GlossyBox Subscription Box Review + Coupon – August 2016

ByLiz CadmanAug 12, 2016 | 156 comments

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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.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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FYI: GlossyBox sends out multiple variations of the box during some months. So, there may be some variation between what I review and what you receive.

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The Subscription Box: GLOSSYBOX

The Cost: $21 a month (save more with 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!

Ships to: US and Canada

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

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Too Faced Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil -.04 oz Value $3

I love the Too Faced brand, so I was excited to try this new product! This Melt Off Cleansing Oil is basically the first step in removing mascara. First, you apply it to your mascaraed lashes, wait 60 seconds, then remove with a makeup remover wipe.

It seemed to me like this was adding an additional step to my makeup removing process, not removing or replacing one, so I was already a little skeptical when I tried it.

The good news is that it did make my mascara easier to remove. (I even tried it with Too Faced's Waterproof Mascara and had decent results.) This wasn't enough of a groundbreaking product to make me buy it in the future. I'll use my sample up, then go back to taking a few extra swipes with the makeup remover wipes to remove all my mascara.

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Trifle Cosmetics Lip Parfait Lipstick - FULL SIZE Value $19

This shade is "Guilty Pug," and it is officially my favorite lipstick case design of all time! So cute! The formula itself is great, too. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and also free of parabens, phthalates, etc.

Here it is swatched:

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The formula is smooth and moisturizing. It has a tropical flavor, and the color is buildable. (That swatch above is three swipes.)

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Invisibobble - Value $8

This hair tie set is great if you normally get creases in your hair from other hair ties. I like these for working out, too - they keep my hair in place without any annoyance from a tight hair band.

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Wella Oil Reflections Smoothing Oil - 1 oz Value $11.80

This oil is very light and didn't weigh my hair down at all. I used a few drops to damp hair for conditioning, and then also used it the next day on dry hair to add a little shine and manage flyaways.

I like the subtle scent, too. This is definitely a product I know I will use til the last drop!

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Borghese Fango Active Mud for Face and Body - 1 oz Value $3.20

(Subscribers will either receive a Face + Body Mud or a Body Scrub)

I tried this mud as a mask on my face, and it didn't irritate my skin at all, but I also can't say I saw a big difference in my skin after using it. (The instructions said to leave it on for 3 minutes - maybe I need to leave it on a little longer.)

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De Bruyere After Sun Lotion - 50 ml Value $12

This lotion is light and absorbs almost immediately. My favorite part about it is the scent - it's so wonderfully beachy! And I'm happy to see this formula is paraben-free, too!

Verdict: This box has a value of about $57. I think that's good for a $21 beauty box, and even more importantly, I'm happy with the brands and sizes of the products included. I'm hoping all subscribers get the same items this month. If that's the case, hopefully, this is the GlossyBox comeback box. I think it is a perfect end-of-summer beauty box!

What do you think of the August 2016 GlossyBox?

Starting at $21.00

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GlossyBox

3.3 overall rating

481 Ratings | 117 Reviews

GlossyBox is a beauty subscription service box that allows customers to sample products monthly. Sampling lets the subscriber fall in love with new products and become life-long brand advocates. Each box is filled with five makeup, hair and skin care products from top brands.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Makeup Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

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!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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156 comments

Ann

I’m telling you ladies, if you can get the September box you should grab it. It’s one of the best boxes I’ve ever received of all my subscriptions.

Ann

Wow! Did anyone receive their box for September? It’s the secret garden box and oh Em Gee it is fantastic! I got a full-size I serum by Premier, that is 1.2 ounces and the retail is $350! The rest of the box is fantastic to a Coors product which is an eyeshadow stick full-size, A small set of vitamin C serum, a brow pencil with attached brush, and a Borghese mascara, full size! Best box ever!

Traci Rhein

Yeah it’s another Glossybox prank, most people did not get the serum.

Nan

I got it! It’s a great box and very pretty, too.

Patrice

well….I signed up with GlossyBox on Aug 26th using the “golden” promotion (buy 1 get 3). today I received the August box, which I like, and my 2 free boxes, May and June, which I hate. I received several tanning products. I am African American and don’t need a tan. I also received several hair products that are not right for my hair type. I thought I’d completed a questionnaire. Either I didn’t, or they didn’t use it to fill my box. Glossy provides nice sized products, but judging from the products I received….they are not for women of color. I am semi looking forward to the October box (the box is pretty, I love lipsticks and I could use the brow brush thingy) but disappointed at the thought of receiving items that I have absolutely no use for. i don’t have this problem with ipsy and Sephora. After October I am saying goodbye to GlossyBox. out with the old, in with the new. is there anything new?

