You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – January 2015

January Box - New Year, New You

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

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

Items in the selection menu include:

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

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

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

The Beauteque BB Bag 3 Review – December 2014

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The BB Bag 3 – November Edition
Price – $30.00 including shipping approx £18.29
No of Products  – 6 items
Total value of contents  – £40.02
http://www.beauteque.com/

The BB Bag 3 is the third edition which Beauteque released in November and this edit contains a mixture of skincare products and a lifestyle item in the form of a pretty scarf which will certainly come in useful this winter. The bag contains six full sized products with a value of around £40.02. As with all of the BB Bags there is also an opportunity for customisation where you can choose variations of some of the products and the remainder is a complete surprise, a concept which I really like about Beauteque.

The BB Bag, known as the Beauteque Bag which at the moment is released bi-monthly is a 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 good news is Beauteque have launched their BB Bag on a monthly basis as of the 26th December, the full details are available here.

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

The contents always come presented in a bag as opposed to a box and are re-usable too, they are great for traveling or weekend breaks. The BB Bag 3 comes in vibrant yellow make-up bag and features mainly skincare products along with a pretty lifestyle item in the form of a scarf.

1. Mizon White Sleeping Mask – Full Size 50ml RRP £7.36

The Mizon’s Good Night White Sleeping Mask is an overnight treatment which claims to improve skin tone and builds protection against moisture loss to nourish and balance skin while you’re sleeping to give you bright, hydrated and radiant skin when you wake up. It’s formulated with natural extracts, including soothing lavender and mulberry and is suitable for all skin types especially those with dull skin and uneven skin tone.

This sounds like a great overnight treatment which is essential for this time of the year especially if you’re skin is all partied out.

2. Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream – Full Size 10ml RRP £10.12

This Mizon eye cream contains 42% of highly concentrated marine collagen to fight and lift wrinkles around the eyes and claims to restores elasticity to the skin by promoting skin regeneration. It also contains natural ingredients such as adenosine, argan oil and hyaluronic acid. The formula is free from alcohol, fragrance, parabens and colouring.

I’ve been using this for a few days now and whilst it applies very smoothly it doesn’t absorb fast into the skin and almost leaves a film by forming a barrier to lock in moisture. The skin around my eyes feel much hydrated and softer. This would work really well for those who have dry patches under the eye area.

3.  It’s Skin Green Tea Lips & Eye Cleansing Pads – Full Size RRP £8.28

With all the late nights recently I’ve been a little lazy when it comes to removing my make up. It’s the worst chore to come home to when you simply just want to go to bed! These fuss-free cleansing pads will certainly come in handy for a quick swipe before bed with minimum effort!

These pads are infused with a gentle formula which eliminate dirt, oil and make-up whilst leaving the skin calm and soothed with it’s green tea extract.

There’s a generous amount of pads within the tub and they are super moist too with a light scented fragrance.

4. Cosmos Facial Blotting Tissue – Full Size RRP £3.68

You were able to choose the type of blotting tissues from five options. I received the Natural and Fresh pack which contains 100 blotting papers.

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. Inside the pack is a clever little sticky pad which picks up each paper.

I have oily skin and these are great for keeping in your make up bag or handbag for on the go touch ups to keep your face shine-free.

5. The Face Shop Blackhead Out Aloe Nose Strips  – 5 Strips RRP £3.22

The Face Shop Blackhead Out Aloe Nose Strip which comes in a pack of five removes blackheads with it’s strong blackhead and oily secretion absorption properties. It also contains pore minimising ingredients and leaves your nose feeling tight and smooth.

Fortunately I don’t suffer from blackheads however I’ve got a few family members who do and will be putting these to the test when they come and visit!

6. Beauteque Scarf –  RRP £7.36

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 edit includes a scarf and out of the two options available I opted for the floral one which has a beautiful colourful print. The quality is really good too and is perfect for brightening up any winter outfit.

 My Verdict

I really like the BB Bag 3 edition which showcases a good variety of skincare products and a lifestyle item. All of the items are usable and features well-known Korean brands. I like that I was able to customise a few options too and the remainder was a complete surprise. There’s a great selection of skin pick me ups and essentials in this bag, all of which have arrived at the right time for at me where my skin is a little partied out!

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.

The entire contents within the BB Bag are all full sized with a value of  £40.02 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £18.29 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover Korean brands which aren’t available in the UK.

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

For more information or to purchase the BB Bag 3 please visit
www.beauteque.com

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

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Love Me Beauty Box Review – December 2014

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Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box £40.48
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

My December 2014 Love Me Beauty Box has arrived and this month sees another great line up in their boutique showcasing new make-up, nail varnish and a selection of skincare products.

