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Which Beauty Box UK March 9, 2015

Love Me Beauty Box Review – March 2015

Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box £31.29
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

It’s a new month which means new beauty treats and trends within the Love Me Beauty Boutique and since introducing their new beauty revelation concept I feel that recently they have been showcasing a much better variety of brands from well known to those not so known from around the globe. The March boutique covers a good area of beauty so it’s not just dominated by make up and nail varnish as previous months.

This month’s boutique features new brands such as Lipcote, Mr.Bean (not Rowan Atkinson!), CAILYN Cosmetics and Lord & Berry as well as some of their older stock from previous months.

Each month The Love Me Beauty 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.

All the items are packed within a drawstring bag which is enclosed inside a sturdy good-sized box which can also be re-used for storage.

1. Lipcote Original Lipstick Sealer – (1 credit) Full Size 7ml. RRP £3.69

Lipcote is an oldie but a classic as far back as I remember and was one of the items my mum always stored in her make-up bag. I remember back then it was quite drying and burning on the lips so I was intrigued to see if they had advanced their formula from 20 years ago.

In terms of packaging nothings really changed since the brand began and comes in portable and practical bottle with a twist off lid and an applicator brush. The brush is smooth and coats the lips well but unfortunately for me things hadn’t changed much at all, the same burning sensation upon application was still there along with the dryness making your lips feel quite uncomfortable. It does increase the wear of your lipstick significantly however I really would of thought with more advanced ingredients these days this would of been a bit more skin friendly. I guess if your on-the-go and can’t be bothered for touch-ups it’s not too bad being under £4.00.

2. CAILYN Cosmetics Linefix Gel Eyeliner – (2 credit) Full Size RRP £15.00

CAILYN Cosmetics is an american brand who select quality ingredients to formulate cutting edge products to design outstanding packages that are dynamically engineered and meticulously processed. It’s not a brand I’ve heard of before so was happy to be introduced in the form of their gel eyeliner. If your read my posts regularly you will already know that I love black eyeliners in any shape and form!

The gel is compressed within a little pot with a built in brush in the lid that keeps everything nice and neat. This formula is very easy to work due to it’s creaminess and even if you’re not an expert in drawing straight lines the hairs on the brush are short and firm enough to give you that precision. One thing I did notice is that it didn’t immediately dry after application giving you some time to perfect and alter your line. Whilst it’s not very pigmented like a liquid liner, it’s similar to a pencil finish with more of a color payoff and the longevity and smudge-proof formula is really impressive too and remained in tact for most of the day. I’m really impressed with my first introduction to CAILYN Cosmetics.

3. Popband – (1 credit) Sample Size Worth £1.60

There were three different Popband collections via the boutique this month and if you didn’t read the small print you will assume that you’re receiving a full pack just like the picture advertises, unfortunately it is just the one Popband I’m afraid. I picked the Bubblegum collection which is inspired by Hubba-Bubba, sweet shops and first loves and mainly included pretty shades of pinks.

Popbands are soft, stretchy ‘no dent’ hair ties that hold ponytails up tight, but still leave the hair fresh and kink-free when you take it down and are available in a wide selection of colours and themes. They claim to not rip or damage hair and they even encourage you to embrace this fashionable accessory by wearing it on your wrist and I guess it would look more trendy as opposed to normal hair ties.

I stand by the Invisibobbles since discovering them last year and nothing else has even come close to date. Both designs have the same concept but the Popband gives you a little more flexibility as it’s elastic. Unfortunately, as my hair is really thick it felt slightly tight and just wasn’t suited for hair type but overall I think these are great for kids and adults alike and they come in a huge variety of colours and patterns.

4. Nails Inc Nail Polish in ‘Aylesford Street’ – (1 credit) Full Size 10ml. RRP £11.00

Love Me Beauty added seven Nails Inc varnishes this month and whilst it was hard to pick just the one, I settled for Aylesford Street, a lovely rasberry red. They’re only one credit too!

5. MONU Conditioning Body Wash – (1 credit) Sample Size

I love the Monu facial oil that I discovered last year and wanted to try something different from their range so I picked the Conditioning Body Wash.

This delicate body wash has been specially created with naturally derived foaming agents to softly cleanse the skin whilst an added natural honey product ensures the body is thoroughly conditioned to leave it feeling soft, supple and utterly nourished. The body wash has a zesty cocktail of Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot and Lemongrass essential oils and smell absolutely divine with a very uplifting and invigorating fragrance without being on the artificial side making it the perfect companion for those morning showers when you need a little waking up.

My Verdict

I’m really happy with most of my selections this month and it was great to see a much better line up of both brands and products covering a good area of beauty unlike previous months where the boutique has heavily dominated by nail varnish and make up. I think Love Me Beauty are somewhat on the right track compared to when they first introduced their new concept. My only bug bear is that new items are not added simultaneously when the credits renew but instead are scattered at different intervals throughout the month meaning you may miss out on these products (if stock is limited) once your credits renew again.

I enjoy curating my own box filling it with products to meet my likes and needs which in turn gives me full control and flexibility at an affordable monthly price, A concept which I really like. My box this month includes a mixture of both samples and full sized products with a value of £31.29.

I’m looking forward to seeing who Love Me Beauty have on board next month.

Want to sign up to the Love Me Beauty Revolution? Please visit:

www.lovemebeauty.com

Which Beauty Box UK February 23, 2015

Period Box Review – February 2015

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Period Box – February 2015
Price ranges from £15.95 to £18.95
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items
www.periodbox.co.uk

It’s that time of the month again and not to mention that all important delivery which brings everything you could possibly need and more for a much happier period. The February 2015 Period Box arrives on time as promised to get me through the next few days in the nicest possible way. This month’s box not only contains my chosen monthly sanitary items but also includes chic and premium treats to make that time of the month an escape from reality to something much more pleasant and luxurious. It also takes the chore out of buying your monthly pads or tampons, and if you’re anything like me it usually tends to get forgotten about until last minute! Let’s face it us women aren’t the happiest creatures during this time but this box certainly puts a smile on my face. I was pretty impressed with the January box but this month’s edit is truly my favourite and I wouldn’t expect any less from the ladies at Period Box who curate their boxes with so much love and care.

