The His & Hers Beauty Box by Latest in Beauty – February 2015

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With Valentines day soon approaching, Latest in Beauty have released The His & Hers Beauty Box. As well as a treat for you there’s something for that special man in your life too. The box includes 14 beauty treats with a value of over £50 and it’s available now for just £14.95 + £3.95 P&P. It even includes two Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick sachets which are utterly adorable.

Inside the box:

1. Rituals Foaming Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation 50ml
2. Wild About Beauty Eye Shadow 2.5g (Shades may vary)
3. Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer 15ml (Shades may vary)
4. Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Body Lotion 75ml
5. Jimmy choo Eau de Parfum (2ml)
6. MeMeMe Cherub’s Blush 12ml
7. Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick sachets (2 sachets)
8. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara (12ml)
9. Percy & Reed Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Hair Mousse (50ml)
10.Spiezia Organics Facial Cleanser 10ml
11. Latest in Beauty Heart Shaped Expandable Face Cloth
12. Dove Men+Care Hydrate+ Moisturiser 15ml
13. Dove Men+Care Shaving Cream Hydrate 50ml
14. Jimmy Choo Man (2ml)

The His & Hers Beauty Box is available now at:
www.latestinbeauty.com

Beauty Pick of the Month – January 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birchbox Review – February 2015

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Birchbox February 2015
Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items

www.birchbox.co.uk

Valentines Day is soon approaching and with this in mind, Birchbox have taken quite a different approach and it’s all about the things we love the whole month through. This month, Birchbox are sending all their subscribers a little box filled with loveliness with the February “Birchbox Loves” edition. Not only does the box include a great beauty line up but this month sees a much slimmer and sleeker box design giving it a new look and feel. For those of you who run home to catch the delivery man or impatiently wait at home, this box conveniently fits through your letter box allowing you to carry on with your day whether you’re in or out and about. This is a great step forward and most importantly you won’t have to ever worry about missing that all important beauty delivery, I really like it and from this month subscribers can opt-in for the slim-line box. More information is available here.

This month’s box has all areas covered and features a selection of skin and body care products, two make up treats, and a shine-boosting shampoo.The box also features a lifestyle extra from The Chia Co.

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 February Birchbox will vary. To see what you may receive please click here

1.  T London Darjeeling Hand & Body Lotion – Travel Size 50ml RRP from £6.50

T London isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before but they host a wide collection of hotelier worthy beauty products inspired by Tea and their collection includes bath and body products to home fragrances.

The Darjeeling Hand & Body Cream has a blend of jojoba oils to soften, Aloe oils to moisturise and a welcoming scent of darjeeling, all within a silky textured lotion.

The scent is absolutely divine and really soothing making it perfect for applying after a long day to relax both the mind and body.

2.  Liz Earle Botanical Shine ShampooSample Size 20ml. Full Size 20ml RRP £10.00

As well as Liz Earle’s popular skincare collection which most of us are familiar with, I wasn’t even aware until now that they also had a line of hair products.

Liz Earle have made their haircare range really simple and have designed a single Botanical Shine Shampoo for all hair types with an one for all formula. With Liz Earle’s natural approach to things, the shampoo is SLS free, plant-based, colour safe and of course not tested on any animals. The natural active blend of ingredients include vitamin E, aloe vera, west african shea butter, fruit extracts and naturally derived cleansers. The fruit extracts help to make hair look shiny and claims to gently cleanse without stripping, to leave the hair soft and shiny. It’s also infused with eight essential oils which gives it a delicious light refreshing fragrance.

I’m looking forward to trying something different from the Liz Earle range and it will be interesting to see if this lives up to the same hype as their skincare products.

3.  Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum – Sample Size 10ml. Full Size RRP £45.00

I’m really into my serums and oils at the moment so was happy to see the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum by Caudalie, a brand I really love and trust.

The Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum creates a radiant complexion, corrects dark spots and prevents them from reappearing making the skin evened out and more radiant. It’s oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types too.

I’m particularly drawn to this product as I’ve got a few acne scars and it will be interesting to see over time if these marks fade away. As well as it’s fade technology, my skin certainly welcomes this brightening formula especially now where winter seems to suck the life out of my skin, leaving it dull and lackluster.

4.  theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £15.00

Can we take a moment to admire this adorable sample of theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer, it’s simply heart melting with it’s super-cute vintage design. It’s almost too pretty to use!

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer is an eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter in one and it’s a peachy pink shade makes it versatile for all skin tones.
The warm colour worked really well as a blush on my pale skin and although it’s a little shimmery, a little blending gave it the right amount of glow without looking too metallic. The powder is smooth and creamy and isn’t chalky at all. It blends into the skin well and has pretty good staying power too. I love this all-in-one product which not only brightens the complexion but also contours and defines the areas you really want accentuate giving a lovely pop of colour.

5.  Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £11.00

I wasn’t aware that Cynthia Rowley had a beauty range although she is more commonly known as a New York Fashion Designer and I welcome the introduction in the form of a black eyeliner pencil from her beauty collection. If you read my posts regularly you will probably know how excited I get over black eyeliners in any shape or form! It doesn’t take much to make me happy!

Firstly I love the pretty polka dot design along with the black and gold colours which really stands. I wasn’t expecting much initially, but this eyeliner definitely exceeded my expectations. The pencil is super-creamy and glides on smoothly with minimal effort without tugging the skin. It’s true black shade creates striking bold lines which immediately draws attention to the eye area. Not only does this liner make your eye’s pop,  it also stays put without any smudging.

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

6. Lifestyle Extra – The Chia Co Oats + Chia pack – RRP £4.95 (pack of 5)

I rarely have time for breakfast in the morning but these packs of oats + chia by the Chia Co are a great and convenient way to incorporate the most important meal into your day.

There could be different variants of flavours within boxes this month and I received the Berry flavour. The packet contains wholegrain oats and sun ripened chia that are blended with the finest quality fruit and virgin coconut oil to give a creamy, dairy-free texture just by adding water and is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

I can’t wait to try this and I particularly like that it’s travel and desk-friendly and only requires hot water.

My Verdict

This month’s Birchbox is filled with true loveliness and sees a much slimmer and compact box design making it even easier to get that all important beauty delivery straight through your letter box. The inclusion of two make-up items will certainly put smiles on faces this month along with the remainder of the products which are all very usable, and mainly features new discoveries for me from well-known and emerging brands.

The box boasts six items this month and covers all areas with a selection of tip to toe discoveries from skin brighteners, a soothing body treat, a shine boosting shampoo, a true black eyeliner and a travel & work friendly breakfast sample.

I’m really impressed with the entire line up this month and the samples are decent sized too giving you an opportunity to really road test the products. I’ve already got a few firm favourites within this box!

I’m really looking forward to the March edition as it’s “pick your own sample” time again from a brand we all love and know, Benefit.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Get your first Birchbox for only £10.00 by using the code BBLOVES at the checkout.

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

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Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit by Latest in Beauty Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £19.95 plus £3.95 shipping
No of Products in the Box – 9 items
Total Value of contents in the box – £116.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

I’m a big fan of Latest of Beauty who curate incredible beauty boxes and showcase worthy and well-known brands for a very affordable price. Since Christmas they’ve been pretty quiet on the new releases but I knew in the background they were super-busy planning and working their magic to bring the next installment of boxes for 2015. I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new edition and to my delight they have kick-started the year with a new collaboration partner Get the Gloss to bring us beauty addicts the Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit, It’s the perfect survival kit which not only combats the winter blues but also includes a selection of make up treats along with some fabulous skin pick me ups and rescuers to get you looking your very best.

