Love Lula Beauty Box Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Value – £22.94
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The February 2015 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and this month all subscribers can expect to see a larger box than usual land on their doorstep, I was certainly eager to find out what was was within the bigger box and was pleasantly surprised.  The box showcases an impressive line up with four full-sized products and one sample with a selection of skincare products alongside some bath & body treats. This month’s box features well-known brands as well as some new discoveries for me. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes four full sized products and one good sized sample .The box features the brands Lovea, Skin Blossom, REN, Madara and Fair Squared.

1.    Lovea Guava Body Wash – Full Size 400ml. RRP £6.49

This massive sized shower gel was the culprit that took up most of the space within the box and I was delighted to see this everyday essential. It’s definitely one of the highlights inside the box and who doesn’t love a fruity fragranced shower gel!

This shower gel contains a 100% natural fragrance and is enriched with soothing Organic Aloe Vera that gently cleanses while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance to leave the skin soft, smooth and delicately perfumed.

The scent is utterly divine and has refreshing and uplifting notes, perfect for a wake-me-up shower. I was expecting this to have an artificial scent but surprisingly it smells very natural just like the fruit itself. I can’t wait to put all my winter shower gels to one side to welcome this one as we soon approach Spring.

2.    Skin Blossom Reviving Eye Cream –  Full Size 15ml. RRP £5.95

I love slathering on a eye cream especially when my eyes are feeling tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes the next morning.

This eye cream by Skin Blossom promises to revive and restore THE skin around eyes with it’s moisturising antioxidant cream which contains a special blend of Green Tea, Eyebright and Buckwheat extract. It’s also made with 85% organic ingredients and certified to the strict Soil Association organic skin care standard making it suitable for all skin types, including even the most sensitive skin.

The cream is light and soaks into skin quickly without leaving any kind of residue and leaves the area around the eyes feeling soothed and relieved. I have been using this for a few days and whilst I haven’t seen any noticeable changes to the skin around my eyes I’m hoping I gradually see some results.

3.   REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot – Sample Size 3ml

I’ve really been liking what I’ve tried so far from the REN collection and welcomed another discovery within this month’s box which is a new addition to their range.

This super-charged gel-serum claims to instantly firm, lift and plump the skin to leave it looking dramatically smoother, tighter and more youthful. It contains a liquid matrix of Hyaluronans that supercharges the skin with firming moisture and encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time.

4.  Madara Cranberry Soap – Full Size 150g RRP £6.00

I love bath soaps and whilst they mainly take center stage within a big jar in my bathroom, I do sometimes use the more fragrant ones to unwind in the evenings so it was nice to receive a soap from Madara who’s products are entirely natural and certified according to the international ECOCERT standard.

Madara’s hand & body soap purifies and nourishes the skin with the vitality of cranberry and the freshness of juniper. The botanical base of the soap purifies while the jojoba oil nourishes the skin, leaving the skin full of energy.

This soap has a beautiful and delicate scent with uplifting and energising notes making it the perfect pick me up for the mornings.

5.  Fair Squared Almond Hand Cream  – Full Size 100ml. RRP £4.50

I’m absolutely drowning in hand creams at the moment and I’ve seen one pop up quite regularly within the Love Lula boxes and whilst I use hand creams regularly I only wish I had more hands to get through the ones I already have. Nevertheless I do love hand creams so was happy to add another to the stockpile from Fair Squared who I got introduced to a couple a months ago. I loved their lip balm formula so had high hopes for this hand cream.

The Fair Squared Hand Almond Cream regenerates dry, chapped hands. The rich hand cream nourishes the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and protects it from dehydration and premature aging and contains native Fairtrade certified olive oil, almond oil and nourishing honey,  which benefits farmers in Palestine, Pakistan and Chile.

The texture of the cream is quite rich and sinks into the skin leaving the hands feeling soft and nourished. I was expecting a really overpowering fragrance but it’s actually quite delicate and very much to my liking.

