What's Your Opinion on MyGlam?

YouTube Beauty Guru Michelle Phan's new pet project MyGlam is causing quite a beauty stir.

Due to poor lighting (couldn't snap any good photos), today's "Thrifty Thursday" post is suspended. Instead, I'd like to open a discussion about the new kid on the monthly beauty product sample club block. Whew, that was a mouthful right? Just in case you don't know what I'm talking about, here are the names of the beauty sample clubs and some deets, as reported by Katherine at Handmade Reviews:




United States

• Beautyfix ($49.99/three months)
• You'll choose the 8 products you want to receive and pay $49.99.
• Birchbox ($10/month)
• Each month, you get 4-6 beauty products ranging from samples, deluxe samples, to full sized. You can review the items you receive to earn points and then redeem the points for $ off the full sized products.
• Eco-Emi ($15/month)
• Eco-Emi sends out environmentally friendly products, including cosmetics, health, food, and household items.
• GoGoGirlfriend ($12.95/month)
• Health and beauty samples with two different membership types.
• His Black Box ($12/month)
• Monthly samples for men.
• Julep Maven ($19.99/month)
• Hand, nail and foot care subscription.
• Makeup Monthly ($30/month)
• There have been rumors of this company shipping out discontinued or expired makeup. As there are so many other reliable services available, I do not recommend you try them.
• MyGlam ($10/month)
• Michelle Phan's service in which every month, you receive a Glam Bag with 4 to 5 full-sized products or deluxe-sized samples.
• New Beauty Test Tube ($29.95 + $8.95 shipping = $38.90/three months)
• This is very expensive, but the products you get are also more expensive than the others.

Canada:

• Loose Button or Luxe Box ($12/month)
• Delivers 4-5 deluxe beauty samples monthly.
• Glymm ($10/month)
• Delivers 4-5 deluxe beauty samples every month.

United Kingdom:

• Amarya Beauty Box (£10/month or £120/year.)
• Every month you get one or more full sized product plus samples.
• Boudoir Prive (£10 + £2.95 = £12.95/month)
• You get 5-6 deluxe beauty products every month.
• Feel Unique Beauty Box (£9.95/month)
• You get 5 deluxe beauty products every month.
• GlossyBox (£10 month + £2.95 shipping = £12.95/month)
• Every month GlossyBox delivers a mix of 5 product miniatures packed in a beautiful box.
• Latest In Beauty (starts at £1/month)
• Get monthly boxes for a higher fee or just a sample here and there for cheaper.

Australia:

• Lust Have It ($14.95/month or $160/12 months)
• Monthly Lust Pack with 5 to 6 premium size samples plus a reward program similar to Birchbox.

 And now that you have an idea, let's get to the bread and butter of this post. I have to admit that when I first heard of these "clubs", I wasn't interested. Being a relatively dark skinned kinky/curly haired black woman, I didn't think any of these clubs would be sensitive to my needs or the needs of women like me. In all the blog reviews I've read, forums I've scoured and videos I've watched none of the women like me were impressed with the samples they received. Beauty is a big booming money making industry and there's no sign of its growth abating, this is the reason why beauty subscription clubs will be popular and profitable. But will ethnic women be left out in the cold? Let's take a look at the "stylists" for MyGlam:

These are all wildly popular (based on stats from YouTube) "beauty gurus" from Youtube. Personally, I'm subscribed to three (Michelle, Promise and Andrea) of the five and usually enjoy their videos. Of the three, I like Promise the most because she does transformation tutorials. She once did a tutorial where she turned herself into Mystique (X-Men Character) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana's character from Avatar). Many of Promise's transformation tuts are usually great for any woman to recreate (men too) regardless of her (or his) ethnicity. I like some of Michelle's videos because she has some great DIY's and tips/tricks. I watch Andrea's videos mostly because she's funny. That being said, rarely do I use any of their regular makeup tutorials...our complexions are just too dissimilar. Despite the glaring differences, I still like them and thus, wanted to support their MyGlam venture. I figured that since the three "gurus" I like are women of ethnicity, perhaps they'd make special concessions when approving products for the "Glam Bags". Just in case though, I wrote them an e-mail...




Me:


To Whom It May Concern: I ticked the wrong box for the age question on the sign up quiz, will this affect my subscription at all or is the question strictly for demographic purposes? Also, I'm slightly concerned that none of the gurus on the beauty team are black women. I'm a dark skinned black woman and would really appreciate having a guru that I can more closely identify with. I admire and really like the current panel of gurus, but their tutorials/product choices aren't always appropriate for dark skin. I hope those of us with darker skin tones and coarse hair will be taken into consideration when the Glam Bag products are chosen. Thank you for your time and anticipated sensitivity to my concerns, I'm looking forward to my first Glam Bag.