December’s boutique also featured new brands such as Jessica Nails, Bourjois, L’Oréal and Olay as well as some of their older stock from previous months. For me personally I was delighted with these new additions and my customised box is all things make-up, nail varnish and a unisex shower gel from the comical brand Anatomicals.

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. For information on how the new concept works please visit their website.

All the items are packed within a drawstring bag which is enclosed inside their newly designed box.

1.   Jessica Nail Varnish –  (2 credits each) Full Size RRP £10.50 each

Despite already possessing a huge amount of nail varnishes I really can’t resist adding more to my collection and within the last few months, a couple have always ended up in my Love Me Beauty Box! I only wish I had an extra 10 pairs of hands to really get maximum use out of them all!

I don’t own any Jessica Nail Varnishes and I’ve had a few manicures using this brand and was pretty impressed with the quality and the longevity.

Within this month’s boutique was a good selection of nail varnishes from the Jessica collection. I choose California Dreaming which is a pretty pink and A La Mode a dusty beige.

I love both of my selections, the shades are soft, feminine and very pretty and the formula applies opaque in two coats without the need of a top coat.

2.  Bourjois Colorissimo Lip Palette  –  (2 credits each) Full Size RRP £7.99 each

I was delighted to see these party ready Bourjois Lip Palettes, they are perfect for the party season and being so compact in size they are great for popping into any purse or clutch-bag for touch-ups on the go.

There were two different palettes available within the boutique from ultimate party reds (Rouge Collection) to everyday pinks (Rose Muses) and I chose both, it would of been criminal not too right?

The Roses Muses palette houses three easy-to-wear pinks, ranging from a soft blush to a vivid fuchsia along with a deep cherry pink. The Rouge Collection contains a standard true red, a bright red orange and a deeper red that has a slight brown undertone.

Each lip collection is housed in a sturdy plastic palette and contain three lipstick shades along with a double ended sponge tip applicator which really doesn’t do any favours for this palette. The sponge tip is absolutely useless and the lipsticks apply much more effectively with a brush.

The formulation of these lipsticks are really creamy and whilst their not the best pigmented lipsticks on the market they do a fairly good job after a few applications. Within the palettes, each lipstick is designed to compliment one another so can be worn alone or blended together to create a brand new shade. I would advise to exfoliate your lips first as the lipsticks don’t take to dry lips very well. All of the colours in both palettes are very wearable and I love that these can transition your lip colour from a day look to a evening look in one easy compact.

3. Anatomicals Shower To The People Body Cleanser  –  (1 credit) Full Size 200ml RRP £3.50

I’ve been really loving the Anatomicals brand recently and I’m always humoured by their funny annotations on their packaging which is quite comical and requires somewhat of a sense of humour to really appreciate this quirky brand. The brand is also pocket friendly too and great value for money.

Most of their shower gels which I’ve tried have a lovely fruity scent and this month I chose the Grapefruit and Lemongrass Body Cleanser which is unisex so I no longer need to worry about my husband smelling feminine when he comes of out of the shower! The shower gel comes in a very generous 200ml tube and smells really refreshing and uplifting perfect for the mornings when you need a little waking up.

 My Verdict

I’m really happy with my selections and the items which were available in the Boutique 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. All of the items are full sized too which is really impressive.

This month’s boutique included a good variety and featured well known brands such as Jessica Nails, Bourjois, L’Oréal and Olay. The boutique itself covers all areas of beauty and whilst this months new additions were mainly make up and nail varnishes again, I hope next month features more skincare and body products. I’ve also noticed that Love Me Beauty have added more products which are one credit meaning subscribers can get more for their 6 credits.

My box is worth an amazing  £40.48 beating the cost of the box.

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

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

www.lovemebeauty.com

Beauteque’s New Subscription Launch – December 2014

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Being a beauty box addict I love hearing about new subscription launches and I am pleased to unveil that Beauteque will be launching their official subscription bag program on Friday 26th December 2014.

Beauteque is an online beauty retailer specialising in Korean Beauty products. They offer unique high end products that aren’t readily available in the UK and and to name a few, they showcase brands such as Etude House, Mizon, Tony Moly, and Lioele. They regularly release a wide variety of beauty bags which include a good mixture of beauty goodies.

Their monthly subscription programme will consist of four different options:

Monthly Subscription is $24 per month (£20.21 per month including shipping)

3 month subscription is $24 per month (£20.21 per month including shipping)

6 month Subscription is $23 per month (£19.60 per month including shipping)

12 month Subscription is $22 per month (£18.98 per month including shipping)

Shipping will be $8.95 for Europe, $3.95 for the US and $5.95 for Canada.

