Birchbox Review – November 2014

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Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items

www.birchbox.co.uk

Whilst the winter months play havoc on our beauty routine it also leaves us feeling a little gloomy with the days getting colder and the nights drawing in, however the November 2014 Cosy at Home Birchbox has come to the rescue with a selection of beauty fixes and pick me ups, perfect for the cold wintery days and nights ahead. With Autumn in full force, this month’s box will provide you with goodies that will help you to battle the upcoming winter blues and make the most of your time snuggled up in the toasty warm.

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 really is something to shout about 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 of selection of skincare, make up, hair, bodycare and a lifestyle extra in the form of a delicious organic chocolate.

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

1. Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash – Sample Size 20ml. Full Size £8.95

Weleda is a pretty well known eco-friendly skincare company which do not contain synthetics or chemicals and all of their ingredients are certified natural, cruelty-free and mostly vegan. It’s my ultimate favourite when it comes to a natural brand and I’ve tried a few of their products which I’ve been most pleased with.

The pomegranate body wash is a natural, gentle wash for use in the shower and is loaded with nutrients to cleanse and moisturise the skin.  It’s has a rich and creamy formula that lathers well and feels simply wonderful on the skin,  And of course, as with all of their products this smells absolutely divine with hints of neroli, sandalwood and davana which is uplifting and warming, the perfect shower companion!

2. Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask – Sample Size 14g. Full Size RRP £16.00

The drop in temperature is my hairs worst enemy be it rain, wind or cold temperatures, my hair gets tangled and dry becoming quite unmanageable and unruly.

This nourishing mask was designed and created by professional stylists and it rejuvenates and protects the hair whilst also adding shine. It contains a mixture of argan oil, honey, amber and crushed pearls and as expected this smelt absolutely divine just like the rest of their product line. You simply leave it on after shampooing for 10-20 depending on your hair type and rinse off.

There’s two generous tubs of the Protect & Treat mask which will give you 1-3 applications depending on the length and thickness of your hair. I welcome these pampering treats which will hopefully restore and replenish my hair.

3. LipGlam Natural Lanolin Lip Balm – Full Size 12ml. Full Size RRP £9.99

It was nice to see another product to equip me for the colder weather. My lips take the biggest hit when it’s cold and I’m forever applying lip balm to fight off the dryness.

LipGlam appears to be a new brand which is born in the UK and known for their natural lanolin lip balm which contains 100% natural ingredients. The lanolin formula delivers instant moisture, beautiful softness and natural shine. It revitalises your skin and restores your lips’ natural beauty and amazingly keeps your skin moisturised for up to 8 hours. This multi-purpose balm can also be used to relieve dry skin, smooth split ends, eyebrow balm as well as other uses.

The balm is really thick and only a tiny amount is needed as a little really goes a long way. It’s incredibly moisturising without any stickiness and is the perfect SOS handbag essential with it’s multiple uses and super nourishing formula.

4. Lord & Berry Mini Bronzer – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £19.00

Whilst I try to embrace my pale skin in the Winter I do miss having a glowing, radiant complexion which the Summer sun brings. I was delighted to see the inclusion of the Lord & Berry Mini Bronzer in the shade sunny which is the perfect make-up essential to get your glow on all year round.

This long-lasting and highly pigmented bronzer creates a sun-kissed glow on your face. The silky formula gives a matte finish for a shine-free, contoured look that will give you a radiant complexion.

The size of the bronzer may appear to be a little on the small side however there’s a good amount of powder to last throughout the remainder of the year as you only need to use this sparingly.

Whilst the shade appeared far too dark compared to what I usually reach out for, when applied this gave my complexion a natural looking glow and was perfect for my pasty skin. I like that this is matte too which is ideal for the winter months. This bronzer certainly gives my pale skin a bit more life and it’s a great pick me up for dull winter skin.

5. Dr Jart + Most Moist Water Act Skin Mist – Full Size 150ml. RRP £18.00

This month’s Birchbox weighed more than usual and I’m not surprised as this skin mist comes in a 150ml full sized bottle! I’ve not tried any of the Dr Jart+ range and welcomed this new discovery. There’s also a guaranteed full-sized Dr Jart+ product for every subscriber this month.

