The Beauteque Polished Holiday Bag Review – December 2014

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Polished Holiday Bag
Price of the Bag is £22.00 including P&P
No. of Products  – 7
Total value of contents in the bag –  £31.36
www.beauteque.com

With the party season already in full swing, Beauteque have launched The Polished Holiday Bag which focuses on getting your hands and feet party ready for the festivities upon us. It contains a great variety of practical must-have essentials and a selection of nail varnishes to get you prepped and primed for the party season.

For the Holiday Season, Beauteque have launched three different bags including the Polished Holiday Bag, the Head to Toe Spaliday Bag and the Tra La La Travel Bag.

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 come presented in a chic black velvet drawstring bag and features seven full sized products covering all aspects when it comes to prep and priming the hands and feet. This bag also offers a little customisation where you can chose a different type of the Face Shop Cream and two of the nail polish shades.

1.  The Face Shop Green Grape Hand & Body Shiffon Cream – Full Size 100ml RRP £5.52

This cream is a non-sticky formula and keeps the skin moisturised and resilient with long lasting softness. It also has an anti-inflammatory and a nourishing effect on the skin with it’s key ingredient being shea butter.

Out of the two variants available I opted for the Green Grape cream as I prefer sweet scents and thought this would be perfect and I wasn’t wrong, it smells utterly delicious and reminds me of one of the flavours in the Willy Wonka’s Gobstopper pack!

I was expecting this cream to be heavy but surprisingly it’s very light and feels silky when applied onto the skin. It’s non greasy formula absorbs into the skin quickly. I really like this cream it’s a great pick me up for the mornings and although it’s not super hydrating I think this would be ideal for the warmer months.

2.  Looc Mineral Nail Remover – Full Size 100ml RRP £3.00

There’s a generous size of a mineral nail varnish remover by Looc which isn’t a brand I’ve come across before.

This gentle formula easily removes even the darkest shades of nail polish without drying the surface of the nail or the surrounding skin.

The remover doesn’t smell heavily of acetone either and has a pleasant fruity scent which I really like.

3.  Flip Flop Nail Care Kit – Full Size RRP £3.99

Can we take a moment to admire this cute little flip flop case, it’s so cute!

Inside the case is a set of key manicure tools and includes a nail clipper, a metal nail file, nail scissors and a cuticle shaper. It’s the perfect compact travel companion.

4. Foot File – Full Size RRP £3.06

I always welcome foot files in beauty boxes as my feet get really dry during the colder months.

This 4 in 1 foot file includes a nail cleaning brush, a pumice stone, a metal file and a buffing file to really target dry, callused feet and heels.

5. Essie Nail Varnish – Full Size RRP £10.95

I was really shocked to see a nail varnish from Essie considering it’s not a Korean brand however was delighted to see this unexpected surprise which came in the shade After School Blazer, a bold navy blue colour. It’s the perfect winter colour which gives your nails a bold finish and looks stunning with a touch of silver glitter.

6. Scandal Nail Polish – Full Size RRP £3.00

Out of the three variants available I opted for the shade Luxury Purple which is a magenta colour and contains tiny specks of gold shimmer. This nail varnish really stands out with it’s unique provocative corset bottle which grabbed my attention straight away, it’s very different!
The application is great and the color, texture and finish is quite impressive giving you a full opaque result with just one coat. It also has a high shine finish and doesn’t even require a top coat.

7. Make Me Trendy Nail Art Pen – Full Size RRP £1.84

This nail art pen was available in silver and gold and I opted for the latter as silver tends to match with most colours and is more subtle compared to gold.

Whilst this isn’t a pen it’s a striper brush with a short slimline brush which is perfect for doing nail art from dots, stripes to intricate detail. I’ve not attempted any nail art this year so looking forward trying a few designs over the Christmas period.

 My Verdict

Beauteque have selected a great variety of products for this edit which focuses on getting your hands and feet prepped and primed for the party season as well as all year round. The bag also includes key essential items to tackle dry skin during the colder months and boasts seven fulled sized products which are all very usable. The aspect I like about the Beauteque Bags is that they offer some personalisation too which allows you to choose products from different variations and the remainder of what you receive is a complete surprise.

Inside the box is also a product card which is in English so you won’t be lost in translation! My only negative about the product card is that it’s not very descriptive and neither does it include the value of the items.

