Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – October 2014

IMG_5971[1]

image

image

IMG_5964[1]

IMG_5974[1]

IMG_5959[1]

IMG_5958[1]

IMG_6213[1]

Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7
www.lookfantastic.com

After the success and the great response of the first ever Look Fantastic Beauty Box which flew off shelf within 24 hours I couldn’t wait to unveil the October 2014 edition which is now available to purchase via their website.

 Look Fantastic have taken the plunge and bring you their very own monthly beauty box.  Known for providing all things beauty from A-Z via their website if anyone could successfully pull this off it’s certainly them being experts in this trade already. With  over 14,000 products online from more than 400 brands across hair, make up, skin care, nails, electrical, fragrance, health , home and organic it was inevitable that this beauty box was going to deliver and be a hit as soon as it landed. Really isn’t a surprise that these continually sell out when launched.

The box offers a selection of handpicked, must have beauty fixes wrapped in a beautifully presented box and delivered straight to your door. The beauty box will always include a minimum of six products and offers a selection of skin, hair, cosmetic and body products, catering to every kind of beauty lover.

This month’s box is filled with 7 beauty items which have been carefully selected and showcases well known and high end brands such as L’Oreal Professional, Gatineau, Balance Me, This Works, Korres and KMS California.

1.    L’Oreal Proffesional Serie Expert Pro-Keratin Refill Shampoo and Masque – Sample Size 100ml and 75ml
My first up market shampoo and conditioner purchase came from the L’Oreal Professional range many years ago whilst at the hairdressers. I’m happy to be re-introduced to the brand in the form of two very good sized products from the Serie Expert Pro-Keratin Refill collection.
The shampoo is designed to help revive weak damaged hair and includes strengthening ingredients such as Pro-Keratin and Incell which not only protects against external aggressors but claims to leave your hair gleaming and up to 70% more resistant to breakage.
The intensely nourishing hair masque is also from the same range and is designed to specifically treat weak, damaged hair, this masque works to deeply nourish and condition, leaving your hair strong and super soft.
I’ve abused my hair with heat styling tools for years which has resulted in my hair becoming thin, brittle and dry.  I can’t wait to try this duo, both of which target my hair concerns.

2.   KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry  –  Sample Size 75ml. Full Size 200ml RRP £11.45

I’m a newbie to the KMS California range and excited to have received a blow dry spray as I struggle each week trying to tame my unruly frizzy hair which doesn’t want to behave. It can take up to 1 hour trying to get some what of a perfect blow dry even though it never comes out the same when you visit the hairdressers!

This spray claims to speed up drying time by up to 50%  and is formulated to reduce friction whilst still conditioning hair and leave locks looking and feeling soft, smooth and in control. It’s also a heat protector too which is an added bonus.

I’m always in a hurry in the morning which means getting up at ridiculous o’clock when it’s hair washing day . If this cut’s my blow drying time even by 15 minutes I will be extremely happy.

3. Balance Me Facial Expression Filler –  Full Size 15ml . RRP £22.00

I’m a big fan of Balance Me and their philosophy which uses innovative naturally active botanicals, hi-tech natural formulations and pure grade essential oils powerful botanicals to deliver an all natural aromatherapy skincare range.

Claiming to be every woman’s saviour, this Facial Expression Filler from Balance Me works to firm, lift and refine the skin to give you a youthful look. Boasting an active concentrate of Rose, Frankincense and Bergamot this serum targets the visible signs of ageing with fast results. With Accacia gum and Acmella Oleracea plant extract to soothe and relax contracted muscles combined with super hydrating Hyraluronic Acid to plump and smooth, your skin will be left feeling softer than ever, with added firmness and a younger complexion.

This comes as an impressive full sized product retailing for £22.00 which beats the cost of the box alone.

4. This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray – Sample Size 5ml. Full Size 75ml RRP £25.00

September’s Look Fantastic Box featured a sleep pillow spray and this month it’s made another appearance but it’s a brand new edition which has been recently launched by This Works. This act’s faster then the original spray and aims to help you wake up and feel refreshed.

This spray is a fast acting natural remedy to help restore healthy sleep patterns for restless sleepers and is clinically proven to provide a better night’s sleep. It contains a potent blend of Lavender which naturally encapsulates to gradually release aromatherapeutic benefits as you sleep. This edition has more of a lavender fragrance and does smell a little medicinal.

I must admit I generally don’t have a problem falling asleep. I wish I could say the same about getting up in the morning! I’m not a morning person at the best of times and my snooze button will definitely agree. It will be interesting to see if this works any miracles for me.

5. Korres Citrus Shower Gel – Sample Size 50ml. Full Size 250ml RRP £8.00

I received a sample of the Korres Body lotion from the same citrus range at the beginning of the year and was pleased to see a shower gel as opposed to the latter.

The Korres Citrus Shower Gel surrounds you with an uplifting, clean and fresh aroma and has a creamy-foam texture to leave your skin soft and hydrated and containing vitamin C and E, zinc and anti-oxidant enzymes to enhance the skin’s immune system, this is due to active aloe’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps reduce the visible signs of ageing.