Another great edit by Love Lula this month which features a great selection of affordable natural and organic beauty treats to trial . I was pretty relieved that the box wasn’t so much dominated by skincare as I’m currently drowning in products at the moment but I loved that they mixed it up a little this month with some lovely bath and body treats and along with an eye cream and a newly launched product from REN. The box featured well-known brands as well as a few new discoveries for me and included mainly full sized products this month. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on all of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is great if there’s something in the box you really love.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely unique beauty discovery experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty-free products or want to detoxify your beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

If you missed out on any of the Love Lula beauty boxes there’s a few available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

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Glossybox Review – February 2015

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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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Love Me Beauty Box Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 3
Total value of contents in the box £40.50
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

My February 2015 Love Me Beauty Box has arrived and this month sees a great line up in their boutique showcasing new make-up, nail varnish, a selection of skin and bodycare products along with some hair accessories too. I’m really liking the brands which they have been partnering with lately and only wish I had more credits to spend!

February’s boutique features new brands such as Nailberry, Melvita, Mirabella, Popband and Monu as well as some of their older stock from previous months. I must admit, I’m a self-confessed nail varnish obsessive and I vowed that I wouldn’t even look at any more nail varnish let alone purchase any but this month was certainly an exception as Love Me Beauty released five beautiful nail varnish shades from the chic and sophisticated brand Nailberry,  and as the story goes… I ended up with three of them!

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.   Nailberry Nail Varnish –  (2 credits each) Full Size RRP £13.50 each

It would have been criminal to turn a blind eye to these classy and sophisticated nail varnishes by Nailberry, the bottles are truly stunning and oozes chicness in true parisienne style. I already own a couple of their nail varnishes and not only are they pretty to look at, but their 4-free and cruelty-free formula is also very impressive, with these three shades being no exception. Their wide collection of colours includes brights, neutrals, darks and a range of shimmery shades, catering for everyone and all occasions.

From the five shades which we available I chose Baby Blue, the perfect debut for Spring, Strawberry Jam, a red varnish with a twist of fushia and Cherry Cherie, a light red which is very close to a summer orange shade.

The formula is truly amazing and apply opaque in one single coat with a high shine finish. It applies streak-free and the brush gives the utmost precision making the entire process really quick and simple without comprising on quality.

 My Verdict

I’m really happy with my selections this month. I love that I can curate my own box allowing full control and flexibility at an affordable monthly price. Whilst this box no longer has the surprise aspect I can simply choose products in accordance with my likes and needs and don’t need to worry about items that may not be suited for me, a concept which I actually like. All of my items are full sized too with an incredible value of £40.50.

This month’s boutique included a good variety of all things beauty and featured a selection of new brands along with some new additions such as skincare, bath & body products and hair accessories.  I’ve also noticed that the boutique features more products that are 1 credit meaning subscribers have the opportunity to get more for their 6 credits. I’m really liking the brands which Love Me Beauty have been working with recently and I’m looking forward to seeing who they have on board next month.

Want to sign up to the Love Me Beauty Revolution?

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

www.lovemebeauty.com

My Little Box Review – February 2015

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My Little Frenchie Box – Ines de La FressangeFebruary 2015
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 6 items
Value – £64.49
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

If last month’s box left you in awe and wanting more, the February My Little Box edition makes a fashionable statement in true parisienne form in collaboration with Ines de La Fressange who is world-renowned for her role as muse to leading international designers.

I know I say this every month but this box never fails to impress me with this months edition being no exception. From it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within, it beautifully captures this month’s collaboration.

This box offers something very different compared to the other boxes and if their previous boxes are anything to go by you will certainly not be disappointed. It’s definitely a showstopper and one which is beautifully composed with their very own in-house illustrator Kanako. Every month the box truly captures me and the contents and loveliness inside is even more pleasing, it’s something which My Little Box do extremely well.

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

The February edition contains six items with an incredible value of £64.49 and includes a mixture of make up 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. By Terry Crayon Khol Terrybly – Full-Size RRP £23.00

I think it’s pretty impressive that’s there’s a full sized eyeliner from opulent make up brand By Terry and having heard great things I was excited to be finally introduced.

This eyeliner claims to be a high-precision waterproof eye pencil to create bold and glamorous eyes and also guarantees to be very long-lasting with excellent hold.

I received the shade bronze generation which a very dark brown with hints of shimmer. I don’t usually turn to shades other than black but this one is surprisingly does look more black than bronze.

