Beauty Pick of the Month – April 2015

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Beauty Pick of the Month – March 2015

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Beauty Pick of the Month – February 2015

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Is it me or has February just flown by! It’s that time of the month again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. February’s showstopper was the super-impressive Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner Pencil which I received in my Birchbox and being a self-confessed eyeliner obsessive, this pencil is a game-changer for me.

I don’t know what it is, but as soon as a new eyeliner lands on my doorstop I am immediately drawn to it mainly because I’m always looking for the ultimate eye popping liner which comes with all of the benefits too such as depth, longevity and a super-creamy texture. Initially I thought I was asking for too much but along came the Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner which changed everything and blew all of my other liners out of the water and yes it really is that impressive!

Cynthia Rowley is more commonly known as a New York Fashion Designer and it was only via Birchbox that I discovered she also had a beauty range.

As well as the pretty polka dot design and the dashing gold and black colour combination, the pencil is smooth, dark and long wearing. It’s true black shade creates striking bold lines and gives big immediate drama thanks to it’s true black pigment.

I’ve really fallen head over heels with this eyeliner and my only sadness is that Birchbox won’t be stocking the black shade but they do have various other colours that are available via the Birchbox Shop for £11.00.

Have you tried the Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner?

Beauty Pick of the Month – January 2015

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It’s that time of the month again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. January’s showstopper was the miraculous wonder serum, HealGel Intensive which I received in my Birchbox and it’s a true skin rescuer in every form.

Subscribing to beauty boxes really pushes me to road test what products work best for my oily and spot prone skin. Prior to this I never really thought about changing my go-to brand despite my skin not responding as well as it use to. Over the last year or so my skin has been breaking out in spots more than usual and along came a sample of the HealGel Intensive from January’s Birchbox which for me is a game changer when it comes to my skincare woes.

HealGel is a brand I’ve heard of previously and it’s collection of products features glowing reviews from bloggers especially the HealGel Intensive and I couldn’t wait to try it out. Although the sample was teeny it surprisingly lasted around ten days which was enough to really get a feel of the product and it’s effectiveness.

HealGel Intensive is a scientifically-designed, multi-purpose, skin rescue gel designed by plastic surgeons and brings an intelligent approach to skincare. HealGel Intensive unites the finest active ingredients to soothe, restore and protect your skin in a light, delicately scented and easily absorbing cooling aqueous gel to restore and protect the areas where it is most needed. As well as it’s super-charged formula this light-weight serum also doubles up as a primer and it’s consistency is perfect for achieving a smooth canvas, my foundation just glides over this.

Although this is a serum type product I use this in the morning without having to use any moisturiser on top. My oily skin literally drinks this up straight away and my skin is left feeling refreshed, soothed and hydrated. It’s also great as an on-the-spot treatment and really helps calm the area as well as aiding the healing process. It also helps to fade any scarring which is something I’ve noticed too whilst using this. The scent of this gel is a great pick me up for the mornings, it’s truly divine with it’s soothing and calming notes. I’ve really fallen head over heels for the HealGel Intensive and it’s a brand which truly delivers on its philosophy. The HealGel Intensive is available via the Birchbox Shop for £37.50 (30ml)

 Have you tried HealGel?
 
For more information about HealGel please visit:
http://www.healgel.co.uk/

Beauty Pick of the Month – December 2014

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Firstly, Happy New Year to all my readers and a huge thank you for making my first year of blogging an amazing one. I’m really looking forward to seeing what 2015 brings us beauty box addicts.

It’s that time of the month again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. This month’s showstopper is the wonderful Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil which I received in my Look Fantastic Beauty Boxit’s done wonders for my skin this month.

If you had asked me to try an oil on my face a few months ago I probably would of run a mile! I’ve always been skeptical about facial oils and was convinced that they would never benefit my oily and spot-prone skin. I automatically assumed that I would end up with an even oilier complexion, giving spots the ideal conditions to spawn!

It was only a few months ago that I introduced oils into my beauty regime having received one especially for oily and combination skin in a previous beauty box. So I took the plunge and haven’t looked back since. I’m just kicking myself for not trying these earlier on as they really do work wonders even for oiliest skin types. It was in fact Mr Ole Henriksen himself who said “Fight oil with oil—it works like a charm”! He wasn’t wrong!

The Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil features a lightweight texture infused with natural citrus aromas and absorbs quickly to soften, condition and moisturise dull and tired skin. It’s infused with Rosehip oil, vitamin C and essential fatty acids which improves your skin’s own natural rejuvenating abilities while the tangerine and lemongrass oils soothe inflammation and minimises pores without a greasy residue.