The citrus scent is pretty absent from this shower gel as it’s very subtle and you can just about smell the zesty notes after a few sniffs. The formula itself lathers up pretty well and is dermatologically tested and free from mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol and ethanolamine.

6. Gatineau Paris Collagene Expert Ultimate Skin Soothing Cream – Sample Size 15ml. Full Size RRP £54.19

As the name suggests, Gatineau was founded in France and is a leading French skincare brand which offers a wide range of high performance products based on proven technology.

This cream has high concentrates of collagen and elastin which helps correct the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin texture. It’s contains ingredient’s such as Tri-Collegen complex and Hyaluronic Acid for a smooth and plumped complexion.

My Verdict

After the huge success of last month’s box,  Look Fantastic have pulled it out of the bag again and have delivered another well curated box which has a great balance of products featuring well known brands and a couple of new discoveries for me.

The October box features an amazing line up and showcases well known and popular brands such as L’Oreal Professional, Gatineau, Balance Me, This Works, Korres and KMS.

In my opinion the quality, the presentation and the product selection throughout their boxes remains to be consistently great and focuses mainly on medium to high end brands. The samples sizes are very good sized (more travel sized) and this month’s edition included an incredible 7 products,  1 of which is a full sized product from Balance Me. I think sometimes people forget that the sole purpose of these boxes are  to enable you to trial products before you buy.

If you subscribe to a few boxes already you will know that a lot of the products seem to make their rounds from box to box. I’ve not seen any of these products in the other boxes making this box quite unique and different.

 It’s certainly a nice monthly treat to receive through your letter box and having had a couple of tasters I think it’s safe to say that Look Fantastic certainly know the concept of a beauty box.

For only £15.00 it’s a great way to discover new brands and products.

The October Look Fantastic Box is available now at:

http://www.lookfantastic.com

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – October 2014

8896b9e6-5588-43aa-850c-15985544e49a

Here’s a sneak peek at October’s You Beauty Discovery selection menu which will be available on the 1st October at 7am.

October’s theme is Handbag Heroes and features a great selection of products ranging from make-up to skincare.

I use to enjoy staying up and choosing my products however You Beauty Discovery have changed the process and the new selection menu will now be available from 7am as of the 1st October.

Subscribers have the option to choose two products of their choice and as a bonus 2-4 extra samples are thrown in too by You Beauty Discovery. A complete steal for only £6.95 a month.

Items in the selection menu include:

• Paul Mitchell® – Fast Form® (25ml)

• Lalique – Nilang Fragrance (4.5ml)

• Wild About Beauty – Power Eyeshadow (2.5g – shade my vary)

• Crystal Clear – Intense Anti-Ageing Serum (30ml)

• Illamasqua – Glamore Lipstick (4g)

• MeMeMe – Cherrubs Blush Cheek & Lip Tint (12ml)

• Spiezia Organics – Facial Cleanser (10ml)

• Murad – AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (30ml)

• Melvita – Youthful Day Cream (10ml)

• Crabtree & Evelyn – Nail Lacquer (15ml – shade may vary)

Plus, each box will include a GOLD COLLAGEN® Forte (50ml) and a Cowshed
Perfecting Night Serum (2ml).

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Memebox #51 My Cute Wishlist 2 Review – September 2014

image

image

image

image

image

Memebox #51 My Cute Wishlist 2
Price of the Box is $29.99 including shipping approx £18.29
No of Products in the Box – 6 items
Total value of contents in the box – £51.18
http://us.memebox.com/memebox-global

After the success and the great response from the first edition of My Cute Wishlist, Memebox released another 3 and this is the 2nd in the series. I’m a pushover when it comes to cute beauty products whether it be the packaging or the contents within,  my purse is at the ready. When this was launched I wasted no time in purchasing it and was hoping that it would be as good as the first or even better. Unfortunately despite my high expectations this box didn’t even come close in contending with the first. Whilst I’m not disappointed with the products it’s more the lack of cuteness within the box.

 Memebox is a rapidly-growing, leading e-commerce beauty retailer born in Seoul, currently headquartered in San Francisco, California and provide Korean Beauty Boxes.

They offer a huge range of different themed beauty boxes which caters for everyone’s needs and likes and the good news is they ship to the UK and other parts of the world for only $6.99. These are not monthly subscription boxes and are available to buy as one offs. They sell out very quickly so you do need to be supersonic. The contents within these boxes are a complete surprise and only one item spoiler gets released prior to shipping which is an aspect I like about Memebox.

This box includes 6 full sized products and mainly focuses on skincare and make up

1. Sally’s Box Friendly Berry Berry Lip Patch – Full Size RRP £1.82

These lip patches are making a regular appearance this month and I’ve received another one this month.

Shaped as a lip this cute patch is an intense moisture treatment and is infused with various berry extracts which are rich in Vitamin C.

I finally managed to try this over the weekend. The texture is very jelly like and slimy to the touch and due to this,  the patch did slide off a few times! Once on it does feel refreshing and my lips did feel softer. This would be the perfect companion when applying a face mask.

2. It’s Skin Babyface Petit Blusher  – Full Size RRP £4.26

Enclosed within this charming container is a blusher along with a cute powder puff. There were 4 colours available in this blush and luckily I received the baby pink which is the shade I was hoping for.