Dr. Jart was a leading Korean dermatologist who gave himself quite a mission: to help each of his patients address all of their top skin concerns. Together with a team of 21 other dermatologists, Dr. Jart devoted his energies to inventing a line of targeted cosmetics; products that not only make skin look good but also deliver long-term benefits.

This moisturizing alcohol free mist which is a toner is capsulated moisturising ingredients increases moisture levels with a 4 free formula which is gentle for even the most sensitive skin. The mist penetrates deep into your skin to restore the skins balance, maintains moisture without any dryness and is spritzed after cleansing.

I really like the idea of a face mist which gives you a surge of moisture. This would also be great for spritzing during the day for a quick hydration fix.

6. Lifestyle Extra – Montezuma’s Mini Chocolate Bar.

When Winter draws in we all tend to indulge in comfort food. My weakness is chocolate not just during winter but pretty much throughout the year!

Montezuma started off in a kitchen by a husband and wife and is now a successful business. Montezuma brings “innovative British Chocolate”.

I received the Organic Milk Chocolate bar which is still in it’s full glory as I type!  I purchased the Montezuma Giant Buttons from the Birchbox shop a couple of weeks ago and they certainly didn’t disappoint.  They are absolutely delicious and taste less sweeter than normal chocolate but are much more smoother with a good quality blend of cocoa.

Not only do Montezuma indulge us with a wide range of chocolate bars they also do a hot chocolate range which is next on my list to try.

My Verdict

I welcome this month’s Birchbox which arrives just in time to step up our winter beauty regime and to banish those winter blues. It’s certainly cheered me up with it’s great line up of essential beauty fixes to get you through the upcoming cold months.

I love the theme which has been captured very well and Birchbox have selected a good variety of key products covering all areas of concern for the colder months as well as some cheerful and indulgent treats for the perfect cosy night in.

This month’s box includes an amazing 6 items, two of which are full-sized and features well known brands and some new discoveries for me. The samples are really decent sized too which gives you an opportunity to really road test the products. I really adore this month’s box, everything’s very usable and will certainly help my beauty regime tackle winter in the nicest possible way.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Join today and get your first Birchbox for only £7.95 by entering the promo code NOV5 at checkout. Alternatively you can use the these codes (only one promo code can be used)

BBXMYSTRIO2 to get a free mystery trio of samples or use the codes below to claim either the Wild about Beauty Palette or the Beauty Blender (The offer below is only valid until 4pm on the 26 November 2014 or while stock lasts)

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

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So Susan LacquerLove Box Review – November 2014

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Price of the Box is £14.95 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box £46.75
www.sosusan.com

The November 2014 So Susan LacquerLove box has arrived and this month’s theme is The Modern Muse.  Autumn needn’t be dull and gloomy and So Susan have come up with the perfect edit which will set a spark in your step and get you noticed with it’s collection of unique hued varnishes. These come presented with a new silver cap adding elegance and luxe to this month’s box.

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.

This 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 Concealer Quad.

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. A nail varnish which contains no nasties making it the ideal product which is kind to you but also great quality.

This month’s box included the shades Imperial Blue, Amethyst, Black Velvet and Mint Cream  (Full sized retailed at £6.95 individually)

The November edit features a selection of different unique shades which are all very wearable throughout the year. The Black Velvet really surprised me as I was expecting to see a shiny finish however this dries as a matte black and I’ve been meaning to pick one up. The Imperial Blue and Amethyst has the most amazing pop of colour and lastly my favourite the Mint Cream, a lovely pastel shade which brings a hint of spring and sunshine.

These 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. One coat is all it takes to for an opaque result. They really do give you the most effortlessly application.

2. So Susan Concealer Quad – Full Size RRP £18.95

The November So Susan edit sees the inclusion of their very own concealer quad. I already own this compact and was happy to receive another one as my old one has seen better days!

This compact contain 4 concealer shades that cover dark shades, blemishes and minor imperfections and is formulated with virgin Marula oil.

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

 My Verdict

The November box definitely gives a welcoming break from the dark and metallic colors which we associate with Autumn/Winter and I’m delighted with the shades and the concealer quad within this month’s edit.

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 is only 7 weekends away!

This box is worth an amazing £46.75 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.