I tend to use Kohls mainly for their smooth and creamy application, and this Terrybly pencil takes it to the ultimate level of performance. The creamy liner literally glides onto the waterline very effortlessly and it’s deep pigment with the subtle shimmer gives a super intense colour that really makes the eyes pop. Unfortunately two hours later I noticed I had shimmer everywhere under my eye and it just wouldn’t budge! This was a complete let down for me as I had such high expectations. I loved the formula itself and hoping that their black eyeliner without the shimmer delivers a much better result.

2. L’Oreal Brow Artist Shaper  – Full Size RRP £5.49

Brow filling is a must for me to give me extra definition and shape and I much prefer pencils instead of powders so was happy to see a this within the bag in the shade Dark Brunette. This 3 in 1 eyebrow pencil intensifies, defines and tames the brows and features a wax based formula and a soft brush tip.

Firstly this has just the right texture with it not being to creamy or too stiff and the colour was a perfect near match for me. I really love this pencil which works pretty well and it’s really budget friendly too.

3.  DHC Blotting Paper  – Full Size (100 sheets) RRP £4.00

If you have oil-prone skin like me, blotting papers are great to eliminate oil and mattify the skin while you’re on the go.

These blotting papers are fragrance free and gently eradicate excess oil and mattify the skin such as the nose, chin and forehead by simply blotting or wiping the area. I love the pretty pink packaging and this will certainly be replacing the ones I already have in my make up bag. The pack is conveniently sized and is great for keeping in your make up bag or handbag for on the go touch ups to keep your complexion shine-free throughout the day and night.

4.  My Little Beauty Complexion Enhancer  – Full Size 30ml RRP £9.50

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

This month see’s a full sized tube of a Complexion Enhancer, a very welcomed addition to combat dullness and lackluster skin during the colder months.

The slightly tinted formula is very light and it’s versatility is perfect for all skin tones. It’s infused with Apricot Kernal and anti-oxidants and not only gives a warm natural glow but also protects your skin leaving it soft and smooth. It’s is lightly scented too and is great for days when you want be make-up free.

5. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included 2 lifestyle items which really complemented the Ines de la Fressange collaboration.

First up is a Smart Phone Case (RRP £16) which has been designed by Ines de La Fressange and My Little Box. The quality is quite impressive and doesn’t look cheap or tacky. In fact it looks really stylish. My iphone fitted perfectly within the case and I love that there was an extra compartment too for me to store other bits. I’m forever losing my phone in my handbag and this is so ideal for me.

Up next is an adorable Pot of Messages (RRP £6.50) which contains 28 tiny scrolls inscribed with happy and positives quotes to brighten your day. This is probably my favourite item this month, the sentiment is so lovely and I can’t wait to read each one.

 My Verdict

I adore this months edition which beautifully captures the collaboration with Ines de La Fressange and as per every month the attention to detail, intricate design and content is impressive which is something this box never fails on. I loved the beauty line up this month mainly showcasing make-up this month along with both of the lifestyle items. I liked that there was something practical and also something quite unique and fun.

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.

If you like chic and adorable lifestyle items along with good beauty brands, you will simply fall in love with this box and I can’t recommend it enough!

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:

http://www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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Beauteque BB Bag Review – February 2015

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February BB Bag
Price – $32.95 including shipping approx £21.54
No of Products  – 9 items
Total value of contents  – £50.00
http://www.beauteque.com/

With the Beauteque monthly subscription programme now in full force, I’m delighted to unveil the February 2015 BB Bag which is curated around the day of love, Valentines Day. The Beauteque Sweethearts edit contains a beauty overhaul with a mixture of skincare, make-up, a fragrance and a lifestyle item in the form of a Spa Hair Towel and boasts an impressive eight full sized products with a incredible value of around £50.00. As with all of the BB Bags subscribers have an opportunity to chose some variations of the products, leaving the remainder of what you receive a complete surprise, a concept that I really love about Beauteque. Subscribers are definitely in for a treat this month, I can’t believe how many products were crammed inside this month’s bag!

The BB Bag, known as the Beauteque Bag is monthly beauty bag containing 5-6 Korean beauty products ranging from skincare, make up, hair and bodycare along with a lifestyle item or a beauty tool. The impressive factor is that all of the products are full-sized so you really are getting great value for money as well as discovering korean brands which aren’t readily available in the UK.