This matte pink blusher is very subtle and great for achieving a no make up make up look. It did take a couple of sweeps for a visible result and I preferred using a brush as opposed to the powder puff. It’s the perfect size to pop into your make-up bag too.

3. RoseMine Perfumed Hand Cream – Full Size 60ml RRP £7.31

I’m a big fan of hand creams and always welcome them despite having a ridiculous amount already. The floral packaging fits in with the cute theme and looks very familiar to the Cath Kidston design.

The RoseMine Hand Cream has an emollient formula to deeply nourish the hands and nails. It’s enriched with shea butter, rose water, argan oil and mango seed butter making it pleasantly scented.

4. Evas Vitamin Cleansing Dessert – Full Size 130g RRP £10.97

This is the first product out of two which baffled me as I don’t really see any cuteness apart from the box. This would of been more suited to the dessert box which was released earlier this month.

There are 3 different types of cleansers available and I received Berry Mix. The Vitamin Cleansing Dessert removes make up and impurities to give you the ultimate clean feeling. The micro bubbles penetrate deep into the pores to extract blackheads, whiteheads and all acne-causing bacteria to achieve flawless skin. This smells deliciously yummy and it’s suitable for my oily skin type.  I look forward to trying.

5. SaintPeau Collagen Pudding Sleeping Pack – Full Size 100g RRP £21.95

Another item which made the shortlist and whilst the packaging has a cute little piggy advertising the product I’m not sure how this made it into the box.

The SaintPeau overnight face mask is infused with 52% natural collagen to give you radiant youth looking skin. The texture of this mask is like a jelly and claims to fill in fine lines and wrinkles and delivers deep nourishment to the skin to slow down the aging process.

Whilst this sounds like a miracle worker I’m not quite there yet when it comes to anti-aging products and will be passing this on to someone who can make use out of it.

6. The Yeon Style Y Fruity Swirl Lip Balm – Full Size RRP £4.87

Last up is the fruity swirl lip balm and out of the three types which were available I received Lime twist.

The green and yellow colours  gives the impression that this is going to have a citrus fragrance and surprisingly it doesn’t, it’s more of a watermelon scent which has sweet notes. It’s infused with jojoba oil which moisturises and locks in hydration with no signs of stickiness.

My Verdict

In my opinion this edition was a little bit of a let down, It came in a smaller box meaning fewer products and I’m some what baffled how a couple of the products made the shortlist as I don’t feel that they fitted in with the cute theme or stood out unlike the first box which was spot on. I think we got hugely spoilt with the first edition and it was definitely going to be difficult to compete with it.

Despite being disappointed with the shortlist and the lack of eye catching products I’m quite happy with the products I received, all of which will be used apart from the collagen mask.

The box itself came well packaged in a robust padded envelope and I can confirm that no custom charges were incurred.

What makes Memebox very different is the variety and choice of beauty boxes which they offer their customers as a one off purchase. They release a huge amount of boxes throughout the year and will simply leave you spoilt for choice. They don’t release any spoilers prior to shipping so it’s a complete surprise when you receive it.

The information about the products and how to apply them is in English on a card enclosed inside of the box so you won’t be lost in translation.

Memebox enables me to discover Korean beauty products which are not available here in the UK and their boxes definitely give you an opportunity to try out the latest beauty trends in Korea .

The contents within this box is worth £51.18 and the cost of the box including shipping works out to be around £18.29. It’s a small price to pay to discover these hidden gems. No silly little samples in this box!

Want to discover Memebox?

Get $5 off with my promo code 3LVG. Offer expires on the 31st October 2014.

http://us.memebox.com/

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Selfridges Laura Mercier Beauty Box – September 2014

LMBOX

Discover Laura Mercier for £35.00 with this hand-picked selection of Laura’s most iconic products for you to indulge in. In celebration of the brand new counter at the Selfridges Oxford Street store, the Sampling Box contains:

1. Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01

2. Lip Glace in Bare Baby

3. Cheek Colour Brush

4. Verbena Infusion Gel Body Moisture

5. Foundation Primer

6. Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 in Nude

7. Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara in Black

8. Laura Mercier Cosmetics Bag.

There’s a good mix of products inside this box to give you a great introduction to the Laura Mercier brand. I am so tempted!

For more information please visit:

www.selfridges.com

My Little Box Review – September 2014

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

My Little Parisienne Box (September Edition)
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 6 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

I’m so excited to welcome the first UK edition of the September 2014 My Little Box. Since my unveiling of their previous box a few weeks ago I was truly impressed by everything which this box had to offer from the chic and cute presentation to the carefully selected products within the box.

I must admit I did have a sneaky peek at this month’s box and subscribed around two weeks ago and whilst it’s a bit late as we near the end of September I’ve definitely saved the best until last.

This box offers something very different compared to the other boxes and if their previous boxes are anything to go by you will certainly not be disappointed. It’s definitely a showstopper and one which is beautifully composed with their very own in-house illustrator Kanako.

My Little Box is a hand-picked and beautifully designed box of beauty, fashion and lifestyle surprises. With fashion accessories, beauty products and other goodies created exclusively for you and based around a different theme every month, each box promises to delight their subscribers. They also produce their in house beauty products known as My Little Beauty.