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

**PR Sample**
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My Little Box Review – November 2014

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My Little Cosy BoxNovember 2014
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 5 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

The November 2014 My Little Box edition has landed from it’s home in France and this month features an all things cosy line up which includes adorable winter essentials to get you through the cold weather and a good selection of eye make-up perfect for the party season ahead. I’m not a fan of winter but I do love snuggling up in fluffy pyjamas and hugging a hot cup of tea.

My unveiling of last month’s box left me truly impressed and I was pretty confident that this edit certainly wasn’t going to disappoint and I wasn’t wrong. From it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within, it really captures the cosy scene perfectly.

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

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

This month’s cosy edition contains 5 items and includes a mixture of beauty products which is contained within a charming drawstring bag and also lifestyle items. Enclosed is the My Little World Magazine which is always a good read with useful beauty tips to mouth watering recipes.

1. Arcancil Star Liner Waterproof Eyeliner – Full Size RRP £5.50

I love black eyeliner, it’s a product I use on a daily basis and whilst I have many I was happy to receive one from a new brand.

This pencil combines the waterproof resistance with exceptional colour intensity. It is ideal for creating a smoky look or can also be used to draw a precise line and its waterproof formula makes it long lasting.

The pencil is very creamy and pigmented and is really easy to work with when creating a smokey eye look. I love the depth of the black which makes the eyes pop. This also worked well on the waterline and under the lower lash line.

2. Yves Rocher Eyeshadow – Full Size RRP £13.20

This is a creamy powder textured eyeshadow which is colour intensive and the coverage is adaptable to the desired effect with a lasting hold.

I received the shade Brun café mat which is a dark sultry brown shade in a matte finish. There are other colour variations which you could possibly receive from coffee browns to smokey greys. The eyeshadow comes in a sturdy palette along with a sponge tip applicator.

The powder blends extremely well and the shade is perfect for autumn/winter. I also like that this comes in a matte finish making it suitable for day and evening wear.

3.  My Little Beauty Volume and Care Mascara  – Full Size RRP £16.00

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

Inside this months box is a full sized Volume and Care Mascara which plumps up the lashes whilst the infusion of beeswax, jojoba and sesame oil regenerates and nourishes.

This has a straight wand with thick bristles which capture the lashes effortlessly. The formula makes the lashes look fuller with a natural looking result without any clumping.

4. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included 2 lifestyle items which really sets the cosy scene.

First up is the My Little Bouillotte by Tsumori Chisato who is a Japanese fashion designer known for her bright patterns and bold colors. She has exclusively designed this heat cushion for this months box which is pretty impressive. The cushion is simply warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.  As well as its warming properties it’s also very adorable with it’s vibrant red material. I’ve not tried this yet but it’s the perfect companion for keeping you warm during the colder months.

Up next is a dinky little Espresso Mug printed with “How is your day gonna be?” and on the opposite side is an illustration by Kanako of a woman drinking expresso. I can’t believe how teeny the mug is, it’s utterly cute and not being an espresso drinker I may have to start!

 My Verdict

I adore this month’s edition from it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within. There’s a great selection of cosy must-haves and make-up to spice up the cold winter days. It really amazes me how much love and passion goes into My Little Box. It’s been three months since they launched in the UK and to date they have succeeded in delivering fantastic edits which certainly exceed my expectations month on month.

As soon as you open the box it shouts out quality, class and all things chic. The attention to detail is very intricate and delicate and it’s certainly evident that a lot of effort and planning has goes into delivering each edit.  It’s uniqueness definitely stands out from the rest and their presentation is the prettiest I’ve seen. My Little Box is full of charm and I love the surprise aspect as they do not release any spoilers. This is a box which I eagerly wait for each month.

The box showcased brands such as Arcancil, Yves Rocher and an item from their in-house My Little Beauty range. I love all of the eye make up which can be used individually or together to create a classic smokey eye look.  The lifestyle items complemented the theme perfectly and I can’t wait to snuggle up with the heat cushion.

This months My Little World Magazine was also good read and contained some useful tips and tricks from messy braided buns to Autumn make-up. There’s even some mouthwatering recipe ideas.

I can’t wait for December’s edition which I’m hoping will have a festive theme.