The entire contents within this bag has a value of  £31.36 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £22.00 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover Korean brands which aren’t available in the UK to buy.

Beauteque have a wide selection of Beauty Bags via their website at:

www.beauteque.com

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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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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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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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Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – December 2014

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Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7
www.lookfantastic.com

After the success and the great response of last months box which was my all time favourite from Look Fantastic I couldn’t wait to unveil the December 2014 edition which to no surprise even tops last month’s box in my opinion. Look Fantastic have pulled out all the stops with this showstopper edit which boasts seven products this month. The line-up covers all areas and includes a variety of skincare essentials, an innovative hair comb and make up must-haves for creating the perfect smokey eye look for the party season upon us.There’s also a bottle of Gold Collagen supplement for boosting your inner beauty too.

 Look Fantastic have taken the plunge and bring you their very own monthly beauty box.  Known for providing all things beauty from A-Z via their website if anyone could successfully pull this off it’s certainly them being experts in this trade already. With  over 14,000 products online from more than 400 brands across hair, make up, skin care, nails, electrical, fragrance, health , home and organic it was inevitable that this beauty box was going to deliver and be a hit as soon as it landed. Really isn’t a surprise that these continually sell out when launched.

The box offers a selection of handpicked, must have beauty fixes wrapped in a beautifully presented box and delivered straight to your door. The beauty box will always include a minimum of six products and offers a selection of skincare, haircare, cosmetic and body products, catering to every kind of beauty lover.

This month’s box is filled with an incredible 7 beauty items which have been carefully selected and showcases well known and premium brands such as Murad, Elemis, Ole Henriksen, Lord and Berry, Bourjois, Gold Collagen and Macadamia.

1.    Macadamia Healing Oil Infused comb -Full Size RRP £6.00

Whilst I’ve seen many reviews of the Macadamia haircare range I’ve not tried any of their products and was happy to be introduced to this innovative comb which claims to smooth, condition and detangle your hair whilst combing your hair.

 The Macadamia Natural Oil Infused Comb is a unique detangling comb which treats hair whilst you style. This special resin comb is infused with with Macadamia Natural Oil’s Healing Oil, allowing the hair to be treated every time you comb. Hair is easily detangled, whilst the oil is distributed evenly to nourish, moisturise and add shine and smoothness.

I used this comb on washed hair and after blow drying my hair and it simply glided through without any pulling or tugging, although I didn’t really notice any additional shine or softness to my hair it managed to un-tangle my hair effortlessly. With it being oil based I automatically assumed that this would leave my hair feeling greasy and surprisingly there wasn’t a trace of oil.

Winter is my hairs worst enemy and trying to keep my hair extensions tangle-free is some what of a challenge. This comb is the perfect solution for when I’m on the go and easily fits into my handbag.

2.    Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eyeliner  –  Travel Size

Eyeliners play a huge role in my daily make-up regime and was happy to receive another as a back-up. This one is more of a travel sized liner which is great for when your traveling light or when space is very limited in your make-up bag.

I tend to reach out for kohl liners as they tend to be more creamy allowing smoother application and the colour pay off usually has more depth and pigment.

I currently own this liner by Lord & Berry and it glides onto the water line effortlessly. I find that this also works incredibly well on the eyelid too for creating a smokey eye look. Although the longevity isn’t great I find that using a primer tends to set the liner much better.

This liner is also ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye, perfect for those who have sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

3.   Bourjois Intense Smoky Palette –  Full Size RRP £7.99

Dark smokey eyes are my favorite make up look during the winter.  The Bourjois palette features 2 eye-catching eyeshadows, a dark plum base and a shimmery grey shade with has a pearl finish perfect for creating refined, bold smoky effects. Within the palette is also a cream liner designed to give structure to the eyes and provides an extra touch of intensity to the eyeshadow and comes in a purple shade. The palette also comes with a double ended applicator, a sponge tip and a small liner brush.

These are very easy blend however I found that a sponge applicator worked better in picking these up as opposed to a brush. All three colors in the palette have amazing pigmentation and look really flattering when combined together and can be used wet or dry depending on the intensity

On the back of the packaging you’ll find professional makeup artist tips that give you step by step instructions to help you achieve a classic smoky eye. Although it’s pretty small, it’s perfect to accompany you when you’re on the go or traveling.