This month’s theme, My Little Parisienne Box fits in perfectly with the first UK edition. The box contains 6 items and includes a mixture of beauty products which is contained within a charming draw string bag and within the box is also a few lifestyle items.

1. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- Travel Size 30ml RRP £19.00

Laura Mercier has been busy this month as this is the second offering I have received of this primer, not that I’m complaining as I now have two which will last for the remainder of the year if not longer.

This foundation primer is oil free  and creates the perfect canvas for makeup application, especially for those with sensitive and oily skin. The soothing, lightweight, water based gel forms an even, invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements, expertly holding foundation for longer wear and keeping cosmetics from being absorbed into the skin.

I use this primer religiously as a base before applying my foundation. If you have oily/combination skin it’s the perfect formula as it’s very light weight and doesn’t feel greasy. Whilst on, this definitely works hand in hand with the foundation and controls any oil production on the surface of the skin and creates a smooth canvas which keep’s my foundation looking great and flawless all day.

2. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil – Sample Size RRP £3.66

The brand Nuxe was born in Paris in 1990 and created by a graduate of the Paris Institute of Political Studies and holder of an MBA in Marketing & Finance, Aliza Jabès, an inspired female entrepreneur.

Nuxe’s philosophy is “Beauty by Nature” offering a unique combination of nature, performance and sensuality with high-quality, efficient products

Whilst I’ve heard of this brand I’ve not had the opportunity to try any of the Nuxe range and was happy to be introduced in the form of their award winning and cult favourite the Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil.

This luxurious multi-purpose dry oil is made using six precious plant oils (Macadamia, Hazelnut, Borrage, Almond, Camellia and St. John’s Wort), and nourishes, repairs and softens skin and hair.

When applied it doesn’t feel greasy or oily, it goes on soft and smells divine pretty much like a field full of flowers in the Summer.

For more information on Nuxe please visit https://uk.nuxe.com/

3.  My Little Beauty Stylo Lumiere Pen  – Full Size RRP £11.00

I think it’s pretty amazing that My Little Box also have their own beauty range which is called My Little Beauty.

This brush applicator pen is a complexion brightening product to give your skin an instant glow. The velvety texture is perfect for foundation fixes and can also be used as an eye shadow primer or as a boaster to brighten the complexion. If that’s not enough it’s waterproof too!

4. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included 3 lifestyle items which finished the box off perfectly.

First up is  My Little Carnet which is a note book and on the first few pages is an introduction to My Little Box and their story which is really informative and gives you a good feel of the company.

Up next is a chic designed laptop case by their very own in-house illustrator Kanako. Unfortunately this didn’t fit my laptop despite trying to to squeeze it in a few times. Someone mentioned that this could be used as a hot water bottle cover which is a great idea so not all is lost!

Lastly is a pack of Parisienne themed stickers and these can be stuck onto your fridge, computer, phone or on a note book, the possibilities are endless!

 My Verdict

I’m extremely happy with the first UK edition of My Little Box. I find it amazing how so much love and passion has gone into this box from the attention to detail, the design and the contents. Their warming welcome was also was a lovely touch and certainly made you feel part of the My Little Box family.

As soon as I opened the box it spelt out quality, class and all things chic. The attention to detail is very intricate and delicate and it’s certainly evident that a lot of effort and planning has gone into delivering the UK version.  It’s uniqueness definitely stands out from the others and their presentation is the prettiest I’ve seen. My Little Box is full of charm and I love the surprise aspect as they do not release any spoilers. This is certainly a box I won’t be getting bored of!

Unfortunately the My Little World Magazine wasn’t available this month but it will be inside the box from October.

I can’t wait for next month’s edition.

For more information or to subscribe to My Little Box please visit:

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

New Memebox Arrivals – September 2014

MMBXSEPT-1

Memebox have released a variety of new boxes and the one which I’m really excited about is the Etude House Edition which will be released this afternoon along with Beauty 911.

If the above don’t take your fancy, the boxes below are also available. Unfortunately My Cute Wish List 4 sold out as soon as it hit the website.

Use the promo code WN8i for $5 off your order (Expires on the 30th September 2014)
http://us.memebox.com/

MMBXSEPT-2

The BB Bag 2 by Beauteque Review – September 2014

IMG_5150[1]

IMG_5144[1]

IMG_5154[1]

IMG_5148[1]

IMG_5153[1]

The BB Bag 2
Price – $30.00 including shipping approx £18.29
No of Products  – 6 items
Total value of contents  – £44.41
http://www.beauteque.com/

This may not look like a beauty box in appearance but in theory this has the exact concept and feel and comes presented in a pretty pink make up bag as opposed to a box . Welcome to the September 2014 edition of the BB Bag by Beauteque.

Beauteque in a nutshell is two words, beauty and boutique and they are an online retailer specialising in Korean Beauty products. The products that they offer are unique high end products that aren’t readily available in the UK and and to name a few, they showcase brands such as Etude House, Mizon, Tony Moly, and Lioele.

