to paint my nails!

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Liz Cadman

Ooo – love that idea. Thank you!

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Vanessa

This is a fantastic Box! I am totally thrilled this month! Thank you GB!

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Sneaky Burrito

I’m not really interested in building volume so I hope I get one of the other two varieties of hair product (both which are more relevant to me). Other than that, I’ll be happy to try pretty much everything.

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cheryl

This is a GREAT box :(…I cancelled awhile back as they were so hit or miss.

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lily

i like this box, i’m sorta regretting canceling a while ago. — Does anyone know if canceling is easier now then in the past? – Is there a way to cancel directly on their site? — I remember having to email them. I canceled because a box was not for me, and i got mine 3 weeks later then anyone elses. Yet I want to get this box.

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Sneaky Burrito

They have added a cancel link for the site. You have to poke around in your account to find it. However, there is something about the dates I don’t understand. Maybe someone else can fill that in.

I had bought a year’s subscription before all my car issues started, so I still have six months left. But I am going to start trying to cancel in January so I don’t get billed for another year.

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lily

Thank you ….. I might just end trying to swap for the tarte item. I have to many beauty products I don’t use right now.

I used to subscribe for longer then a month. Much better deal. These days I’m reluctant to, because of budget, and sometimes I like a box, sometimes I don’t.

Kristen

Cancelling can be done from your account on the site, BUT they have set a date that boxes have to be cancelled by which is different from before (then you just needed to cancel before the end of the month). I can’t remember what the new time frame is so you might want to double check.

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PA Anna

The perfume mini is beautiful. I learned a lot from this blog. It’s a lovely box and I hope that everyone receives their boxes in a timely manner.

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Crystal

You can also use the matte top coat as a base coat to go under more sheer colors. It helps disguise your nails better.

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Violet

Sample society could learn from them, how to properly handle such an issue (October box EL issue)

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