Latest in Beauty BBB Dream Box 2 Review – November 2014

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Price of the Box is £21.95 including P&P
No of Products in the Box – 18 items
Total Value of contents in the box – £129.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

The long awaited announcement finally hit us on the 17th November and I was certainly delighted and some what relieved to get my hands on the British Beauty Blogger Dream Box 2 after missing out on the first one which was a huge hit. Jane Cunningham (The British Beauty Blogger) and Latest in Beauty joined forces again to bring you a second edition bursting with 18 worthy beauty products with an exceptional value of £129.00. It really isn’t surprising that due to phenomenal demand the website crashed within minutes of it being released and the boxes had to be purchased via a waiting list. Yes Jane Cunningham broke the Latest in Beauty website and it’s no surprise that this box has now sold out.

The BBB Dream Box 2 has all area’s covered from skin loving treats, make up for the party season ahead and some hair and body fixes perfect for tackling the months of winter. The box showcases brands such Ardell, Elizabeth Arden, Ciate, and Essie and many more.

As well as a fabulous line up the box includes a selection of good sized deluxe samples and full sized products personally selected by Jane and is either a long-time favourite of hers or an impressive new discovery.

1.    Ardell Natural Style Demi Wispies – Full Size £5.49

I love false lashes and was happy to see a set from Ardell which is normally the brand I favour over others.

These lashes live up to their name and are are super light, full of length and volume and are perfect for those who want a more natural look that is not too dramatic. They are suitable for any occasion and are subtle enough to wear during the day too.

2.    Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream – Sample Size 15ml worth £4.80

I’m a newbie to the Vichy range so it was great to finally be introduced in the form of their Thermal Light Cream.

This cream combines Vichy Thermal Spa Water and a micro-encapsulated delivery system of Activ Hyaluronine to improve the diffusion of moisture into the surface of the epidermis. The skin feels replenished with water, as if continuously hydrated by misting micro-sprays and claims that skin will be refreshed, velvety soft and free of the sensation of tightness all day long.

The cream has a very light weight texture and being oily skinned this is lighter than others I’ve used which is my preference when it comes to day creams. A tiny amount is needed and it spreads and sinks into the skin within seconds leaving no traces of oiliness on the surface. Dry skin types will love this as the skin literally drinks this up within seconds.

3.   Kerastase Bain Satin 1 and Kerastase Lait Vital – Travel Size 30ml & 20ml worth £3.03

I am a big fan of Keratase and was happy to see that both a shampoo and conditioner from the Nutritive Range was within the box. I received the same set a few month’s ago which are both empty now so was happy to receive another set.

The Nutritive range is specially formulated to meet the needs of normal to slightly dry hair which gently cleanses your hair of dirt, excess oil and product build-up, whilst deeply moisturising and conditioning your hair to restore it back to full health.

These are both great and work well together to tackle rebellious hair like mine, it definitely tamed some of the frizz whilst leaving my hair feeling more nourished and smooth.

4.   Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF15 – Full Size 3.7g £20.00

The renowned Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour range is a true classic which has been around for years and loved by many.

The lip protectant stick moisturises, softens and smooths the lips and provides antioxidant protection with vitamin E. It also has the added bonus of UV protection as well as the same amazing healing and moisturising properties as the Eight Hour range.

When applied this leaves the lips feeling soft and nourished and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. The moisturising formula is great to tackle the elements of winter. I particularly like that this is in the same form as a lipstick as opposed to being within a tub. It’s subtly scented with a citrus scent which is really pleasant too.

5.   Mio Double Buff Dual Action Enzyme Exfoliator – Travel Size 50ml worth £7.66

On first impressions I assumed this was a facial exfoliator and I was pleased to discover that this was for the body.

The Mio Double Buff exfoliator instantly transforms rough, dull skin into skin that’s superbly soft, smooth, radiant and dewy. It claims to soften the skin and hydrate whilst brightening uneven skin tone.