The BB Bag, known as the Beauteque Bag which at the moment is released bi-monthly is a beauty bag which contains 5-6 Korean beauty products and they ship to the UK and other parts of the world too. The good news is they are planning to launch their BB Bag on a monthly basis from January 2015.

The BB Bag 2 is the second edition which has been released and is worth around $85 (£44.41) in value this month with 6 full sized products. September’s bag also has a little twist as you can pick 3 products of your choice.

1. Skin Food – Real Eyelashes Daily No. 1- Full Size RRP £3.04

Out of the three options available I opted for the daily type of lashes.

The individual lashes are layered across one another and are flair out towards the end which is different to the lashes I currently own. The way these are structured are great for evenings out as opposed to daily wear. These would certainly be way too glamorous for the day!

2. Holika Holika Acerola Cleansing Foam – Full Size RRP £3.66

There were three options available in this cleanser depending on your skin type and I received Acerola.
Acerola achieves vibrant skin that appears full of vitamins!  The rich multifruit BSC, amino acids and vitamin of acerola have anti-aging effects to re-energize fatigued skin. This is a foam cleanser that creates vibrant, supple skin.

3.  It’s SKIN Mini tint gloss – Full Size 8g RRP £2.38

There were 3 colours available in the lip gloss tint and I opted for the pink being a fan of all things pink.

This teeny lip tint gloss moisturises and adds a sheer tint of natural colour which is very subtle. The scent is incredibly fruity too!

4. The Face Shop Modeling Patch Cherry Cherry Lips – Full Size RRP £3.35

I’ve seen these super cute lip patches appear in various Korean boxes and was happy to finally be in possession of one.

The patch is applied for 20 minutes and it’s aim is to make the lips soft and plump. Inside the patch contains soft jelly which is made with cranberry extract to nourish, moisturise and keep the lips hydrated.

5. Beauteque Minerals Exfoliating Brush  – Full Size RRP £21.00

This cute travel-sized brush is a nice addition to the BB Bag and to the touch, is the softest facial brush I have come across. The brush is very gentle on the skin making it suitable for all skin types.

The brush is certainly a showstopper and it’s my favourite within the bag. I can’t wait to add this brush to my cleansing routine but in the meantime I’m happy to just admire it!

6. Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream – Full Size RRP £10.98

Whilst snails are a delicacy in the France it appears to have hit the beauty industry like a storm and has been hailed as the latest beauty wonder product promising great skin benefits.

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream is a cult favorite from Korea. This multi-tasking, lightweight moisturiser is formulated with 74% snail extract which is cruelty free and an all-natural way to get soft, rejuvenated skin. This fast-absorbing gel sinks in quickly for hydrated, clear skin with improved vitality.

 My Verdict

This is my first introduction to the BB Bag and in my opinion they have selected a good variety of products from skincare to make-up from well known Korean brands. I like that I was able to customise a few options and the remainder was a complete mystery. It was also nice that the contents came enclosed within a make up bag instead of a box.

Inside the box is also a product card which is in English so you won’t be lost in translation!

The entire contents within the BB Bag are all full sized and has a value of  £44.41 beating the cost of the box which works out around £18.29 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover these hidden gems and there no silly little samples in sight!

I look forward to seeing the next edition of the BB Bag which will be released in November 2014.

For more information or to purchase the BB Bag 2 please visit
www.beauteque.com

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Love Me Beauty Box Review – September 2014

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 4
Total value of contents in the box £20.50
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

September 2014 see’s the arrival of a new revolution which has finally landed at Love Me Beauty despite the many teething problems since the launch it’s finally up and running. Not only have they had a complete brand revamp they have also abolished their selection menu’s and replaced it with a concept which is personalised by you. Whilst it’s great you can curate your own box I really miss the old menu’s. It’s been a rocky road since the go live but just when I think I have finally got to grips with the new Love Me Beauty I receive my box and find an eye liner pen as opposed to the Mascara which I chose. After getting in touch with Love Me Beauty they will be sending me the mascara.

Each month starting from now their monthly subscription is worth 6 credits and you simply chose the items you want inside your box from a  selection of products ranging from hair, body, nails, skincare and make-up. Most of the items are either 1 or 2 credits and some have already flew off the shelf. For information on how the new concept works please visit their website.

The box came packaged in a standard box with the new Love Me Beauty logo and inside was a draw string bag with the contents. Unfortunately the new re-vamped box will not be available until October. Inside is also a welcome card but there was no information cards about the products unlike before.

The box also lacks substance and doesn’t have the same feel as previously. I would of liked to have seen a lifestyle product or some sachet samples thrown in as a bonus which would of made the box complete in my opinion.

Having a good browse on their Boutique which featured some new and old products from previous boxes I opted for practical items this month. My pickings included 4 full sized products.

1.    Anatomicals New York London Paris Body Cleanser – Full Size 300ml RRP £3.00

I was introduced to this brand at the beginning of the year and loved their bizarre tongue in cheek statements and their vibrant colours on their packaging. I love trying new bath products and this sounded right up my street.

This is infused with an invigorating mix of fruit extracts including blueberries and raspberries leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed with a fresh and fruity scent.

