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Which Beauty Box UK January 5, 2015

My Little Box Review – December 2014

My Little Box – Fleur De Force – December 2014
Price of the Box – from £13.95 a month
No of Products – 7 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

I’m a little late to the party with this month’s review as my December 2014 My Little Box went astray and had to be sent out again hence posting this review today.

The December box month sees a collaboration with Beauty and Fashion Blogger Fleur De Force. Last month I attended the My Little Box party where the December box was showcased along with lots of food and drink and not forgetting the lovely team at My Little Box who were all very welcoming and lovely. This edit features a festive line up which includes adorable gift wrapping essentials to get your creativity juices flowing, a must-have winter headband and a good selection of beauty discoveries from skin loving treats to a party lipstick. This edition is one of my favourites from My Little Box and as per every month the attention to detail, design and content is impressive which is something which this box never fails on.

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

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

The December edition contains 7 items and includes a mixture of beauty products which is contained within a charming drawstring bag and also lifestyle items. Enclosed is the My Little World Magazine which is always a good read with interview features, useful beauty tips to mouth watering recipes.

1. Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion – Travel Size 100ml RRP £10.00

I love Cowshed products and you definitely need some what of a sense of humour to really appreciate this brand. There is a range for all sorts of different cows from lazy cow to even a saucy cow as well as others! I was happy to see a generous sized body lotion inside this month’s box.

Cowshed products are quintessentially British and all Made in England. Inspired by nature, Cowshed’s range of honest, natural and therapeutic products, use only the best organic and wildcrafted plant extracts and the highest quality essential oils.

I received the Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion which contains the finest quality Shea and Cocoa Butters to moisturise and tone the skin. It’s infusion of Lemongrass, Ginger and Rosemary helps to refresh and cleanse, awaken the senses and sharpen the mind. The texture of the cream is quite rich and feels really nourishing on the skin which is perfect for the months of winter.

This is a great pick me up in the morning after a shower to wake up the body and mind.

2. L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Crème – Sample Size 15ml

This is a good sized sample of a new triple-action formula with which boasts an even higher concentration of active molecules to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, boosts the skin’s firmness and offer’s lasting anti-ageing protection. It’s Ideal for normal to dry skin with the cream being rich and smooth in texture, it visibly corrects deep wrinkles and helps restore firmness to the skin with a combination of organic immortelle essential oil and organic immortelle cell extracts.

I really love L’Occintane products but unfortunately this isn’t suited for my skin type.

3. My Little Beauty Lipstick – Full Size RRP £15.00

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

Inside this months box is a full sized lipstick which comes in an ultimate party red shade with a hint of pink and claims to suit all complexions even your hair colour won’t come in between you and this universal shade!

I really love the shade which is quite pigmented with a glossy finish. I was expecting this to be a full on red but surprisingly it’s not that vibrant making it suitable for wearing during the day too. The formula is really hydrating and I like that the colour can be built up. The only aspect which lets this down is the cardboard packaging the lipstick is housed in. Although it looks really cute it’s very child-like!

4. Lifestyle Items

The December box included a variety of lifestyle extras from a headband to adorable gift wrapping essentials.

First up is the pretty collection of masking tape, gift tags and a reel of cotton, the perfect assortment for wrapping up presents. Whilst I wasn’t able to make use of these during the Christmas period, the designs are not all festive focused which is great as I can use these for wrapping birthday presents instead and the remainder can always be used for next Christmas. The masking tape and gift tags both have a good variety of designs and there’s a generous amount too.

Up next is a stylish head band in a sand colour with subtle glittery strands of thread running through the wool, it’s the perfect chic essential to keep you warm this winter and I’ve already pack this for my trip to Amsterdam. They could of easily left this loose in the box but I love the little gift box which this came presented in it’s so cute!

My Verdict

I adore this month’s edition from it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within. There’s a great selection of beauty and lifestyle items from skin loving treats, a party lipstick, a generous assortment of adorable gift wrapping essentials and a winter head band. This edition is one of my favourites from My Little Box and as per every month the attention to detail, the intricate design and curated content is impressive which is something which this box never fails on.

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

This month’s box showcased brands such as Cowshed, L’Occitane and an item from their in-house My Little Beauty range. I particularly liked the Cowshed body lotion and the universal red lipstick. The lifestyle items complemented the December edit perfectly and I’m looking forward to putting my creativity to the test with the gift wrapping goodies.

This months My Little World Magazine was also good read and contained an interview feature with Fleur De Force, some useful tutorials from gift wrapping to party make-up and even some mouthwatering recipe ideas.

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

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Which Beauty Box UK January 3, 2015

Birchbox Review – January 2015

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

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

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

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

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

1. Stila Lip Glaze – Full Size RRP £15.00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

Thinking of Subscribing?

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

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Which Beauty Box UK January 2, 2015

Birchbox Spoiler – January 2015

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

Inside you will find an Exclusive-to-Birchbox Pilates Band along with worthy samples from Birchbox’s signature and discovery brands such as HealGel, REN, Philip Kingsley, Activbod, Caudalie and Stila to name a few. This month’s box features a selection of tip to toe discoveries covering both inner and outer beauty.

The January edit has a great beauty line up and it’s perfect for giving you that much needed head start to achieve those goals for 2015.

The Hit Refresh Birchbox is available now. Please click here to read my review of this month’s Birchbox.

Thinking of Subscribing?

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Which Beauty Box UK December 30, 2014

So Susan LipLove Subscription Launch – December 2014

There’s a good selection of beauty subscription boxes in the UK which offer choice & flexibility and all contain a mixture of beauty treats from lotions and potions to the occasional make up item however there’s always been a gap in the UK market for a box which just contains all things make up. I’m really excited to announce that So Susan who are already experts in the cosmetics field have unveiled their new launch of the LipLove Subscription Box, designed to bring you lip-focused products infused with skin-loving ingredients along with a bonus make-up item too.

So Susan will release a box every month via their website and each box will contain an impressive 5 full sized items, 4 of which are lip based and 1 bonus item which caters for other parts of the face for only £14.95 each month.

The January Bag is available now and includes:

Cheek Jelly
Lip Dome in “Rhubarb Rouge”
Lip Dome in “Melon”
Supermodel Stain by Jelly Pong Pong
BONUS ITEM : Concealer Quad

For more information please visit:
www.sosusan.com

Which Beauty Box UK December 24, 2014

Love Me Beauty Box Review – December 2014

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

Which Beauty Box UK December 22, 2014

Beauteque’s New Subscription Launch – December 2014

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 15^th to the 15^th (If you subscribe on January 16^th, you will receive the February bag and so on)

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

Beauteque will also email options to their subscribers on the 1^stof each month and you will be required to send back your responses for your preferences by the 5^th 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

Which Beauty Box UK December 16, 2014

So Susan LoveLacquer Box Review – December 2014

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 Violaceous, Lipstick, 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

Which Beauty Box UK December 14, 2014

Birchbox Review – December 2014

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.

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 Cream – Sample 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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Which Beauty Box UK December 11, 2014

You Beauty Discovery Box Review – December 2014

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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Which Beauty Box UK December 10, 2014

Glossybox Review – December 2014

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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