Why I Cancelled MyGlam/Collective Review

This has not been a post that I've been looking forward to writing. I hate to bring negativity to my corner of the web,  but I feel I need to share the reasons why I chose to discontinue my relationship with MyGlam. If you are interested in knowing why I cancelled, then continue to read along. Please note that everything stated is MY OPINION and I am totally entitle to that. I cancelled for my reasons only and I am not bad talking MyGlam in any way.

In January 2012, I saw Youtuber's reviewing this amazing Subscription Service which offered products from Urban Decay, Tarte, and NYX, for the flat fee of $10. This service includes 4-5 deluxe samples along with a small cosmetics bag. This service was a bit different because it was created by popular YouTube Guru Michelle Phan, who has created many video Tutorials for a broad range of make up looks and hairstyles. MyGlam even posts "Sneak Peeks" via Twitter/Facebook to excite the subscribers. It really does give us a lot to talk about!

I was already subbed to Birchbox, and had no intentions of cancelling that, so I figured why not give it a try? I figured I'd be much more satisfied with this service than Birchbox because the products were amazing, and true to the "deluxe" size that many of these subscription service companies claim to provide. I immediately joined the waiting list and could not wait to get my February Bag.  Here is each bag so far that MyGlam has sent out:

December:

1Small cosmetics bag

Mai Couture Blush Paper-Package including 100 sheets FULL SIZE

Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow: FULL SIZE

Tarte Light Camera Lashes Mascara: DELUXE SIZE

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: DELUXE SIZE

January:

Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Masque - FULL SIZE

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer - FULL SIZE

Wen Cleansing Conditioner - Deluxe Sample

TheBalm Shady Lady Eyeshadow or Hot Ticket Nail Polish -FULL SIZE

Both December and January seem totally worth $10. Unfortunately that is not the case. The products are worth the money, but the shipping/order problems did not seem worth the hassle. Many subscribers for the month of January did not even receive a bag! The money was deducted from the account but no bag arrived! Shipping labels were also mixed up, accounts were randomly cancelled. The people who did receive their bags, I'm sure were delighted, however, there was a horrible delay in the shipping. Some subscribers went through  much hassle to even receive their money back. MyGlam was not responding to emails, tweets, or Facebook inquiries.  Knowing this, I still signed up for the waiting list because MyGlam had put out statements everywhere saying they have since fixed these issues. I will say I NEVER experienced any of these problems. I cancelled for other reasons.

So onto the bags I actually received:

February:

Happy Valentine's Day

Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask - FOIL PACKET

X Out Shine Control - FULL SIZE

NYX Roll On Shimmer  - FULL SIZE

Freeman Beauty Facial Hydration Mask - FOIL PACKET

$100 Gift Card for Nume Styling Tools and Hair Extension

Bonus/Extra Item - Ghirardelli Chocolate squares in Dark and Milk chocolate

 I did like the NYX Roll on Shimmer, but I have only used it twice. I have used the Shine Control once or twice as well. The Freeman Beauty Facial Mask & the Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask are NOT "deluxe" sized samples. Also, why would they send similar types of products int he same month? The $100 "Gift Certificate" ended up being a coupon. When using a Gift Card, you should not have to spend a certain amount to get a discount, which is what this "gift card" happens to be.  Everything Nume sells is retailing over $100 and the products do not seem to be great quality. This "Gift Card" was considered one of our items, which is totally unfair in my opinion! It should have been considered an extra because it was a coupon, not a sample of a product. The Bag was a bit cheaply made. I know this because I've purchased bags at the Dollar Tree and they were the same quality as this.

 I was totally unhappy with February's bag because the samples were not "deluxe" sized and the Gift Card was a scam. I still kept my subscription going because I had faith in MyGlam to give us a great month.

March:

Repair & Restore

Murad Eye Lift Protector - FOIL PACKET

Pur-Lisse Essential Daily Moisturizer - FOIL PACKET

$25 Dermstore Gift Card - Must purchase at least $50 to receive $25 off

Keracolor Color Enhancing Leave-In Treatment - FOIL PACKETS

Glammie Classic Crease Brush & Brush Case 

Pur-Lisse Pur-Lip Comfort Daily Lip Nourisher - FULL SIZE

So again, this month inlcuded a "Gift Card" aka Coupon as an actual sample. Also included were many foil packets and 1 full size product being the Pur-Lisse Lip Nourisher. This month started the My Glam Exclusive Brush Collection and Case. The *bag* itself (not the contents) has been my favorite so far.

This month many subscribers complained about a weird chemical smell in their bags. Mine did have the smell, but that wasn't  total loss. It more odd than anything.

In my opinion this all seemed rather inexpensive for MyGlam to send us. Foil packets are not worth my $10. The "exclusive" brush nd case was a unique thought and I appreciate that. I use the Crease brush a lot and appreciate that item, but March's bag was still a huge disappointment. With the last two month being rather cheap and disappointing, I still kept my subscription going. Why? I didn't want to miss out on the great months!