4.   Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel – Sample Size 15ml.

This Papaya Enzyme Peel by Elemis has won the Harper’s Bazaar Best Peel in the past and is formulated to brighten and promote skin cell renewal. It’s natural plant extracts work to soothe, repair and protect your skin from environmental pollutants and daily stresses. Enriched with natural exfoliating extracts of Papaya and Pineapple which smooth your skin and is full of antioxidant Vitamins to nourish and protect your complexion.

Unlike most masks this feels more like a gel/serum. It’s quite thick but applies easily and evenly and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. The scent is deliciously fruity and isn’t intrusive. I left it on for about 15 minutes and washed it off with lukewarm water. I really thought this was a peel off mask which I was looking quite forward to! Nonetheless I really enjoyed the texture and my skin looked much fresher and brighter after using it.

5.   Murad Essential-C Cleanser  – Sample Size 45ml

I’m always on the look out for a good cleanser and was happy to give this one by Murad a whirl.

This fruity, fresh, antioxidant rich cleanser combats the daily impact of the environment and it’s pollutants by washing away impurities and restoring moisture whilst soothing stressed skin.

The clear gel based cleanser contains tiny orange micro beads which burst during the use. It’s designed to clean and purify your face while injecting a healthy dose of moisture back to dehydrated skin.

This is quite foamy, but I like that in a cleanser as it feels like I’ve cleaned my face properly.

The cleanser is infused with mandarin orange, basil and grapefruit oils which has a citrusy uplifting scent. I’m really impressed with this cleanser which leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean and refreshed. Due to its uplifting scent it’s a great pick me up for the morning and is probably best suited for acne prone, oily-combination skin types.

6.  Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil – Deluxe Size 15ml

Within this months edit includes a deluxe sample from Ole Henriksen. I’ve hardly tried anything from this brand apart from their cleansing wipes which didn’t disappoint. With the full size only being 30ml it’s amazing that this sample is 15ml.

The Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil features a lightweight texture infused with natural citrus aromas and absorbs quickly to soften, condition and moisturize dull and tired skin. It’s infused with Rosehip oil, vitamin C and essential fatty acids which improves your skin’s own natural rejuvenating abilities while the tangerine and lemongrass oils soothe inflammation and minimise pores without a greasy residue.

It’s only recently that I’ve incorporated facial oils into my beauty regime and I’m no longer skeptical that these only work for dry skin types. These work just as well for oily skin too.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the Ole Henriksen oil measures up against the oil I’m currently using.

7.  Pure Gold Collagen – Full Size 50ml RRP £3.59

I keep seeing this brand pop up and it was only a few months ago where I received a sample of this.

The Gold Collagen liquid supplement range is a ten day programme and comes in a pack of 10. This is a liquid food supplement that improves the skin’s appearance by working from within and counteracts the ageing process from the deep layers of your skin. Enriched with a special blend of natural ingredients, it re-activates the formation of collagen to give you brighter, plumper and more youthful looking skin. These come in a variety of different flavours and I received the peach and passion fruit.

I’m terrible at taking supplements and tend to avoid them as I can never stick to them for more than a week. Whilst you won’t notice any results with just the one bottle it’s a great opportunity to try the brand and their concept.

My Verdict

 After the huge success of last month’s box, Look Fantastic have pulled it out of the bag once again and have delivered another well curated box which has a great balance of products featuring well known brands and a couple of new discoveries for me. This box impresses me each month and it certainly gives you an opportunity to try more upmarket beauty brands without the hefty price tag. I’m pretty chuffed with this months line up as I’ve been on a quest to step up my beauty regime and there’s a great selection of skincare products for me to road test.

This months edit has all area’s covered from skin loving treats, make up for the party season and a hair fix perfect for tackling the months of winter. The box is filled with an incredible 7 beauty items, 2 of which are full sized and showcases well known and premium brands such as Murad, Elemis, Ole Henriksen, Lord and Berry, Bourjois, Gold Collagen and Macadamia.

As an extra treat, Look Fantastic also included a £10 gift voucher to spend on luxury fashion site, Coggles.com.

In my opinion the quality, the presentation and the product selection throughout their boxes remains to be consistently great and focuses mainly on medium to high end brands. The samples sizes are very good sized (more travel sized).