The exfoliator has fine grainy particles which feel gentle on the skin and isn’t abrasive. This has a creamy texture which doesn’t leave an oily film on the surface unlike others I’ve tried. The product is very good sized too at 50ml.

6.   Sleek MakeUP Mini Pout Polish – Sample Size 4.5g worth £2.49

I tried a sleek pout polish a few months ago and I really love their non sticky formula which feels moisturising and keeps the lips amazingly soft.

There were two variants of this pout polish and I received The Show, a pretty subtle pink shade which provides more of a natural sheen which mainly enhances the natural colour and shine of your lips. It also appears that the two shades are exclusive for this box only which is impressive.

7.   LOLA Make Up Ultra Shine Lipstick – Full Size £12.00

There were two variants of shades available in the Lola lipstick and I received Strawberry Fields which is a lovely pink shade. Visually this looks quite vibrant however when applied it isn’t so bright and is ideal for brightening up your winter make-up look. The lipstick has a glossy and a subtle hint of shimmer which gives the lips a radiant flush of colour.

8.  Invisibobble The Traceless Hair Ring – Full Size £3.75

I was delighted to see my all time favourite hair tie The Invisibobble within Jane’s shortlist. I received a pack of these in My You Beauty Discovery box this month and also purchased some more via Latest in Beauty’s build your own box. Whilst I have around five packs I was happy to receive another as back-up. Sometimes the odd one goes missing as the cat seems to pinch these and according to her they make the best toys ever, never to be seen again!

The Invisibobble which is available in various colours is a simply yet effective traceless hair tie which leaves no kinks or marks in your hair. It is also kind to your hair and helps to avoid split ends. I have hair extensions and these are great for keeping my hair tied without any pulling. I tie my hair before I go sleep to ensure my extensions don’t matt and tangle, it does the job perfectly and in the morning the Invisibobble still remains in my hair unlike others which simply just fall out.

9.  Agent Provocateur Fatale – Sample Vial 2ml

The Agent Provocateur Fatale speaks seduction and sexy as soon as you see the packaging. Fatale is a new fragrance and is infused with a striking blend of notes including Madagascan pink pepper, succulent mango and blackcurrant to name a few. I received a sample of this in July and the full size has been on my wishlist ever since.

This smells utterly amazing and has a very sweet scent which is what I normally go for in a perfume and it lasts well too.

10.  Eylure Brow Crayon in Mild Brown – Full Size £6.45

I knew from moment I saw this in Jane’s unboxing video this was going to be way too light for my dark brows which wasn’t really an issue as I have a friend who is a perfect match for this shade.

This soft pencil ensures intense, long lasting colour for the brows and with it’s fine point it’s perfect for filling in, shaping the brows and adding definition.

11.  Le Couvent des Minimes Gardener’s Hand Healer – Travel Size 15ml worth £4.95

Inspired by the Gardinarius, the monk who tended the Convent’s plants, the Gardener’s Hand Healer helps to repair dry and damaged hands and contains skin loving ingredients such as nourishing Shea butter and 7 Beneficial Plants in a rich, emollient cream. This intensive formula acts like an invisible glove to help protect against cracked and chapped skin and is recommended for gardening or DIY

Whilst I’m not green fingered or  a fan of DIY this would be perfect as an intensive night treatment to soothe and nourish the hands.

12. Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Duo – Full Size £7.99

The Bourjois Delice de Poudre is a bronzing and highlighter duo palette which provides a contoured glowing complexion pberfect for rightening dull and lack-lustre skin this winter.

The palette has two chunks of the chocolatey bronzer and two of a shimmery highlighter. The bronzer has a matte finish which gives a natural looking glow, it also works well to sculpt the cheekbones too. The highlighter has a soft shimmer finish which is great for definition and accentuating your facial features.

In line with its chocolate theme this palette has the most delicious chocolate scent to it which literally smells good enough to eat.

13. Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream – Travel Size worth £3.00

Burt’s Bees’ Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream  gives your needy nails a helping hand and nourishes and moisturise nails and cuticles with an intensive, natural treatment.

