The Beauteque BB Bag 3 Review – December 2014

IMG_8684

IMG_8687

IMG_8688

IMG_8690

IMG_8693

IMG_8694

IMG_8697

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

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

The BB Bag, known as the Beauteque Bag which at the moment is released bi-monthly is a beauty bag containing 5-6 Korean beauty products ranging from skincare, make up, hair and bodycare along with a lifestyle item or a beauty tool. The good news is Beauteque have launched their BB Bag on a monthly basis as of the 26th December, the full details are available here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These blotting papers are fragrance free and gently eradicate excess oil and mattify the skin such as the nose, chin and forehead by simply blotting or wiping the area. Inside the pack is a clever little sticky pad which picks up each paper.

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

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

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

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

6. Beauteque Scarf –  RRP £7.36

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Love Me Beauty Box Review – December 2014

IMG_9105

IMG_9109

IMG_9114

IMG_9119

IMG_9120

IMG_9129

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

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

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

Each month The Love Me Beauty monthly subscription is worth 6 credits and you simply chose the items you want inside your box from a selection of products ranging from hair, body, nails, skincare and make-up. Most of the items are either 1 or 2 credits. For information on how the new concept works please visit their website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

www.lovemebeauty.com

Beauteque’s New Subscription Launch – December 2014

bb_web_launch_01_2__85146

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

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

Their monthly subscription programme will consist of four different options:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

The Beauteque Polished Holiday Bag Review – December 2014

IMG_7542

IMG_8824

IMG_7546

IMG_7553

IMG_7549

IMG_7552

IMG_7556

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

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – December 2014

IMG_8631

IMG_8714[1]

IMG_8638

IMG_8642

IMG_8637

IMG_8644

IMG_8646

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

So Susan LoveLacquer Box Review – December 2014

IMG_3242-1IMG_8593

IMG_8590

IMG_8601

IMG_8597

IMG_8599

IMG_8606

IMG_8608

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

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

Birchbox Review – December 2014

IMG_8032

IMG_8040

IMG_8036

IMG_8044

IMG_8048

IMG_8047

IMG_8051

IMG_8054

IMG_8055

IMG_8062

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

BBGift

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

You Beauty Discovery Box Review – December 2014

IMG_7499

IMG_7503

IMG_7507

IMG_7510

IMG_7511

IMG_7513

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Glossybox Review – December 2014

IMG_7472

IMG_7476

IMG_7480

IMG_7481

IMG_7483

IMG_7487

IMG_7488

IMG_7489

IMG_7490

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

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

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird

Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – December 2014

IMG_7001

IMG_7003

IMG_7005

IMG_7007

IMG_7010

IMG_7012

IMG_7017

IMG_7019

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**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

facebook instagram twitter bird