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

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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Birchbox Spoiler – November 2014

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Whilst the winter months play havoc on our beauty routine it also leaves us feeling a little gloomy with the days getting colder and the nights drawing in, however the November 2014 Birchbox has come to the rescue with its all things cosy and comforting line up. With Autumn in full force this month’s box will provide you with goodies that will help you to battle the upcoming winter blues and make the most of your time snuggled up in the toasty warm. There’s a great selection of brands to see you through the month such as Dr Jart, OPI, Beauty Protector, Weleda, English Laundry, Lipglam and many more.

My November Birchbox review is available here

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Birchbox Offer

Sign up here to get the November Birchbox for only £7.95 including postage with the code NOV5. Alternatively you can use my exclusive code BBXMYSTRIO2 to get a free mystery trio of samples (only one promo code can be used)

www.birchbox.co.uk

You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – November 2014

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Here’s a sneak peek at November’s You Beauty Discovery selection menu which will be available on the 1st November at 7am. There’s so many delights to chose from this month and I only wish I could chose more than two!

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:

• Skin & Tonic – Steam Clean (15ml)

• Green People – Pencil Eyeliner in Forest Brown (7.38g)

• Rituals – Hammam Delight Shower Foam (50ml)

• Argan Organics – Regeneration Anti-Wrinkle Cream (10ml)

• Bourjois – Cream Blush* (2.5g)

• Magnifibres – Brush-on False Lashes (0.9g)

• Invisibobble – The traceless hair ring* (pack of three)

• Roques O’Neil – Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts (100g)

Plus, each box will include Aduna – Baobab Superfruit Powder (4.5g), Merumaya – Iconic Youth Serum (1ml) and Merumaya – Melting Cleansing Balm (2ml). Also, for a limited time only, receive an exclusive offer to save £50 when you purchase a Magnitone – Pulsar

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Memebox #4 Floral Scentbox Review – October 2014

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Memebox Scentbox Floral #4
Price of the Box is $21.99 including shipping approx £13.41
No of Products in the Box – 4 items
Total value of contents in the box – £30.47
http://us.memebox.com/memebox-global

The Scentbox Floral #4 Memebox which came in a series of other scent themed editions is packed with an all things floral line-up from skincare to body products. This edit contains a floral explosion which will transport you to a field of delicate flowers surrounded by bursts of sweet aroma’s to awaken the senses and uplift the mood. With Autumn in full force,  this box sounds perfect to inject a bit of summer sunshine into your day!

 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. They sell out very quickly so you do need to be supersonic. The contents within these boxes are a complete surprise and only one item spoiler gets released prior to shipping which is an aspect I like about Memebox.

 Now and again Memebox release these $15 boxes and recently a few make-up editions were launched, a couple of which are still available on their website .This box contains 4 full sized items and features  skincare and body products.

1. Sally’s Box Friendly Cherry Blossom Hand Mask – Full Size RRP £1.22

I’ve not had the opportunity to try a hand mask from Memebox and was pleased to see this tucked inside the box.

These come in the form of plastic gloves which are infused with skin loving ingredients such as cherry blossom and shea butter to deliver intense hydration and nutrition to dry, roughened hands.

You simply leave these on for around 10-15 minutes and pat the remainder of the solution onto your hands after removing.

These are a necessity for Autumn/Winter when your hands are in need of a moisture surge and I’m sure these will come in useful pretty soon.

2. ESTHE Shower Colonge – Full Size 100ml RRP £15.85

This shower colonge also known as a body spray to you and me is a fine mist body perfume which is spritzed after a shower. I received the scent Floral Dream which is a refreshingly fruity and citrus floral scent however the floral notes are pretty absent from this spray but nonetheless smells quite pleasant, it’s wearable and definitely brings you a step closer to feeling all things Summer!

3. L’Ocean Feromonika Perfume – Full Size 10ml RRP £7.31

This perfume comes in a petite pocket sized bottle in the scent Paros Rose. I love rose scented products and couldn’t wait to get a whiff of this. The scent comes from a series of fragrances which L’Ocean have created for their very own trendy collection using inspiration from popular brands internationally with their own little twist.