Period Box which is fairly new to the subscription market, is a premium UK monthly subscription service that bundles your choice of tampons and pads with hand-picked goodies and exquisite treats to cheer you up when you most need it. With every box you will get a selection of premium teas, chocolates from artisan manufacturers and high-end beauty samples. You will also receive a unique design gift or a beautiful art print by their featured artist of the month.

Period Box literally takes care of everything and will ship your package five days before your period is due. If you’re worried about flows and absorbances, Period Box has that covered too. You can mix and match to suit your flow based on the length of your period, you can select the number of items in your box and choose the tampons and/or pads of your choice from well-known and trusted brands such as Tampax, Always and Lillets. No matter what your personal preference is your box is completely bespoke to meet your needs both day and night.

Upon opening the box it was literally brimmed to the top. I loved how the treats were beautifully wrapped instead of just being thrown into the box. It really gives the feel of opening presents. As well as the monthly essentials the box also included six additional items to enjoy, indulge in and an extra SOS item to make it that much more bearable.

1. Period Essentials (2-3 days cycle)

I opted for the short flow customised package which is for a 2-3 days cycle. I chose a mixture of pads suitable for both day and night. Inside the box was 10 pads (mixture of day and night pads) with four liners too.

Dependent on flows, I personally think the box included the perfect amount, some of which could certainly be carried over for the following month. I was particularly happy to see Always, a brand which I trust and turn to and find them super comfortable, reliable and discreet.

2. Life NK Bath and Shower Gels – Travel Size 100ml x2

There’s nothing more dreamy than slathering yourself with an indulgent body wash especially in the evenings to simply relax and unwind. Within this month’s box is two very generous sized shower gels from Space NK’s own beauty collection. Both of the gels have a gentle formula and are paraben-free and sulphate-free meaning it’s much kinder to the skin.

The Drift Away Bath & Shower Gel contains an infusion of patchouli, vanilla, musk and white neroli flowers with hints of jasmine and rose whilst the Ultimate Unwind Bath & Shower Gel is fragranced with lime and green tea spiced with hints of cardamon and ginger.

These shower gels are great for using in the evenings due to their aromatic blend of soothing and calming notes, and not only do they smell utterly divine they really help to relax the body and mind to a point where I didn’t want to leave the shower. The shower gels lather up wonderfully, so you only need a little bit to escape into a truly relaxing bathing experience.

3. English Tea Shop, Sensual Me – 4 Tea Bag sachets

Whatever your cup of tea, I love that Period Box include a variety of unique tea’s from different companies, mainly sourced from brands I’ve not heard of before. This month’s box features four Sensual Me tea bags from The English Tea Shop who have a delicious range of handpicked teas for novices and tea connoisseurs a like.

The Sensual Me tea has a wonderful union of organic Lemongrass, Hibiscus, Rooibos and Blackberry leaves that dance with organic Lavender, Liquorice and Cinnamon, to awaken your sensuality.

4. Madecasse Dark Salted Almond Bar – Full Size 100g

Period Box really know how to spoil a girl and all subscribers can expect to see a full sized bar of chocolate inside their box each month!

This month showcases Madecasse who source their pure cocoa ethically in line with Fairtrade standards from 200 miles off the coast of Africa, on the island of Madagascar.The savory-sweet classic Dark Salted Almond bar has a time-tested combination of chocolate and salted almonds and is made with 63% pure Madagascar cocoa.

The bar has a paper wrapping with a rustic look and feel and is tied with a piece of straw-like material with detailed information about the company and the rare cocoa they use to produce the quality flavours present in their chocolate. Whilst this alone left my mouth watering, unfortunately I’m allergic to nuts and therefore was unable to try it but my mum was at the ready. My mum isn’t a fan of dark chocolate but loved that it didn’t have a bitter taste and the salt and the sweetness had just the right balance along with the the crunch of the almonds which made it taste even more delicious! For someone who usually dislikes dark chocolate has managed to not even leave a crumb!

4. Heathcote and Ivory Wild Daisy and Elderflower Fragranced Sachet – Full Size

Every month you can expect to see a unique gift from an art print, to design stationery to a hand crafted jewelery item.

This month I received a beautiful designed fragrance sachet from Heathcote and Ivory. The sachet harnesses the benefits of plant extracts and is enriched with vitamins and essential oils of black pepper, cedar wood and cyprus oil to enhance the mood. The fragrance has a very calming scent with really delicate notes creating a lovely relaxing scent.

I find these types of sachets very useful and they can bring new life to almost anything! They’re great in small spaces such as wardrobes, drawers, bathrooms and even the car.

5. Cura-Heat Period Pain Patch – Full Size

As well as all of the delights above, Period Box also include a non-medicinal pain patch to help relieve cramps and abdominal pain which is very common during the time of the month. I certainly welcome this patch with open arms.

Cura-Heat Period Pain is an adhesive patch to provide targeted relief from menstrual discomfort and cramps. I received one patch which is designed to be applied to the abdominal area where the heat radiates through the skin to the source of pain relaxing sore muscles for up to 12 hours. Cura-Heat Period Pain pads are subtle enough to be worn under clothing to provide temporary relief from a variety of complaints and are also non medical with a discreet design.

I love the addition of the patch which is a great standby item should you require it. If not it can be saved for that moment of need.