 It’s certainly a nice monthly treat to receive through your letter box and having had a few tasters I think it’s safe to say that Look Fantastic certainly know the concept of a beauty box.

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

The December box is still available via the Look Fantastic website however it won’t be around for long.

http://www.lookfantastic.com

**PR Sample**
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Memebox #77 Foot Therapy Box Review – November 2014

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Memebox #77 Foot Therapy Box Review
Price of the Box is $29.99 including shipping approx £18.29
No of Products in the Box – 8 items
Total value of contents in the box – £50.89
http://us.memebox.com/memebox-global

I’m a little late to the party with the Memebox #77 Foot Therapy Box review however seeing as there’s not a lot of activity going on at the moment apart from the occasional restock I thought I would save this one for December. I missed out on the first edition of this box and snapped this up straight away when it got released. Our feet get pretty neglected in winter and are mostly snuggled up in sock and boots and certainly get less attention unlike in the summer. With the colder weather kicking in, our feet soon get dried resulting in cracked heels and rough skin. Memebox have curated the perfect box to slough away all foot imperfections and drench feet with skin-loving foot therapy products which will get your feet baby-smooth and totally renewed.

 Memebox is a rapidly-growing, leading e-commerce beauty retailer born in Seoul, currently headquartered in San Francisco, California and provide Korean Beauty Boxes.

They offer a huge range of different themed beauty boxes which caters for everyone’s needs and likes and the good news is they ship to the UK and other parts of the world for only $6.99. These are not monthly subscription boxes and are available to buy as one offs. The majority of the boxes sell out very quickly so you do need to be supersonic.

 This box is all things feet and features a great line up of key essential products to get your feet summer ready. The box contains 8 full sized items which impressively targets all concerns when it comes to feet.

1. Lassha New Cool Foot Spray – Full Size 150ml  RRP £11.00

We all suffer from bad odour especially if our feet are bound to shoes for a long period of time and this foot spray will certainly come in handy to banish unwanted smells.

The spray freshens up bad odours and maintains good hygiene for your feet. It’s enriched with 100% naturally derived plant extracts and claims to also leave your feet silky soft and refreshed.

This has a really pleasant smell with a mixture of citrus and minty notes and feels really cooling and refreshing on the feet.

2. Purederm Callus Reducer Jojoba Heal Patches- Full Size x4 Patches RRP £9.20

No matter how much I file and look after my feet, the hard skin on my heels always make a come back. I was pleased to discover these heel patches from Purederm which is an intensive herbal conditioning therapy formulated to moisturise, soothe and repair dry, cracked and callused heels. It contains a rich blend of jojoba oil, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil which penetrate deep into the hardened skin whilst moisturising the skin to prevent further damage.

The patches are similar to plasters and stick down pretty easily. I left these on all night and they felt really comfortable. Not really hoping for much the next morning I was amazed how soft my heels felt. These patches do a great job and I will certainly be purchasing some more of these.

3. With Shyan Professional Foot File – Full Size RRP £5.52

This box wouldn’t have been complete without a foot file and I was happy to see one inside the box.

The file has two different types of pads one being more abrasive than the other. I find that these work so much better on wet skin rather than dry as the skin is much softer when damp.

This works amazingly well at sloughing away any hard skin from the feet and whilst the pads are quite abrasive it really does an impressive job which leaves your heels feeling nice and soft.

4. Mizon Magic Peeling Foot Mask – Full Size RRP £6.74

I have always been intrigued by these peeling foot masks which claim to do all of the work for you however they have also somewhat freaked me out as the amount of peeling which takes place over a period of 1-2 weeks isn’t a pretty sight from pictures I’ve seen!

This Mizon peeling mask has the same concept and comes in the form of two plastic type socks which are filled with the magic peeling solution. You just sit back and relax with these on for a couple of hours and after a few days the dead skin will simply start to peel off and shed.

I just need to pluck up the courage and hope to give them a go soon!

5. Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot Mask – Full Size RRP £1.84

Whilst I’m still on the subject of masks this is one involves no shedding and simply just moisturises to give you silky soft skin just like a baby’s foot.

