ILoveThisBox - April 2012 & Farewell

I was very surprised to find an express post parcel in the mail yesterday as I wasn't expecting anything. On opening it I found it was my replacement April ILoveThisBox.

When my April box originally arrived, I found it only contained one item (a candle) and nothing else. I got in contact with ILoveThisBox that day and they apologised and told me they would send me a replacement.

When the replacement had not arrived two weeks later, I contacted them again. They apologised and due to logistical problems the box had not been sent. They then refunded my payment, I just assumed that was the end of that. Therefore you can understand my surprise at the arrival of April's box.

My April box contained:

• Avado Sensitives Certified Organic Gel Exfoliant - full size $14.99 100ml
• Shanga Mineral Eyeshadow in Petunia - full size $24.95 1g
• haf Mineral Makeup Australia Mineral Eyeshadow in Sunset - 3g sample - full size $16.99 5g
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On the Mauve - full size $16.95
• Just D'Lish Gift Wrap Soap in Tea & Ginger - full size $5.00 100g

Also included was two little solid Red Tulip chocolate eggs (my fave). The card says I should have gotten a mineral blusher or bronzer instead of two eye shadows but I don't mind. I also got a Just D'Lish Soy Wax Candle in Pina Colada in my original box but I have already burnt it. Another great box from ILoveThisBox with great variety and balance in products. Which makes this next part even more disappointing.

On Monday ILoveThisBox sent out an email and announced on Twitter and Facebook that they would be ceasing operations. Below is a quote from the email.

"Due to various reasons, we have decided to shut down the monthly box operation starting this month. I can tell you that it wasn't an easy decision, especially after receiving such a great feedback and support from our subscribers but unfortunately it had to be done. I am sorry for any inconvenience that may have caused by this."

ILoveThisBox is now in the process of refunding any payments that have been made and a box has not been received for. I have already gotten my refund but I understand some people have not. I really appreciate that ILoveThisBox contacted everyone by email as well as social media. I think it is much better that everyone finds out at the same time and it lessens the confusion.

I am sad to see ILoveThisBox go. It was a high quality and reliable box. Each month the box contained products I was happy to receive and use. ILoveThisBox also was known to include full size products regularly.

With the closure of ILoveThisBox and the take over of GlossyBox, the Australian sample box market has gotten considerably smaller. Only LustHaveIt, BellaBox and BeautyBasket are left. The pressure is on the remaining companies to provide good quality boxes. 

Were you a ILoveThisBox subscriber? Are you disappointed to see them shut down? Which boxes are you subscribed too?