 The box showcases an impressive beauty overhaul covering a good area of beauty and includes well-known and loved brands such as Glamglow, Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Essie and many more. If that’s not enough the box is worth an incredible £116.

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit includes skin loving treats to brighten dull and lackluste skin, not one but two Essie mini nail varnishes and a good selection of make-up treats. As well as a fabulous line up the box includes a selection of generous sized samples and full sized products from brands we all know and love including a few new discoveries for me.

1.   Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate  – Sample Size 10ml

A brand I’ve heard of but not tried before is Shiseido and I was happy to be finally introduced in the form of their Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate.

This super-charged, boosting  face concentrate is for youthful-looking skin and is primarily used for enhancing the skin’s essential multi-defensive power against visible signs of aging, environmental factors, and daily stress. It restores the skin powers to resist, protect, regenerate, and strengthen, leaving skin smooth and deeply nourished.

I’m usually pretty skeptical when it comes to “do-it-all” products that claim to cover a variety of skin issues with one single miracle formulation however I’m particularly drawn to the philosophy behind this product which in fact makes perfect sense after all prevention is cure!

2.    Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner  – Full Size RRP £12.00

I’ve been really loving the Eyeko range from their eye make up remover wipes to their super skinny liners and being a fan of liners in any form I was delighted to see a full size version inside the box in the shade black.

This eyeliner pen has a slim applicator just like a felt-tip pen which is perfect for those who want to achieve the perfect cat eye. The pen gives great precision and control and it’s so easy to work with and really is foolproof!

The pen also allows you to create thin and thick lines and has a good lasting finish with an intense shade of black which makes the eyes pop!

3.   GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment – Travel Size 10g

I could of literally done a little dance when I set my eyes on the GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment as it’s something I’ve been wanting to try for while, mainly because it claims to address my biggest skin concern – spots! It was only recently that I tried the Youth Mud Treatment and I instantly fell in love with it’s magical results.

The Super Mud Clearing Treatment is an innovative facial treatment mask that works to tighten skin texture and pores whilst fighting common skin problems such as blemishes, breakouts and even ingrown hair. Suitable for both men and women, this facial mask absorbs impurities without affecting the skin’s natural oils, giving you a youthful appearance. This can be used as a full facial mask or as a one spot solution for blemished areas.

Typically, I’m spot-free at the moment and I never thought I would say this but I’m looking forward to my next breakout so I can give this a go!

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

The Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is my go-to product, I use it on a daily basis to create the perfect base for my make-up however I’ve got about six of these now from various beauty boxes!

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 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. This creates a smooth canvas which keep’s my foundation looking great and flawless all day.

5.   Therapie Roques O’Neil Cherish Skin Repair Serum – Travel Size 30ml RRP £12.00

The Cherish Skin Repair Serum has become a top pick within cult beauty due to its skin healing and skin soothing ingredients including Argan Oil, Avocado, Arctic Blackcurrant, Broccoli Seed and Red Raspberry Seed, to name a few and comes from the skin and bodycare range by world renowned aromatherapist Michelle Roques O’Neil.

This wonder potion is packed with natural antioxidants and ingredients that its suitable for all skin types, it’s particularly soothing on sun damaged skin and its even suitable for pregnant women to ease stretch marks. This product is also suitable for use over your whole body and helps to condition, repair and protect giving you toned and lustrous skin.

The serum has a silky yet oily formula but doesn’t leave your skin with a residue and it sinks in particularly well on damp, freshly washed skin. Just after one application it left my skin super-soft and nourished. The scent is absolutely divine, with a blend of essences and it’s perfect for applying after a long day and is a real refresher in the mornings.

If you’re looking to treat yourself  then the Therapie’s Cherish Skin Repair Serum is certainly something to consider, with its divine scent and skin boosting formula it really is a luxurious treat.

6.   Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush – Full Size RRP £12.25

I was really looking forward to receiving this concealer brush by Daniel Sandler as I don’t own a specific brush and usually turn to the nearest smallest brush or even cotton buds!