I’ve recently had a bout of bad skin and turned to this oil, hoping it would restore my skin back to its normal state. I’ve been using this three times a week just before bed and I’ve already noticed an improved difference in my skin. My complexion is much more balanced which has prevented any further breakouts and in the morning it leaves my skin glowing, luminous, and much more happy looking. Any scars from previous blemishes also appear to be more blurred. This miracle worker is a great pick me up, perfect for brightening up dull and problematic skin this winter for even the oiliest and sensitive of skin types.

The Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil retails at £47.00 for a 30ml bottle. Whilst it is quite expensive, a little squirt really does go a long way and could possibly last a few months.

The Ole Henriksen range is available at www.lookfantastic.com

Beauty Pick of the Month – November 2014

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It’s that time again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. This month’s showstopper is the iconic GLAMGLOW YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Mask which I received in my Look Fantastic Beauty Box and it definitely deserves to be in the spotlight. It’s been on my wishlist for quite sometime and I was delighted to see this renowned mask which claims to deliver the most incredible instant results in just one application.

The GLAMGLOW Youth Mud Mask is a performance driven super mask which contains the highest quality ingredients giving exceptional results. It doesn’t just take care of one skin concern, it delivers everything you need for great skin, whatever your skin type from brightening to toning the skin. It delivers both instant and cumulative results and leaves your complexion revived and glowing for 3 days after each application. With its heritage in Hollywood film studios The GLAMGLOW range has acclaimed it’s fame in the UK  too.

We all hope for some form of miracle when it comes to facial beauty products from lustrous flawless skin to instant quick fixes especially now as winter really puts our beauty regime to the test. Having finally road tested this mask it’s truly been my skin saviour this month and has become a firm favourite which delivers every time.

This isn’t your average type of mask as such and whilst it’s clay based it also contains actual green tea leaves and fine grain particles from volcanic pumice rock. The mask has a pleasant green tea scent which reminds me of a perfume by Elizabeth Arden. The texture is thick and spreads easily however the leaves do fall off and leave a little mess on the floor so I would advise applying this in the bathroom!

I simply left this on for around 10 minutes and after a few minutes I could really feel the tingling sensation which is quite bizarre at first but you soon adapt to it. Once the ten minutes were up I wet the mask a little and massaged gently to benefit from the exfoliating grains. The mask is easy to remove and doesn’t leave any unwanted residue on the on the skin.

I wasn’t expecting any miracles and neither was I going to look ten times younger but miraculously my lack-lustrous skin immediately looked brighter, clearer and more radiant. This mask is seriously just wow and whilst the glow didn’t last for three days as per it’s claims my skin looked much healthier and my blemishes looked more blurred. I’ve since purchased the full size tub and have been using this once a week. It’s been three weeks and I’m already noticing an improved difference in my skin. The Glamglow mask really is magic in a tub and it’s a great pick me up for all skin types, perfect for brightening up dull and problematic skin this winter.

My review of November’s Look Fantastic Beauty Box is available here

The Glamglow range can also be purchased via www.lookfantastic.com

Beauty Pick of the Month – October 2014

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Each month I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. This month’s showstopper is the Inika Organic Eye Liner which I received in my Love Lula Beauty Box.  It’s joined my make-up regime this month and I’m truly impressed with the results and it’s incredible formula.

I tend to mainly focus on my eyes when perfecting my desired make-up look whether it’s to brighten the eye area or to create a sexy, sultry smokey eye look, eyeliner is the one staple make-up product which I can’t live without. I always get excited about new liner launches which promise longevity, no smudging and the blackest of black kohl. Unfortunately to date all of the liners I have purchased only fulfilled one or two of these promises that was until I was introduced to the Inika liner in the shade black caviar which not only is certified organic but amazingly ticks all of the boxes for me.

Inika is a 100 percent natural beauty brand incorporating mineral makeup, vegan and organic products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients.

The Inika Eyeliner is a divine, creamy and a true black shade which glides on smoothly and effortlessly creating bold striking lines and it’s blackest of black colour definitely draws attention to the eye area. Not only does this liner make your eye’s pop,  it also stays put with very minimal smudging – goodbye panda eyes! If you’re always on the go like me, this liner also conveniently comes with a complimentary sharpener lid.

I’ve tried a huge selection of  liners ranging from the high street to high end brands and this undoubtedly ranks number one for me. It’s amazing that whilst this doesn’t contain any nasty ingredients it’s much more effective compared to those that are not cruelty free. This gentle formula can also be used for the most sensitive of eyes and It’s a complete steal at £13.50.

My review of October’s Love Lula Beauty Box is available here

The Inika range is available to purchase at www.lovelula.com

Beauty Pick of the Month – September 2014

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Every month I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many Beauty boxes. This month my beauty hero has been the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara which I received in the Glamour Beauty Power List Box by Latest in Beauty.  It’s joined my make-up regime this month and I’m truly impressed.