April:

Girl's Night Out

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil: DELUXE SIZE

All-Belle False Lashes - 1 SET

Dermstore Lip Quench - FULL SIZE

MyGlam Exclusive All-Over Eyeshadow Brush & Eyeliner Brush

This was the first month I really enjoyed. The lashes are so amazing and perfect for a night out! I will be using these for a special event in the near future. I've read reviews and they seem to be quality lashes. The eyeliner is from UD, a trustable, quality brand and the size is true to being "Deluxe Size." The Lip Quench seems rather inexpensive but I like it and use it frequently. The smell is kind of fruity with a bit citrus in it, but it's tolerable and it's a perfect sheer/shimmer pink. Nothing too overbearing. The brushes I use almost everyday. The bag was also cute, although I gave it away. This is what I was looking for in Myglam; a bag full of goodies that's worth my $10 and would get used, not pile up.

May:

Love is in the Air

Philosophy: Love Sweet Love Fragrance - SMALL VIAL

Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick: FULL SIZE

Miss Beauty Nail Bling: 1 SET

Exclusive MyGlam Concealer Brush and Defining Eyeliner Brush

Another Huge dissapointment, was the May MyGlam Bag. None of the items have been used yet. I absolutely HATE getting perfume samples. I can get them at any counter, or website FREE of charge. I hate paying towards one! The Lipstick was the color Enchanting, a dull purple/pink that was maybe hot in the late 80's early 90's. This color isn't even listed on the Studio Gear website? It does enhance the natural color of my lips, but it is super boring.  The Nail Bling kit looks super cheap, and they must be cut to fit my nails. I will never use them because they seem a bit childish for my liking. The brushes have not been used because i cannot tell which brush is which. The bag was cute, but the quality was the same as Feb's which is similar to what can be found at the Dollar Tree.

So this month was a dister for me when thinking of the products. They have yet to be used and I cannot give them away because I would feel embarrassed. So again I continued my subscription in hopes of another great month.

June:

Out All Night

NYX Round Lipstick: FULL SIZE

Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Moisturizer: DELUXE SIZE

Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream: DELUXE SIZE

Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen: FULL SIZE

With 2 full size samples and 2 deluxe size samples, the June MyGlam Bag has blown me away! The bag did have a fish like smell, butafter airing it out for a few days the smell went away. It's so chic and I plan to use for a night out. I am using and LOVING each item dearly, but I decided to let my subscription go. I spent a total of 5 month with MyGlam being disappointed, then randomly satisfied and that is not what I'm looking for in a subscription service. 

WHY I CANCELLED MYGLAM:

I have heard many subscribers complain about those who complain about MyGlam asking why we stay subscribed? I asked myself that. My answer was that I did not want to miss out on a good month. However, those good months rarely occured. I do not want to receive foil packets where I can barely get any use, or "gift cards" (coupons) as a sample. MyGlam has not been consistent in sending out Deluxe Size Samples, although they advertise to do so. 

I look at every sub service in this manner: Would I buy these items for $10 at the store? Most likely, no. Granted I really enjoyed April and June's samples, what about the months in between? That $30 could have been towards a few more useful products or 1 amazing high end product.

MyGlam does not have a Beauty Profile/Questionaire to get to know it's subscribers. How can 1 color/shade of a product work for most of it's subscribers. I like that other sub services provide those.

Also, MyGlam has no other great qualities like a points program or a referral program. Sure I've been receiving emails lately to purchase the full size products, but it's not through MyGlam, therefore there is no points program. Essentially that is no deal breaker, but it did help me decide whether or not to cancel my membership. 

MyGlam customer service has been a bit rocky. Contacting them is a difficult. The MyGlam's CS Twitter has reached out to me asking for Feedback after reading previous posts of their bags, but why should I have to send an email, if the team already read my feedback?

More reasons why I chose Birchbox and Cravebox over MyGlam:

Birchbox:

• Birchbox has their amazing Points Program, where you can earn free products, and double the points, along with referral points! You can read bout that HERE. 
• Emails are constantly being sent out about the products you received and videos how to implement them into your beauty routine.
• Birchbox also has YouTube Channel where can learn tons of tips and tricks not only using the products you received.
• Birchbox offers amazing customer service via their Website, Twitter, and Facebook. The team is so friendly and available to answer your questions,
• Birchbox also has a "Beauty Profile" where you can answer questions about your skin type, skin tone, hair color, etc. so that they are able to provide you with samples that will work for you.
• The samples are typically deluxe size including many full sized products.

Cravebox:

• The samples are typically deluxe size including many full sized products.
• The Cravebox Customer Service is amazing as well and they are super friendly and ready to answer any questions you may have. They will never leave you're questions unanswered,
• Cravebox has Twitter Parties that ANYONE can participate in. They offer tons of prizes including Cravebox's and gift baskets from the brands showcased in that months box. I actually won a Tree Hut Gift Basket and am so anxious to receive it! 
• Cravebox offers Limited Edition Boxes such as the "Summer Spruce Up" Box.
• Cravebox is a Lifestyle Subscription Box and can include a multitude of products including beauty products, food, personal care items, etc.