Regards,
Nicole, A Beauty & Style Enthusiast 

Response from Nicole Robinson-Anderson:  

Hi Nicole,

The quiz answers don't affect what products you will get in your Glam Bag, so no worries. As far as the gurus, Andrea is actually black, but I do understand where you are coming from as her choices are not always suitable for darker skin. I am black, and a few shades darker than Andrea so even some of the stuff she wears is too light for me. My suggestion is that when you find a look you like, when you go to purchase this, you can take the name of the color the guru used and ask someone who works for the store or brand to assist you in finding that same type of look in your own suitable shade.

Hope that helps!!

xoxo
Nicole with MyGlam

Me:

Hi back Nicole,

Thanks so much for writing back, I appreciate it. In all honesty, your response didn't really address my concerns about the products that may or may not be included in the Glam Bags. It's easy enough to watch a tutorial and switch out products that don't work for my dark skin and kinky hair, my concern however, is about the Glam Bag products themselves. Although I know this service is optional and I don't have to participate, I really want to. As I said before, I happen to like some of the gurus who are on board for this project and they are the main reason I chose to support the venture. That being said, I'm still worried that the needs of dark skinned kinky haired women may not be addressed since there doesn't appear to be anyone who fairly represents them. I'm hoping for the best when my first Glam Bag arrives...

Regards, 

Nicole, A Beauty & Style Enthusiast

Response from Nicole Robinson-Anderson:

Hi Nicole,

If you do not like the products, you can cancel at any time for sure. As I stated before, the products sent are not based on skin color, ethnicity, or even personal preference. The point is to allow people to try new things. If the products are not satisfactory for you, just log into your account and cancel, but maybe just try and give it a try for 2 months before you make a final decision.

xoxo
Nicole with MyGlam

**Every customer is V.I.P. at MyGlam**

 End transmission. Now, is it just me or was her last response a little snarky? I don't know much about running a business and marketing, but I do know that customer service/satisfaction is key. If you don't do your best to satisfy the concerns of your customers and provide them with good products and experiences, you can kiss your reputation goodbye. I wasn't pleased with the response I received to say the least. 

So even though I haven't received my first "Glam Bag" (I've certainly been charged though) I'm considering canceling. I would love to take part in one of these monthly beauty sample clubs, but I need to know that the products I receive will reflect me...or at least be something I can use.

What do you think? Am I being overly sensitive about the e-mail response? Should I stick with the subscription for a month or two and see if I can use/like what I receive? What would you do? Let a sistah know please!

By the way, the His Black Box would make a great gift for your significant other/husband/brother/father/etc. ;-)

Eye Spy: New Products from Shea Moisture and Scope

Well, they're new to me. So yesterday while I was out, I saw something new from Shea Moisture:

According to my Google search, this product was a limited release back in late August to participating Target stores. Fast forward to October and my Walgreens had one, count it, ONE single solitary jar. I should have bought it but I wasn't there for hair products. I'm very good at not impulse buying...sometimes. But back to the souffle. As usual, the new Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Souffle is certified organic. Unfortunately, that's where the excitement ends. From what I've seen on Youtube, the curly girls aren't liking this new offering from Shea Moisture. Initially it was compared to Kinky Curly Curling Custard (which I hated) but that isn't saying much IMO. The largest complaints about the new SM curling souffle is that it's oily (due to the glycerin perhaps), it takes forever to dry and it doesn't do anything. I'm glad I didn't buy it.


Here are a few videos from a few curly girls with different curl types:











The first review is the shortest and the last one is pretty funny. I'm passing on this product.



What I did buy was the new Scope Dual Blast mouthwash.
This new offering from Scope claims to kill germs caused by bacteria (in lab tests) and eliminate strong food odors. I love the Scope Outlast mouthwash and have been using it for I don't know how many months, so I thought I'd try the new one out. Here is one of the official commercials and some on camera reactions from a release event Scope had. I haven't tried it yet because I still have about two more mouthfuls of the regular Scope Outlast, but I'll do a follow up post once I try it.



So what new products have you all spied or tried? Any verdicts? Let me know.

The Oily Skin Chronicles: Tales from L'Bri

Here's a video review I did on L'Bri Pure n' Natural Cosmetics oily skin trio.

Party for a cause!

J.T. over at Chic Therapy Online recently sent me the press release for Ribbon Rouge #5, a fabulous and fun music, fashion and art exhibition that has been raising money for HIV relief in Africa for the past 5 years. Please check out the deets below and pass the word on. Thanks a bajillion loves!





Ribbon Rouge #5 is a Fashion and Art exhibition with a silent auction which has over the past 5 years raised and donated approximately $10,000 towards HIV relief in Africa.

This year's show will be held on the 11th of December at 20 Grovsenor Street Toronto. Guests will be treated to a tasteful mixer in the company of classy "fashionistas", enjoy free delectable hors d’oeuvres, listen to the soulful renditions of The Jonathan Blaak Jazz Trio, The Recipe (2009 Canadian festival of spoken word champions), and be entertained by dance sensations Sapphire dance productions and African Dance Festival

Our guests will win several gifts (Including a spa package, Dining gift cards, Free purses, discounts off bespoke clothing and discounts off portraits). In addition, guests will have the opportunity to buy fabulous fashions and art, which are awesome Christmas gifts, from our silent auction.