2.   Anatomicals Cruisin’ For A Snoozin’ Sleep Balm  –  Full Size RRP £3.50

Whilst browsing the boutique I came across this bright blue tub and the name Cruisin’ For A Snoozin’ grabbed my attention straight away.

The soothing Sleep Balm by Anatomicals is enriched with beeswax, lavender and lemon oils and has the most potent effect on promoting sleep with this natural remedy.

I don’t suffer from Insomnia and usually fall asleep pretty quick especially during the working week however I adore scents which help to calm and clear the mind and it’s the perfect size to sit on the bedside table.

3.  The Vintage Cosmetic Company Gracie Lashes – Full Size RRP £6.00

I received the same lashes in a previous Love Me Beauty edition this year and fell in love with these natural looking lashes instantly.

They are easy to apply and come with adhesive inside the pack and can be worn during the day. They are amazingly light weight and you can’t even feel that they are on.

4. Oriflame The ONE Eye Liner Stylo – Full Size  RRP £8.00

Unfortunately I got sent this eye liner pen by mistake as opposed to the mascara which I chose and for hygiene purposes I was unable to try this as Love Me Beauty wanted me to send this back to them in return for my correct item.

I will update my post once I have received the mascara.

 My Verdict

A taster of the first Love Me Beauty Box since their revolutionary launch and whilst I am happy with my selections I hope next month see’s the release of some new exciting products and hope the process is much smoother compared to this month.

The box came packaged in a standard box with the new Love Me Beauty logo and inside was a draw string bag with the contents. Unfortunately the new re-vamped box will not be available until October. Inside is also a welcome card but there was no information cards about the products unlike before.

I felt that the box also lacked substance and doesn’t have the same feel as previously. I would of liked to have seen a lifestyle product or some sachet samples thrown in as a bonus which would of made the box complete in my opinion. Whilst it’s great you can curate your own box I really miss the old menu’s however this concept will ensure that you make the most out of the products you have selected. There’s nothing worse then receiving a product which isn’t suitable for you.

My box is worth £20.50 beating the cost of the box which has now increased to £13.95 including P&P.

Want to sign up to the new Love Me Beauty Revolution?

Use my code VQ2CX8 at the checkout for 1 free credit when you sign up (credit will be awarded on your second box)

www.lovemebeauty.com

The Glamour Beauty Power List Box by Latest in Beauty Review – September 2014

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Price of the Box is £15.99 including P&P
No of Products in the Box – 7 items
Total Value of contents in the box – over £80.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

Do you remember the fabulous Latest in Beauty Glamour Edit Box? It may appear to be a distant memory but the good news is Latest in Beauty have recently launched the Glamour Beauty Power List Box in collaboration with Alessandra Steinhurr – Beauty Director of Glamour Magazine. I’m a big fan of the Glamour editions and this box has been specially curated to showcase the 7 beauty heroes that made it into the The Glamour Beauty Power List 2014.

Latest in Beauty, known for their exceptional collection of themed beauty boxes offer something for everyone’s likes and needs whether you’re a beauty novice or an enthusiast these boxes are great for discovering brands and products at such an affordable price. These are one off purchases and no subscription is required. There’s no hidden surprises and you are fully informed as to what’s included inside the box. Once you’ve had a taster of these beauty boxes you will soon be eagerly awaiting for the next box to be released.

The box features an incredible line up and features well known brands such as Liz Earle, Eyeko, Philip Kingsley, Laura Mercier, James Read, Bourjois and Maybelline. It really isn’t surprising that the product’s chosen made the Glamour Power List 2014.

1.    James Reed Sleep Mask Tan – Sample Size 25ml RRP £27.00

As Summer draws to a close and with the temperature cooling down the chances of getting a glowing tan is pretty slim.  I always welcome self tanning products this time of year to achieve the perfect natural golden glow.

The James Reed Sleep Mask Tan offers an overnight tanning treatment in the form of a lovely light weight serum. Being the first of it’s kind to hit the industry, the lightweight formula contains skincare essentials that include aloe vera, cucumber, hyaluronic acid and red algae to moisturise the skin overnight. The self-tan ingredients guarantees a subtle golden glow by morning.

I was slightly dubious about this mask mainly because what if the developing colour was too dark for my face?  I had images of an orange face and a pale coloured body! Intrigued by the whole concept I took the plunge on Friday evening as I wasn’t going out on Saturday.

I applied a small amount of the colourless formula to my face before going to sleep and in the morning there was no  trace of the product on my pillow. To my amazement this mask gave a nice healthy glow which didn’t look artificial or too tanned. I love this revolutionary tanning product and it’s completely fool proof!

2.   Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser  –  Sample Size  30ml  RRP £22.20

I’m no stranger to this beauty hero which has won 100 Beauty Awards! I received a sample from a previous box and instantly fell in love.

This world-renowned two-part skincare system has a major cult following. It gently remove all traces of dirt, grime, and make-up including waterproof mascara and eyeliner but when used with the ingenious 100% cotton muslin cloth – it also sweeps away dulling dead skin cells for a gorgeous glow. Plus the moisturising cocoa butter and two of nature’s best astringents – eucalyptus essential oil and rosemary lifts dirt off the skin’s surface without disrupting the natural barrier function.