If you love KBeauty, the Beauteque Bags are a great, affordable concept who deliver great Korean brands and the latest beauty trends straight to your door. As well as their beauty bags they also have an online shop which showcases popular Korean brands such as Etude House, Mizon, Tony Moly, and Lioele.

The contents as always come presented in a bag as opposed to a box and being reusable, they are great for traveling or weekend breaks. This month’s bag comes in black satin type make-up bag although with the theme being Valentines Day, I would of liked to have seen a red bag or something with hearts on it.

1. A’Pieu Nonoco Teatree Emulsion – Full Size 50ml RRP £8.54

Having oily and spot-prone skin, I was immediately drawn to this emulsion which contains tea tree goodness along with natural herbal extracts to make your skin clear and healthy whilst reducing redness and blemishes.

This non-sticky emulsion has a light weight milky formula with an abundant tea tree scent, which I actually quite like. It absorbs well and leaves a silky finish leaving the skin hydrated and soft. I love that this comes in a pump dispenser too and the texture is great for the warmer months.

2. It’s Skin Mango White Lip and Eye Remover – Full Size RRP £3.28

I’m not the best when it comes to removing my make up, especially after a late night and these wipes are very welcomed.

These mango scented wipes are mainly for removing make up from the lip and the eye area and contains extracts of mangosteen, green tea, orange, olive oil and argan oil.

There’s a total of 15 wipes within the pack and they are super moist with a fresh and uplifting scent. These fuss-free wipes will certainly come in handy and are the perfect handbag size too.

3.  Etude House Collagen Eye Patch – Full Size RRP £2.62

I love Etude House and was delighted to receive these eye patches.

The eye patches are formulated with collagen that helps plump up, minimise lines and wrinkles around the eyes and also includes Vitamins A and E along with green tea extracts to soothe and nourish the skin.

I tend to reach out for these when my eyes are feeling especially tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes. It doesn’t do much to reduce the appearance of dark circles, but it certainly helped to soothe the area.

4. Skinfood Black Bean Eye Brow Pencil  – Full Size RRP £7.23

Brow filling is a must for me to give me extra definition and shape. I’ve always favoured a pencil over powder so was happy to see this within the bag. Subscribers were also able to choose the shade and I opted for the black.

This pencil contains black bean nutrients which nourishes and moisturises the skin and it’s creamy formula glides onto the skin with the shade being a perfect near match for me. I would of liked the pencil itself to have been a little more slimmer and pointed for better precision but apart from that it’s quite usable.

5. E Choice Peptide Cream  – Full Size RRP £9.86

There were two different types of creams to chose from and I picked the Peptide cream instead of the ceramide cream, although I was none the wiser as to what they actually did until researching further.

Peptide is similar to skin proteins and assists with skin regeneration delivering elasticity and vitality to dry and rough skin, and is mainly used within anti-aging products.

6. Face Masks – Full Size x 2 RRP £3.28

Within this month’s bag there were two face masks , both from brands I haven’t heard of before.

I received the Nextbeau Elasticity/Collagen Wrinkle Mask which has a cute piggy on the front and the Daylight & Hue Arbutus Essence Mask.

The Nextbeau Elasticity/Collagen Wrinkle Mask contains abundant ingredients to supply the skin with moisture and vibrance. It also contains hydraulic acid to keep the skin plump and hydrated and is more suited for drier skin types.

Next up is the Daylight & Hue Arbutus Essence Mask which I was quite intrigued about as the ingredient arbutus isn’t one I’ve heard of before. Arbutus are small trees or shrubs with edible red berries and it’s this extract that stimulates the skin to make it more transparent and healthy. I can’t wait to try this one as it appears to be much more suited for my skin type.

7. Tony Moly Petit Art Perfume Mist  – Full Size 65ml RRP £7.89

Another brand which I absolutely adore is Tony Moly and I was delighted to see a fragrance from this brand within the February line up. There were 2 variations available and I opted for Fresh Green.

The fragrance is really refreshing and uplifting which is what I hoping for when I chose this scent and it didn’t disappoint and neither is it sickly or overpowering, it actually reminds me of Spring. It also comes in a handy sized spray that easily fits into the handbag.

8. Beauteque Hair Spa Towel –  RRP £6.57

One of the aspects I love about the Beauteque bags is that they also include either a lifestyle item or a beauty tool making the discovery not just lotions and potions.

