GlossyBox Limited Edition Holiday 2017 Box Review

ByLiz CadmanDec 18, 2017 | 38 comments

GlossyBox is a monthly beauty subscription box. In addition to their subscription, they occasionally do Limited Edtion one-time-purchase boxes. This is a review of their most recent GlossyBox Holiday 2017 Limited Edition Box.

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

The Box: Glossybox Limited Edition Holiday Box

The Cost: $40

The Products: 7 products worth over $204.

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

Ships to: US and Canada

This box comes with a fold-out sheet detailing all the items included:

Now, on to the items!

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum - FULL SIZE! Value $85

I still can't believe we got full-sized Sunday Riley in this box! This serum is designed to "fight the look of dullness, dark spots, and discolorations, while instantly increasing brightness, radiance, and luminosity." The cream formula has a light citrus scent (which I love), and it instantly helped give my skin a boost of hydration. (I'm hoping to see an improvement in dark spots in a couple of weeks, too.)

NCLA So Rich Cuticle Oil in Dark Almond - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $18

This is perfect for my dry skin in the winter. The formula is super moisturizing (I only needed a drop per hand), and the subtle almond scent is a nice addition.

Nest Sugar Cookie Candle Votive - .95 oz Estimated Value $8?

FYI - this candle is about half the size of their regular votive, so that's how I'm estimating value. (This is the one item in the box that is debatable about what is considered a "full size" candle. GlossyBox originally messaged that this box would include 7 full-size items, but then later updated the messaging removing the full-size mention.)

I love Nest candles (check out my Next by Nest Fragrances reviews), and this sugar cookie scent is one of my new favorites from them! I already bought a 3-wick version of this candle, and I'm happy to have a mini!

GLAMGLOW Pout Wet Lip Balm Treatment Mini in Starlet - Retail Value $19

This lip balm provides sheer color, moisture, and lots of shine. (It feels like more of a lip gloss than a balm to me.) And the minty flavor is a nice touch. I'm personally not a fan of the container - I would have preferred it in a typical lipgloss tube, but otherwise, no complaints!

(Swatched in lower photo.)

Skinn Cosmetics Smokey Treatment Eyeshadow Palette - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $32

I love that this smokey eye palette included a purple, blue, and gold shade - I don't think I have a palette yet with these colors. And the formulas were impressive, too. Good pigment and very easy to blend.

(Swatched in lower photo.)

DHC Liquid Eyeliner EX - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $20

This liquid eyeliner allows you to get a super fine line, and it's almost instantly smudge-proof, too.

Here it is swatched beneath the eyeshadow palette and the lip balm:

BUXOM Big Tease Plumping Mascara - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $22

I had tried this before I looked it up on Sephora, and I'm surprised it gets mixed reviews. This mascara hits all the marks for me: great length, volume, lash separation!

Verdict: This box has a value of about $204. That's amazing for a $40 beauty box. I'd pay $40 for the Sunday Riley serum alone, and consider the rest bonus. (Plus I like all the other items, too!)

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, this has sold out.

Value Breakdown: At $40 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

Sunday Riley Serum: $16.67
NCLA Oil: $3.53
NEST Candle: $1.57
GLAMGLOW Lip Balm: $3.73
Eyeshadow Palette: $6.27
Eyeliner: $3.92
Mascara: $4.31

What do you think of the Limited Edition GlossyBox?

Starting at $21.00

Subscribe Now

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.

Spoilers

Deals

Reviews

Read customer reviews >

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 >

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email

38 comments

Mandy G.

I used some kind of old points I had and almost got the box free. I love it, and also love the December regular Glossybox.

I was very surprised by the great pigmentation of the SKIN eye palette, as I had one of theirs which was very pale looking on. I can wear all these cool neutrals except 2 shadows as well. Yay! Win- Win.

The red lip gloss is so very sheer, I love it. Pink would have just looked kind of greasy I think.

So glad the cuticle oil isn’t lavender scented, love the fragrance.

