My First Beauty Box

I'm back lovelies! It's been such a busy couple of weeks for me. My husband and I just celebrated our 3 months of marriage and the past weekend was our party/reception with all our family and friends back in Australia. Busy busy! Anyways, I got home this afternoon to find a little box waiting for me by the door. I have been waiting to receive the first of Marie Claire's The Parcel for aggggeeees as I've seen so many posts and videos of other people getting theirs before me.

Beauty and skincare boxes have been floating around for yonks and to be honest, only the Wantable box has ever tickled my fancy (but I didn't want to spend $40/month). I can't remember how I came across The Parcel Spring Edition from Marie Claire, perhaps it was a YT video or a random blog post but I was instantly lured in when I saw what was included. I ended up making an order for the box an hour later haha. If you haven't seen what's in this little box, keep on reading!

The contents were sent in a compact black box with a stylish and trendy cardboard coverslip. As soon as I open the box, I get a waft of a shampoo scent - smells nice. The box has a little card with information about the products in the box. The card starts off with 'Dear Kathryn' which is sooooo cool!

Sorry for the blurry photos. I quickly snapped them on my phone and I somehow have the case of the unsteady hand at the time. Let's look at the individual products and my thoughts on them.

Gwen Stefani by O.P.I. Nail Lacquers (six shades available) $19.95 full size

I received the shade Hey Baby. It is a medium pink in a creme gloss finish. On one hand I was a little disappointed as I have so many pink nail polishes in my collection but then again, I don't have one in this shade. Haha! I also only own one other full size OPI polish. 

Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stains (12 shades available) $25.95 full size

I just put on New York Scene which I thought was a plum but it's a nice red. It feels like a thin gloss although I did put a thin layer. This is my first gloss stain thing so I'm intrigued on how it performs. I hope it doesn't leave a 'lip liner' effect on my lips.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara and Push-Up Liner samples $38 and $35 respectively, full size

This was the reason why I purchased this box. So so so much hype surrounding the mascara but I wasn't ever prepared to pay the price for it in case it fails on me. Holding a curl and making my lashes look fuller is what I want in a mascara. Hopefully this works! I've heard mixed reviews on the Push-Up Liner, I'm not sure what to expect from it. 

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector sample $97 full size

This is a serum that promises to correct wrinkles, pores and the skin's texture in six weeks. Not something I particularly need but it's a nice luxurious addition to my skincare =)

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Purse-Size Hairspray $4.95 full size (larger size available)

I already have one of these hairsprays but I haven't used it yet. I have somehow accumulated a lot of hairsprays.... mainly from dancing. Apparently it has good hold without the crunchiness. That's a plus in my books!

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner samples $4.99 each full size

Ah this is the culprit to that initial scent! These were 'bonuses' in box but I can tell you straight up that I won't be using this one as I don't have a good relationship with Pantene's S&Cs. I've heard they've changed their formulation but I don't want to risk it.

So small!!!

Marie Claire's The Parcel Spring Edition was $25. The first two products I mentioned justified the cost already and all the other goodies just top it off. I think all these products would be very popular with a lot of buyers. I can't wait to try everything!! (minus the Pantene) I also like how there's a variety of priced products included in the box.

This subscription box service is a seasonal affair so you will get four boxes a year, other options are also available). I think this is a good idea as I've seen bloggers get flooded with samples that go unloved due to them receiving multiples of things all the time and you don't spend that much throughout the year.

Please check out their website here if you're interested in signing up to Marie Claire's The Parcel Summer Edit which is their December box. Get in quick so you don't miss out! I hope they continue with 

I hope you have enjoyed this post and I should be back with some more soon!

Do you have any subscription box services?

xxx Kat