This month’s edit includes a Spa Hair Towel which is pretty much like those turbie towels and wraps up the hair nice and snug once washed. I’ve seen different colours of these but delighted I received the purple one.

 My Verdict

I’m really impressed with this month’s edition which not only covers a good area of beauty but also includes a very generous amount of products, all of which are full sized featuring well-known Korean brands including some new discoveries for me. In my opinion Beauteque are really stepping up the game with their bags and they have certainly got the concept spot on.

The entire contents within the bag are all full sized with an incredible value of  around £50.00 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £21.54 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover Korean brands which aren’t available in the UK. I also love that I was able to customise a few options too and the remainder was a complete surprise.

Inside the box is also a product card which is in English so you won’t be lost in translation. Each product within the bag is listed on the card along with a brief description and the value.

If you love K Beauty, the Beauteque Bags are a great, affordable concept who deliver great Korean brands and the latest beauty trends straight to your door.

Beauteque’s new monthly subscription bag is available now at:
http://www.beautequemonthly.com

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You Beauty Discovery Box Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £6.95 including P&P
No of items in the box – 4 items
Total value of contents in the box £16.51
www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

The February 2015 You Beauty Discovery Box has landed and this month’s shortlist theme is Red Carpet and features a variety of all things beauty from skin and bodycare treats, an indulgent body scrub and also an innovative hair wand to disguise those grey hairs in three different shades. As well as the beauty treats, all subscribers will receive a little treat from chocolate connoisseur’s Lindt.

To see the February 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 two extra bonus treats in the form of a sample of the BareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and a mini box of Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g)

1.  Josh Wood Colour Blending Wand – Full Size 28ml. RRP £12.50

Within a few weeks after having my hair coloured I always seem to catch a glimpse of an awful sprout of grey hairs and being dark haired it’s hard to disguise them although I have been known to use mascara at the front of my hairline which works quite well for those emergency moments!  In light of this I was particularly excited to see this innovative hair wand which promises a quick fix solution in between hairdressing appointments.

The Josh Wood range is new and exclusive to Marks & Spencers and these non permanent hair colour wands claim to instantly blend away grey regrowth in a few easy steps, allowing you to keep your hair looking great in between salon visits. You simply apply to wet or dry hair and blow dry to set the formula. It also claims to last for up to three shampoos which is really impressive. The applicator is a brush which I like as it’s more likely to give better coverage and an even application.

Whilst I’ve got no greys at the moment, I did try a little on my hair and the shade dark brown is a perfect near match for me. This is liquid based so you do need to be extra careful to ensure it doesn’t go everywhere. I found the applicator brush very easy to use and it gives an even application with good coverage without overloading roots with product. On first impressions I really love the concept but the greatest test will be whether it actually covers the grey and it’s lasting power. From what I’ve seen so far I have high hopes!

2. L’Occitane en Provence Almond Delicious Hands – Sample Size 10ml. Worth £2.66

When I walk past a L’Occitane store, without fail I feel the need to stroll in. Not that I always need or even want something of course. Most of the times I come out empty-handed, but still, I love to enter and just sniff at everything I see.

I love hand creams and decided to chose the Almond Delicious Hands, it’s formulated with softening almond milk and smoothing almond proteins to instantly helps to nourish and soften the hands.

The scent as with all L’Occitane is beautiful with delicate notes. It has a gel texture, and is very easily absorbed with no greasy residue. It hydrates well, but if your hands are pretty dry, you might have to reapply more often as it’s not that rich.

This hand-bag essential is perfect for hydrating hands throughout the day.

3. Extra Samples within the box:

This month, You Beauty Discovery included a sachet sample of the BareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and a mini box of Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g £1.35) which was a nice touch seeing as it’s Valentines Day soon.

My Verdict

For me personally there were only a few stand outs in this month shortlist despite it being a red carpet theme. I would of liked to have seen some make up however I’m really happy with my choices and the discoveries I’ve made. I think the box of chocolates was a lovely touch and I can’t wait to put the hair wand to the test, I have high hopes for this covering my greys!

The value of my box is worth £16.51 beating the actual cost of the box and includes 1 full sized product with the remainder being sample sized.

The magazine 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 emerging and well known brands from a good selection of beauty products,  although recently it does feel like they’ve lost their sparkle a little compared to previous shortlists. I do 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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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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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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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