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Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanMay 9, 2015 | 28 comments

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Box

This is the 5th Nina Garcia Quarterly subscription box. Typically her boxes are mainly fashion related with a few beauty items, but this box is dediated to hair products!

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process postto learn more about how we review boxes).

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Wrapped

(Everything comes wrapped in Nina's hashtag paper).

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Items

The Subscription Box: Nina Garcia for Quarterly

The Cost: $100 a box every 3 months

The Products: Items hand selected by Nina Garcia!

Ships to: Free to the US. (Canada +$30; rest of world +$40)

Check out all of my Quarterly reviews and the Women’s Subscription Box Directory!

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Letter

Each Quarterly box comes with a letter from the curator describing the theme for that quarter, and background on every item they selected. I always read these letters after I unbox everything (I probably should do it the other way around), but I think they are excellent for giving context on each of the items selected for the box.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Volume

Shu Uemura’s Art of Hair Volume Maker - Value $48

It took me a few minutes to get the hang of this applicator, but now that I can apply it, I really like it! The powder is dispersed through the brush by pressing in the button on the other end. Unlike some hair powders, you don't have to worry about this one applying too much at once, and the brush makes it so easy to blend in.

The formula added a good amount of volume/texture to my hair, and considering how easy it is to use, I think I'll add this to my daily haircare routine.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Serge Normant

Redken Extreme Length Sealer - Value $24

This product is designed to help seal split ends. It's another brush applicator, but I don't think the brush on this product is needed like it is on the Shu Uemura dry shampoo.

I tried it out on the tips of my hair and I like the scent and it immediately made my hair much softer!

Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray - Travel Size Value $15

I've been impressed with Serge Nromant products I've sampled, and this spray does a good job at adding volume. It adds a good amount of texture too, so it might not be an everyday product for me, but good for special occasions.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Redken

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Ultimate Straight Straight Perfecting Balm - Value $7

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer - Value $22

I didn't get to try either of these products yet since they are for before you dry your hair, but I'm hoping they both work well for my hair. (The balm is designed to prevent frizz and keep your hair straight, and the Pillow Proof is supposed to cut drying time, prime your hair, and protect it from heat damage).

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Living Proof

Fekkai PRx Reparatives Masque - 1.69 oz Value $6

This hair mask smells like a vanilla cupcake - I can't wait to use it! (You just have to leave it on your hair for 3-5 minutes after shampooing).

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Nightcap Overnight Perfector - Value $28

I've been using this product for the past week or two since it was in the most recent Limited Edition Birchbox, and I love it! (To be fair - I love pretty much any Living Proof product I try). I'm a little obsessed with this scent of this hair lotion, and it goes on weightless too.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Brush

Harry Josh Pro Tools Premium Oval Brush - Value $50

I love this brush just for the mint green color alone! Here is the professional description of the brush:

It features a mix of short boar's hair and nylon bristles to increase shine and manageability for a smooth, glossy finish. The ergonomic handle and comfort cushion pad ensure painless styling and easy control, making this your go-to hair care tool.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Accessory

Masterpeace Jewelry Carved Birch Wood Hairpin - Value $100?

I can't find this item online, but Net-A-Porter carries Masterpeace headbands that retail for $380, so I think a $100 value is a fair estimate.

This piece is gorgeous, but not exactly my style, so I will likely gift or swap it.

Nina Garcia Quarterly Subscription Box Review #NGQ05 Hair Cream

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer - Value $28

This product is designed by "the man who saved Audrey Hepburn's hair." It's supposed to add back elasticity and bounce to your hair. You apply it to damp hair before shampooing, and let it set for 20 minutes under a showercap or towel. I've never tried anything like this before, and I'm excited to see how it works!

Sachajuan Hair Repair - Value $13.60

This is another in shower treatment - you massage it into washed hair and let it set for 10-15 minutes. So many masks to try!

Verdict: This box has a retail value of over $300. I think the value is great, and I loved reading Nina's letter about how she uses the different products, and her relationships with the stylists who created them. I'm excited to try all the products I haven't sampled yet, and my hair currently smells amazing thanks to everything I sampled for this review.

I would have loved to see more than one fashion item in the box since that is what I love getting from Nina, but I still enjoyed this box.

What do you think of #NGQ05?

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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28 comments

PA Anna

I ended up buying the box on Best of Quarterly mainly for the hair accessory and masks. It was a waste of my money because my hair is too thick for the hair accessory 🙁

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Tacie

Anna,
How do you wear it? I might be interested. Do you put your hair in a pony first, then place it around. Wear it half up? Twist and place it against your scalp like a large clip?

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PA Anna

Tacie – I think all those options would work. I wasn’t able to try it out. My hair is super thick to begin with and has become even more thick because I take fish oil for my eye disease. I gave my away as an extra in a swap.

From what I remember, it is more curve which makes me think it might work better with a ponytail.

Does anyone else know?

Fay Krume

I would like the brush if it did not smell of rubber. Is there a way to rid of the smell? I previously had a brush with this issue and it was ongoing…
Thanks for any comments.

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Hannah

Nina’s box is now on best of quarterly for those who wished that they had purchased it.

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Melissa

Hey everyone, I wanted to warn that GHD is refusing to honor the code they included in this box.