My Verdict

I adore this month’s box, it’s definitely my favourite edition which includes a unique and chic line up of treats to make that dreaded time of the month a much happier one. We all look for comforts and indulgence in the form of food and pampering treats to get us through the cycle and this box really has it all covered from soothing bath treats, indulgent chocolate, reviving tea, a fragranced sachet which I absolutely adore and a little warming relief patch to make it that much more bearable. Period Box have really got this concept spot-on and it impresses me how they cover every aspect within the box each month. It’s a great little survival kit which has something for the first day to even the last day of your period whilst accommodating for all of the uncanny stuff that happens in between!

The presentation, the thoughtful contents along with the intricate details such as the stickers and the wrapping are a lovely touch and really shows the amount of love which goes into these boxes. Period Box is full of charm and I loved unwrapping all of the individual treats to see what surprises were enclosed. I felt like an excited child opening gifts on Christmas day!

The main aspect which is certainly apparent is that the founders are very passionate about the subject and impressively nothing has been overlooked when putting this box together and I wouldn’t expect any less from the ladies at Period Box who curate their boxes with so much love and care.

I really dread the time of the month and this box was a very welcomed distraction. It really is a little box of loveliness which makes the monthly visit much more pleasant and something to actually look forward to – did I just say that?

Offer for my readers:

Get 15% off your first Period Box using the code HAPPY15 at the checkout.

www.periodbox.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

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

Which Beauty Box UK February 20, 2015

Glossybox Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.25 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5 items
Total value of contents in the box is £51.62
www.glossybox.co.uk

I’m a little late to the party with the February 2015 Glossybox which is ultimately themed around the month of lurve and to no surprise it’s already sold-out. Forget about chocolates and roses, it’s all about this month’s Collectors Love Edition and whether you’re single, loved up or find the whole valentines concept quite gimmicky, you are in for real treat. The box arrives beautifully presented and wrapped in celebration of the day of love and captures the romantic mood perfectly. It impressively also incorporates a little naughtiness to celebrate the much anticipated film screening of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. If that’s not enough the box is worth over £50.00 and boasts five full sized products this month. In other news, I was very lucky to be invited by the Glossybox Team to a private screening of Fifty Shades of Grey in the luxurious W Hotel in Leicester Square to celebrate the launch of their Love Box. I had a fantastic evening and it was lovely to meet a few of the glossy beauties who bring us that all important beauty delivery each month.

Not only is the box pretty on the outside, the inside is even more delightful, packed with beautiful make-up treats along with an essential hair removing product to get you date-ready not just for Valentines Day but for the upcoming months too! This is most definitely my favourite edit to date and feel that Glossybox have really upped their game recently.

Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 4-5 selected hair, make-up , body and nail products from well-known brands and new brands and includes a mixture of full sized and sample products.

1. Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Razor – Full Size RRP £9.99

I think you’ll agree that the addition of this razor is a great essential inside this month’s box especially if you’re like me and don’t have the greatest pain threshold to endure waxing.

The Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Razor has 5 curved sensing blades with water activated serum infused with marine extracts and the unique skin guards help protect your skin from irritation, whilst the 5 curved sensing blades give you incredible closeness.

Inside the box is also a holder for the razor which can be stuck in the shower making it accessible and quick to hand as and when required.

2. Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Fifty Shades – Full Size 1.2g RRP £14.49

I loved how Glossybox included a subtle naughtiness in this months box with an eyeshadow shade inspired by the film Fifty Shades Of Grey, very well timed indeed!

This mineral based eyeshadow by Marsk is 100% natural and has great pigmentation. The shade is a sultry dark grey, perfect for creating enticing smokey eyes and you can use this wet or dry to create anything from a day look to something more captivating for the evenings.

3. Royal Apothic Tinties – Full Size 3.4g RRP £9.15

I was really excited to receive the Royal Apothic Tinties after seeing the spoiler last month. I was particularly drawn to the apothecary chic packaging and think many of us were! It’s not a brand I’ve heard of before so welcomed the discovery in the form of a lip tint in the shade coral.

Surprisingly this lip tint has a great pop of colour and the shade is quite versatile too and would imagine this suiting all skin tones. I usually associate these types of lip tints being more towards the sheer end but this gives a buildable colour that looks really pretty and it’s the perfect shade for Spring/Summer. The formula itself is really moisturising with it’s infusion of shea butter and trio of oils and the buttery scent really reminds me of baking. I see this being a staple within my make up bag.

4. So Susan Rose Quartet Lip & Cheek Palette – Full Size 4g RRP £8.00

Hello So Susan, who I’ve really missed recently since they discontinued their LacquerLove subscription box and was happy to be reacquainted with the brand in the form of their Rose Quarter Lip & Cheek Palette.

This richly-pigmented, hydrating lip & cheek pomade promises to deliver 12 hours of continuous wear without dryness, creasing or smudging and it’s cruelty-free too.The pomades are encased within a strudy plastic palette although it would of been great to have seen a mirror inside the case for on-the-go touch-up’s, it does however come with a mini lip brush. Within the palette is four different shades and contains similar shades which I would usually wear. These are quite pigmented with a matte finish which I really like and can be made shiny by simply applying some lip gloss. I did find them a little drying on the lips but using a lip balm as a base worked quite well. The pomades make a great blusher too although it does need to be blended out for even coverage.

I really like this palette especially the variety of shades which are all very wearable and can simply transform your make from day to night with very little effort.

5. Essie Repstyle Polish – Full Size 13ml RRP £9.99

Last but not least is a brand we all know and love, Essie and within my box was a nail varnish from their Repstyle Collection.

The Repstyle nail varnishes were Essie’s first ever magnetic polish collection. These magnetic polishes are embedded with micro-iron spheres, which come to life by using the special magnet case on top the lid that leaves a snake-like pattern on the nails.