Unfortunately this definitely wasn’t what I expected and not sure which popular perfume they were trying to imitate here. There wasn’t even any notes of rose in this fragrance. I found the scent quite musky and strong however this does eventually calm down and wears off pretty quick too! I’m a fan of sweet scents but this was very disappointing.

4. Secret Key Perfume Hand Cream – Full Size 30g RRP £6.09

I love hand creams so was pleased to see this inside the box despite owning a large stash already! This moisture rich cream not only claims to lock in moisture it also promises to give a long-lasting fragrance.

I received 03 which is the Orange Citrus Rose scent out of the six varieties which were available. The cream itself smells very floral and feminine.  The formula isn’t greasy when applied and a little does go a long way with this cream.

My Verdict

Unfortunately this box didn’t blossom into an all things floral line up for me mainly because most of the items didn’t even come close to smelling like a flower despite the obvious theme being floral. I liked the products which are all very usable apart from the perfume.  I would of liked to have seen maybe a shower gel or a body cream which would of provided a better balance within the box as opposed to including two perfumes.

The contents within this box is worth £30.47 and the cost of the box including shipping works out to be around £13.41.

The box itself comes 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.

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. They don’t release any spoilers prior to shipping so it’s a complete surprise when you receive it.

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 H6BNIH. Offer expires on the 30 November 2014.

http://us.memebox.com/

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My Little Box Review – October 2014

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My Little Box – DVF EditionOctober 2014
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 5 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

If last month’s box left you in awe and wanting more, the October My Little Box edition makes a fashionable bold statement in collaboration with Diane Von Furstenberg, an iconic fashion designer and philanthropist who is best known for introducing the wrap dress in the 70’s.

My unveiling of last month’s box left me truly impressed and I was pretty confident that this edit certainly wasn’t going to disappoint and I wasn’t wrong. From it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within, it beautifully captures the work of Diane Von Furstenberg and her famous prints.

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

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

This month’s DVF edition contains 5 items and includes a mixture of beauty products which is contained within a charming draw string bag and also lifestyle items. Enclosed is also the My Little World Magazine which see’s it’s first debut inside the UK box.

1. Keratase Laque Noir Hairspray – Travel Size 75ml

The Keratase fixing hairspray offers a long-lasting hold and provides a 48hr anti-humidity super shield with an exclusive blend of fixing polymers in a water-free formula. It’s extra strong hold is ideal for controlling volume or radically structured styles. As we approach the party season this is the perfect companion to control my unruly hair for the cold and wetter evenings ahead.

This good sized travel spray comes in 75ml.

2. L’occitane Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream – Sample Size 10ml

I’m a big fan of  L’occitane, who’s products smell absolutely divine.Their distinct aroma’s can always be smelt when walking past their pretty dressed windows.

This highly concentrated hand cream which contains 20% shea butter helps to protect, nourish and soften the hands. It’s indulgent scent has sweet notes reminiscent of a vanilla flower.

I love the formula which is rich and when applied sinks into the skin without a trace of greasiness. My hands felt wonderfully soft.

3.  My Little Beauty Micellar Water  – Full Size 150ml

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

This month see’s a full sized bottle of Micellar Water which gently removes make up and dirt and is infused with skin loving ingredients such as aloe vera for it’s softening properties and orange extract to smooth even the most sensitive skin.

I do love micellar water as it’s very effective at removing stubborn make-up and also freshens and brightens the skin.

4. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included 2 lifestyle items which finished the box off perfectly.

First up is the DVF Print Scarf which comes designed in either a green, black or a red print from Diane Von Furstenberg’s  famous collection. The silky material is of great quality and can be used in multiple ways such as a head band or if you’re feeling creative the scarf can also be transformed into a bag or a shrug! There’s some great step by step video’s on their Instagram account. I can’t wait to use the scarf to brighten up some of my autumn attire.

Up next is a cute DVF lip-shaped brooch. The lips come from a cover which Diane Von Furstenberg did for Interview Magazine in 1976 and very naturally became the brand logo.

 My Verdict

I adore the October DVF edition from it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within which beautifully captures the work of Diane Von Furstenberg and her famous prints. It really amazes me how much love and passion goes into My Little Box.