We all lust for longer, bolder lashes which make a statement,  and if you’re anything like me I’m always on the look out for anything which promises length without the aid of false lashes. Usually I tend to reach out for mascara which promises longer lashes however this volume mascara is full of surprises as it volumises and lengthens in one easy step.

The Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde mascara gives lashes instant 360° volume and its unique brush has spherical bristles to wrap every lash and it’s straight bristles create clump free definition.

Whilst this appears to mainly focus on volume I found that it worked very well in lengthening the lashes too.  Not sure that one second quite does it, but this mascara is great for everyday wear and and applies effortlessly. A few strokes is all it takes to give you flattering results with a great depth of blackness. This could possibly be one of my favourite high street mascara’s.

To see my review of the Glamour Beauty Power List Box please click here

 For more information please visit www.latestinbeauty.com

Beauty Pick of the Month – August 2014

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Every month I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my Beauty Subscription boxes. This month my beauty hero is the Supergoop CC Cream sample which I received in my August Birchbox. It’s literally been my saviour this month and has simplified my make up routine with it’s multitasking properties.

A CC cream for me plays such an important factor in my everyday make-up regime whether it’s to cover imperfections or to simply achieve a flawless look. This CC cream gives you the best of both worlds without being heavy or giving you the dreaded cakey look and at the same time gives you the perfect base for setting the remainder of your make-up.

Supergoop, which is an American brand is a silky, all-in-one sun defense formula which covers imperfections and corrects uneven skin while targeting the signs of aging. Potent antioxidants and triple protection from UVA, UVB and IRA rays minimize the signs of photoaging and inflammation. This velvety cream comes in three self-adjusting shades to suit a variety of skin tones and is suitable for sensitive skin types. Usually products containing SPF doesn’t agree with my skin however this formula did not irritate my skin at all it was very friendly to my skin.

Supergoop strive to formulate products that you and your family actually want to put on: they are lightweight, never greasy or sticky and easily absorb into skin. Supergoop is the first and only prestige skincare brand completely dedicated to sun protection and is endorsed by Maria Sharapova as co-owner and ambassador for suncare as skincare.

I received the shade light to medium which was perfect for my skin tone and magically this CC cream adjusts to match your skin. This blended in very well and covered my imperfections thoroughly. I was pleasantly surprised how light weight this formula felt on my skin. It’s the ideal consistency for the warmer weather and a great alternative to using a full on foundation.

A big thank you to Birchbox this month – I’ve found my CC holy grail in the comfort of my own home and I didn’t even have to leave the house! Having always used a traditional foundation along with the aid of primers and setting sprays/powders, I now have more simplified routine which is effective and definitely saves me time in the morning.

The Supergoop range is available via the Birchbox shop here

Beauty Pick of the Month – July 2014

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Every month I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my Beauty Subscription boxes. This month despite quite a few contenders my much loved product without no doubt was the Whish Three Wishes Lavender Body Butter sample which I received in my July Birchbox and definitely deserves to be in the limelight this month.

There’s a great story behind this brand. A husband who researched his way to bring you Whish which is an American brand. Their products use amazing ingredients and also have a range of scrubs, body washes, shave foams, body butters and self tanning products – a complete head to toe range.  Their product range is also available in other enticing scents too.

The body cream sample I received has a unique triple antioxidant based formula which moisturises, firms and purifies. This fully loaded lotion both softens and soothes the skin while also helping to replenish and firm and came in the scent Lavender. I normally associate Lavender with the older generation and it’s certainly not a scent which I like however this has delightful sweet undertones of organic shea butter and rasberry butter which cancels out most of the Lavender scent making it a much softer and pleasant version.

I fell in love with this cream instantly. It’s nourishing and hydrating properties did wonders on my skin especially after shaving which is when my skin cries out for moisture. The blades on razors really strip your skins natural oils and this body butter has somewhat become my saviour to achieve perfect smooth summer legs.

This new discovery led me along the path to the Birchbox store where I purchased the full sized body butter and whilst there, I noticed the Whish Shave Cream in the same Lavender range so scooped this up too.

Their packaging has a luxurious feel and both products came in robust plastic bottle secured in a cardboard tube. These certainly weren’t your average sized products they were really good sized at 150ml and both came with an airless pump dispenser for the ease of application. Both bottles are transparent which enables you see the amount of product left so you can re-order just in time before any panic kicks in.

The Whish range is available at the Birchbox E-shop here.

Want to subscribe to Birchbox?

Get July’s box for only £10.00 by entering the promo code BBXSUMMER – Offer expires on the 31st July at midnight. Click here to sign up

www.birchbox.co.uk