GLOSSYBOX: September 2012

amazing! i got my Glossybox for September before September ended? (anyone else automatically hear "Wake Me Up When September Ends" when you read "September" and "end"?)

anyway, it also seems that Glossybox shipped to the west coast first this time! like they said they would so that everyone would get it roughly around the same time. hooray! i've only seen like two other bloggers put an unboxing post up. this has not happened before!

so without delay, here is what i got in my V1 box - i am not sure how many versions there will be this month because if i had not gotten a particular product below, i would be quite unhappy!!

this month's glossy products (also deemed the "Red Carpet Ready Glossybox"):

1) Wella Professionals Mirror Polish Shimmer Delight Shine Spray - there looks to be a few typos here. according to the Facebook page, Glossybox explained that people either got 1) Mirror Polish Shine Serum or 2) Shimmer Delight Shine Spray. but putting them as separate numbers is confusing! people will think they are missing a product (which was my initial thought too). anyway, this Wella product is meant to give your hairstyle a little bling and comes in a clear glass bottle. i've tried the spray and though it smells nice (like all Wella products do), i do not see any "bling"-ing (shimmer). maybe it is harder to see with dark hair? or maybe i need to use a lot more of the product? i already used about 10 spritz on one side of my hair (to compare with the other). the hold level of this product is 1 out of 4 - which is the lowest but if you run your fingers through your hair, you can feel a little structure going on.
size: 40 mL (full size!)
retail value: $12.99

2) B. Kamins Bio-Maple Lip Balm - this is actually only a sample size of the lip balm - you could've fooled me! with the lipgloss sample sizes we have been getting from Glymm, i thought that this was pretty big.
i guess the amount in it is less though since it takes a bit of effort to squeeze the product out. plus, the formula of this balm is also quick thick. you really only need a tiny bit in order for your lips to feel hydrated. it looks white but goes on clear and has a really shiny finish that resembles a gloss. you can hardly detect the scent.
size: 4 mL
retail value: $21 (15 g)

3) B. Kamins Bio-Maple Maple Body Lotion - ooo maple again? very Canadian. by the way, these products are actually made in Canada (in Montreal)! i can smell the maple much better in this one and it is not too sweet. the lotion is on the more watery side which allows for faster absorption into the skin. it also contains shea butter so it feels very moisturizing.
the Glossybox came with a promo code for 25% off your next purchase on the website. this lotion is out of my price range though.
size: 12 mL
retail value: $41 (180 mL)

4) NYX Cosmetics: The Crimson Amulet Collection (S123) - i was blown out of the water. seriously, a full palette/makeup kit?! i saw the word "NYX" mentioned in a comment on the Glossybox page prior to getting the box, and i immediately shut my eyes and stopped reading. i knew i was going to love whatever it was going to be since i really like NYX and it's a little harder to come by here in Canada.
and so, can you believe it!? a limited edition collection in our Glossybox? you just made my September. yeah, i'm giving you the whole month, GB.

front and back of the box

i recognized this palette right away because i remember reading this post on Jayne's (Cosmetic Proof) blog. aww Jayne! what a weird coincidence!
the palette is set up like a journal - with a magnetic clasp to hold it closed. i think the design is very cute.

front, spine & back of the "book"

page 1: eyeshadows; page 2: mirror

page 3: instructions to recreate looks of the female characters;
page 4: eyeshadow base, eyeliner, illuminator, blushes, lipglosses

swatches are coming up soon! i haven't had time to play around with this so i can't comment on the wear time, pigmentation, etc etc just yet.

size: 43.2 g; an entire collection - 24 eyeshadows, 5 blushers, 1 illuminator, 1 eyeshadow base, 1 liner, 4 lipglosses (full size!)
retail value: $25

5) *bonus* Dove ClearTone Anti-Perspirant - this deodorant is designed to reduce underarm discoloration which i find useful except i haven't noticed any discoloration on myself. i do get dry skin from shaving though - sometimes it really irritates me how itchy it can get. i've been moisturizing the area before putting on deodorant and it helps. what do you ladies do? 
size: 17 g
retail value: $4.99 (45 g) ... according to well.ca

?6?) i am not sure what to do with this one since it is listed on the card and has a value assigned to it but i do not understand it. 5 units for $5.99?
the post-it note in the box says that if you like "Art of Fashion" on FB, you have a chance to win a YSL bag.

so hooray for GB :) i really love the NYX Crimson Amulet Collection - even though i tend not to use my other kits (i have one of those huge expandable Sephora makeup kits as well as a Victoria's Secret one) as much since they take up so much space and are just a bit of a hassle to deal with. but then again, this magnetic clasp doesn't seem to be too much of a challenge for me :)
i've never tried B. Kamins before so it's nice to be introduced to two of their products. and my Wella collection is ever expanding! i do not know if i have a use for all of them though.

Glossybox is my favorite beauty box this month (so far anyway - still waiting for BB5). it topped Topbox :)