This miraculously makes my skin feel refreshed, cleaner and moisturised. It’s suitable for all skin types and the muslin cloth gives the perfect finish.

3. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense – Sample Size 60ml

I was introduced to the iconic Philip Kingsley Elastizer last month and seeing another product from the collection is great in the form of a Daily Damage Defense Spray.

This award winning anti-breakage, heat protecting conditioning spray is for all hair types. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence not only offers protection from daily environmental wear, such as UV rays and heated styling aids, but also instantly boosts your hair’s overall condition, manageability and shine.

I am constantly using heat styling tools on my hair and whilst these have completely damaged my hair I tend to stay away from using too many products on my hair before blow drying including heat protector sprays. However this rescue remedy is a conditioner, detangler and a heat protector all in one which makes me more inclined to use it.

This smells great and doesn’t weigh the hair down. My hair certainly felt softer and I’m happy that my hair has some protection now against the heat.

4. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Travel Size 30ml  RRP £19.00

I was so pleased to see this primer as I am nearing the end of one which I already own.

This foundation primer is oil free  and creates the perfect canvas for makeup application, especially for those with sensitive and oily skin. This soothing, lightweight, water based gel forms an even, invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements, expertly holding foundation for longer wear and keeping cosmetics from being absorbed into the skin.

I use this primer religiously as a base before applying my foundation. If you have oily/combination skin it’s the perfect formula as it’s very light weigh and doesn’t feel greasy. Whilst on this definitely works hand in hand with the foundation and controls any oil production on the surface of the skin. This creates a smooth canvas which keep’s my foundation looking great and flawless all day.

5. Eyeko Eye Makeup Remover Wipes – Full Size 10 wipes in a pack. RRP £6.00

The Eyeko 100% pure cotton wipes remove all traces of even the smokiest eye make-up gently, quickly and efficiently. Infused with a botanical blend such Olive Oil and Aloe Extract to condition and soothe the delicate eye area.

I love all of forms of beauty wipes mainly because they are great for when you are on the go. I tend to stick to the conventional cotton wool pad drenched in make up remover and was happy to see this alternative. My cleansing regime mainly focuses of the removal of eye make up and no matter how many times I wipe there are still small traces of mascara left on the lashes.

The wipes are quite thick and very moist and it literally takes a couple of sweeps to remove all traces of your eye make up. I used both sides of one wipe for both eyes which worked effectively. I’m really impressed with these but it’s pretty pricey for a pack of 10 wipes which retails at £6.00.

6. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara – Full Size 12ml. RRP £9.99

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

I usually seek more length as opposed to volume when it comes to a mascara however I was intrigued by their 1 second statement.

The brush is fantastic and separates the lashes perfectly without any clumping, The depth of the black is wonderful and really gives the lashes a fuller effect. 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 nonetheless, I am really happy with the results.

7. Maybelline Stripped Nudes by COLORsensational – Full Size RRP £6.99

Oh no! The dreaded nude lipstick…

Maybelline have release a collection of creamy nude tone lipsticks which offer full Coverage and naked intensity True, naked pigments for flesh-tone colours. I received the shade Sultry Sand.

I’m not a fan of naked nude toned lipsticks as my pale skin simply can’t pull off the shade. These do have a great pop of colour and the lipstick itself is moisturising and feels great on the lips.

8. GLAMOUR Magazine Subscription for iPad/iPhone

As a bonus within the box sees the inclusion of an annual digital subscription for Glamour Magazine which can be installed onto your Ipad or Iphone and it expires right up until November 2015 which is incredible. I love this extra treat and can’t wait to relax and have a read of this month’s Glamour Magazine.

My Verdict

Latest in Beauty have delivered a superb box once again with the incredible Glamour Beauty Power List Box in collaboration with Alessandra Steinhurr – Beauty Director of Glamour Magazine. I’m a big fan of the Glamour editions and this box has been specially curated to showcase the 7 beauty hero’s that made it into the The Glamour Beauty Power List 2014.

The box features an incredible line up and features well known brands such as Liz Earle, Eyeko, Philip Kingsley, Laura Mercier, James Read, Bourjois and Maybelline. I’ve discovered a great selection of beauty hero’s and it really isn’t surprising that these product’s made it into the Beauty Power List 2014.

The contents within this box is worth around £80.00 which is pretty amazing as the price of the box is only £15.99 and includes p&p. I also liked that Latest in Beauty  included additional discounts and offers for some of the brands which were featured inside the box including a lovely treat in the form of the Glamour Magazine digital subscription.

Latest in Beauty in my opinion deliver the beauty box concept exceptionally well and it’s an amazing way to discover good quality branded products without the heavy price tag. Their collaborations, presentation and carefully selected products are always pleasing and impressive. I can assure you that once you’ve had a taster of the Latest in Beauty boxes you will soon be eagerly awaiting for the next box to be released.

To celebrate the launch of the NEW GLAMOUR Beauty Power List box, each week for 7 weeks Latest in Beauty are giving you the chance to WIN a full size Beauty Power List box worth over £128 if you discover one of the 7 golden tickets!