Each month you will receive 7 full sized products with a value between $65 to $85 and will include a selection of make up, skincare, jewellery and lifestyle products from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and America. The good news is there is also a little customisation which means you can choose between variations of some of the products featured in the bag. To see my review on previous bags by Beauteque please click here.

The subscriptions will run from the 15th to the 15th  (If you subscribe on January 16th, you will receive the February bag and so on)

The bags will be shipped out from the 5th to the 15th and subscribers will be guaranteed to receive their bag within the month.

Beauteque will also email options to their subscribers on the 1st of each month and you will be required to send back your responses for your preferences by the 5th or they will simply pick the options for you.

To celebrate Beauteque’s new launch they are offering customers the following offers

If you subscribe to the 6 month prepaid option before the 15th January 2015, you will receive a free gift with every bag AND also a bonus gift set valued at $50 on your last bag.

If you subscribe to the 12 month prepaid option before the 15th January 2015 , you will receive a free gift with every bag AND also a bonus gift set valued at $100 on your last bag.

Customers are eligible to cancel their subscription by emailing subscriptions@beauteque.com

The new website will be launching on the 26th December at:
www.beautequemonthly.com

 

 

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – December 2014

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Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7
Total value of contents in the box –  £25.00
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The December 2014 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and there’s nothing more delightful then receiving a box filled with natural skin loving treats. This month’s box boasts four full sized products and includes a variety of winter essentials, my all time favourite multi-purpose soap and an indulgent bath time treat. I’m delighted that most of the brands within this edit are new discoveries for me.

LoveLula 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, 1 deluxe sample and 2 sachet samples.The box features the brands Dr Bronner, Salcura, Fair Squared and JOIK.

1.    Dr Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap – Full Size 237ml. RRP £5.99

I recently discovered this amazing magic soap by Dr Bronner and have been using this on a daily basis to wash my make-up brushes. It’s gentle yet effective formula definitely makes the chore more pleasant with quick results. I’ve been using the Dr Bronner’s bar of soap and was happy to receive this as it’s more versatile and is much easier to use being in a liquid form.

Whilst this may appear to be just a simple bottle of soap it’s truly natural with it’s no-fuss packaging and boasts eighteen multi- uses .The soap which isn’t restricted just for the face and body, can also be used for household cleaning, laundry washing, even washing pets such as dogs. This gentle formula is not harsh in the slightest with its combination of certified fair trade and organic oil ingredients.

It’s potently scented with a lavender fragrance which smells very soothing, perfect for using in the shower to unwind in the evenings. Alternatively if you’re a fan of lavender scents a little can be added to an oil burner too.

2.    Salcura Hand Hydrator –  Full Size 75ml. RRP £11.99

In Winter we all tend to reach out for more moisture quenching products as the weather conditions wreak havoc on our skin.

I’ve not tried anything from the brand Salcura and was happy to be introduced to them in the form of their Hand Hydrator.

Founded in 2002, Salcura is a British skin therapy brand who have developed scientifically supported, highly effective, skin kind and skin friendly therapy products.

This hand cream is 99% natural and the star ingredient within the formula is Sea Buckthorn Oil known for its nourishing, regenerative and restorative properties and also contains high concentrations of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9.

The cream claims to provide quick relief from dry skin and also reduces inflammation fast if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis which both flare up during the winter months.

The hand cream is lighted scented and it’s rich formula sinks straight into the skin leaving no greasy residue. My hands were left soft, supple and extremely nourished.

3.   Fair Squared Lip Balm x 2 – Full Size. RRP £2.99 each

Fair Squared provide organic and vegan beauty products and their collection ranges from skincare to bath, bedroom and beyond.

There’s two generous lip balms from Fair Squared in this month’s box which is another new discovery for me. I received Spearmint and Pomegranate from their collection.

Fair Squared lip balms are produced with rich almond oil, precious apricot kernel oil as well as coconut oil and cacao butter.

I use lip balms on a daily basis and was happy to see a couple more to add to my collection.

4.  JOIK Lavender bath truffle and Sample Sachets  – Sample Size

I spotted this brand on the Love Lula website a few weeks ago and immediately the JOIK collection stood out for me with its luxurious look and feel. I’m really pleased that Love Lula have featured this deluxe sample in their box this month.

JOIK originates from Estonia and their ethos is to use nature to their best advantage whilst caring for it too. Their products contain all the goodness from natural sources combined with luxurious emotions of scent and colour.

The Lavender bath truffle which is 100% natural is infused with natural essential oil offering a relaxing and calming experience. They are rich in cocoa butter leaving your skin wonderfully soft, moisturised and velvety and it’s especially good for dry skin.

The bath truffle sample comes presented in a pretty organza drawstring bag and you can really smell the notes of the lavender even before opening the bag.