This award-winning concealer brush mimics the shape of your little finger to gently disguise under-eye dark circles when used with concealer and is made from Taklon which is a synthetic fiber. Taklon bristle do not absorb product and therefore is the perfect texture for applying concealer type products.

I can’t believe I’ve gone without a concealer brush for so long! This brush works so well under the eye area and really helps to blend the product evenly giving a much natural finish. The shape of the brush really gets into the inner corners too and the bristles are really soft so there’s no tugging on the skin.

7.  Essie Nail Lacquer x2  – Travel Size 5ml

There’s not one but two Essie Nail Lacquers inside the box in the shades Parka Perfect and Shearling Darling and their the perfect shades for winter.

Parka Perfect is a dusty light blue green with subtle iridescent shimmer. This polish is absolutely gorgeous and very wearable. The color is quite subtle and although it’s not a typical winter shade, I love the unexpected color.

Stearling Darling is a vampy deep blood red shade and would pair well with any outfit. It’s a little on the dark side but I really like it.

8. Balance Me Radiance Face Oil  – Travel Size 10ml RRP £15.00

It was only a few months ago that I started using facial oils and having always been reluctant in the past to use such formula’s on my oily skin, I now happily slather these on to take care of everything from dehydration to blemishes.

The Balance Me Radiance Face Oil offers skin an extra layer of moisturising protection and enhances dull, lifeless, dehydrated skin with a radiant, dewy glow. It’s infused with eight oil extracts including Amazonian buriti nut, camelia and rosehip oils to help reduce redness, addresses uneven skin tone and minimises the visible signs of ageing and scaring.  It also has a healing blend of yarrow and benzoin along with English chamomile, to create a super plumping and deeply soothing treatment.

I’ve been using this for a few days now and it leaves my skin super smooth with a lovely glow. With the ingredients being all natural it’s a great formula for sensitive and oily skin and a little really goes a long way. I’ve not had use a moisturiser in the evening since I’ve been using this and it does a wonderful job at keeping my skin hydrated.

I love the rollerball applicator which ensures there’s minimal wastage and it’s the ideal size when travelling.  Another great product from Balance Me.

9.   James Read Sleep Mask Tan – Deluxe Size 25ml.

I always welcome self tanning products during the colder months to achieve a natural golden glow to liven up and brighten my dull and pale complexion. I was delighted to see this fool-proof product from James Read as it’s one which I’ve used previously and due to it’s easy-to-use formula I fell in love with it instantly.

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. You simply apply before bed, go to sleep and wake up with a beautiful natural colour with no mess or evidence on your pillows or bed sheets due to its colourless formula.

If you’re worried about the formula over accelerating over night it surprisingly doesn’t and instead gives a nice healthy glow without looking artificial or too tanned. If you’re disastrous at applying fake tan like me, this mask is completely fool-proof and applies with very minimal effort, it simply does all the work for you whilst you’re asleep!

My Verdict

  Latest in Beauty have curated another fabulous edit in partnership with Get the Gloss. The box boasts a great selection of beauty fixes and delightful treats which covers a good area and showcases well-known brands and a few new discoveries for me.  It’s the perfect survival kit which not only combats the winter blues but also includes a selection of make up treats along with some fabulous skin pick me ups and rescuers to get you looking your very best. It’s definitely one of my favourite edits from Latest in Beauty.

As well as the great beauty line up the box features nine items and includes a mixture of full-sized products and very generous sized samples. The box is worth £116 making it great value for money at an affordable price.

I loved the new collaboration with Get the Gloss and hope to see a close relationship forming between the two to bring us beauty addicts some more boxes during the year.

Latest in Beauty never fail to impress me, they are a company who get it right each time and their concept allows us beauty addicts to try a range of high street and premium brands for a fraction of the price. The box also includes some discount codes to redeem against the brands showcased within the box, which is great if you fall in love with any of the products.