So with all that being said, I have finally cancelled my subscrption with MyGlam. Yes it was so difficult, but I could not allow myself to pay for items I can rarely or never use. I can honestly say if it starts looking better, I will join the waiting list again, but for now I will watch what they offer.

I apologize for such a lenghty review, but I really wanted everyone to actually see what the bags were like and why I made the choice I did. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for reading!

June 2012 MyGlam Bag

The June MyGlam is already one of my favorites from the bags I received.  I am thrilled with contents and the sample sizes. Two products were full sized which is what MyGlam has been lacking lately. I am enjoying each product including the bag itself. The bag is perfect for a night out at the bar which fits the theme perfectly in my opinion. The bag is very glittery and does shed but I am going to research some way to prevent that such as a waterproof spray or something similar. All the products are great for summer and classic looks so that is another positive note about this months bag. 

I've been subbed from February to June and this is the second bag I feel that was actually worth it, the first one being April's. You're now probably thinking if that's how you feel why are still subscribed? Well I will have a post for that later because after I got my bag I did cancel my subscription. So on with this review:

June's Theme is "Out All Night"

Swatches of every Product in the bag:

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer:  

(swatch is the second from the top)

I am totally loving this moisturizer. I have never tried a gel cream moisturizer and I was a bit skeptical, but this is working out great for me. It is so light weight and perfect for summer because of that. I have combo-oily skin and this just seems to be perfect because it moisturizes the spots needed and lays off the spots not needed, evening out my skin. 

I requested a sample of this via Philosophy's Facebook and I am receiving same size as the one I received here: .4 l oz. The full size is 2 oz retailing for $34 which is a bit out of my price range but with some saving, it can be purchased. My sample has already lasted 2 weeks, so the plus side is that the full size will last a long time. 

Insert /Card with a brief description of this gel and a special offer for free shipping with no minimum amount using promo code: fresh5 or myglamjune (offer valid thru 7/15/12)

NYX Round Lipstick in Georgia:

(third swatch)

I am not much of a lipstick wearing type of gal  (except for nude colors) but I like this for a nice classic simple look. It is a bit frosty in color but its such a pretty pink to not wear. I have worn this out a few times and I really enjoy the color on myself especially for my tan skin because it just *pops*. It does last long, and is super smooth when applying. I really like this and am intrigued to try more colors, specifically a nude color. This is a full size lipstick and it retails for $4.00.

Save 25% on all Round Lipsticks at NYXCosmetics.com using myglamkiss at checkout. (Offer valid thru 7/6/12)

Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream:

(first swatch)

 This smells absolutely divine. I have tried this a few times and it came just in time for the humid weather we've been having. This product does last all day long leaving its wonderful smell on my hair. So there are no complaints here. I hate frizz and usually use John Frieda Frizz Ease Spray because it is so affordable and available at Walmart, CVS, etc. I probably will not purchase this because the only pro over the John Frieda Spray is that is smells so amazing. The sample I received is 2 fl oz. The full sizes are: 2 fl oz for $15, 4 fl oz for $26, 8 fl oz for $36

Insert/Card with an exclusive trail kit at $35 instead of $45, free shipping, and a free sample at checkout only at www.livingproof.com/myglam (offer valid thru 7/7/12)

Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen:

(last swatch)

Okay right off the bat, I noticed this said "Don't use with lenses." with no other explanation. I was hesitant since I wear contacts and rarely wear my glasses. I want to know the harm this can cause and have looked all over the web and can't seem to find an answer, so I risked it an wore it anyhow.

I *love* this eyeliner. I wear liquid eyeliner every day and this is now my holy grail liquid liner. It is pigmented perfectly for me, which is ironic since so many ladies said theirs was not. They even has swatches with proof. They really had to layer on the color. That is one con because you never know If you're going to get a a normal one if you purchase this again. The pros for this are that it really last all day and all night. I sometimes forget to take my makeup off at night and with this, it was almost in tact the next morning. Also, it didn;t take harsh c=scrubbing to remove. My Nuetrogena Makeup Remover worked just fine. Another pro is that it is super easy to use. I sometime struggle with cat eyes but this make is so much simple. I will be purchasing another when needed. (I'm not a hoarder and do not need another one at the moment, so yes when needed)

Receive 50% off any purchase at http://www.diosacosmetics.com with code myglam at checkout (offer vaild thru 7/8/12)

Conclusion/Cancellation:

So that was the amazing June 2012 Myglam. I truly loved each product and am planning to buy a few full products when these run out. This bag is worth well over $30 and two full sized products were included. Although this was great month I did unsubscribe because there has not been any consistency of product sizes or products that were of quality each month. I like that I can be introduced to new brands/products but some months the products were almost knock off or from some company that is living under a rock and just decided to peak up for the MyGlam Bag. I will have a post later on my reasons for cancelling.

What did you think of this month's bag? Am I crazy for cancelling?

Thanks for reading :-)