The Glamour Beauty Power List Box is available now at:

http://www.latestinbeauty.com/glamour/

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – September 2014

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image
Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6
Total value of contents in the box –  £54.00
www.lookfantastic.com

September appears to be the month where we see a few new beauty box launches and I was delighted to hear that Look Fantastic had also taken the plunge. Known for providing all things beauty from A-Z via their website if anyone could successfully pull this off it’s certainly them being experts in this trade already. With  over 14,000 products online from more than 400 brands across hair, make up, skin care, nails, electrical, fragrance, health , home and organic it was inevitable that this beauty box was going to deliver and be a hit as soon as it landed. Really isn’t a surprise that the September box sold out like a flash.

The October Look Fantastic Box Box is available to pre-order here

Inside the box is filled with 6 mystery beauty items which have been carefully selected. A mystery gift (worth £89.00) was also added to 5 random boxes.

 The September box being their first features an incredible line up and showcases well known brands such as Keratase, This Works, St Tropez, Jurlique and Caudalie.

1.    Caudalie Divine Oil – Sample Size 30ml Full Size 100ml RRP £27.00

I was introduced to this luxurious oil a few months ago and religiously used the whole bottle during the Summer. Happy to be re-acquainted with the Caudalie Divine Oil.

This is a nourishing multi-purpose miracle oil which is an indulgent treat for dry skin, hair and nails. The unique blend of natural oils, gentle fragrances and softening shea butter can also be used to restore the skin in the bath or during a massage.

The oil has beautiful but subtle floral fragrance and it’s multi purpose properties have so may uses, the list is simply endless.

2.   Kerastase Nutritive Irisome Bain Satin 1 Shampoo and Condition  –  Sample Sizes 80ml and 75ml. Full Size Duo Set RRP £22.20

I am a big of Keratase and was happy to see that both a shampoo and conditioner from the Nutritive Range was within the box. There’s nothing worse than receiving an incomplete set for hair as sometimes you either only get a shampoo or just a conditioner. I like to try both to really get a feel of the brand and the product as they both work hand in hand.

Specially formulated to meet the needs of normal to slightly dry hair, Kerastase Nutritive Irisome range 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.

Whilst these may be sample sizes they are really good sized.

3. St Tropez Bronzing Mousse – Sample Size 50ml . Full Size 240ml RRP £30.64

I’ve not used St Tropez for years and happy that I’ve been re-introduced to the brand in the form of a self tanning mousse. I particularly like the St Tropez range as the developed colour is more of a natural glow rather than a full on colour.

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is a super-lightweight, easy-to-apply, velvety mousse that delivers the ultra-even all-over tan you’ve always wanted. Delivering a streak free tan, it dries in just 60 seconds so you can whip it on anytime, anywhere.

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse contains an innovative fragrance technology that helps to take away the tell-tale tanning aroma to make way for a beautiful subtle, yet refreshing fragrance.

I can’t wait to try this mousse and the 50ml size should hopefully give me one full application.

4. This Works Deep Pillow Spray – Sample Size 5ml. Full Size 75ml RRP £16.00

Now this product excites me and as soon as I saw the packaging I knew exactly what it was. I have been meaning to try this spray and convinced myself I really didn’t need it. I sleep like a log at the best of times and it’s very rare that I suffer from insomnia but I like calming and relaxing aroma’s and this spray sounded perfect for a better night’s sleep.

This spray aims to give you a relaxing and rejuvenating deep sleep and is formulated with natural oils such as Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Camomile which release relaxing vibes so you inhale calm and exhale your worries.

I applied a couple of sprays on my pillow and the scent is intensely relaxing and quite comforting. It’s a very herbal fragrance and isn’t overpowering at all. Whether this put me to sleep or not I couldn’t really tell you but I love the concept and it’s calming properties. Definitely one for the wishlist!

5. Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum – Sample Size 15ml. Full Size 30ml RRP £45.00

I’m familiar with Jurlique products and have seen some raving reviews of their skincare range.

This youth defence concentrate serum features a proprietary active complex: Naturadiance PB18+ to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, help increase elasticity, restore radiance and increase hydration, while antioxidants create a natural defence shield to help protect against environmental aggressors. Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum leaves skin visibly glowing, hydrated and younger-looking.

As this isn’t suitable for my skin type I will be gifting this to my mum.

My Verdict

Look Fantastic known for providing all things beauty from A-Z via their website have definitely hit the beauty box industry with a bang and they certainly didn’t disappoint with this showstopper of a box. They definitely exceeded my expectations with their first ever beauty box.

 The September box featured an incredible line up and showcases well known brands such as Keratase, This Works, St Tropez, Jurlique and Caudalie.

In my opinion they have executed their first box very well from the presentation to the contents within the box. Inside the box also contains pretty information cards which are quite descriptive.

Whilst there are no full sized products the samples themselves are very good sized enabling you to get a good feel of the brand and product and perfect for weekends away. I think sometimes people forget that the sole purpose of these boxes are  to enable you to trial products before you buy. It’s certainly a nice monthly treat to receive through your letter box!

The value of this month’s box is £54.00 beating the cost of the box which is only £15.00

You can pre-order The October Look Fantastic Box Box here

www.lookfantastic.com

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information