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit is available now and you can use the code below to get 10% off your first order.

www.latestinbeauty.com

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Birchbox Spoiler – February 2015

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Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and with that in mind, Birchbox are sending all their subscribers a little box filled with loveliness with the February “Birchbox Loves” edition. Not only does the box include a great beauty line up but this month also see’s the launch of their much slimmer and sleeker box design which you can opt into now. Gone are the days waiting for that all important beauty deliver, the slimmer version fits straight through your letter box.

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This month’s box has all areas covered and inside you will find a selection of  worthy samples from Birchbox’s signature and discovery brands such as TheBalm, Caudalie, Liz Earle, T London, Caudalie and Wild About Beauty to name a few along with a lifestyle item too.

The February edit has a great beauty line up and all subscribers can expect to see two make-up items this month which I’m sure will put smiles on faces!

The February Birchbox is available now.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Get your first Birchbox for only £10.00 by using the code BBLOVES at the checkout.

Subscribe today to get the February Birchbox.

www.birchbox.co.uk

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Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6
Worth £48.00
www.lookfantastic.com

 I’ve kick started the month with the February Look Fantastic Beauty Box and I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for us. Since launching only last September, this box has been a big hit with beauty lovers and addicts alike. This month’s box showcases a great variety of luxury hair and skin care essentials and a couple of make up treats which I’m sure will put smiles on faces this month! If that’s not enough to tempt you, this box also features a sample of a famous iconic bar of soap.  I know Look Fantastic have had numerous requests for more make up items and it’s great to see that they are taking this feedback on-board. This is certainly one of my favourite edits, there’s so many new wonderful discoveries and the sizes of the products are really generous too with two of them being full size.

 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 treats which have been carefully selected and showcases well known and premium brands along with a few new discoveries too. The box features products from Korres, Moroccan Oil, Bellapierre, Monu, Dr PAWPAW and Erzo Laszlo.

1.  Korres Citrus Little Body Milk – Travel Size 50ml. Full Size 200ml RRP £10.00

I received a sample of the Korres Body shower gel from the same citrus range last year and was pleased to see a body lotion to form a little travel/weekend duo.

The Korres Citrus body milk surrounds you with an uplifting, clean and fresh aroma and has a powdery texture to leave your skin soft and hydrated. It’s rich in trace elements awaken the epidermis with an energy boost. The combination of provitamin B5, Shea butter and Jojoba oil enhances the suppleness of the skin, while also providing long-lasting hydration. It also contains  Vitamin C and E, zinc and anti-oxidant enzymes to enhance the skin’s immune system, this is due to the active aloe’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps to reduce the visible signs of ageing.

Just like the shower gel there wasn’t an overwhelming citrus fragrance, it’s got a subtle almost herbal scent. The body milk soaks into the skin very quickly, leaving it feeling refreshing and soft with no greasy residue. It’s also  dermatologically tested, free from mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol and ethanolamine so it’s much kinder to the skin.

2.    Monu Illuminating Primer  –  Travel Size 20ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £27.95

I was really impressed with the last Monu skincare product I received, so I was really pleased to see this generous sized sample of their Illuminating Primer.

Monu is an ethical skincare brand, they are against animal testing and their products contain no synthetic perfumes or colours. This Illuminating Primer SPF 15 contains zinc oxide for sun protection, plus antioxidant vitamin E, and is paraben free.

The Monu Illuminating Primer which contains SPF 15 comes fragranced with a gentle scent and is suitable for all skin types. It contains illuminating, light reflecting particles to give the face a radiant and soft-focus finish. This does need to be massaged into the skin very well otherwise it will leave white traces due to the thick formula, but despite this I really love it. Not only does it help protect against UV damage, it also gives the skin a really nice dewy glow without making it look greasy on my oily skin, in fact it counter-acted the usual shine. It also grips foundation giving a much smoother canvas and a long lasting finish which keeps your make up looking fresh and intact for most of the day.