This mask removes dead skin cells and delivers rich nourishment to dry and tired feet. The liquid within the plastic socks contains a blend of shea butter, urea, peppermint and aloe vera to cool, refresh and deeply moisturise the feet. The socks are left on for 15-20 minutes and the remaining essence is simply patted onto the skin once it’s time to remove them.

I’ve not managed to try these yet but they sound ideal for when you’ve been on your feet all day.

6. Holika Holika Healing Nails Cuticle Oil – Full Size 10ml RRP £1.22

This cuticle oil nourishes, repairs and protects your toe nails and contains various plant oil complex to delivers deep hydration and nutrition into dry, cracked nail whilst soothing at the same time.

I must admit I don’t really use cuticle oil on my nails as I don’t like oil based products which simply sit on the nail bed.

7. Calmia Silky Soft Foot Cream – Full Size 100g RRP £11.04

This deeply moisturising foot cream is enriched with skin loving ingredients such as shea butter and macadamia oil which soothes, softens and repairs the skin.

The cream is quite rich and absorbs into the skin effortlessly with a very subtle fragrance. My feet seemed to retain the moisture even after a few hours which is great for a foot cream. I really like this cream which works better then some of the ones I currently use.

8. Tonymoly Shiny Foot Scrub Wash – Full Size 100ml RRP £4.29

This gentle exfoliating foot scrub is formulated with peppermint extracts, lavender, argan oil and urea complex which not only buffs away dead skin but also soothes, refreshes and moisturises dry, tired feet.

The scrub is really creamy and is packed with exfoliating beads which are really gentle yet effective. This works best with the foot file and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The scent is very minty which has a slight cooling effect when applied.

Thinking about it now my feet always get forgotten about when I’m exfoliating and this scrub is the perfect reminder.

My Verdict

I am really impressed with this edit which features a wide array of products just for the feet. It makes the perfect box for winter where we usually neglect our feet and concentrate more on our skin and haircare regime. This box targets all concerns and includes everything you could possibly need to get baby soft feet . Memebox have hit the nail on the head with this edition and I think it’s even better than the first box. As well as targeting specific concerns this box also gives you the perfect opportunity to nurture and pamper  your feet in the comfort of your home.

 Inside the box showcases a great balance of products, all of which are very useable. What blew me away the most is that this box included 8 full sized products which is incredible.

The box itself came well packaged in a robust padded envelope and I can confirm that no custom charges were incurred.The information about the products and how to apply them is in English on a ‘card enclosed inside of the box so you won’t be lost in translation.

The contents within this box is worth £50.89 and the cost of the box including shipping works out to be around £18.29. It’s a small price to pay to discover these hidden gems which have an incredible box value as majority of the products are always full sized.

What makes Memebox very different is the variety and choice of beauty boxes which they offer their customers as a one off purchase. They release a huge amount of boxes throughout the year and will simply leave you spoilt for choice.

Memebox enables me to discover Korean beauty products which are not available here in the UK and their boxes definitely give you an opportunity to try out the latest beauty trends in Korea .

Want to discover Memebox?

Get $5 off when you spend $30 using my promo code 71UTSY . Offer expires on the 31 December 2014.

http://us.memebox.com/

Glamour Party Beauty Edit Box by Latest in Beauty – November 2014

LIBGlamourPartyBoxLatest in Beauty are really spoiling us again this month with another new edit in collaboration with Glamour Magazine to bring you The Glamour Party Beauty Edit box.

  Latest in Beauty have teamed up with Glamour Magazine yet again to bring you the ultimate party beauty box, where more really is more. Filled with 13 beauty products from make up delights to essential beauty fixes for pre-party prep and
next day recovery making it the perfect treat for yourself or a gift for someone special this Christmas.

This edit features brands such as Lola, Xen-Tan, Wild About Beauty, Vichy, Philip Kingsley, Elnett, Burts Bees, Stila, Popband, Collection and Skyn Iceland.

LIBGlamourPartyBox2
The Glamour Party Beauty Edit is available now for only  £16.99 including free delivery and is worth over £88!
 
www.latestinbeauty.com

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

You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – December 2014

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Here’s a sneak peek at December’s You Beauty Discovery selection menu which will be available on the 1st December at 7am. This month’s shortlist is all things party prep and includes a selection of beauty fixes and a little sparkle for the festivities ahead.

