Martha Stewart Living {Summer Essentials} GLOSSYBOX

I recently ordered a one-time limited edition Martha Stewart Living Summer Essentials GLOSSYBOX.  When I first saw that this GLOSSYBOX was for sale, they hadn't revealed what the products included would be (and I didn't realize that they eventually would).  From the description of the box, I was under the impression that it would include products that Martha herself picked as essentials for summer entertaining.  I love Martha.  I was pretty excited.  The purchase of the box ($15 - though I purchased mine for a discount via Ebates) also included a 6 month subscription to Martha Stewart Living, so I found it hard to pass up.

Unfortunately upon receiving the box and discovering the contents, I think the beauty products included were just picked based on a sponsorship with Proctor & Gamble, and not so much Martha Stewart recommended products.  More on that later.

Included with the products was a double-sided card with various tips and picks for summer entertaining.  I thought this was a nice addition; however, none of the information provided was particularly new or insightful for someone who has done any sort of entertaining before.  Perhaps these would be helpful for someone who hasn't done much entertaining in the past...

But I think most folks who have been around the block know about using galvanized tubs as a "functional, fashionable way to serve drinks" or lanterns, tiki torches, and decorative candles as mood lighting.  I was sort of expecting something a little more clever and original.

On top of the three beauty products was a little bonus makeup bag to hold your "essentials."

The first beauty product in the Summer Essentials box is the first of two from Olay.

Olay - 4-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths ($6.99)
These soft textured, fragrance-free cloths for sensitive skin gently cleanse and remove make-up for a fresh clean feeling while conditioning to soothe skin with light Olay moisturizers.

I briefly used some facial cleansing cloths similar to these (perhaps even from Olay) in high school.  I enjoyed the convenience at the time, but haven't used them since.  I really love the Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash, so I don't plan to replace that anytime soon, but these cloths will be nice to have on hand for lazy late nights or for traveling when I don't feel like carrying a big, bulky bottle of face wash.

Olay - Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($9.99)
Help prevent premature skin damage with broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen.  Conditions skin surface with vitamin E and Aloe to maintain healthy-looking skin.  Gentle formula with zinc oxide provides 8 hours of hydration.

I'm a little apprehensive to give this a try as a lot of moisturizers with sunscreen break me out.  I'm really happy with the Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 moisturizer that I've been using the past few months (I got a free 1 oz. tube of it from Sephora on Earth Day a couple of years ago).  If I'm going to wear a sunscreen on my face (i.e. if I'm planning on being outside at all for more than 15 minutes), I really prefer to wear something with at least SPF 25-30, in addition to SPF in my color cosmetics.  I'll probably stick to Origins and COOLA for my facial sunscreen, but this will be a nice lightweight option for my neck, chest and arms on days when I won't be exposed for very long.  This product seems fairly lightweight and quick-absorbing from a little test on the back of my hand.  It's a generous size and at only under $10 for 6 oz. it's certainly budget-friendly.

Pantene Pro-V - Heat Potion Serum ($7.99)
Helps defend against heat damage before it starts, using weightless heat-activated oil.

This heat protective serum is probably the product I'm most excited about trying.  I'm less picky with my haircare than I am with my skin, so I'm more willing to give this a go.  I like that it provides shine and manageability while providing heat protection.  I've been crazy in love with the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Nourishing Styling Treatment (I got a little sample a while back at ULTA and love how silky soft it leaves my locks), so I'm curious to see how this will compare.  I'm definitely ready and willing to purchase the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal once my sample runs out.  At around $22 for a little over 4 oz, I think it's very reasonably priced as that amount will last me ages.

Along with the products were two cards, one with a discount code for 15% off a GLOSSYBOX subscription.  I don't plan to take advantage of that anytime soon as I've been very happy with my decision to cancel my monthly GLOSSYBOX subscription.  Additionally, there was a signup card included to start or renew a subscription of Martha Stewart Living.  I'm a little confused as to whether we need to fill out this card in order to claim the 6 month subscription that was included with the box purchase, or if that subscription is automatically set up after having paid for the box (I'm assuming the latter).

Including the 6 month subscription of Martha Stewart Living (which would be $29.94 if you assume the value of the cover price), the total value of this Summer Essentials box is $54.91.  I personally wouldn't rate the value quite that high since the magazine is easy to purchase at a discounted rate and the Proctor & Gamble products can be purchased on sale with a coupon for easily half the retail price or less.  However, given that I only paid $12.25 for the box after my Ebates discount, I think it was a good deal.  I am still pretty bummed that I feel like GLOSSYBOX was originally a little misleading in their description of the box, implying that it would contain products that Martha herself deemed essentials for summer entertaining.  I haven't been sucked into buying any of the limited edition GLOSSYBOXes in the past, and only really was this time because I'm a big Martha Stewart fan and I figured in the least $12.25 (again, my discounted purchase price) was a pretty good price for a 6 month subscription of Martha Stewart Living.

If you're interested in purchasing this limited edition Martha Stewart Living {Summer Essentials} GLOSSYBOX, it's still up for sale on the GLOSSYBOX website here.