This primer can be worn alone as a day moisturiser, or under make-up as a primer. Another really great product from Monu!

3.   Dr PAWPAW Multi-Purpose Soothing Balm  –  Sample Size 10ml. Full Size 25ml RRP £6.95

I’ve not tried anything from this brand before but have read amazing reviews of this hard working versatile balm which has an endless list of uses.

Dr.PAWPAW products are 100% British made and their collection of balms are made from a variety of natural ingredients including Pawpaw (Papaya), Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Oil and when blended together, creates a multi-purpose formula.

Not only is this balm effective on extremely dry areas, it can also be used as a lip balm, moisturiser, cuticle cream, smoothing the hair or to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. It’s even gentle enough to use on a baby’s bottom as a nappy cream which really gives you an idea of how natural and gentle the formula is.

The balm is quite thick and due to the cold weather may need a little warming up. I tried this on my lips and it felt super-nourishing without any stickiness and kept my lips moist and really soft without the need for further touch up’s.

This comes in a really handy sized sample and it’s a great multi-purpose saviour for a complete steal at only £6.95.

4.   Moroccan Oil Treatment – Full Size 25ml RRP £13.45

As the weather turns colder and gloomy, my unruly hair also takes a turn for the worse! I have thick coarse hair which annoyingly turns frizzy as soon as it comes into contact with the rain so I was pretty pleased to see this bottle which comes in a very generous size.

The Moroccanoil Treatment is infused with the precious key ingredient, Argan Oil. The formula also contains  strengthening proteins and shine-enhancing vitamins to detangle, speed up drying time and to boost shine leaving the hair smooth, manageable and nourished with each use.

The oil can be applied after shampooing for a sleek blowdry or alternatively a pea-sized amount can be applied after your blowdry concentrating mainly on the ends to add lustrous shine and softness.

I look forward to trying this wonder oil and will be interested to see how this measures up to others I’ve used in the past.

5.   Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar – Travel Size. Full Size 5oz RRP £45.00

I never thought a bar of soap would excite me as much as the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar! The cleanser is Erno Laszlo’s most famous and best selling product, having gained a cult following since it’s original creation. Not only is this miniature soap suitable for normal, combination and slightly oily skin types, the full-size retails for a whopping £45.00 being the most expensive bar of soap I’ve ever tried.

The soap is formulated with an expert blend of 26 different minerals and is made using 97% natural ingredients. It’s enriched with therapeutic Dead Sea mud which detoxifies, hydrates and restores the skin’s mineral levels. The bar also gently exfoliates your skin to remove dead cells for a brighter looking complexion .

I wasted no time in trying this soap and although it’s a little on the small size it does the job perfectly. This lathers up pretty well and if you love that squeaky clean feeling you are in for a treat. The soap removes make up effectively and leaves the skin feeling super clean without drying or stripping the skin. I’ve been using the soap for a few days now and it’s definitely a showstopper.

This soap also goes a very, very long way so, although the full size isn’t cheap, it won’t need replacing for ages.

6.   Bellapierre Cosmetics Eyeliner Pencil – Full Size RRP £14.00

I love eyeliners but very rarely turn to shades other than black. I think the shades will vary in this month’s box and from the variations I received Snow White, the whitest of white.

The Bellapierre Cosmetics Eyeliner Pencil contains pure mineral pigments and boasts an innovative formula enriched with Botanical Waxes such as Jojoba, Safflower and Vitamin E and claims to stays put all day and night giving an intense colour on the top and bottom eyelids.

This eyeliner isn’t creamy which means it does drag the skin a little. It has a great colour pay-off and the longetivity is quite impressive with minimal smudging.

Although I wouldn’t use this on my eye lids or my water line, white eyeliner is also great for making your eyes look brighter and more awake and can even be used to highlight the brow bone for an instant eye lift.