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:

• NIP+FAB – Body Slim Fix (45ml)
• Teeez – Head over Heels Nail Lacquer: Frosted Gleam (7ml)
• Teeez – Head over Heels Nail Lacquer: Smoking Gun (7ml)
• COLAB – LONDON & RIO Dry Shampoo Duo (50ml each)
• Amie – Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash & Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser Duo (10ml each)
• Wilkinson Sword – Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care (full size)
• Nourish – Golden Glow Toning Body Shimmer (2ml)
• Kneipp – Lavender Herbal Bath Oil (20ml)
• Halo – Eye Make Up Remover Pads (30 pads)

Plus, each box will include Lindt – Christmas Mini Bear Chocolate (10g), Yardley London – Hydrating & Enriching Body Lotion* (10ml sachet) and Le Couvent des Minimes – Hiker’s Foot Healer (2ml sachet, 2 per box).

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Latest in Beauty BBB Dream Box 2 Review – November 2014

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Price of the Box is £21.95 including P&P
No of Products in the Box – 18 items
Total Value of contents in the box – £129.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

The long awaited announcement finally hit us on the 17th November and I was certainly delighted and some what relieved to get my hands on the British Beauty Blogger Dream Box 2 after missing out on the first one which was a huge hit. Jane Cunningham (The British Beauty Blogger) and Latest in Beauty joined forces again to bring you a second edition bursting with 18 worthy beauty products with an exceptional value of £129.00. It really isn’t surprising that due to phenomenal demand the website crashed within minutes of it being released and the boxes had to be purchased via a waiting list. Yes Jane Cunningham broke the Latest in Beauty website and it’s no surprise that this box has now sold out.

The BBB Dream Box 2 has all area’s covered from skin loving treats, make up for the party season ahead and some hair and body fixes perfect for tackling the months of winter. The box showcases brands such Ardell, Elizabeth Arden, Ciate, and Essie and many more.

As well as a fabulous line up the box includes a selection of good sized deluxe samples and full sized products personally selected by Jane and is either a long-time favourite of hers or an impressive new discovery.

1.    Ardell Natural Style Demi Wispies – Full Size £5.49

I love false lashes and was happy to see a set from Ardell which is normally the brand I favour over others.

These lashes live up to their name and are are super light, full of length and volume and are perfect for those who want a more natural look that is not too dramatic. They are suitable for any occasion and are subtle enough to wear during the day too.

2.    Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream – Sample Size 15ml worth £4.80

I’m a newbie to the Vichy range so it was great to finally be introduced in the form of their Thermal Light Cream.

This cream combines Vichy Thermal Spa Water and a micro-encapsulated delivery system of Activ Hyaluronine to improve the diffusion of moisture into the surface of the epidermis. The skin feels replenished with water, as if continuously hydrated by misting micro-sprays and claims that skin will be refreshed, velvety soft and free of the sensation of tightness all day long.

The cream has a very light weight texture and being oily skinned this is lighter than others I’ve used which is my preference when it comes to day creams. A tiny amount is needed and it spreads and sinks into the skin within seconds leaving no traces of oiliness on the surface. Dry skin types will love this as the skin literally drinks this up within seconds.

3.   Kerastase Bain Satin 1 and Kerastase Lait Vital – Travel Size 30ml & 20ml worth £3.03

I am a big fan of Keratase and was happy to see that both a shampoo and conditioner from the Nutritive Range was within the box. I received the same set a few month’s ago which are both empty now so was happy to receive another set.

The Nutritive range is specially formulated to meet the needs of normal to slightly dry hair which gently cleanses your hair of dirt, excess oil and product build-up, whilst deeply moisturising and conditioning your hair to restore it back to full health.

These are both great and work well together to tackle rebellious hair like mine, it definitely tamed some of the frizz whilst leaving my hair feeling more nourished and smooth.

4.   Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF15 – Full Size 3.7g £20.00

The renowned Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour range is a true classic which has been around for years and loved by many.

The lip protectant stick moisturises, softens and smooths the lips and provides antioxidant protection with vitamin E. It also has the added bonus of UV protection as well as the same amazing healing and moisturising properties as the Eight Hour range.

When applied this leaves the lips feeling soft and nourished and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. The moisturising formula is great to tackle the elements of winter. I particularly like that this is in the same form as a lipstick as opposed to being within a tub. It’s subtly scented with a citrus scent which is really pleasant too.

5.   Mio Double Buff Dual Action Enzyme Exfoliator – Travel Size 50ml worth £7.66

On first impressions I assumed this was a facial exfoliator and I was pleased to discover that this was for the body.

The Mio Double Buff exfoliator instantly transforms rough, dull skin into skin that’s superbly soft, smooth, radiant and dewy. It claims to soften the skin and hydrate whilst brightening uneven skin tone.

The exfoliator has fine grainy particles which feel gentle on the skin and isn’t abrasive. This has a creamy texture which doesn’t leave an oily film on the surface unlike others I’ve tried. The product is very good sized too at 50ml.

6.   Sleek MakeUP Mini Pout Polish – Sample Size 4.5g worth £2.49

I tried a sleek pout polish a few months ago and I really love their non sticky formula which feels moisturising and keeps the lips amazingly soft.

There were two variants of this pout polish and I received The Show, a pretty subtle pink shade which provides more of a natural sheen which mainly enhances the natural colour and shine of your lips. It also appears that the two shades are exclusive for this box only which is impressive.

7.   LOLA Make Up Ultra Shine Lipstick – Full Size £12.00

There were two variants of shades available in the Lola lipstick and I received Strawberry Fields which is a lovely pink shade. Visually this looks quite vibrant however when applied it isn’t so bright and is ideal for brightening up your winter make-up look. The lipstick has a glossy and a subtle hint of shimmer which gives the lips a radiant flush of colour.

8.  Invisibobble The Traceless Hair Ring – Full Size £3.75

I was delighted to see my all time favourite hair tie The Invisibobble within Jane’s shortlist. I received a pack of these in My You Beauty Discovery box this month and also purchased some more via Latest in Beauty’s build your own box. Whilst I have around five packs I was happy to receive another as back-up. Sometimes the odd one goes missing as the cat seems to pinch these and according to her they make the best toys ever, never to be seen again!

The Invisibobble which is available in various colours is a simply yet effective traceless hair tie which leaves no kinks or marks in your hair. It is also kind to your hair and helps to avoid split ends. I have hair extensions and these are great for keeping my hair tied without any pulling. I tie my hair before I go sleep to ensure my extensions don’t matt and tangle, it does the job perfectly and in the morning the Invisibobble still remains in my hair unlike others which simply just fall out.

9.  Agent Provocateur Fatale – Sample Vial 2ml

The Agent Provocateur Fatale speaks seduction and sexy as soon as you see the packaging. Fatale is a new fragrance and is infused with a striking blend of notes including Madagascan pink pepper, succulent mango and blackcurrant to name a few. I received a sample of this in July and the full size has been on my wishlist ever since.

This smells utterly amazing and has a very sweet scent which is what I normally go for in a perfume and it lasts well too.

10.  Eylure Brow Crayon in Mild Brown – Full Size £6.45

I knew from moment I saw this in Jane’s unboxing video this was going to be way too light for my dark brows which wasn’t really an issue as I have a friend who is a perfect match for this shade.

This soft pencil ensures intense, long lasting colour for the brows and with it’s fine point it’s perfect for filling in, shaping the brows and adding definition.

11.  Le Couvent des Minimes Gardener’s Hand Healer – Travel Size 15ml worth £4.95

Inspired by the Gardinarius, the monk who tended the Convent’s plants, the Gardener’s Hand Healer helps to repair dry and damaged hands and contains skin loving ingredients such as nourishing Shea butter and 7 Beneficial Plants in a rich, emollient cream. This intensive formula acts like an invisible glove to help protect against cracked and chapped skin and is recommended for gardening or DIY

Whilst I’m not green fingered or  a fan of DIY this would be perfect as an intensive night treatment to soothe and nourish the hands.

12. Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Duo – Full Size £7.99

The Bourjois Delice de Poudre is a bronzing and highlighter duo palette which provides a contoured glowing complexion pberfect for rightening dull and lack-lustre skin this winter.

The palette has two chunks of the chocolatey bronzer and two of a shimmery highlighter. The bronzer has a matte finish which gives a natural looking glow, it also works well to sculpt the cheekbones too. The highlighter has a soft shimmer finish which is great for definition and accentuating your facial features.

In line with its chocolate theme this palette has the most delicious chocolate scent to it which literally smells good enough to eat.

13. Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream – Travel Size worth £3.00

Burt’s Bees’ Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream  gives your needy nails a helping hand and nourishes and moisturise nails and cuticles with an intensive, natural treatment.

I was expecting this to be oily but surprisingly it isn’t in the slightest and contains ingredients such as sweet almond oil and Cocoa Seed Butter to moisturise and soften your cuticles along with Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil to nourish brittle nails. It’s also infused with lemon oil which is very potent within the fragrance and smells quite refreshing.

Unlike other cuticle treatments I’ve tried this absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave any traces of oil. I hardly bare my naked nails they are always painted so I look forward to trying this and giving my nails a well deserved break with this nourishing cream.

14. The Body Shop Beautifying Oil – Full Size £9.00

The Beautifying Oils by The Body Shop is a lightweight multitasking oil for your hair, body and face and come in a range of different scents. I received Olive which has a fruity scent which is subtle.

This “dry” beautifying oil promises to banish dry skin, promote a smoother texture and add radiance to skin. As opposed to wetter oils this dry oil absorbs quicker into skin with it’s beautiful, lightly scented fragrance. The oil glides on and leaves the skin soft and feeling nourished.

The oil is very versatile too and can be used in many different ways. I prefer using dry oils after a shower on slightly damp skin as I find it works better then applying directly onto dry skin.

15. Essie Nail Polish – Sample Size worth £2.66

Nothing says Christmas more then sparkly bold nails which stand out and glisten. The Essie glitter nail polish in the shade Toggle to the Top is all things Chrismasy with it’s rich garnet red formula containing tiny specks of glitter and shimmer.

This is quite a unique colour which is truly a stunning. It seems to be quite popular too with the nail addicts.

16. Nude Skincare Pro Genius Treatment Oil – Deluxe Sample Size worth £20.00

I’ve heard amazing things about the Nude Pro Genius Treatment Oil and with it’s £58 price tag for a full size I was extremely happy to see this deluxe sample inside the box.

This is Nude’s signature product and has 10 carefully-selected, nutritious plant oils. These replenishing oils are rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, and provide essential building blocks for youthful, healthy-looking skin and provides 24-hours of moisture, plumps fine lines and reveals a smoother complexion. You can apply this day and night and can be used alone, before moisturising, or worn under foundation for a smoother application.

I’m thankful that this comes with a dropper applicator as being oil based you only need a little and this ensure there’s no wastage. I’m interested in seeing how my oily skin reacts with this oil.

17. Ciate Lash Lites – Full Size £16.00

Ciate recently launched their new lash lites range this year which was a complete surprise as to you and me they are popularly known for their pretty nail varnish bottles with the iconic black bow. It’s was nice see that they had now ventured out into make up in the form of their vibrant coloured mascara which comes 6 eye popping shades.

I received the shade electric which is a vibrant blue very similar to the Benefit Badgal Mascara but the results are ten times better. I don’t usually opt for any other shade apart from black since my teen days however the pigmentation is very impressive even when applied onto the lashes without any mascara. The colour adds some drama to your make up look and really makes the eyes noticeably more brighter. I will definitely be using this on evenings out.

My Verdict

I’m really wowed with Jane’s picks in collaboration with Latest in Beauty which is another fabulous edit bursting with a wide selection of beauty fixes and delightful treats. There’s also a handful of winter must-haves which will come in very useful during the cold months. It’s amazing how many items have been crammed into this box, 18 products to be exact and I certainly struggled to fit all of the contents into one photo!

The BBB Dream Box 2 has all area’s covered from skin loving treats, make up for the party season ahead and some hair and body fixes perfect for tackling the months of winter. I’m simply blown away by the box and it’s fabulous line up which showcases brands we all know and love and there’s even few new discoveries for me too. All of the products are really good sized with a mixture of deluxe samples and full sized products.

This box is incredible value for money and worth an amazing £129.00 and for only £21.95 it’s such an affordable way to discover brands and products.

As well as the fabulous line up there were also discounts codes included for some of the brands featured  inside the box which is great to redeem against something you loved inside the box.

 Did you manage to get your hands on the BBB Dream Box?

Whilst this has now sold out, Latest in Beauty have other collections available on their website including their newly launched Beauty Christmas Crackers.

www.latestinbeauty.com