I’ve seen some swatches online and I can’t wait to give this go, it really does give a snakeskin finish on the nails.

My Verdict

I’m smitten with this month’s Glossybox and there’s definitely a lot to love this month. They’ve curated a great edit which not only captures the love theme but also touches base with the newly released Fifty Shades of Grey film. As well as the beautiful design and wrapping and not forgetting the pack of Love Hearts, there’s some great highlights within this month’s box not to mention the five full sized products which totals up to an incredible value of £51.62, now that’s pretty impressive . This edition mainly featured make-up alongside a nail varnish and an essential from Wilkinson Sword giving a much welcomed break from skincare. It’s definitely my favourite edit to date and I’m sure you will agree that Glossybox have really upped their game recently. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next month.

Glossybox always include a generous amount of full sized products and the total value always beats the actual monthly subscription cost so it’s a great affordable way to discover products from well known and new brands.

March Spoiler Alert – All subscribers will receive a full sized NAOBAY Moisturising Peel.

Fancy Subscribing to Glossybox?

Click here to sign up

www.glossybox.co.uk

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Please see my disclaimer for more information

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Which Beauty Box UK February 18, 2015

Glossybox Limited Edition Mother’s Day Treatment Collection Box – February 2015

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been shocked by the sudden appearance of Mother’s Day in the calendar and it’s soon approaching with only a few weeks left!

With Mother’s Day in mind, Glossybox have curated a limited edition Treatment Collection with our favourite people in mind, our mums or alternatively a treat for you! Each box is perfectly packaged with an edit of little luxuries from leading brands including Decleor, Vichy and Wild About Beauty.

The Glossybox Treatment Collection is packed full of indulgent treats and is worth over £100 and the box will be available to order for £30.00 from the 23rd February 2015 via www.glossybox.co.uk while stock lasts.

The Treatment Box includes:

Decleor Aromessence Iris Super Serum – 15ml
Sacha Juan Hair Serum – Full Size
Scentered Stress Less Therapy Balm – Full Size
Wild About Beauty Botanical Skin Prep Serum – Full Size
Naobay Body Radiance Lotion – Full Size
Urban Apothecary Glass Tealight candle – Full Size
Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Day Cream – 15ml
Little Ondine Twins Nail Polish – Full Size

You can register your interest now at:

http://campaigns.glossybox.co.uk/uk/treatment-collection

Which Beauty Box UK January 29, 2015

You Beauty Discovery Box Shortlist – February 2015

Here’s a sneak peek at February’s You Beauty Discovery shortlist menu which will be available on the 1st February at 7am. This month’s shortlist theme is Red Carpet and features a great variety of all things beauty from skincare treats, an indulgent body scrub and also an innovative hair product to disguise those grey hairs in three different shades.

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 shortlist menu include:

• Age Defy+ – 24Hour Brightening Moisturiser (10ml)
• Proto-col – moisturising facial gel (20ml)
• IN.FUSED – Coconut Body Scrub (100g)
• Kiss The Moon – After Dark Face Oil* (3ml)
• Kiss The Moon – After Dark Bath Oil* (3ml)
• L’Occitane en Provence – Almond Delicious Hands (10ml)
• Josh Wood – Light Brown Blending Wand (28ml)
• Josh Wood – Dark Brown Blending Wand (28ml)
• Josh Wood – Dark Blonde Blending Wand (28ml)

Plus, each box will include bareMinerals – bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation (One time use) and Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g).

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Which Beauty Box UK January 27, 2015

Period Box Review – January 2015

Period Box – January 2015
Prices range from £15.95 to £18.95
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items
www.periodbox.co.uk

I’m featuring something quite different on the blog today, my review of the Period Box. This clever concept has been created by three friends and their ultimate goal is to deliver a little box of loveliness each month for that dreaded time of the month. The box not only contains monthly necessities but also includes chic and premium treats to make that time of the month an escape from reality to something much more pleasant and luxurious. It also takes the chore out of buying your monthly pads or tampons, and if you’re anything like me it usually tends to get forgotten about until last minute!

1. Period Essentials (4-5 days cycle)

I opted for the medium flow customised package which is for a 4-5 days cycle. I chose a mixture of pads suitable for both day and night. Inside the box was 13 pads for the day and 6 for the night along with 8 liners too.

Dependent on flows, I personally think the box included plenty of pads and liners, some of which could certainly be carried over for the following month. I was particularly happy to see the popular brand Always as they are the one’s that I turn to and find them super comfortable, reliable and discreet.

2. Scottish Fine Soaps Au Lait Body Milk and Shower Gel duo – Travel Size 50ml

Within the box is two very generous sized samples from the brand Scottish Fine Soaps. I’ve not heard of this brand before and welcomed the new discoveries from their best-selling Au Lait range.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company which is a family run business, blend gorgeous ingredients with contemporary Scottish style to create bath and beauty collections to make you look, feel and smell fantastic. I can’t wait to try these as they smell similar to baby bathing products with a very calming and soothing fragrance making it the perfect duo for unwinding in the evening.

3. Brewhaha Super Happiness Tea – 4 Tea Bag sachets

Brewhaha teas is a new discovery for me and brings tea lovers a fun loving brand with a retro and vintage feel, using the finest Sri Lankan tea.

Inside the box is four generous Super Happiness tea bags from their collection and is a reviving Green Tea with warming vanilla and cherry marigold to give you a lovely glow.

4. Chocolate & Love Caramel and Sea Salt Chocolate – Full Size 100g

I rarely need a excuse to turn to chocolate and was delighted to see a full-sized bar from Chocolate and Love which is family run business specialising in quality organic chocolate.

The pretty and vibrant wrapper caught my eye immediately, it was almost too pretty to open! I received the Caramel and Sea Salt bar which isn’t a combination I would usually pick up when shopping. The subtle hint of sea salt with the crunchy bits of caramel was utterly delicious and surprisingly the two ingredients really complimented one another. I’m not usually a fan of dark chocolate but this was particularly moreish and addictive!

4. Art Print by Olga Angelloz – Full Size

Every month you can expect to see a unique gift from an art print, to design stationery to a hand crafted jewelery item.

I received a beautiful print from Belarusian illustrator and designer Olga Angelloz who combines fashion illustration and anthropomorphism from her latest project called “Fashion Humanimals”.

Being a lover of both cats and Chanel I instantly fell in love with this exclusive-to- Period Box art print and it will be taking centre stage on my dressing table.

5. Cura-Heat Period Pain Patch – Full Size

I was really surprised to see this additional item inside the box, it’s such a useful non-medicinal aid to help relieve cramps and abdominal pain which is very common during the time of the month. I certainly welcome this patch with open arms. I told you Period Box had it all covered!

I love the addition of the patch which is a great standby item should you require it. If not it can be saved for that moment of need.

My Verdict

I really love the concept of this box which not only focuses on monthly essentials but also includes a unique and chic line up of treats to make that dreaded time of the month a much happier one. We all look for comforts and indulgence in the form of food and pampering treats to get us through the cycle and this box really has it all covered from beauty treats, indulgent chocolate, reviving tea, an art print which I absolutely adore and a little warming relief patch to make it that much more bearable. Period Box have got this concept spot-on and I’m really impressed that they have managed to cover every aspect within the box. You can tell the founders are very passionate about the subject which is certainly apparent as nothing has been overlooked when putting this box together.

I really dread the time of the month and this box was a much welcomed distraction and a lovely pick me up. It really is a little box of loveliness which makes the monthly visit much more pleasant and something to actually look forward to – did I just say that?

Offer for my readers:

Get 15% off your first Period Box using the code HAPPY15 at the checkout.

www.periodbox.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

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

Which Beauty Box UK January 10, 2015

You Beauty Discovery Box Review – January 2015

Price of the Box is £6.95 including P&P
No of items in the box – 7 items
Total value of contents in the box £18.35
www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

It’s the start of a new year and as well as it being a catalyst for a healthier and fitter you, it’s also the perfect time to make some beauty resolutions and one my resolutions this year is to more regimented with my evening cleansing regime. I did a fair share of falling asleep with my makeup on after a few late nights last year! The January 2015 You Beauty Discovery Box has landed and this month’s New Year, New You shortlist mainly featured skincare which worked out quite well for me considering I’m on quest at the moment. As well as the skincare products there were also a couple of nail varnishes from the Sainsbury’s Boutique Collection too.

To see the January Shortlist please click here

“You Beauty Discovery” is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 2 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known and new brands and they also include 2-3 bonus samples. Unlike the other subscription boxes you get to choose two products of your choice from a diverse selection menu each month.

My box included 2 products of my choice from the shortlist and three extra bonus treats in the form of a sachet sample of the Dove Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream , 3 Dragon Fly Teabags and a £25 Hello Fresh card.

1. AFYNA Organic Detoxifying Body Scrub – Travel Size 60ml. Worth £10.00

I tend to reach out for exfoliating products more often during the colder months and was happy to see this body scrub from a new British organic brand.

AFYNA is a new organic skincare range developed by its founder, Sara Young who is an experienced spa therapist. Their groundbreaking product formulations use certified organic ingredients combined with powerful bio-extracts such as hyaluronic acid and lupine peptides. AFYNA is expertly hand blended in Cornwall and provides effective organic skincare for the modern woman.

The AFYNA Detoxifying Body Scrub is a gentle organic exfoliating gel that uses apricot kernel to polish away dead skin cells to reveal younger looking skin which is visibly brighter, smoother and refreshed. It contains five carefully selected essential oils including juniper berry and grapefruit which encourages the body to detoxify and reduce the signs of cellulite.

I like that this is in a gel texture as it feels much more refreshing on the skin as opposed to a creamy formula. It’s quite gritty but not where it’s abrasive on the skin, it’s very gentle. This scrub releases an abundant therapeutic aroma which made my bathroom smell divine and very spa-like.

I really enjoy this using this body scrub and not only is it kind to the skin, it’s a great skin saviour which restores, hydrates and sloughs away any dryness unveiling brighter and radiant looking skin.

2. Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm & Overnight Recharge Night Cream – Sample Size 30ml and 3ml. Worth £8.35

I’m on a quest this year to improve my evening cleansing regime especially when coming home the wrong side of midnight which usually results in skipping that all important cleanse. This comes in a duo set and and includes a cleansing balm and there newly launched Overnight Recharge Night Cream.

Meruyama is a brand I’ve heard of but I’ve not tried anything from their range before and being relatively new to the market, they have already established a reputable name for themselves.

The Melting Cleansing Balm by Merumaya consists of a double cleanse method which removes make up and grime first, and on the second use it cleans your skin. This luxurious balm is infused with skin loving ingredients such as sweet almond oil, echium seed oil (RevitElix™), Mangosteen extract and the MERUMAYA Signature Essence Blend which smells utterly divine with a subtle floral fragrance. It’s also suitable for all skin types including oily and spot-prone skin which is one of the main reasons why this appealed to me as well as it being a firm favourite amongst the blogging community.

Firstly I love that this balm comes in a tube instead of a tub as it’s definitely much more hygienic, easier to use and minimises wastage.

The balm removes make-up, dirt and grime effortlessly, applies like a dream and feels utterly luxurious. It doesn’t make your skin feel tight or dry and if you’re oily skinned like me it doesn’t leave behind any traces of oil on the skin. As well as it’s beautifying properties the balm is scented with a floral fragrance which makes the cleansing process much more pleasant.

I’ve been using this for a couple of days now with a muslin cloth and it’s a great daily cleanser which is gentle on the skin, works effectively and is such a pleasure to use. I’m really impressed with my first experience with Merumaya, and will definitely be looking into more of their products as well as trying the overnight re-charge cream which came alongside this cleanser.

3. Extra Samples within the box:

This month, You Beauty Discovery included a sachet sample of the Dove Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream which is new form of a BB cream which is for the hair, there was also 3 types of Dragon Fly Teabags and a £25 Hello Fresh card.

My Verdict

I was a little disappointed with this months shortlist however the products I selected definitely made up for this. I’m really happy with my choices and the discoveries I’ve made this month. There was also a generous amount of extra bonus samples too. I loved the inclusion of the Dragon Fly Teas which arrive just in time for that all important inner cleanse.

The value of my box is worth £18.35 beating the actual cost of the box and includes very good sized samples.

The magazine contained within the box includes various discount codes for all of the brands which have been featured this month which is great if you want to buy further products.

You Beauty Discovery is one of favourite beauty boxes and it’s a great way to discover new and well known brands from a good selection of beauty products. I love that I can personalise my box giving me full control on what I receive. The box itself is only £6.95 each month making it super affordable and good value for money.

For more information or to subscribe please visit:

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

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Which Beauty Box UK January 3, 2015

Birchbox Review – January 2015

January 2015 Birchbox
Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7 items
www.birchbox.co.uk

So, we’ve made it through the Christmas and New Year celebrations and like me, you’ve probably braved a month of mad shopping, manic preparations, late nights and a near-mental breakdown along the way! Yes that pretty much sums up the last couple of weeks for me. The party’s over and it’s time to clean up and kick start 2015 with the January Birchbox who sees in the new year with their health and well-being ‘Hit Refresh’ box in partnership with Women’s Health. This month the box has had a detoxifying make over with a refreshing design which complements the theme perfectly.

This month’s box kick starts the year with a beauty overhaul and contains key essentials to make you feel wholesome again, inside & out and tip to toe. The box features a selection of invigorating and restoring skin and body care products, a lip glaze, a hair conditioner to give you a little oomph and a sample of an antioxidant tea to fire up the immune system. The box also includes a fitness lifestyle extra in the form of a Pilates Band, great to tone and define those trouble areas. There’s also an adorable little booklet replacing the usual cards this month and contains 12 bite-sized challenges and includes handy little tips and tricks.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 4-5 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known brands and new brands. They also include a lifestyle extra within their box too. Birchbox also have an online shop where you can purchase all the brands which have been featured in their boxes. Their reward program offers exceptional benefits too.

The content’s of the January Birchbox will vary. To see what you may receive please click here

1. Stila Lip Glaze – Full Size RRP £15.00

What better way to start the year than a Stila Lip Glaze, which alone is worth more than the actual price of the box. I’ve not tried anything from the Stila collection and welcomed this make-up addition inside the box.

I received the shade Glow which is a light apricot colour with subtle hints of shimmer. It provides an impressive pigmented colour and wears quite long with it’s thick formula without too much stickiness. The gloss comes in a click style pen with an attached lip brush for application and has a subtle vanilla flavour and fragrance.

This can be worn alone or over a lip colour to enhance shine or to make the lips look fuller. I like that this is a natural shade as it’s ideal for lazy days when you can’t be bothered to do a full face of make-up and can be worn during the day and in the evenings.

I’m really impressed with the lip glaze formula and they have a huge selection of shades to chose from.

2. Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner – Sample Size 20ml. Full Size 20ml RRP £19.00

I’ve got a growing collection of Philip Kingsley hair products and was happy to receive another to join the stash.

The Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner is for fine textured hair with little or no processing. Perfect for those who wish to add body to limp, lifeless hair. This unique formula claims to detangle, controls flyaways and add shine without weighing the hair down. It also contains wheat protein to improves the hair’s overall volume and at the same time strengthens the condition of each individual strand.

My hair sometimes lacks a bit oomph and volume so I’m hoping this gives me thicker looking and bouncier hair. I would of liked to have seen the shampoo too within this month’s box to really get a feel of the body building range.

3. REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask – Sample Size 10ml. Full Size RRP £30.00

There’s two brands within this month’s box which I’ve been wanting to try for while with REN being one of them. I was delighted to see a product from their collection to finally try out and what makes me even more happy is that it’s suitable for my oily and spot-prone skin!

The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask is a potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. It also removes dead skin cells to renew the complexion and helps combat congestion, blackheads and blemishes. The mask has a really potent fruity aroma and contains natural fruit acids from Passion Fruit, Lemon, Grape, Pineapple and Papain from Papaya.

The texture is really smooth and whilst on feels refreshing with it’s uplifting scent. As per the instructions I left this on for ten minutes and then washed off it off with a muslin cloth. My skin felt fresh and clean and looked amazingly more radiant with a noticeable glow which is impressive for a ten minute treatment. This is the perfect pick me and arrived at the right time for me where my skin is still a little partied out from the festive season.

I’m really impressed with my first experience with REN, and will definitely be looking into more of their products.

4. HealGel Intensive – Sample Size 5ml. Full Size RRP £37.50

HealGel was created by a team of leading British plastic and cosmetic surgeons with the help of a renowned dermatological biochemist and a well known actor is another brand which I’ve been wanting to try for a while.

Out of the variants available I received the HealGel Intensive which is a scientifically-designed, multi-purpose, skin rescue gel which brings an intelligent approach to skincare. HealGel Intensive unites the finest active ingredients such as Anica and Madecassoside amongst others to soothe, restore and protect your skin in a light, delicately scented and easily absorbed cooling aqueous gel to restore and protect the areas where it is most needed.

It has a lightweight clear gel texture which is non-greasy and can also be used as a make up primer.

I’m really looking forward to trying this over the next few days as it sounds like the perfect skin rescuer which is exactly what my skin needs at the moment.

5. Activbod Cooling Finish Lotion – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £12.00

Activbod is a new on my radar and is a brand that gives you a complete regime of products to keep you enjoying your exercise. With their unique beauty concept which targets sports and gym enthusiasts, they cover a range of products from cooling lotions, rejuvenating shower gels to recovery potions for both men and women.

I received the cooling finish lotion which is a clear lightweight gel with a subtle menthol scent. The formula with provides a refreshing feeling is ideal for applying after a workout session. I love the cooling sensation which feels quite tingly on the skin. This is the perfect gym buddy and will definitely leave you feeling invigorated and fresh.

6. Embrace Matcha Green Tea – 1 Sachet. Full Size RRP £24.99

We all jump on the green tea wagon this time of the year as it’s a great way to fire up the immune system back to it’s normal state not to mention the wide array of health benefits it boasts.

Matcha tea is 100% natural and is packed full of antioxidants and nutrients and contains up to 10 times the antioxidants of a cup of regular green tea making it supercharged.

I assumed this was a tea bag initially but the tea leaves and other ingredients are finely grounded and comes loose within the sachet. It can be whisked into hot or cold water, in a latte or in smoothies and juices.

Usually I would turn my nose up at a tea sample but this concept is quite unique and I like that the sachet can be added to cold drinks as well as hot drinks. I think these are really good especially if you’re on the go as you can simply pop the contents into a bottle of water or a juice drink.

7. Lifestyle Extra – Birchbox Pilates Band – RRP £7.99

In line with the health and well-being theme, there’s an Exclusive-to-Birchbox Pilates Band to help you tone, increase strength and improve muscle endurance and it arrives at the ideal time of the year to target those stubborn areas from overindulging over the festive period or to use alongside your current fitness regime.

I’ve never really got into the pilates craze but this month’s addition definitely puts the fun factor back into boring exercise regimes. There’s also a few tips within the booklet on how to make the most of the band in the comfort of your own home or even in the office. I love that it’s pretty easy to use too.

My Verdict

As well as a great beauty line up which covers all areas, this month’s Birchbox in partnership with Women’s Health focuses on health and well-being and it arrives at the perfect time where most of us try to set goals for the year ahead. The Pilates Band was a nice addition to the box and is perfect to tone and define those stubborn areas especially if you’ve overindulged over the Christmas period. There are also some key beauty rescuers and pick me ups, perfect to restore partied out and lacklustre skin.

The box boasts seven items this month, two of which are full sized and contains a selection of tip to toe discoveries covering both inner and outer beauty this month.

I was delighted to see products from REN and HealGel inside this month’s box as I’ve been wanting to try both brands for a while. All of the items are very usable and the samples are decent sized too giving you an opportunity to really road test the products.

Inside the box there is also an exclusive subscription offer for 10 issues of Women’s Health Magazine for only £18.00 giving you a 52% saving!

I really love this months box which not only gets you looking and feeling great again but also focuses on health and well-being, giving you a little head start to a healthier new you.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Subscribe today and get the iconic beauty blender worth £26.00 FREE by using the promo code BBXBEAUTYBL1 or alternatively use the promo code JAN5 to get your first Birchbox for only £7.95.

To sign up for the January Box or for more information please click here

www.birchbox.co.uk

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Which Beauty Box UK December 29, 2014

You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – January 2015

January Box - New Year, New You

Here’s a sneak peek at January’s You Beauty Discovery selection menu which will be available on the 2nd January at 7am. This month’s shortlist theme is New Year, New You and mainly features skincare this month which is great if your skin is a little partied out from the festive period and needs some extra TLC along with a couple of nail varnishes from the Sainsbury’s Boutique Collection.

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:

• Afyna – Organic Detoxifying Body Lotion (60ml)
• Afyna – Organic Detoxifying Body Scrub (60ml)
• Burt’s Bees – Beeswax Lip Balm (4.25g)
• Boutique by Sainsbury’s – Nail Varnish: Away with the Fairies (11ml)
• Boutique by Sainsbury’s – Nail varnish: A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss (11ml)
• DHC – Deep Cleansing Oil (30ml)
• Elemis – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (15ml)
• Merumaya – Melting Cleansing Balm™ (30ml) & Overnight Recharge Night Cream™ (3ml)
• TRESemmè – Platinum Strength 60 Second Treatment Shot (14ml)

Plus, each box will include: 3 Dragonfly Tea bags (4 flavours available: Green Gaucho organic mate tea, Mountain Honeybush organic tea, Swirling Mist organic white tea, Emerald Mountain organic green tea), Dove Hair – Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream (5ml) and Hello Fresh – £25 OFF voucher card.

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Which Beauty Box UK December 28, 2014

Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – January 2015

Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6
www.lookfantastic.com

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a well rested break. I’ve already kick started the new year early with my first beauty box for 2015, the January Look Fantastic Beauty Box and I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for us this month. Since launching only last September, this box has been a big hit with beauty lovers and addicts alike. This month showcases a variety of luxury hair and skin care essentials, an exhilarating shower treat and a tube of Vitamin C supplements, a must-have, if you’re still feeling the wrath of Christmas past.

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. It 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 skincare, haircare, cosmetic and body products, catering to every kind of beauty lover.

This month’s box is filled with an incredible 6 beauty items which have been carefully selected and showcases well known and premium brands such as Nuxe, Phillip Kingsley, Goldwell, Molton Brown, Gatineau and My Vitamins.

1. Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beaute Mask – Full Size 50ml RRP £19.50

We all reach out for more hydrating and nourishing skincare during the winter months as the cold weather and indoor heating play havoc on our beauty regime. The Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beaute Mask injects the skin with a surge of moisture within 10 ten minutes and promises to provide 24 hour rehydration for thirsty skin. It’s suitable for sensitive and dehydrated skin types.

The mask hydrates, soothes the skin and instantly reduces discomfort or redness with its skin loving ingredients such as 8 plant milks, aloe vera sap, almond and orange white flowers, all of which are abundant within the lovely fragrance of this mask.

I’ve used this masque quite a few times this year and I really like the instant cooling and soothing sensation it provides as well as giving a radiant and brighter complexion.

Not only can this be used as a hydrating mask for the months of winter it’s perfect for all year round especially for soothing skin that’s been over-exposed to the sun.

2. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence – Travel Size 60ml. Full Size 250ml RRP £22.00

I was introduced to the iconic Philip Kingsley Elastizer only a few months ago and receiving another product from the collection is always welcomed and comes in the form of the Daily Damage Defence Spray.

This award winning anti-breakage, heat protecting conditioning spray is for all hair types and 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 regularly use heat styling tools on my hair and I must admit I tend to stay away from using too many products before blow drying as they weigh my hair down and sometimes also make my hair greasy. However this rescue remedy is a conditioner, detangler and a heat protector all in one single spritz which makes me a fan instantly.

3. Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Wash – Travel Size 100ml. Full Size 300ml RRP £18.00

I was delighted to see a product from Molton Brown which is a brand we all know and love, and for me it’s the star product within this month’s box. There are two different variants which you can expect to see inside your box, Eucalyptus or Templetree.

I received the Eucalyptus Body Wash which invigorates both your skin and mind with it’s potent infusion of eucalyptus oil, wild mint, menthol and cedarwood. The body wash gently cleanses and conditions your skin whilst helping to clear your head to aid relaxation.

I was expecting this to be very overpowering but It’s subtly scented and you can really pick up the woody notes along with the refreshing menthol which is really warming. This is a great a pick-me-up in the morning to awaken the senses or in the evening to simply relax and unwind.

On first impressions I wasn’t expecting to like this shower gel mainly because menthol scented products remind me of cold and flu remedies, however this scent has a really nice unexpected twist and is something which I’m looking forward to using before bedtime.

4. Goldwell Dualsenses Color 60Sec Treatment – Travel Size 50ml. Full Size 200ml RRP £11.00

Commonly used by many hair stylists, Goldwell is classed as a professional hairdressing brand that takes salons to the next level of creative excellence. I’ve not personally used any products from Goldwell and was happy to make the discovery inside this month’s box.

Goldwell have created this wonder hair product and ultra-fast working formula especially for colour-treated hair and contains a specially developed Brilliance System with anti-oxidative pomegranate extract that acts quickly and effectively on your hair to leave it silky soft and smooth with an enviable healthy glow. It also claims to have ultra-fast and effective results on your hair with an infusion of raspberry seed oil which smells utterly berrylicious!

I try to treat my hair at least once a week but when time is limited I prefer treatment shots which can simply be left on while lathering on your favourite shower gel.

This is perfect for a quick pick me up when your hair needs an extra boost and a little restoration.

5. Gatineau Strategie Jeunesse Eye Pads – 1 Sample Pack. Pack of 6 RRP £34.50

I’ve got the common tell tell signs of tired eyes at the moment and I welcome these eye pads which promise to revive and rejuvenate your eyes. These come in the form of pads which are drenched in a soothing, marine-based collagen solution.

These eye pads help reduce dark shadows, plump out wrinkles and relax your eye contour for a more youthful, toned appearance.

I’m looking forward to trying these to banish my tired looking eyes!

6. MyVitamins Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets – Full Size (20 tablets) RRP £4.49

MyVitamins is a brand who takes a fresh approach to health & well-being delivering vitamins, minerals & extracts for the whole family, direct to your door.

Within this month’s box is a tube of Vitamin C Effervescent dissolvable tablets containing 1000mg of Vitamin C. These tablets are available in two fruity flavours raspberry and natural orange. You simply pop one tablet into a glass water for a great tasting drink which is easy to consume.

This time of year our immune systems are really challenged by sickness bugs and Christmas fatigue and it’s very easy for our bodies to take a sudden dip. These tablets come at the right time to fire up and restore the normal function of the immune system.

The tube contains a generous 20 tablets which gives you an opportunity to road test the brand and the concept. These are a great addition to this month’s box especially if you’re still feeling the wrath of Christmas past or feeling run down.

My Verdict

Look Fantastic have showcased a great box to kick start the new year and features mainly premium brands giving their customers a tip to toe discovery experience covering both inner and outer beauty this month.

The January edit has all area’s covered and includes a selection of winter skincare essentials, products to prep and prime the hair, a refreshing shower gel and a tube of energising vitamins to give you a little boost if you’re still all partied out from the festive season. The box boasts six products this month with two being full size.

This box impresses me each month and it certainly gives you an opportunity to try more upmarket beauty brands without the hefty price tag. I’m pretty chuffed with the January line up which has a good selection of products to road test including a few new discoveries.

In my opinion the quality, the presentation and the product selection throughout their boxes remains to be consistently great and focuses mainly on medium and high end brands. The samples sizes are very good sized too and are ideal to accompany you on short breaks and weekends away.

It’s certainly a nice monthly treat to receive through your letter box and Look Fantastic certainly know the concept of a beauty box and are a company who get it right each month.

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

The January box is available now and 20 ghd Eclipse Stylers (each worth £145.00) have been hidden in 20 boxes. For more information please visit:
http://www.lookfantastic.com

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