My Verdict

 Look Fantastic have showcased another great box this month with this edition being one of my favourites to date. Not only does it feature a mixture of well-known brands and new discoveries but it also covers a good area of beauty with generous sized samples, two of which are full-sized. Whist everything is very usable, the box includes a selection of showstoppers such as the soap which works wonders on my oily and spot-prone skin, the Dr PawPaw Balm which is a staple for the handbag and not forgetting the primer from Monu which I absolutely love.

This box impresses me each month and it certainly gives you an opportunity to try more upmarket beauty brands without the hefty price tag.

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 trial beauty products from brands we love and know along with some new discoveries too.

The February box is available now and 25 ‘T3 Featherweight 2 Limited Edition Hairdryers’ (worth £155.00) have been added to random boxes. Will you be one of the lucky ones?

For more information please visit:
http://www.lookfantastic.com

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Cohorted Beauty Box Launch – February 2015

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I’ve literally been bursting at the seams with excitement to reveal that Cohorted will very soon be launching their first ever monthly Beauty Box on the 9th February 2015, and if you like the finer things in life you are in for a real treat! For those of you who are not familiar with Cohorted, they are an online beauty retailer with a little twist! Every Monday at 6pm they launch four new products in ‘Cohorts’. Each Cohort has limited stock, and as the stock sells out the price drops. Each buyer will only ever pay the end amount when the Cohort closes, whether that is due to selling out of stock or it reaching the following Monday. I’ve purchased a few beauty products myself from Cohorted who feature well known and loved brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, MAC, NARS, Dolce & Gabbana, Real Techniques, plus many more for an affordable and discounted price. For more information on their unique shopping concept please visit www.cohorted.co.uk

About the Beauty Box

The Cohorted Beauty Box will offer a monthly selection of products from well-known beauty brands to UK shoppers and will be available for purchase exclusively from their website on the 9th February 2015 and ties in with them celebrating their new brand and website launch. The Box will be available as a singular transaction each month and is not a contract based subscription service.

The February edition will have a combined item value (if purchased separately) totaling £67.50 and will be available to buy for an one off price at £19.99 excluding shipping . The beautifully presented box showcases five beauty products (three full size products and two deluxe samples) from lust-worthy and premium brands and includes a selection of make-up and skincare treats. I’ve already had little peek and can confirm that I’ve fallen head over heels with the impressive line up. This box will certainly be a crowd pleaser amongst beauty addicts and lovers alike.

This is definitely a box you don’t want to miss on and with only one hundred available you will need to be super-quick as these will literally fly off the shelves. If the above isn’t enough to tempt you, as an extra treat 5 random February boxes will include the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette.

 www.cohorted.co.uk

You Beauty Discovery Box Shortlist – February 2015

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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

Get The Gloss Beauty Insider’s Kit by Latest in Beauty – Janaury 2015

GTGJAN14I’m a big fan of Latest of Beauty who curate incredible beauty boxes and showcase worthy and well-known brands for a very affordable price. Since Christmas they’ve been pretty quiet on the new releases but I knew in the background they were super-busy planning and working their magic to bring the next installment of boxes for 2015. I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new edition and to my delight they have just launched the Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit.

To kick-start the new year Latest in Beauty have launched their very first box in collaboration with Get The Gloss, an online editorial showcasing expert knowledge in beauty, health, and lifestyle. The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit showcases a beauty overhaul and includes well-known and loved brands such as Glamglow, Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Essie and many more. If that’s not enough the box is worth an incredible £116 and is available now for only £19.95.