This bath truffle looks very creamy in appearance and on the surface lies a scatter of dried lavender and almost looks edible! You simply add the truffle to warm bath water and slowly let it melt. I’m looking forward to trying this over the Christmas period.

Also within the box is two sample sachets of JOIK’s Shimmering raspberry body lotion with sweet almond oil and their Silky Facial Serum with cranberry seed oil.

I’m delighted with this month’s box which features variety of winter essentials, my all time favourite multi-purpose soap and an indulgent bath time treat. The box boasts 4 full sized products and covers a good area of beauty.

This month’s brands were mostly new discoveries for me and included a mixture of full sized products and samples this month.

The December box is slightly less valued compared to previous months and works out to be around £25.00 which still isn’t bad considering the box is only £12.50.

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

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on any of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is valid throughout December.

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 they are now 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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So Susan LoveLacquer Box Review – December 2014

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Price of the Box is £14.95 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box £46.00
www.sosusan.com

The December 2014 So Susan LacquerLove box has arrived and this month’s theme is The Celebration Box which will get your nails party-ready in no time. The box showcases a good selection of party-inspired nail varnishes from impressive high shine shades to an eye-catching glitter varnish, perfect for the festive season and the new year celebrations upon us.

So Susan is a brand which is known to have the prettiest quirky packaging and definitely a brand which stands out. Their collection of products ranges from make-up to nail varnish combining their lovely portfolio of colours with science. Their philosophy is to create colours which last and is kind to your skin.

The box includes 5 full sized items four of which are 4- free nail varnishes and one bonus make up product each month from either Jelly Pong Pong or So Susan. Each monthly edit features a unique theme and is specially curated.

This pastel coloured and elegantly designed box is very So Susan designed and comes in the form of a gift box which is secured by a magnetic fastener.

Inside the box is four 4-free nail lacquers and 1 bonus So Susan Universal Blush.

1. So Susan 4-Free Nail Lacquers – Full Size. RRP £6.95 each

The So Susan nail lacquers are highly pigmented and are formulated to be chip-free and to remain intense with shine from the first application. The formula has quick drying time and is enriched with Rosehip fruit oil to moisturise and strengthen your nails and the delicate skin around it.

These nail lacquers are 4-free which means they contain no DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate), no Toluene, no Formaldehyde and no Formaldehyde resin, making it the ideal product which is kind to you but also sustains it’s high quality formula.

This month’s box included the shades ViolaceousLipstick, Merry Mulberry and Gold Foil  (Full sized retailed at £6.95 individually)

The December edit features a beautiful selection of party-worthy shades which are very wearable all year round. The shade lipstick is the ultimate Christmas red and the Merry Mulberry is a dashing purple with a high shine finish.  My favourite is Violaceous which is a lovely soft lilac hued shade which is ideal for both day and night wear and would look absolutely stunning with a coat of silver glitter varnish. Lastly is Gold Foil, a striking gold glitter varnish which is loaded with specks of glitter, perfect for adding glitz and glamour to any party look.

The So Susan nail lacquers have a wonderful formula and the colour payoff is pretty good.The most impressive factor is the shine which these lacquers give without the need for a top coat and one coat is simply enough to achieve a fully opaque finish. The brush also provides great coverage with very little effort making nail painting a complete doddle.

2. So Susan Universal Blush – Full Size RRP £17.95

Although I already own this blusher I was happy to receiving another one. This is a micronized, jet-milled blush that works with your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal healthy flush that is flattering on all skin tones. It’s made with Buriti Fruit Oil to repair the epidermis and improve skin elasticity.

This diverse blusher is a really pretty shade of pink and contains hints of gold shimmer giving a soft warm glow giving a natural finish. The gold shimmer adds subtle luminosity especially when exposed to light.

The silky texture glides smoothly onto the skin, is easy to blend and can be built up to achieve a more dramatic look. I really love the shade which is perfect for brightening lacklustre skin during the winter months.

 My Verdict

I love this month’s edit which includes a great selection of Christmas and party inspired nail varnishes. There’s a good variety of colours and finishes from striking high shine shades to an eye-catching glitter. The Universal Blush was a lovely addition to the box and is perfect for brightening dull complexions this winter.

Overall this is an unique subscription box  which concentrates only on nails and is the first of it’s kind in the UK subscription market. I love So Susan’s concept of this monthly box it’s certainly one which will ensure you have the latest colour trends in your collection.  I also like that you receive a bonus make up product too making the discovery not just nails. Alternatively this would also make a lovely gift for Christmas which isn’t far now.

This box is worth an amazing £46.00 which is great value for money as the box itself is only £14.95 including P&P. You certainly won’t be in the dark with this box as you will be able to preview the box and all it’s contents prior to it being sent to you. if you don’t fancy the pickings you can simply skip the month giving you complete control and flexibility.

