Even though I was planning to subscribe to Glossybox after I trialled a box last month, I was lucky enough to get this month's free too - courtesy of the Motel event a few weeks back.

I was just as excited about the arrival of this month's box as I was for my first one in October. I think that feeling of opening a box full of treats is almost worth the money on its own, and I wasn't disappointed by the contents either. I'd seen a few posts before I got mine on Monday so I knew roughly what I could expect.

I do have to say I was slightly deflated to not find the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in my box, as I know some bloggers have got it and I've been eyeing it up for a while. Still, I understand that not every box is the same and that, more often than not, is a plus point for me. So, on to what I got:

1. Dead Sea Spa Magik Bath Salts - I'm really looking forward to trying these! I've finally got a (clean) bath again now I'm in my new flat and I'm enjoying trying more bath products (hello Lush!). I've tried masks and moisturiser from Dead Sea Spa Magik before and I really like it as a brand so I'm expecting good things.
2. Nail Rock Nail Wraps - these aren't really something I've tried before or wanted to, if I'm completely honest. Now I have some I may give it a go, but they're not really very me. Loving the monochrome though!
3. Arbonne FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme - I have dry hands. As someone who suffers from dry skin I kinda have to use hand cream. Thing is... I hate it. I've had to really train myself to apply it, and I haven't really found one I like yet. I absolutely hate the slimey/greasy hand issue you get once you've put it on, it really gets me down. In that respect, the Arbonne FC5 handcream is really lovely. It smells absolutely delicious - very strong, but in a good way, and it sinks in almost instantly, leaving little to no residue behind. I've been applying it constantly since I got my box yesterday. I will, however, say that I'm not entirely sure it's "ultra-hydrating". My hands actually feel pretty dry. I'm going to give it a bit of a longer trial and see how it goes, but at £19 for a full bottle it better improve or I won't consider repurchase and I'll be back to the L'Occitaine handcream (review to come) that I got at the QVC Press Day last week.
4. Monu Revitalising Moisturiser - I always like getting new moisturisers. It's the one facial skincare product type that *probably* won't bring me out in a rash. I'm always worried about cleansers/masks/toners but moisturiser is usually a-ok with my sensitive skin. I haven't tried this stuff yet, and to be honest it may not do much for me since it's for normal-combination skin, but I love the smell and I'm going to keep it for a back up on rare breakout days.
5. Illamasqua Freak Eau de Parfum - Now, having previously said I don't much go for perfume samples, this one has genuinely changed my mind. Being loyal to my usual perfume - Dior Addict - for over 5 years, I thought I wouldn't stray. And to be honest, I probably won't entirely. But I put some Freak on last night while I was quietly watching Young Apprentice and I could not stop sniffing my wrist! It's my kind of scent - kind of deep and musky and strong. It's unisex which I guess explains why it's pretty different from most perfumes. I just think it's gorgeous, all sexy and moreish and yum. I've been debating all day whether to ask my mum to buy me a bottle for Christmas... will give it more thought.

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When I tweeted about my dilemma regarding Glossybox vs Boudoir Prive back last month, the super efficient people of Glossybox got in touch with me over Twitter and offered me an October box to trial. Needless to say, I was thrilled.

Way back at the end of September I was in a conundrum. I wanted to subscribe to a beauty samples box, but I didn't know which. Most of you will probably know that I am not particularly big on beauty but I do dabble a bit from time to time. I like cosmetics, that is for sure, and my recent series on Lush skincare seemed to go down well. So my thinking behind getting a sample box... well, I wanted to try new stuff I guess. And maybe write about it. Nice to not have to shell out for full sized products on a whim when you can get little ones to try for a fraction of the price! I guess it was that age old argument: if I spend more than £10 (£12.95 :S) on new products every month and they often go to waste, why not try it out?

I also received a Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. The shade is an olivey gold colour and I've already used it a few times for a night time look with gold and bronze shadows. Really liked the look and it lasted all night, but not sure I'd repurchase because it may be a bit pricey for, in my view, something a bit novelty as I usually just use a brown eyeliner.

The other products in my box were Leighton Denny Expert Nails High Performance Nail Colour in Sex Kitten and Robert Piguet fragrances in Fracas, Visa and Calypso. The nail colour is not a shade I would usually pick out so it's definitely something I'm interested to try. Perfume samples have never been my thing because for absolutely ages I've had what one might call a "signature scent" (Dior Addict FYI) however, I guess with the fact I've been travelling a lot on the weekends for the last few years, I'm coming round to the idea. The benefit of having a little tube in your handbag is starting to show!

Over all, I really enjoyed Glossybox. The excitement I felt when it arrived really surprised me, it felt like a mini Christmas. I guess my opinion has been tainted by the fact that I now have a job, so have more money to spend, but I do intend to subscribe for at least a few months to see how it goes. This was a great box for me, I loved all the Dermalogica stuff and the make-up bag was a nice touch. I've found at least one product (the Lip Complex) that I'll definitely repurchase. I think Glossybox probably suits me better than Boudoir Prive if I'm honest - I like seeing brands I recognise and think Boudoir Prive might be a bit sophisticated for me! I've been following lots of bloggers who receive sample boxes though and I'm pretty tempted by Feel Unique too.

What do you think? Are you tempted to/do you subscribe to any sample boxes?

Thanks to the lovely ladies of the Glossybox twitter feed I did not pay for my October Glossybox but I must stress that has in no way influenced my review of the products.

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