I was expecting this to be oily but surprisingly it isn’t in the slightest and contains ingredients such as sweet almond oil and Cocoa Seed Butter to moisturise and soften your cuticles along with Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil to nourish brittle nails. It’s also infused with lemon oil which is very potent within the fragrance and smells quite refreshing.

Unlike other cuticle treatments I’ve tried this absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave any traces of oil. I hardly bare my naked nails they are always painted so I look forward to trying this and giving my nails a well deserved break with this nourishing cream.

14. The Body Shop Beautifying Oil – Full Size £9.00

The Beautifying Oils by The Body Shop is a lightweight multitasking oil for your hair, body and face and come in a range of different scents. I received Olive which has a fruity scent which is subtle.

This “dry” beautifying oil promises to banish dry skin, promote a smoother texture and add radiance to skin. As opposed to wetter oils this dry oil absorbs quicker into skin with it’s beautiful, lightly scented fragrance. The oil glides on and leaves the skin soft and feeling nourished.

The oil is very versatile too and can be used in many different ways. I prefer using dry oils after a shower on slightly damp skin as I find it works better then applying directly onto dry skin.

15. Essie Nail Polish – Sample Size worth £2.66

Nothing says Christmas more then sparkly bold nails which stand out and glisten. The Essie glitter nail polish in the shade Toggle to the Top is all things Chrismasy with it’s rich garnet red formula containing tiny specks of glitter and shimmer.

This is quite a unique colour which is truly a stunning. It seems to be quite popular too with the nail addicts.

16. Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil – Deluxe Sample Size worth £20.00

I’ve heard amazing things about the Nude Pro Genius Treatment Oil and with it’s £58 price tag for a full size I was extremely happy to see this deluxe sample inside the box.

This is Nude’s signature product and has 10 carefully-selected, nutritious plant oils. These replenishing oils are rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, and provide essential building blocks for youthful, healthy-looking skin and provides 24-hours of moisture, plumps fine lines and reveals a smoother complexion. You can apply this day and night and can be used alone, before moisturising, or worn under foundation for a smoother application.

I’m thankful that this comes with a dropper applicator as being oil based you only need a little and this ensure there’s no wastage. I’m interested in seeing how my oily skin reacts with this oil.

17. Ciate Lash Lites – Full Size £16.00

Ciate recently launched their new lash lites range this year which was a complete surprise as to you and me they are popularly known for their pretty nail varnish bottles with the iconic black bow. It’s was nice see that they had now ventured out into make up in the form of their vibrant coloured mascara which comes 6 eye popping shades.

I received the shade electric which is a vibrant blue very similar to the Benefit Badgal Mascara but the results are ten times better. I don’t usually opt for any other shade apart from black since my teen days however the pigmentation is very impressive even when applied onto the lashes without any mascara. The colour adds some drama to your make up look and really makes the eyes noticeably more brighter. I will definitely be using this on evenings out.

My Verdict

I’m really wowed with Jane’s picks in collaboration with Latest in Beauty which is another fabulous edit bursting with a wide selection of beauty fixes and delightful treats. There’s also a handful of winter must-haves which will come in very useful during the cold months. It’s amazing how many items have been crammed into this box, 18 products to be exact and I certainly struggled to fit all of the contents into one photo!

The BBB Dream Box 2 has all area’s covered from skin loving treats, make up for the party season ahead and some hair and body fixes perfect for tackling the months of winter. I’m simply blown away by the box and it’s fabulous line up which showcases brands we all know and love and there’s even few new discoveries for me too. All of the products are really good sized with a mixture of deluxe samples and full sized products.

This box is incredible value for money and worth an amazing £129.00 and for only £21.95 it’s such an affordable way to discover brands and products.

As well as the fabulous line up there were also discounts codes included for some of the brands featured  inside the box which is great to redeem against something you loved inside the box.

 Did you manage to get your hands on the BBB Dream Box?

Whilst this has now sold out, Latest in Beauty have other collections available on their website including their newly launched Beauty Christmas Crackers.

www.latestinbeauty.com