Do not like the Nest candle fragrance at all, personally, and am very glad it’s a tiny portion of the box value.

It goes without saying that the hero item, the Sunday Riley CEO is fab. I love all this company’s products for dry or mature skin.

Oh, and I was thrilled with how pretty the pull out drawer box is, and how well Glossybox planned the sizing and the way the products are almost a Tetris kind of arrangement in the box. It’s special in all ways.
I hope everyone who gets one loves it, and I’m so sad that people are so done with GB now. I don’t know the specifics, as I took a year or so break from GB except for 2-3 special edition boxes, but I know they were valid, because all of you know your boxes and what’s correct and what’s ” off”.

I really hope 2018 sees things shape up well for Glossy and LookFantastic. I think they are obviously extremely similar in all aspects now, being owned and likely curated by the same company.

Kimberley Bosak

I wish I would have received my December box…I have never received it and am getting no replies to email inquiries.😞 I was really looking forward to it like always!! I’ve never had an issue…but if I don’t get a response soon I will cancel.

Redhed36

Same here. It’s stuck in transit.

Stacey

They left out my eyeliner then tried to act like I was lying and made me jump through hoops still have not received it.

Rachel

That is exactly how I feel about the dried up Licopene I got in one of the sale boxes. They automatically treat you as if you’re lying. I understand there are those that are dishonest out there. But when I’m still responding in their message center about there not being an upload picture button on my phone and have explained what the dried up product looks like, it probably means I’m telling the truth considering I haven’t given up. I finally used someone else’s iPad and was able to upload a photo of the dried up product on 12/26. Who knows when I’ll actually get a response to that. Ive been going back and forth with them thinking I’m stupid since 12/18 and them trying to tell me where the upload button is when I already explained in a prior message if it was there I would have sent it without them asking but if they’d send me an email address to use I’d gladly send it. Already explained all that and still trying to tell me about a layout that doesn’t even apply to their mobile platform (which I said I was using in my first “message”). So frustrating.

mimi

I ordered this box. They “forgot” to actually mailed it. The only way to get a refund is to print out a form, hand sign it, scan it and email it back because they don’t want people who actually get boxes claiming a refund, i.e., they don’t trust their customers not to lie! After receiving the form back it goes to a committee that will decide if you’re honest or not.

Susan

That the Hut Group for you. They tried to do the same to me when I ordered the Look Fantastic Advent Calendar and it went missing for over 30 days. They told me I had to wait 30 days and then print out that form, sign in blue ink, scan and send back. I got lucky and the box showed up the next day. I wouldn’t have done it anyway. I would have called my credit card company. I think this subscriber is done with them now that Hut Group owns them. Things will continue to go downhill.

JuJu

Wha…!?
That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!
I mean, if anything, the burden of proof is on them – do they at least have a tracking number that shows delivered or something?..
I think you should get your credit card company involved.

mimi

Their internal tracking shows the box was never sent. Nevertheless, they need that form hand signed to prove to the committee that I am not trying to commit fraud. Since I used points, my CC company is of limited ability to help.

RoxyBelleNC

I am so glad I was able to get this twice…Once I used the Sunday Riley…I was hooked…I only apply it in evening and it has helped out my skin discoloration tremendously…I didn’t want to pay 85 dollars for it for a back up bottle and then Glossybox sent an email saying a few extra Limited Edition boxes were available…I got my second box for 35 dollars because of credit with Glossybox…Thanks again Liz for the “heads up” on boxes! Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!

Tam

I LOVE this holiday box. I got two and am gifting one to my MIL for Christmas.

I’ve been using the Sunday Riley twice a day for the last three weeks and I definitely see an improvement to the couple of dark spots that I had and to the health of my skin overall. I’ve also been rubbing a little SR into the dark spots on the back of my hands and it’s working its magic there too. I might be a little crazy in that I’m not a fan of the strong smell of orange, but it fades quickly and I really like the results. I just hold my breath when applying. =]

Natalia

Hi! Does anybody want to sell the Sunday Riley serum? Please let me know ([email protected]). Thanks! 🙂

Melissa W.