I ordered a round brush using the code and they are claiming that I am entitled to the free paddle brush and free spray, but NOT the 20% off because the code only applies to “tools.” According to them, brushes are not “tools,” only “hot tools” are tools.

This is classic “bait and switch” advertising, especially since there is no “brush exclusion,” or any exclusion at all, on the promotion advertisement.

I recommend not ordering but, if you did, make sure to check your statement to be sure that your 20% came off!! If this happened to you let me know!! We have a strong basis for an action against them.

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Melissa

Just wanted to follow up on this — GHD did finally refund me the money, though that was after I spent a fair amount of time arguing with customer service representatives to get it back.

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Teresa

I have had one of these types of brushes for years! I have very fine hair and it works great. I wish I had known it was going to be in this box, I would have purchased the box for the brush alone.

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PA Anna

I read the review a couple of times and still can’t justify the purchase. I do want a cat hair accessory for my sister.

Best of Quarterly is a page on the quarterly website. I think it’s too soon for it to be listed.

I suggest emailing Quarterly telling them you want the boxm

I really do want 2 hair accessories. One for myself and one for my sister. I did look on eBay and don’t want to purchase from there. It’s about a month wait in shipping.

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somanyboxessolittletime

Curious though.. does the brand sell on eBay or somewhere? I didnt see Masterpeace listed. Maybe it’s under another name?

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somanyboxessolittletime

I got the cat birch wood hairpin. It’s cute.

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Danielle

I love that brush! Mint green is my favorite color. Other than that though, none of the included items impress me. I’m glad I didn’t get this one, even though it was really tempting.

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...

I’ve really been enjoying this box. The brush is marvelous and I love the hair accessory. One of the ladies on MuT mentioned that if you search for birch barrettes on ebay, they can be found for $15. Of the hair products, my favourite so far is the Living Proof, but I haven’t tried everything yet.

There is also a 20% coupon for GHD, which includes a free brush and heat protect spray.

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Kc

I like the box, but wish I understood when I should be using these products. For example, do I do the masque and then would it be also ok to do the dry spray thing, and maybe that night the overnight thing… it’s getting a little daunting. That being said, I really like all the products.

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Claudia

I completely agree. I used one product as a leave in conditioner (I really thought that’s what I read in the notes) but then I read Liz’s review and realized it was another hair mask. No wonder my hair feels kind of slimy! I do really like the Pillow Proof and the brush. My barrett is quite small and very pretty (imagine pieces of a paper doily cut out and pasted on) but I have thick hair so I’m still figuring out how to put it in my hair without ripping all my hair out. I’m sure I’ll get to all the items eventually. Im trying to use them one by one just in case I have a skin reaction to anything. I wonder who ended up with the dryers!

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Hildol

My complete box is for sale for what I paid for it plus shipping. I ordered one and my husband (not knowing I ordered it) ordered one also for me 🙂 sweet man!

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Jor

I think I’d be interested in buying the box from you! If it’s still available, please email me! purpletwilight6 at hotmail

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Blessedmommi

I’d love to swap or buy, the brush and hair piece If anyone has one they’d like to trade let me know. Blessedmommi at hotmail.

Thanks!

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Bea

Is it still available ? Can I buy it from you?

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Charell

I got this box and I love it. So far I’ve been pleased with all the products that I’ve tried and I even like the wooden hair piece, which I wasn’t expecting I would. This box has me hooked on Nina’s boxes again, I may even try to buy a second box from ebay.

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Kathy

I’m disappointed and may drop this subscription. I expect Nina’s to be high quality fashion items, trendy accessories, etc. This is turning into just another beauty products box.

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Jessica A

I’m really glad I didn’t get this one. The products seem great, but I works have been disappointed to have not gotten a really great straightener or dryer.

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Jordan

Agreed-I would love to snag this if it’s on Best of Quarterly, since I don’t subscribe. I like that the products aren’t specific to any one hair type. I could see how this maybe doesn’t fit with what you would expect from a Nina Garcia box-it’s almost like a higher-end Allure beauty box, but my hair always looks really great the first time I try a brand-new product, so I feel like this box would give me tons of great hair days!

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Ginger

I didn’t get this box but if it shows up on Best of Quarterly I’ll snag one. I like the mix of products; I have thick wavy hair that can be really frizzy and I straighten it occasionally. I’d be interested to try some of the hair masks too.

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Maya

My hair is similar to hours and I’m just dying over this box!!! Ive been wanting to try the living proof mask forever & they sent out Full sizes! Lucky Liz!! I am a total hair care/product junky & would LOVE to snag this box too….
So What’s this best if Quarterly you speak of?? 😉
Any info or the web page?

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Pru

I loved this box! There are so many brands I have always wanted to try but I’ve been too afraid to spend the money on.

I am obsessed with the brush. I will order a few more within the week.

I am so very happy with this box.

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Jerilynn

I am obsessed with the brush too! It works perfectly with my thick coarse hair. I am pretty sure that when it is no longer usable I will buy another one as a pure boar bristle brush doesn’t get through my hair and a pure nylon one leaves my hair staticly and my scalp raw. I am also obsessed with the hair barrette and trying to trade for more! And I haven’t even tried any of the products yet!

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Denise M

Kinda on topic, would love to know which shampoo you use? I have color treated hair too and can’t find one I like
Thanks!

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