If you tend to stick to classic shades this box definitely gives you the opportunity to try something which you normally wouldn’t reach out for.

 There’s a colour to suit every occasion in this box making it the ultimate box for all you nail varnish enthusiasts.

So Susan have newly launched their latest Lip Love subscription which is designed to bring you lip-focused products infused with skin-loving ingredients each month.

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

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

Birchbox Review – December 2014

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Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7 items

www.birchbox.co.uk

With only a couple of short weeks left, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas with homes illuminated with sparkling lights, shop windows dressed to impress and of course the December 2014 Birchbox which brings it’s own glamour and sparkle this month with its exclusive festive edit ‘Get your party shoes on’ inspired by British Designer Sophia Webster’s gemstone Suri shoe. This month the iconic brown box has had a glitzy makeover and comes presented as a collectable must-have designed box making a bold fashionable statement just on its own.

With the party season already in full swing, the December box showcases a selection of essential party must-haves, an exclusive-to-Birchbox coin purse designed by Sophia herself and a Benefit cracker with a surprise sample inside. This month’s box also featured a little customisation and subscribers were asked in November to pick their preferred shade of the Model Own’s nail varnish out of the four sparkly shades available.

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.

This month’s box showcases a great beauty line up with all area’s covered. The box features a good balance of products and includes a selection of skincare, make up, perfume, nail varnish a hair product and a lifestyle extra in the form of the coin purse designed by Sophia Webster.

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

1. Models Own Nail Varnish – Full Size RRP £5.00

I already use and love Models Own nail varnish who have a wide array of darks, neutrals, pastels and glitter based shades within their collection.

Last month all Birchbox subscribers were asked to chose a Model Owns nail varnish out of four sparkly shades from the Velvet Goth collection.

This collection from Models Own is unique in design with a textured velvet lid giving it a very festive look and feel.

Nothing says Christmas more then sparkly bold nails which stand out and glisten. I received the shade Amethyst which is a dashing purple and contains tiny specks of glitter and shimmer. This dries as a matte finish and one coat is simply enough for a complete opaque finish. For a glossier effect a top coat can be applied to transform this nail varnish from matte to shiny. It’s the perfect party shade.

2. Eslor Firming Collagen Day CreamSample Size 10ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £50.00

I’ve not even started to look into anti-ageing products and being in my thirties this is a great introduction to ease my way into the anti-ageing range.

This anti-ageing cream from Eslor works to defend our complexion against the effects of ageing. It contains hyrdolyed marine collagen and a whole host of nutrient-rich botanicals work to lock in moisture, restore elasticity, and boost radiance to leave skin looking more youthful. It’s formulated without parabens or skin irritants to leave the skin feeling soothed and replenished.

The tub is really good sized and there’s enough product for at least a few days.

3.  Eyeko Fat Stick – Full Size RRP £8.00

I already own a few Eyeko items and was happy to see this eye crayon which is exclusive to Birchbox only.

There are two party-worthy shades available which subscribers can expect to see this month. I received the shade Smoke, which is charcoal-tinged shade perfect for achieving a sultry smoky eye look.
This multi-use eye crayon which has a retractable twist-up applicator can be used as eyeliner or a eye shadow. The creamy texture glides easily when applied and helps to contour and refine the eyes. It’s super pigmented too and can be applied sheer or opaque with it’s easy to blend formula. This crayon also lines the eyes quickly and easily and you can achieve a variety of effects, from a subtle yet precise look, to a more dramatic definition.

I personally would use this to achieve an evening make up look due to the dark shade. This crayon is great when you’re on the go and if you have little time for any beauty prep this is really handy and will keep your regime super simple.

4. Electric Hair Hydrate Shampoo – Sample Size 30ml. Full Size RRP £17.50

The brand Electric Hair is a new discovery for me and is a British brand taking the haircare world by storm and was founded by Mark Woolley.

The Hydrate Shampoo which was a finalist at the hair awards in 2013 is a nourishing, creamy formula packed with moisture-rich ingredients which retains optimum hydration in your hair and intensifies its natural shine.

Winter really sucks the life out of my hair making it dry and unmanageable at times and this sounds amazing for giving your hair an extra boost of moisture.

5. English Laundry Signature For Her Perfume – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £60.00

Having discovered English Laundry via Birchbox at the beginning of the year, it’s a high-end brand which really stands out for me. Their collection contains a selection of unique and luxurious fragrances which are really feminine and smell absolutely divine.

The English Laundry Signature Perfume taps into the very essence of an English country garden with a beautifully fresh fragrance with top notes of rose geranium and creamy white flowers along with woody spicy and musky notes.