Allure box for December has the full sized Sunday Riley.. you might be able to still get it, but I’m not sure.. You can always call them and ask if your box would be December?

ashley

I don’t have this box, but check out the Allure Beauty Box. This serum was named as a spoiler for the January box (full size also)

Natalia

Or the full box. 🙂

Bridget

I want the Glamglow balm but didn’t like the rest of the box.

CMB

I have a NIB glamglow balm up for swap if you want to check out my list…. Let me know! I wasn’t brave enough to try it because I don’t usually do color on my lips AT ALL 🙂

Nan

Wow those colors are pretty bold, too much for me. I’m kinda glad they sold out before I could order. Looks like a great deal for all of you who can wear them, though.

Emilia

I like my box. I don’t understand the idea behind fancy candles (this one doesn’t even look like one), but other than that, I am happy.

Jessica

I love this box and wish I was able to get it, but I’m happy my dollars aren’t supporting such a shady company.

Dea

Is the Sunday Riley safe for the undereye area, ladies? And is it anything like the Ole Henriksen vitamin C truth serum (which I love)? Thank you for any input!

xunseenx

i’ve been using it under my eyes and on eyelids, it’s fine. i also use my retin a below eye and on eyelids too and some people consider that a no no. my skin usually freaks out about things, but then settles down after a while. same story with this serum. made me dry-ish, but that’s probably the combo of things i use. also didn’t try it with moisturizer over yet and that would probably help immensely.

Dea

Thank you all for replying! I guess I will avoid the eye area, just to be safe. Still, I love serum on the safer areas.

JuJu

Do not put it under your eyes, it contains fragrant sweet orange oil, which is an irritant in general, but especially for that thin delicate skin.

Ragan

The time I had a really bad reaction to a Sunday Riley product, it was an eye cream (as in, specifically marketed for that area). It took a week or two for the burning, red skin to show up. So I’d be cautious about using any of their other products near there. (I have never had a bad reaction to any Ole Henriksen products.)

Nan

LOVE Ole Henriksen!

AprilW

The eye shadow pallette is actually really awesome!! I love how it blends and all the eye looks I came up with. The swatches aren’t all that great but try it out on your eyes!! So far so good with the Sunday Riley.. loving this box!!

Jody

Liz, how many times did you swatch the lip color? I was hoping for a more sheer tint. I haven’t opened it yet. Thanks.

Liz Cadman

I think I was a little heavy-handed with that swatch. You can definitely get a more sheer tint look! Hope that helps 🙂

Bella01

I missed this box twice……and also had glossy points…I missed out. Looks like a wonderful box.

Margi

Great review! I LOVED this box. One of the best of the year for me.

Ash

I agree… I hate dipping my finger in any kind of lip product… Gross.

I’m really glad I ordered this – I think it was a steal for $40 and I’ll use most of the items except for the Sunday Riley (my skin is too sensitive for the products).

MzKayleeJames

Anyone who wants to swap the serum let me know, I have tons not on my swap list! I’ll even swap if you used some of it.

Sara

I was so excited for the Sunday Riley, only to find out it has tangerine in it. I am allergic to tangerine, and it is not worth having hives for the next 2 weeks to even try it out. I gifted the eye liner and mascara to my niece, put the eyeshadow away for later, have the candle gifting to a hostess for a Christmas party, and the lip gloss goes perfectly over my Boxycharm “Pretty Vulgar – My Lips are Sealed – Secret Sabotage” – the color combination is beautiful, and NCLA oil I have used multiple times already!
I was happy with this box.

Ragan

I got it for 10 cents and some forgotten rewards points so I won’t complain!

I am afraid the Sunday Riley may be an issue for me, as well, as I have had some bad reactions to their products in the past. But I will give it a try and we will see.

Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

GlossyBox Limited Edition Holiday 2017 Box Review

Advertise With MSA

Information

Company