As soon as I opened the box it spelt out quality, class and all things chic. The attention to detail is very intricate and delicate and it’s certainly evident that a lot of effort and planning has gone into delivering this edit.  It’s uniqueness definitely stands out from the others and their presentation is the prettiest I’ve seen. My Little Box is full of charm and I love the surprise aspect as they do not release any spoilers. This is certainly a box which I eagerly wait for!

The box also showcased well-known beauty brands such as Keratase and L’occitane and an item from their in-house My Little Beauty Range. The lifestyle items complemented the collaboration perfectly and I can’t wait to use the scarf to brighten up some of my autumn attire.

This month also see’s the addition of the My Little World Magazine and contains articles from Diane Von Furstenberg and some useful tips and tricks. There’s even some mouthwatering recipe ideas.

There’s also some great offers inside the box for DVF,  Keratase and L’occitane.

I can’t wait for next month’s edition.

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

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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The Beauteque Head to Toe Snail Bag – October 2014

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Head to Toe Snail Bag
Price of the Bag is £22.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7
Total value of contents in the box –  £49.45
www.beauteque.com

Whilst snails are a delicacy in France, snail mucas appears to have hit the beauty industry like a storm and has been hailed as the latest beauty wonder product promising great skin benefits and boasts as being a miracle face fixer. Welcome to The Beauteque Head to Toe Snail Bag which features only snail based beauty products to help get tangles out of your hair to items that can wash out pores from your face.

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 Head to Toe Snail Bag is valued at £49.00 and features seven full sized products which covers all aspects of beauty and comes presented in a pretty draw string bag.

1. Secret Key Snail + EGF Repairing Soap – Full Size RRP £7.46

This soap which has quite a unfamiliar scent helps cleanse, remove dead skin and lessen pores whilst calming and moisturising the skin. It also control’s the oil balance for even the most delicate skin. The soap can be used to relieve your acne/spots or alternatively can be used as a daily cleanser. As well as containing snail mucas extracts it also includes ingredients such as lavender oil, Coconut oil, Vitamin E, chestnut powder, hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil.

For those of you wondering what EGF is, it’s a growth factor that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and accelerates the production of cells. It’s known for rejuvenating skin, minimising pores and eliminating scars by improving the texture and condition of the skin.

2. Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Eye Mask – Full Size RRP £4.35

The Intense Care Snail Eye Mask sits under the eye area and contains nourishing nutrients including extracts of snail mucas which mostuirises and hydrates.

These masks are gel-based and the way they have been designed sit comfortably under the eye area, providing you are lying down otherwise they do tend to slide down due to the slippery texture!

I use these types of masks at the same time I have a face mask on for an ultimate pampering session.

3.  Freeset Snail Foot Care Sheet Mask – Full Size 8g RRP £4.32

I was at the ready to try this foot mask as my feet often get forgotten about and now it’s getting colder I tend to forget about them as they are mainly covered by socks and boots this time of the year!

These masks come in the form of vinyl socks and inside contains a refreshing solution infused with peppermint oil, green tea, papaya and snail filtrate. These skin loving ingredients absorb into the skin delivering moisture to damaged skin.

You simply pop your feet inside the socks and use the sticky tape around your ankles to secure in place. I left these on for around 20 minutes and once removed you are advised not to wash of the solution but to gently pat it into the skin. My feet felt amazingly mositurised and revived.

4. 3W Snail Face Sheet Mask – Full Size RRP £1.23

This sheet face mask which is 100% cotton contains snail secretion filtrate which helps skin regeneration, increases skin elasticity and smoothes your skin.

Unfortunately I was unable to try the mask as it’s not suitable for irritated/blemish prone skin.

5. Benton Snail Bee High Content  Mask Pack – Full Size RRP £1.85

This snail bag also offers a little customisation where you can chose either the  Benton mask or the Etude House Snail Healing Sheet Mask.

I received the The Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack which is concentrated with cell regeneration snail mucin, and also contains the scary but completely safe to use bee venom which fights against blemishes and encourages the skin’s natural recovery function. It provides a rich infusion of moisture and nutrients to the skin to help improve skin texture.

I’ve read quite a few raving reviews of this mask and hope to give this a go soon!

6. 3W Clinic Snail Mucas Soothing Gel – Full Size 300g RRP £21.60

There’s a very generous offering of this soothing gel which comes in an amazing 300g tub and it’s 4 free which means it’s paraben free, and contains no artficial colouring, mineral oil or Benzophenone.