I’ve received a sample of this previously and it’s a great perfume for daily wear which really gets noticed. If you’re a fan of sweet scents you will fall in love with this instantly.

6.  Benefit Christmas Cracker containing High Beam – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £19.50

This Benefit Christmas Cracker is teeny but it’s so adorable and inside all subscribers can expect to see a sample of the popular Benefit High Beam highlighter. It’s my all time favourite highlighter which gives the perfect finish to any make-up look.

High Beam which is a subtle pink in shade adds a natural glow and really accentuates features such as your brow bone and cheeks with very little effort. It gives you a fresh-faced and wide awake dewy finish which looks very natural and really enhances your make up look.

7. Lifestyle Extra – Sophia Webster Coin Purse – RRP £10.00

I love this months lifestyle extra which is an exclusive to Birchbox coin purse designed by Sophia Webster and all subscribers will receive this within their box.

I’ve stopped carrying a purse recently mainly because I find them bulky and they never seem to hold large amounts of change. Instead the zipped compartment within my bag holds everything from my bank cards to loose change. It’s not ideal and I was certainly happy to see this purse which is the ideal size for day to day. It’s also great to accompany you on a night out when there is limited room in your clutch bag!

My Verdict

This month’s Birchbox is dressed to impress and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the December edit was a collaboration with Sophia Webster. I was expecting a box with a very typical Christmas design however I was delighted that Birchbox upped the game with something more unique and eye catching. This edit without a doubt has stolen the show and will definitely be a crowd pleaser this month.

This month’s box showcases a great beauty line up with all area’s covered. The box features a good balance of products and includes of selection of skincare, make up, perfume, nail varnish, a hair product and a lifestyle extra in the form of a coin purse designed by Sophia Webster.

As well as the striking box design which I absolutely love, the box boasts seven items this month, two of which are full sized and contains a selection of beauty must-haves to get you party ready from well known brands and a couple of new discoveries for me.

I really adore this months box which ticks all the boxes for me. All of the items are very usable and the samples are decent sized too giving you an opportunity to really road test the products.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Birchbox have in store for us in 2015.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Join today and get your first Birchbox for only £7.95 by entering the promo code DEC5 at checkout.

For a limited time only receive an exclusive beauty gift worth £45 with the purchase of every 3-, 6- or 12-month gift subscription to Birchbox!

The exclusive gift will include a glitzy make-up bag packed with 3 FULL-SIZE products: an exclusive-to-Birchbox Models Own polish in Terra Firma, a Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm in Ripe Raspberry AND Benefit’s Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. PLUS, they have also thrown in £10 to spend on the Birchbox e-shop, on orders over £40!

Use code CHRISTMASWISHES at checkout to redeem but hurry – it’s only valid while stocks last!

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

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You Beauty Discovery Box Review – December 2014

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Price of the Box is £6.95 including P&P
No of items in the box – 5 items
Total value of contents in the box £5.99
www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

The December 2014 You Beauty Discovery Box has arrived and this month’s Party Prep shortlist featured a selection of beauty fixes and a little sparkle for the festivities ahead. In all honesty I was a little disappointed at this months line up especially with it being the December shortlist. Despite nothing really standing out I opted for practical items which I tend to use on a daily basis.

To see the December Shortlist please click here

You Beauty Discovery have changed the process of the shortlist menu go live time. The selection menu is now available on the 1st of the month from 7.00am as opposed to previously where you could choose from midnight.

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

 My box included 2 products of my choice from the shortlist and three extra treats in the form of a Lindt Mini Christmas Bear, 2 sachet samples of Le Couvent Des Minimes Hiker’s Foot Healer and a sample sachet of Yardley London Hydrating and Enriching Body Lotion.

1.  Colab London & Rio Dry Shampoo Duo – Travel Size 50ml x2 RRP £4.00

I tend to reach out for dry shampoos in between hair washes. They are great for eradicating oil and adding volume to flat lifeless hair.

COLAB is a breakthrough in dry shampoo couture. At the heart of the product is a revolutionary sheer and invisible dry shampoo formula which is available in a range of exquisite fragrances.

It’s created by an influential collective of beauty insiders, led by Ruth Crilly, international model and founder of beauty and fashion website, ‘A Model Recommends’.

Within this duo set is two different ranges from their collection, both of which smell really nice. London is a classic yet contemporary fragrance of bergamot, musk & magnolia and Rio contains a carnival of tropical notes with papaya, pineapple and a heart of cassis.