ALL proceeds go to UNAIDS in support of HIV survivors.

Music by DJ. Nijero
Fashion and Art by Arewa

tickets at 6475003163 or www.arewa.ca
$5 students (with valid student I.D), $10 general, $15 at the doors

Lights. Camera. Action!


Morenike Olaosebikan
mo@arewa.ca

August Faves :-)

Dearest fair maidens, dashing divas and glamorous gals,

How are you? Feeling fab I hope :-)

Just in time for the end of August, I thought I'd share the products I reached for the most. I paid for all these products with my own money and I am NOT being paid to promote these products. The views expressed herein are my own and are not endorsed/shared by Google/Blogger/anyone else. Just a little legal disclosure...now on to the faves :-)

First up is this Arm&Hammer Naturals Deodorant. I have a hard time with deodorants because most make my armpits crack, bleed, peel, burn and itch. I have extremely sensitive skin and finding a deodorant that's effective and gentle was almost impossible...until I found this stuff! I love it! It smells nice, it has no aluminum or parabens and it keeps me fresh. I also like it because it isn't an antiperspirant. It's a natural function for our bodies to produce sweat, it's how we cool off and release toxins. Antiperspirants are not safe for the body as they inhibit a natural process and clog sebum producing pores resulting in ingrown hairs and cysts. If you're concerned about sweat stains, try disposable sweat shields for your clothes.

Next up is this awesome Jergens Naturals Ultra Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion. I love Love LOVE this stuff! It works wonders for my children's eczema and it keeps my skin silky smooth and hydrated. JNUHL is cruelty free, paraben free, dermatologist tested and purports to be made with 95% natural ingredients. Though the ingredients list includes such gems as Jojoba Oil, Agave Leaf Extract, Shea Butter and Calendula Flower Extract, some of the ingredients are obviously no as natural. All in all, I still love this thick creamy lotion. It has a nice smell and it does what it's supposed to.

My all time fave shampoo is Giovanni's Triple Treat Tea Tree Shampoo. This stuff gets my locs squeaky and tingly clean and smells oh so good. For a little extra kick, I add more peppermint essential oil (another of my all time faves). Giovanni products are cruelty free and for the most part vegan friendly. The shampoos contain no Sodium Sulfate (SLS),  Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) or Phthalates. The Triple Treat Shampoo and many of Giovanni's other hair and body products are certified organic and gentle for most product sensitive consumers. You should always conduct a patch test on an inconspicuous area when trying new products though.

This oily skin combatant that I recently found is DHC's Water base Moisture. I've been using this stuff all August long and I have to say that I am liking it. It looks and feels like water but it moisturizes with the best of them. My skin feels silky smooth, it appears less oily and it feels refreshed and hydrated all day long. DHC WBM is non drying, has no harsh perfumes, contains no oil and is cruelty free. Thus far, I've had no allergic reactions, very few break outs and have had fewer needs to blot. The only ingredients that prevent this from being the perfect moisturizer are Methylparaben and Phenoxyethanol. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase DHC WBM yet, I'd like to try and find something without the two aforementioned ingredients.

My new fave lip balm is Carmex's Moisture Plus. This stuff has all the greatness of the original Carmex without the awful taste and smell. My lips are soft, supple and ready for kisses every time. One of the best things about CMP is the SPF15. Since harmful UVA/UVB rays can zap moisture and prematurely age sensitive skin, a little SPF goes a long way...even for the deeply melanated beautiful black woman :-)

Degree's Sexy Intrigue Body Spray was my most gone to scent this August. I like this little spray because the fragrance is sexy (per the name), light and unassuming (kinda like me, lol). I also like that it can be stored in the fridge and provide a nice cool mist on super hot Chicago days. Other bonuses include the price point and fragrance strength. Most drugstore sell this spray (and the other Degree sprays) for $3.99 and because the fragrance is long lasting (though not obnoxious) you get lots of bang for your buck. Try it, you might like it :-)

My fave August polishes were the above beauties. I'm in love with the entire China Glaze OMG Collection (I bought all of them late last year). They're a fun bunch of holographic goodness and make me want to flash my nails constantly. Application isn't great and to achieve an opaque finish, I needed three coats. Still, I love my OMG Holo's. Sally Hansen's Blue Me Away is just all kinds of AWESOME! I can't articulate how much I love this color, lol. It's the prettiest most vibrant blue I own and it go owns on wonderfully opaque in two coats. Application is smooth and it dries pretty quickly with no bubbles or streaks.

 

Although I could post more faves, I think I'll stop there, lol. This post is long enough and if my readers are anything me, too much text makes me click next blog, lol. That's terrible isn't it? It;s the truth though. At any rate, I also suggest that anyone interested in the components that comprise their cosmetics check out The Cosmetics Database. This awesome site contains info on thousands of ingredients used in commercial cosmetics. It pays to be an informed consumer ladies and gents. And with that, I bid you adieu...

XOXO