They don’t have much variation in their boxes maybe 1 or 2 items may be different due to skin concerns thsts about it only worth it with the free boxes. And it’s buy 1 box get 2 free not 3. Well basically buy 2 get 2 free since you’ll be charged for september they always do the deal after the cancellation date lol

Patrice

I’d counted on receiving September, but after looking at my account, I will be receiving October as well. But my account does show as “cancelled”. I kind of look forward to the October box. hopefully that will be the last one though. I added lip monthly and onyxbox to my collection of subs. I’m watching allure, beauty5 and benevolent beauty.

Elizabeth

I signed up on August 20 using the DUSK coupon. All three of my boxes shipped together and arrived today! I am pretty happy as I felt it was a gamble reading previous reviews. Hopefully there are no issues with future shipments. I received the same August box as the review, the May box (same except different shower gel), and the December box (a sheet mask and hand cream instead of the lipstick and scrub).

I did get the Guilty Pug which I wanted bad for the package XD The lipstick was slightly tilted and partially cracked. It is apparent that it had started to melt and then resolidified. Still usable though. The color looks so fugly in pictures and in person that I didn’t really care about trying it out. I tried it anyways and happy that I did. It turns out to be basically a dark nude on me which is fantastic. The color is so unappealing in the tube that I keep expecting it to smell like, well, exactly what a pug would feel guilty about, but it smells fruity.

Haven’t played with anything other than the Guilty Pug, but out of three boxes I only see one product I will definitely not use, which is a face tanner.

Annette Muttel

I subscribed on 8/20/2016 , there was a special 2 free boxes promo, i was charged on 8/21/16 and I received FedEx shipping info on 8/24/2016. I live in Maine, my shipping info states my box started in NJ, went to TN, 2 cities Memphis and Knoxville, then onto SC then onto Atlanta where it was transferred to the USPS, it states that it has been in Atlanta on 9-2-16 and I have not gotten and shipping info updates since then…it is 9-8-2016 today. I have emailed Glossybox more than 48 hrs ago, no response, I called their CS number today. It immediately broke to a prerecorded message telling me to send an email and them cut my call off abruptly. Not happy at all with this service or this company, i should have looked at their reviews much more closely.

Traci

I agree that while the lipstick doesn’t look all that great it’s actually very nice when worn!

Toni

I just really can’t imagine sombody questioning you about your comment it’s totally ridiculous,are you working for the other side lol what the heck was that about? Why would you post it ,if not to let us know this happened .Just crazy sone of the things people think they just have to say.Just thought I’d let you know I appreciated your comment,have a great day

Lori

We’ll I liked everything BUT the hair ties and hair oil.I hope September’s box is amazing 🙂

Donna

The smell of the after-sun lotion is intoxicating! Starting to get more body lotion, I think of it more as a light fragrance, since I’m not usually slathering it all over. And this is great.

Also, the Guilty Pug lipstick is too much! I’ll be carrying it in my purse to show it off in the ladies room. 🙂

Donna

Too much fun, I meant.

I had a nail polish busy all over inside the box so they offered to send me replacement box. Their cs is slow but it’s great. I got duped into the 2nd box too but that’s my fault for not reading or learning beforehand. They do have to make their money. But I’m happy with August box so it not a big deal.I only canceled cuz I just have a overload of stuff right now lol but I would trust them with my money again

RED

Here’s my report on my last of a 3-mo. subscription. The box arrived today (I was never notified by email but went to my account and saw it shipped on the 11th and was to deliver today). First thing I noticed was the circular tape disk to secure the box was loose. Had noticed that the “tape” was skimpy on previous shipments and thought that wasn’t too good. Opened the box … nice pink box. Now for the disgusting surprise. I tear open the tissue paper and discover on the left half of the box is a pile of black shredded paper … and on the right half of the box are all the products … and the black ribbon that should have been around the box. Hmmm … poor execution or was somebody really rifling through my box? I will call them tomorrow to express my disgust. Am sure they won’t care. I was shocked to see the Too Faced Melt Off is such a small tube. Tried it tonight and it is more work than using a regular makeup remover, so not a win for me. I got the “exotic fruits” Trifle lip color which is the same as my skin tone and I will never wear. Makes me think these companies are selling their dud products to glossybox to dump them and get some cash for losers. I got the Wella hair oil … seems very overpriced for the size bottle. Smells kind of odd too. Oh, and they gave me hair oil last month too. Also received pink hair ties, Fango mud and the after-sun lotion … also a very odd sweet fragrance. I put some on tonight just as a moisturizer and it doesn’t seem to do much so go figure. The only good news is they didn’t give me a third bottle of cheap Kardashian nail polish.

Donna

You’re not working for the “other” side, are you? 🙂

So you are disgusted by…the fact that some things moved in the mail? Or you think Glossybox themselves decided to play with the products before they sent them to you?

You might think about calling your Post Office first, and talking with your carrier, for both of those problems.

Jay

This does sound more like an issue of the box resting on its side during shipment, and gravity causing the products to shift downwards.

I’m curious – What is the “‘other’ side?”

Starlet

I totally do NOT want another Kardashian anything! However, my experience with GB is getting worse by the day except for their agents in their CS department they are who have kept from out right cancelling my sub after being with them for almost 2 years. It is August 25 and I STILL have NOT received my August box. GB was paid on the 2nd. I have contacted them multiple times this month. I normally would have received my box by the 12th in the past. The warehouse created the label on the 9th but it NEVER shipped. GB has now told me multiple times they have contacted the warehouse and I received this reply regarding the delays today in my email:

“The warehouse just informed us that a few hundred orders this month are currently on back-order, as we are awaiting product replenishment for one of the box samples. We expect to ship out your box within the week. Once tracking information is available, it will be provided to you via e-mail.”

This is the 4th time since February that I have had issues with them. I am looking forward to using the hair holders. The fango masks are a meh. Been using their products for years. Not excited about something that is $2.86 (the too faced melt off) as I pay full price for this sub. I wonder if anyone else has experienced any of these issues and if they have not received their box this month?

Kay

It looks like Glossybox has heard us and is moving towards the right direction. I am happy with this month’s box because of fair variation and most products being useful for me. They updated their website and info sheet. If you keep info sheet like this, they don’t have to print multiple variation every month! I received the other lipstick color and “Briliante” face and body mud mask. I wasn’t too excited Too Faced products, but the rests are win for me. I hope Glossybox keep listening to their subscribers and improve their future boxes!

Nan

I tried to use the “Dusk” code last week to get through buy 1 get 2 free offer and it would not work through their website. I emailed them and was told it was expired. Then I got another email stating “GOLDEN” is the same offer, buy 1 get 2 free thru August 26th. After a bit of searching I found their Web page that says the same thing. So if anyone is starting a new subscription, you may still be able to get the 2 free boxes using “GOLDEN”.

Stephanie M.

GOLDEN still works, thank you!!!

Lori

Got my box today and pretty much received the same as Liz except I got the Borghese body refinishing polish instead of the mud mask and I got a $50 coupon off my first 2 Hello Fresh boxes.

LOL, I keep getting those, too and have yet been unable to pawn them off on someone. So, they get tossed out with the box.

Nicole McCollum

My goodness Glossybox finally steps it up as soon as I cancel! What the heck!? And they upgraded the pamphlet, so cute!!! #storyofmylife

Becca

I am not pleased with GB. I signed up in july to get the 2 free boxes. They immediately charged me for july and august. So I ended up paying 42.00 for 4 boxes. Some of the boxes were nice and some were not. The shipping was very fast for me. I received august box on the 8th. But i tried to cancel after it shipped and the website was not working right. I managed to cancel today but it says i still have to pay for Septembers box. I don’t want septembers box. Thats why i cancelled. I could spend that $20 on 2 other sub boxes and end up with at least 10 items instead of 5. So i have spent $64 in 3 months for GB. It definately was not worth it to get 2 free boxes.

Sherry

Hi, Becca,

I’m hoping you can answer a quick question for me, please. 🙂 I ordered the GB with the Dusk offer earlier this month, but haven’t received anything yet. Did you get the 1 box you paid for plus the 2 free boxes delivered at the same time, or did the free ones come separately? I’m getting a little worried about all these negative comments. I didn’t know anything about these issues before signing up – I had just seen some cute products from Glossybox up for swap so I figured I would give it a try. I have to go check to see how much I was charged! Thanks!

D.Bly Bamba

I also signed up for the 2 free boxes. I can say with certainty that I am incredibly pleased with them… there was a bit of a lag in shipping but I reached out and got a prompt reply (within 48 hours). My first box (Aug) arrived within 7 days and a second larger box containing the 2 free boxes arrived 6 days later. My free boxes were great! (I got variations on July and April boxes). There was great variety (makeup, skin care, tools, hair, and parfume). There were even a couple extras that weren’t on the card. All together, my free boxes totalled almost $300 in value.

Becca

Yes i received all my boxes together. The one i paid for and the two free boxes. They shipped really fast too. I received them about five days after i subscribed. I haven’t had any problems with shipping at all. My august box arrived on the eighth way before any of my other sub boxes.

Trish

Hi Becca, my daughter received all three boxes at once in a big box. That was around the beginning of the month. Then she got her regular box at the same time as I did- which was about when the review was posted.
She got the box with the Nuxe Shimmer, the Tony Awards Box, and one with the Norell Perfume in it. She’s thrilled with everything she got and we both have no issues with the timing of the charges being put on my credit card ( she wanted the sub for her BD).
I purposely avoid the sneak peeks because I want it to be a surprise. Plus the negative posts do nothing but annoy my otherwise cheery disposition. To each their own, it’s their money not mine so they have every right to be displeased if they want.
I previously had GB for almost a year until I became overwhelmed with products. That’s the only reason I stopped. I’m glad to be back!

BONNY ADAMS

I received all 3 boxes in one large box. It took a couple of weeks to get them. The extra boxes never showed up in my order.

Jan

I had the same experience. I cancelled just a few days after I placed my order but it was after their deadline, which I believe is the 15th so I will be receiving septembers box as well. I didn’t realize we had to cancel so early. I still don’t see where they tell you about this except for buried in their terms and conditions. They should make this clear on the order page.

Rebecca

My sister wrote about this issue for a consumer advocacy site (Elliott.org). The article was published on 8/1. Not sure if I can post the direct link to the article.

RED

Sorry to hear that. My experience with GB wasn’t good either. Really stinks how they “got’ you for an extra box. I’ve seen posted on other sites that some people have experienced a few months down the road GB randomly charging their credit card again. So watch out for that too. Oh joy, right?!

victoria c

Received this box today, and was very happy with it! I received the box that Liz reviewed. That lipstick with the pug on it is so cute 🙂 I love their box presentation. I signed up last month and have received a total of 4 boxes from Glossybox, I really liked all of them. I might not use everything that was in them, but I can gift them if I do not. I think this box has a really good value for the buck and it is fun trying new things. I had to cancel next month due to too many subs and a bit of a tight budget. Hope to resub soon.

Chanell

I was happy with this box. Glossy Box typically pleases me.

I got my box today. I received the mud mask and the Exotic Fruits lip color. And, I agree, the after sun lotion smells amazing.

Danielle

I’m pretty happy with this box. I got the light pink colored lipstick and I’m really pleased with it. I also really like the hair oil, the Invisibobbles, and the mud mask I got.

I don’t really need after sun lotion or another eye makeup remover, so I put those up for swap.

nana

I got almost the same box, except that I got the Borthese body polish instead of the mud pack. My teen daughter loves scrubs so she’s happy with this, though it doesn’t smell that great.

I found the rest of the box OK for the $9 I paid with an annual subscription. The lipstick is just too cute, my youngest daughter took it. It’s a very light color, which is great for both of us. But I don’t know that I like the cardboard container, I feel it’ll get banged around.

I liked the after sun lotion, it’s very light and it has an enticing milky smell. It’ll get used. My daughter was also happy with the waterproof mascara cleansing oil, I hope it’ll work for her.

I put the Wella “oil” to swap. I don’t use hair oils, even those like this one that are not “oils” at all – just silicones. Not sure whether to keep the hair things or not. I have a feeling my daughter would treat them more as a toy than anything.

Maria

Hi. Where did you get the offer for $9 box with an annual subscription?

Thanks,
M

Luna

I think she’s referring to the Gilt City sale on annual subs which occurred in November (I think) 2015. It brought the boxes down to the equivalent of $8 plus change/box.

Tamara

How’d you get this box for $9? Was there a sale on annual subs?

Alyce

Nana, I received the same box you did! I’m thrilled this month, mainly because I received the items that were highlighted as spoilers! I will use all the products – the hand lotion is divine and the scented softness lasted for hours. The oil has left my thick hair so soft and shiny. I applied the mascara oil before I entered the shower and was very happy with the results and slight feeling of them being soft and conditioned. Let’s hope Happy Glossy Days are ahead!! So much more fun reading reviews of delight.

Silvia

Hi Nana,

How much did you box weigh? i received the box with the body polish too, but I had two missing items 🙁 the lipstick and the hair ties!

Hillary

Hey Silvia!

So sorry to hear you’re missing items from your August box. Please send an email to [email protected], and our team will take care of you!

Best,

Hillary from GLOSSYBOX

Marilyn

My box is also missing the lipstick and the hair ties! Both items are printed on my card so I know they’re meant to be there.

Rebecca

I just posted about the “Filled with Love” LE box (comment not showing, probably in moderation bc it contained a link to the GB site). Ignore it if it shows up. I didn’t realize that it was the Mother’s Day box because it is no longer billed as such. MSA already reviewed it!

Rebecca

I don’t know if this is new or not, but there’s a Glossybox “Filled with Love” LE box out for $40 now:

http://experience.glossybox.com/2016-filled_with_love-limited-edition/

Calli

I bought this box back in June but still haven’t received it. I did receive two identical July boxes, so I wonder if that’s them trying to make it up to me, which definitely didn’t work considering the Mothers day box is twice the price of a reg box. I’ve been exploring the world of Sub boxes over the past year and so far I think Ipsy is at the top of the list, Glossybox loses points for its poor customer services and communication. (Not that anyone asked, but the worst customer service for a box definitely comes from Z-Box (Zavvi), good luck trying to cancel, I had to get a new bank card to stop them from charging me.

Alyce

I purchased this box in mid-June for $29.00. LOVED IT! Will purchase another if they put it on sale again.

JillA

Me, too! Total score on that. High five!

Rebecca

See above – this was the Mother’s Day box, nothing new, MSA already reviewed it. My mistake!

Elizabeth

I got the same box except a different mask and a different shade of lipstick. I haven’t tried everything yet, but all the products seem useful yet not boring, so I’m happy. This month’s box felt better curated than usual and very summery (though I think this is partially due to the cute booklet they sent instead of the card). So far, my favorite item is the invisibobble. Using it for a messy bun feels soooo much more comfortable than my usual elastic hairties. I don’t know if I can go back!

Silvia

Hi Elizabeth,

I just got my box today and was missing two items 🙁 Do you happen to know how much your August glossybox weigh?

Elizabeth

Silvia, my FedEx tracking says 2.5 lbs / 1.13 kgs, but I don’t know if that is accurate. Hope that helps!

Rebecca

Glad you liked invisibobble. I was a little less enthused, but I don’t think they’re bad or anything. Just FYI, you can buy them at Nordstrom’s website, which always has free shipping with no minimums, in multiple colors. They sometimes go on sale, which is how I got dark brown ones (to match my hair) for about $3.50 for a set of three.

Elizabeth

Good to know, thanks!

Amie

I was pleasantly surprised–my box included the lotion that was missing from the bath gel and lotion set in last month’s box.

Otherwise, I got the same box as in the review only I got the body scrub instead of the mud which I actually prefer. I don’t use scrubs that often so I love getting them in sub boxes so that I don’t actually have to ever buy them!

The lipstick is so cute and I like the color on me–however, mine is broken at the base. I can use a brush to apply it, but does anyone have any makeup hack tips on how I could fix it to make it intact again?

kat

apply heat (a lighter or lit match, stove burner flame) to broken bottom then hold pieces back together and set in fridge for 5 min to further set, Works 9 times out of 10

Amie

Ooh, I’m going to try that. Thanks!

Rebecca

I’d contact customer service ASAP before they go out of stock!

Got my shipping confirmation last night and can’t wait. Fingers crossed for the ‘Exotic Fruit’ lip color rather than ‘Guilty Pug’, though – I can’t pull off orange-y tones.

Rebecca

I wish you could see spoilers before you get your box, like with Birchbox. I did my July Glossydots surveys yesterday, and August surveys were not up yet, so I can’t tell from that even though my box has shipped.

Alanna

To anyone who gets the lipstick in the pug case: please keep me in mind if you want to swap it! I am worried my box will either not have the lipstick or have a different version of it, but even if I do get it, I will swap for more! TIA!!

Ang

Alanna, were you still interested in the guilty pug lipstick?

carey

I will be posting the lipstick no matter the color, I don’t wear it at all so no sense in keeping it. lol Keep me in mind too.

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GlossyBox Subscription Box Review + Coupon – August 2016

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