I really struggle to find good dry shampoos mainly because I’m dark haired and majority that I’ve tried leave a white powdery residue on my hair which isn’t a pretty sight! Thankfully these are white powder free but unfortunately after a couple of hours my hair looked greasy again. Whilst these didn’t work as well as my all time favourite from Percy and Reed they are budget friendly and left my hair feeling very refreshed and fragranced. I like that the scent lingered for some time too and think these sprays are great for a quick burst of freshness.

2.  Halo Eye Make Up Remover Pads – Full Size RRP £1.99

I’m a regular user of eye make up and forever running out of remover so these are very welcomed. The pack contains 30 remover pads which is a generous amount.

The Halo Eye Make Up Remover Pads are hypoallergenic and fragrance free which gently remove make up including waterproof mascara.

These budget friendly pads are really moist and removed all of my make-up effectively and effortlessly. With the pads being slighter larger compared to others I’ve used, one was simply enough for both eyes.

These are ideal for keeping in your handbag or storing as a back-up for when you run out of your usual remover.

3. Extra Samples within the box:

This month, You Beauty Discovery included 2 sachets of  Le Couvent Des Minimes Hiker’s Foot Healer cream which help nourish and repair the feet, there was also a sample sachet of Yardley London Hydrating and Enriching Body Lotion which is a light weight cream with a quick drying formula and last but certainly not least is the adorable Lindt Mini Christmas Bear which was utterly yummy and lasted in it’s glory for around five minutes!

My Verdict

I was a little disappointed with this months line up especially with it being the December shortlist. I expected something a little more enticing and with nothing really standing out I opted for practical items which I tend to use on a daily basis. I’m happy with my picks this month and loved the additional bonus treats within the box.

The value of my box is worth £5.99 which is slightly less than usual however it includes great daily beauty essentials which I will make use out of.

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

“You Beauty Discovery” impresses me every month and whilst this month’s menu was a let down I always look forward to seeing their menu at the start of the month. Their wide selection of products in their menu has something for everyone . This box is a complete steal for £6.95 and worth every penny.

For more information or to subscribe please visit:

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

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Glossybox Review – December 2014

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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 £42.28
www.glossybox.co.uk

The December 2014 Glossybox has landed and this month sees the iconic pink box replaced with a collectors edition Christmas box. This months edit comes beautifully presented and wrapped in a special festive box design and boasts four full-sized products out of 5. The box has all areas covered and contains make-up, skincare, a hair product and a must have on -the- spot treatment.

 Glossybox already revealed two of the products which you could expect to see inside this month’s box and I was pretty excited about the Belle Pierre Lip and Cheek stain and the Anatomicals day and night spot stick which is certainly an essential SOS must-have for this time of year.

This month’s box covers all aspects of beauty and features brands such as Belle Pierre, Anatomicals, Tresemme, So Susan and SkinPep.

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. Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain – Full Size 5g RRP £12.99

Last month’s box revealed that all subscribers would be greeted by the Bellapierre lip and cheek stain. I love dual purpose products which not only save space but are great for when you’re on the go too.

This cheek and lip stain has an oil-free formula and is available in two shades, pink and coral. I received the shade Coral which is the shade all subscribers will receive.

The coral shade is very soft making it the perfect everyday color. It’s quite pigmented and I love how it blends effortlessly when applied onto the cheeks and on the lips it gives a natural sheen of colour. This shade really will complement any makeup look and is great for a natural pop of colour during months of winter.

2. Anatomicals Zap Zap Zap Spot Treatment – Full Size 7ml RRP £3.79

I get pretty excited about spot treatments and love trialling new products which claim to keep spots at bay. It’s inevitably I get a few before the dreaded time of the month and with it being the month of partying and dinners I hope to be spot free and picture perfect. That’s wishful thinking on my part but I was pleased to see this on-the-spot treatment pen by Anatomicals which covers spot concerns day and night.

I’m always intrigued by the Anatomicals packaging which is quite funky and you definitely need a sense of humour to appreciate this brand!

The spot pen comes packaged in a lipgloss type tube which is double ended. The clear liquid is for day use and the white formula is for night time use. I’m guessing the night formula is stronger than the day treatment. The key ingredients are tea tree oil and witch hazel and both have a potent scent of green tea, the night one being more stronger.

I’ve using the night treatment for two days now and visually a couple of my spots look less angry, the redness has definitely disappeared and the soreness ceases to exist. I’m really impressed with this budget treatment which works effectively and won’t break the bank balance.

3. So Susan Cosmetics Concealer Quad – Full Size RRP £20.00

This seems to be a repeat as I received this in my June Glossybox and still working my way through it however I love this quad so was happy to receive another as a back up.

This compact contains four concealer shades from lights to darks and cover dark spots, blemishes and minor imperfections and is formulated with virgin marula oil.