Infused with extracts of soothing aloe vera, this lightweight moisturiser provides intensive moisture and penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin leaving the skin nourished. The gel acts against wrinkles and contains snail slime, which has a calming effect on problematic skin.

This fast-absorbing gel sinks in quickly and smells just like an aloe vera gel. It’s feels wonderfully refreshing on the skin and as per the instructions you are advised to use this in the evening before going to bed and in morning you simply  wash it off with warm water.

7. Tangle Teezer – Full Size 300g RRP £8.64

This hair brush is by no means from the brand Tangle Teezer despite having the same name!

I really love that they have included this pink snail shaped hair brush which comes with a case to ensure the bristles are protected. The brush itself is good quality and does a good job in removing any tangles. It’s the perfect size for popping into the handbag too.

 My Verdict

This is my first introduction to the Head to Toe snail bag by Beauteque and the most snail related products I have received in one batch!

Beauteque have selected a good variety of products covering all aspects of beauty from well known Korean brands for this edit and whilst some may frown upon the snail concept,  this bag really gives you a great opportunity to discover snail based beauty products.

I love that there was also different types of products including a cream, cleanser, variety of masks and even a snail shaped hair brush which was a nice addition within the bag.

Inside the box is also a product card which is in English so you won’t be lost in translation!

The entire contents within this snail bundle has a value of  £49.45 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £22.00 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover these hidden gems.

I remember getting pretty freaked out when I received my first snail based beauty product a few months ago however having researched about the benefits and intrigued what all the fuss was about I put my hatred for these slimy creatures aside and decided to take the plunge and reap the benefits!

If you’re a fan of snail based beauty products or want to see what all the hype is about this bag gives you a great introduction with 7 full sized products.

For more information or to purchase the snail bag please visit
www.beauteque.com

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Glossybox Review – October 2014

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Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.25 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items
Total value of contents in the box is £50.00
www.glossybox.co.uk

The October 2014 Glossybox has landed and this month sees another makeover of the pink iconic box. The box comes vibrantly presented in an Andy Warhol inspired POP ART box which does literally pop out at you! It’s so quirky and electrifying, I’m totally smitten by this piece of art. It’s not just the outside which is eye popping, inside features 4 full sized products and 2 sample sized products with an incredible value of around £50.00.

This collector’s edition box comes in four different colours and features a selection of products such as a defining lip crayon, a rejuvenating lip peel, hydrating BB cream, a new fragrance launch, nourishing hair mask and intensive moisturiser are just some of the beauty treats included in the October Pop Art GLOSSYBOX from brands including Nuxe, Rimmel and Moroccan Argan Oil.

This month’s box covers all aspects of beauty and features a great line up of brands including Rimmel, So Susan, MeMeMe Cosmetics, Natural World, Nuxe and Etre Belle Cosmetics.

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.

This month’s box includes 4 full sized products and 2 good sized samples. Out of the four colours available I received the pink box.

1. Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beaute Mask – Full Size 50ml RRP £19.50

There’s a guaranteed full sized Nuxe Mask for all subscribers this month so no one will be missing out on this 24 hour moisturising mask which quenches the thirst of the driest skin types.

The mask hydrates and soothes the skin, instantly reducing discomfort or redness and is infused with plant milks and white flower which smells really pleasant. It also enriched with skin loving ingredients such as Almond and Orange White Flowers and intensely soothes the skin.

This godsend arrives just in time for the upcoming colder weather where we all look at more hydrating alternatives to keep our skin more moisturised.

I love the scent of this mask which is very floral.

2. être belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel – Full Size 15ml  RRP £3.60

It was nice to see another product to equip me for the colder weather. My lips take the biggest hit when it’s cold and I’m forever applying lip balm to fight off the dryness.

être belle, not a brand I’m familiar with is one of the few privately-managed companies of its size in the German cosmetic landscape and stand for innovative products which is the result of many years of systematic research and development

The Etre Belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel is a gentle and moisturising exfoliator for the lip area. It removes  dead cells and refines the surface of the skin.