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The box includes nine beauty treats:

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (10ml), Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner (2g), GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment (10g), Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (30ml), Therapie Roques ONeil Cherish Skin Repair Serum (30ml), Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush, Essie Nail Lacquer x2 (5ml), Balance Me Radiance Face Oil (10ml) and the James Read Sleep Mask Tan (25ml)

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider’s Kit is available now at:
www.latestinbeauty.com

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My Little Box Review – January 2015

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My Little Energy Box – January 2015
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 5 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

The January 2015 box has landed from it’s home in France and this month’s edit is My Little Energy Box, focused around positive vibes and energy to get you looking and feeling great again. January is the time to purge the toxins, take up that invigorating new activity and of course to be a better you!  This edit features a gym bag to kick-start those resolutions, an adorable calender to keep you super-organised and a selection of beauty treats from energising skincare to a nail varnish from a brand I love.

This box offers something very unique 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 own in-house beauty products known as My Little Beauty.

The January edition contains five items and includes a mixture of beauty products which is contained within a charming drawstring bag and also lifestyle items. Enclosed is the My Little World Magazine which is always a good read with interview features, useful beauty tips to mouth watering recipes.

1. Talika Photo-Hydra Day – Travel Size 50ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £43.50

Within this month’s box is a very generous sized sample of Talika’s Photo Hydra Day Cream and in line with this month’s theme, the cream uses the energy from natural light to deeply moisturise and hydrate the skin making it much more than just an average moisturiser. The cream also contains the powerful moisture-binding ingredient Hyaluronic Acid which creates an effective water reservoir within the skin cells and plumps the skin for a rejuvenating and youthful effect alongside Mango Butter, which nourishes the skin and prevents dehydration.

Talika isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before however I’m really excited to try out this cream which claims to offer multiple skin benefits for all skin types.

2. Nails Inc Nail Varnish – Full Size 10ml RRP £11.00

I was delighted to see a Nails Inc nail varnish in the shade Tate, a classic red which is very parisian.

Tate is a deep blood red with a lovely glossy finish and a couple of coats gives you a fully opaque result.

I love the shade which will pair well with any outfit and can be worn all year round.

3.  My Little Beauty Energising Mist  – Full Size RRP £7.50

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

Inside this month’s box is a full sized Energising Mist which is very fitting for this month’s box.

This face and body mist is enriched with Vitamin C and green tea to help refresh the appearance of dull and fatigued skin as well as re-energising a tired body.

The mist has a gorgeous and non-artificial smell which smells really refreshing with subtle floral notes.

I think the inclusion of the mist was a great choice for this month’s box. Not only is it a great pick me up to wake up the skin but the handy sized spray will easily fit into a handbag for on-the-go touch ups as well as it being an essential for the gym bag too.

4. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included two lifestyle extras in the form of a gym bag and an adorable calender.

First up is a very good sized gym bag made from nylon with a motivational quote on the side “Energy is Contagious”. It’s the ideal size with smaller compartments inside to store money and keys. It’s also very light weight, perfect for carrying around especially if you don’t drive. It’s a good all rounder bag that can double up as a weekend bag too if you’re not a gym enthusiast.

Up next is an adorable calender in an A5 size which can be hung up or alternatively it’s even small enough to fit inside your handbag. A great essential to keep you super-organised this year.

 My Verdict

I really love this month’s box which not only focuses on fitness but also has a great balance of beauty and lifestyle essentials to help kick start the year. As per every month the attention to detail, intricate design and content is impressive which is something this box never fails on.

My Little Box is full of charm and I love the surprise aspect as they do not release any spoilers. This is a box which I eagerly wait for each month and one which holds it’s own class and uniqueness.

This month’s box showcased brands such as Talika, Nails Inc and an item from their in-house My Little Beauty range. I particularly liked all of the beauty products this month which are all good sized and usable. The lifestyle items complemented the first box of year perfectly.

This months My Little World Magazine was also good read and contained fitness challenges, some useful tutorials from nail art to hair and even some healthy breakfast ideas.

I’m looking forward to the February edit and hoping it’s themed around the month of red hearts!

My Little Box Offer

Get your first My Little Box for only £11.00 using the promo code FIRSTBOX

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

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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