I love that this product is diverse and the colours can be mixed together to achieve the perfect near match. This is great if you are looking for light weight coverage which isn’t heavy.

4. SkinPep Hydra Boost Serum –  Sample Size 15ml

I’ve not tried anything from the Skinpep range who specialise in advance skincare products.

The key ingredient is this serum is hyaluronic acid and is known for its a powerful moisture-binding ingredient that keeps skin plump, hydrated and youthful. The good news is that this magic ingredient will work for all skin types even the oiliest of skin will benefit.

The serum is really light weight and has a cooling effect on the skin which feels refreshing. Due to the texture I think this would be perfect all year round for a surge of intense moisture.

5. Tresemme Renewal Hair and Scalp Treatment Shots – Full Size Pack RRP £5.50

It’s been years since I’ve used anything from the Tressemme brand as I tend to stick to products which I’m already using and very rarely change brands however these 60 second shots look interesting. The pack contains four treatments which is a good amount to really road test the product.

These treatment shots instantly helps nourish the scalp and renew the hair, leaving it beautiful from start to finish. With tea tree extract and sunflower seed oil this salon quality formula helps nourish the scalp at the surface cellular level, leaving hair 3 times stronger.

I like that the treatment is only left on for 60 seconds perfect for a quick fix and an instant boost of moisture. I look forward to trying these out.

My Verdict

I think we all expect a little more cheer and sparkle in our beauty boxes during the month of December and whilst this months edit didn’t particularly excite me apart from the Bella Pierre, Anatomicals, I think you will agree that all of the products are very practical and usable covering all areas of beauty this month. It’s also impressive that four out of five products were full sized with a value of £42.28. I love the festive design which gave the box a very Christmasy look and feel.

I’m wowed by the Anatomicals spot treatment which surprisingly works amazingly well and I’m really pleased with the Belle Pierre lip and cheek stain which gives a flattering pop of colour with a very natural finish.

Glossybox always include some full sized products which bumps up the value of the box so it’s a great affordable way to discover and trial products from well known and new brands.

January Spoiler Alert – All subscribers will receive a full size revitalising toner containing aloe vera, chamomile and calendula from the natural brand Kueshi.

 Glossybox Christmas Offer:

Enjoy one free box with any Glossybox subscription plan when you use code XMASOFFER at the checkout. Offer ends 31.12.2014 or until stocks last.

Click here to sign up

www.glossybox.co.uk

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Beauty Pick of the Month – November 2014

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It’s that time again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. This month’s showstopper is the iconic GLAMGLOW YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Mask which I received in my Look Fantastic Beauty Box and it definitely deserves to be in the spotlight. It’s been on my wishlist for quite sometime and I was delighted to see this renowned mask which claims to deliver the most incredible instant results in just one application.

The GLAMGLOW Youth Mud Mask is a performance driven super mask which contains the highest quality ingredients giving exceptional results. It doesn’t just take care of one skin concern, it delivers everything you need for great skin, whatever your skin type from brightening to toning the skin. It delivers both instant and cumulative results and leaves your complexion revived and glowing for 3 days after each application. With its heritage in Hollywood film studios The GLAMGLOW range has acclaimed it’s fame in the UK  too.

We all hope for some form of miracle when it comes to facial beauty products from lustrous flawless skin to instant quick fixes especially now as winter really puts our beauty regime to the test. Having finally road tested this mask it’s truly been my skin saviour this month and has become a firm favourite which delivers every time.

This isn’t your average type of mask as such and whilst it’s clay based it also contains actual green tea leaves and fine grain particles from volcanic pumice rock. The mask has a pleasant green tea scent which reminds me of a perfume by Elizabeth Arden. The texture is thick and spreads easily however the leaves do fall off and leave a little mess on the floor so I would advise applying this in the bathroom!

I simply left this on for around 10 minutes and after a few minutes I could really feel the tingling sensation which is quite bizarre at first but you soon adapt to it. Once the ten minutes were up I wet the mask a little and massaged gently to benefit from the exfoliating grains. The mask is easy to remove and doesn’t leave any unwanted residue on the on the skin.

I wasn’t expecting any miracles and neither was I going to look ten times younger but miraculously my lack-lustrous skin immediately looked brighter, clearer and more radiant. This mask is seriously just wow and whilst the glow didn’t last for three days as per it’s claims my skin looked much healthier and my blemishes looked more blurred. I’ve since purchased the full size tub and have been using this once a week. It’s been three weeks and I’m already noticing an improved difference in my skin. The Glamglow mask really is magic in a tub and it’s a great pick me up for all skin types, perfect for brightening up dull and problematic skin this winter.

My review of November’s Look Fantastic Beauty Box is available here

The Glamglow range can also be purchased via www.lookfantastic.com