I scrubbed my lips with this gentle exfoliator which has really tiny yet granules for around a minute and removed all traces with a damp cotton wool pad. Surprisingly my lips felt softer and smoother creating the perfect base for lipstick application. You are advised to only use this once a week.

I don’t currently use a lip exfoliator but will certainly be incorporating this within my current cleansing regime. I like that this comes in a tube as opposed to a tub which is much more manageable and less messy!

3. So Susan Cosmetics Flutter Mascara – Full Size 4ml RRP £14.95

Whilst I am a big fan of the So Susan brand unfortunately having received this product previously it just didn’t work for me and this could be due to the thin consistency of the mascara itself.

Encased in gold with black lettering and a pretty butterfly, this is an intense carbon black mascara formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible.

The brush is good and ensures each lash is separated however despite applying this several times to my lashes I didn’t really notice any results apart from the colour payoff which has a great depth of blackness. Having now given this another chance, my thoughts remain the same.

4. Natural World Argan Oil of Morroco Hair Treatment Oil –  Sample Size 20ml. Full Size 100ml RRP £9.99

As the weather turns colder and gloomy, my unruly hair also takes a turn for the worse! I have thick coarse hair which annoyingly turns frizzy as soon as it comes into contact with the rain. The Natural World Hair Treatment Oil which is infused with precious certified organic Argan Oil, nourishes and treats frizzy hair and can be applied after shampooing for to aid a sleek blowdry or alternatively a pea-sized amount can be applied after your blowdry concentrating mainly on the ends to add lustrous shine and softness.

I look forward to trying this light weight oil and hope it combats my frizz issues during the Winter. This good-sized sample comes in a 25ml bottle and will give you quite a few application as a little goes a long way.

5. MeMeMe Cosmetics Dew Pots – Full Size RRP £7.25

Inside this pot is an intense and rich eye defining cream for adding an on-trend splash of colour to your eyes and can be built upon to create a heavy block colour on the eye or can be used to delicately to line the eyes. I received the shade moonlight mist which is a dashing dark blue colour, it’s very pretty!

The texture is super creamy and silky so only a small amount is needed to buff over the lid. The depth of the pigmentation gives a striking bold look with a satin like finish. Whilst I wouldn’t be brave enough to wear this as a shadow I would definitely use this as a liner as it really draws attention to the eyes!

6. Rimmel London BB Cream Matte – Sample Size. Full Size 30ml RRP £6.99

Last but not least is my all time favourite BB cream by Rimmel which is a 9 in 1 perfecting make-up cream with a natural formula. When I need high coverage to hide blemishes and redness this is my saviour in achieving a matte flawless look. It works incredibly well for those with oily skin and also contains spot fighting ingredients such as kaolin, witch hazel and salicylic acid.

This sample is great for popping into the make-up bag or accompanying you on weekends away.

My Verdict

October’s Glossybox definitely makes an eye popping statement this month especially the vibrant Pop Art designed box. The box covers all aspects of beauty and most importantly all of the products are very usable and contains some great SOS rescue products to get through the Winter months. I’ve made some great discoveries this month which has given me the opportunity to try out some new brands and products.

October’s box included 4 full sized products and 2 sample sized products. The contents within this month’s box is worth an incredible £50.00.

Glossybox always include some full sized products which bumps up the value of the box so it’s a great price to pay to discover and trial products from well known and new brands.  I will be making use out of all of the products featured in this month’s box.

This is by far one of my favourite edits by Glossybox, I love the pop art inspired box and the content’s which have been selected.

What did you think of October’s Glossybox?

 Thinking of signing up?
Click here to sign up

www.glossybox.co.uk

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The You Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar 2014

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I can’t believe that there is only 10 weekends left until Christmas as I type this post, and what a great way to begin the countdown to Christmas in the form of this amazing You Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar which includes 24 beauty treats.

Bursting with a huge selection of seasonal sought-after beauty products, this year’s YOU Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar is sparkling with luxury items from industry greats including the likes of Laura Mercier, Liz Earle, Sisley, Molton Brown, GlamGlow, Essie, Rituals and lots more!

The Limited Edition YOU Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar is priced at £49.95 and contains products worth over £240. A postage and packaging cost of £4.95 will be charged unless you are already a member.

For more information please visit www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk