February 2015 – Which Beauty Box UK

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Which Beauty Box UK March 2, 2015

Beauty Pick of the Month – February 2015

Is it me or has February just flown by! It’s that time of the month again when I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. February’s showstopper was the super-impressive Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner Pencil which I received in my Birchbox and being a self-confessed eyeliner obsessive, this pencil is a game-changer for me.

I don’t know what it is, but as soon as a new eyeliner lands on my doorstop I am immediately drawn to it mainly because I’m always looking for the ultimate eye popping liner which comes with all of the benefits too such as depth, longevity and a super-creamy texture. Initially I thought I was asking for too much but along came the Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner which changed everything and blew all of my other liners out of the water and yes it really is that impressive!

Cynthia Rowley is more commonly known as a New York Fashion Designer and it was only via Birchbox that I discovered she also had a beauty range.

As well as the pretty polka dot design and the dashing gold and black colour combination, the pencil is smooth, dark and long wearing. It’s true black shade creates striking bold lines and gives big immediate drama thanks to it’s true black pigment.

I’ve really fallen head over heels with this eyeliner and my only sadness is that Birchbox won’t be stocking the black shade but they do have various other colours that are available via the Birchbox Shop for £11.00.

Have you tried the Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner?

www.birchbox.co.uk

Which Beauty Box UK February 28, 2015

So Susan Lip Love Bag – February 2015

Price of the Bag is £14.95 including P&P
No. of items in the Bag – 5
Total value of contents in the box £64.00
www.sosusan.com

I think you will agree there’s always been a gap in the UK market for a subscription programme which is just make- up orientated and it was only earlier this year that So Susan grabbed this opportunity and announced their Lip Love Subscription. After much anticipation I’m really excited to finally unveil the February Lip Love Bag, the first ever edit designed to bring you lip-focused products infused with skin-loving ingredients along with a bonus item too. This month’s theme is centered around the red carpet and comes very well timed as February see’s some of the biggest showbiz events taking place from the Oscars to the BAFTA’s not to forget the Brit Awards, and with celebrities showing off the latest and most glamorous trends So Susan brings a selection of make-up for us to recreate some of the key trends ourselves at home, all of which come presented in an adorable designed make-up bag.

The So Susan collection ranges from make-up to nail varnish combining their lovely portfolio of colours with science. Their philosophy is to create colours which last, are cruelty free and also much kinder to your skin. As well as the philosophy behind the brand, I love the feminine and pretty designed packaging which always stands out for me. I’ve tried quite a few products from their collection and already have a few firm favourites.

Each month, the Lip Love bag will include 3 full sized items and one bonus product from either Jelly Pong Pong or So Susan. This month’s bag being the first ever includes 4 make up items and one bonus item in the form an anklet.

1. So Susan Cheek Jelly – Full Size. RRP £10.00

The So Susan Cheek Jelly is a gel stain that tints lips and cheeks in a luminous, natural wash of colour. The sheer, lightweight texture enables you to blend and build the shade up for a perfectly personalised hue.

The gel-type formula is really lightweight and there isn’t a trace of stickiness. It gives a great pop of colour on the lips which is easily buildable to achieve the desired result. This also doubles up as a cheek stain and initially I thought it would be way too bright for my pale cheeks but surprisingly you get a lovely rosy flush with the tiniest amount once blended out. It doesn’t seem to fade during the day either.

2. So Susan Lip Dome in Melon – Full Size RRP £10.00

I already own one of the shades from the lip dome collection and I absolutely adore the formula so was happy to receive another in the shade Melon which is slightly nude toned with orange undertones.

This long-wearing lip crayon not only has great pigment but it also nourishes the lips as well giving a plumping effect. It contains Hyaluronic Acid and Tripeptide-1 that help increase lip volume and prevent loss of collagen elasticity and it’s also infused with Goji Berry and Mangosteen extracts, earth-engineered antioxidants to help reduce skin fatigue for a more youthful radiance.

The formula is truly amazing and doesn’t dry out the lips at all thanks to it’s super moisturising infusion of goodness. I’m delighted to have another one to join my collection.

3. Jelly Pong Pong Super Model Lip Stain – Full Size RRP £18.00

This richly-pigmented, hydrating lip & cheek pomade promises to deliver 12 hours of continuous wear without dryness, creasing or smudging and it’s cruelty-free too.The pomades are encased within a strudy plastic palette although it would of been great to have seen a mirror inside the case for on-the-go touch-up’s, it does however come with a mini lip brush. Within the palette is four different shades and contains similar shades which I would usually wear. These are quite pigmented with a matte finish which I really like and can be made shiny by simply applying some lip gloss. I did find them a little drying on the lips but using a lip balm as a base worked quite well. The pomades make a great blusher too although it does need to be blended out for even coverage.

I really like this palette especially the variety of shades which are all very wearable and can simply transform your make from day to night with very little effort.

4. Jelly Pong Pong Undetectable Concealer – Full Size RRP £15.00

I’ve seen a few subscribers receive the concealer quad and although I’ve hit the pain with the one which I already own I was happy to see an alternative from Jelly Pong Pong.

This intense but not occlusive texture thanks to the carefully-formulated canvas skincare base, the concealer is virtually undetectable once blended onto the skin and claims to reduce the appearances of all kinds of skin imperfections with one subtle swatch. It’s infused with the power of Olive Oil and Willow Bark Extract which are excellent antioxidants to protect against the daily environmental skin damage.

I rely on concealers daily mainly to cover imperfections and blemishes and no lie this is one of the best and effective formula’s I’ve come across to date having tried both high street and high-end brands. This super-hydrating, silky concealer hides under-eye circles and imperfections with excellent coverage and matches perfectly with my skin tone. The smooth, weightless formula applies effortlessly without creasing or flaking and it’s definitely the star product this month.

5. Red Carpet Stars Silver Anklet Chain– Full Size RRP £11.00

As well as the make-up line up So Susan also featured a cute silver anklet with dangling stars and diamantes, fitting with the red carpet theme perfectly.

My Verdict

I’ve fallen head over heels with So Susan’s first ever Lip Love bag and I think they’ve done extremely well in curating this bag from the variety of products to the different mix of lip shades and finishes not to forget the addition of the concealer which I absolutely adore. As well as the beauty line up, I loved the design of the canvas make-up bag which really gives it that So Susan look and feel, it’s so pretty.

It’s definitely refreshing to see just a make-up based subscription which not only is cruelty-free but kind to the skin too without compromising on quality. This concept by So Susan really gives you a great opportunity to experiment with lip colours that usually may be out of your comfort zone.

The contents within the bag is worth an incredible £64.00 which is great value for money and beats the actual price of the box.

I’m super impressed with the Lip Love Bag and can’t wait to see what they have in store next month.

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

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Which Beauty Box UK February 26, 2015

Beauteque Head to Toe Pink Bag Review – February 2015

Head to Toe Pink Bag
Price of the Bag is £20.82 including P&P
No. of Products – 7
Total value of contents in the bag – £43.16
www.beauteque.com

As well as Beauteque’s monthly subscription bag, they also release a themed Head to Toe Bag each month which is available to buy as an one off purchase. The February Head to Toe Pink Bag showcases a very girly line up of all things pink from skin loving treats to pink themed make-up all contained within a pretty fushia make up bag which I absolutely adore. I’m a very girly girl so welcomed this month’s bag and the contents which includes the likes of Etude House, Tony Moly and even Shiseido.

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.

This month’s bag contains seven full sized products covering mainly skincare and make up. The concept which I really love about Beauteque is that they offer some degree of customisation giving you control over what you want to receive leaving the remainder a complete surprise.

1. Etude House Sleeping Spoon Cream – Full Size 6g RRP £2.58

I love Etude House products their packaging is really adorable with this sleeping cream being no exception! I received the Rosehip cream which is housed within a plastic spoon mould and is packed with nutrients to give you round the clock hydration to add luster and energy to a dull and tired complexions. The hydrating blend of herb water gel and nourishing cream effectively wakes up and invigorates skin.

I’m particularly drawn to the gel-like texture and can’t wait to give this a go.

2. Femme Couture Highlighting Luminizer – Full Size 63g RRP £7.51

This isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before and the product claims to Illuminate and highlight both the face and body with a shimmering glow that can be used alone or can be mixed with a foundation or moisturiser.

Using the term shimmer within their description really was an understatement, it’s ridiculously shimmery and certainly not something I would recommend. If that wasn’t enough to put me off the product comes out way too quickly from the tube mainly due to the ingredients not binding together properly in the first place. I did shake the tube quite a few times and the texture didn’t change so it’s either badly made or it’s expired.

3. It’s Skin Capsule Wash-Off Masks – Full Size x 2 RRP £3.26

It’s Skin is one of my favourite K Beauty brands and welcomed these two Capsule Wash-Off Masks that come packaged within a cute little tub perfect when traveling or weekends away.

The gel-textured masks are enriched with vitamins to firm and make the skin more resilient. It contains pomegranate and shea butter which are rich in vitamins and estrogen.

4. Hada Senka by Shiseido Moisturising Milk – Full Size RRP £10.42

I was quite shocked to see a product from Shiseido which is already popular in the UK and the Hada Senka line appears to be within a much affordable price bracket, mainly sold in drug stores.

There are two variants available and with the labeling being in just Japanese it took some researching to find out whether this was the toner or the emulsion. Eventually I realised that I had received the emulsion and it contains royal jelly and hyaluronic acid. I was expecting this to be really heavy but it has a very light texture that is quite rich and creamy without leaving a greasy residue on the skin.

If you have dry skin and want to treat dryness without overloading the skin this is a great cream that leaves the skin feeling hydrated and super smooth.

5. Tony Moly Auto Lip Liner – Full Size RRP £4.73

Another brand that I truly adore is Tony Moly and was happy to see a lip-based product inside this month’s bag.

The liner has a twist up applicator and also includes a lip brush on the other end. The formula is really creamy and glides onto the lips effortlessly without tugging the skin. I love the shade in Rose Pink which also has a tiny hint of shimmer. I can see this matching perfectly with some of my lipstick shades.

6. Tony Moly Circle Lens Mascara – Full Size RRP £4.24

I love trying out new mascara’s although I usually tend to go for length rather than volume and this one by Tony Moly has a gentle formula and includes argan oil and black rice extracts making it wearable for even the most sensitive of eyes and even contact lense wearers.

The slim wand makes it easy to use and found that it did a better job in lengthening my lashes as opposed to making them look more fuller. It’s not the greatest mascara I’ve tried but if you’re looking for a more natural look this does the job.

7. Lameila Blending Sponge – Full Size RRP £10.42

Lastly inside the pink bag is pink make-up sponge by Chinese brand Lameila and pretty much has the same concept as a beauty blender. I use the Beauty Blender religiously and admittedly nothing really comes close to it. What alarms me is the price of this sponge and think it’s somewhat been inflated. Personally I don’t like the shape however I would probably use the narrower end for blending out concealer.

My Verdict

Being a lover of all things pink, Beauteque have done a great job curating this bag from the lovely fushia make-up bag to the contents within and this is an aspect which they never appear to fail on. I love the mix this month which mainly contains make-up giving a much welcomed break from skincare. I loved the fushia bag this month and can see this accompanying me on future breaks. The bag boasts seven full sized products which are all very usable, all full sized and even included well known Korean brands although I am little concerned about the Luminzer which was a complete let-down. 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. I’ve had a few tasters of the Beauteque Bags and they are a great way to discover Korean brands and products which always include a good variety at an affordable price.

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. I think it would be beneficial if Beauteque included what skin types the products are suitable for too in my opinion.

The entire contents within this bag has a value of £43.16 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £20.82 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover Korean brands which aren’t available in the UK to buy.

Beauteque also have a wide selection of Beauty Bags via their website at:
www.beauteque.com

For more information on the Beauteque monthly subscription bag please visit:
http://www.beautequemonthly.com

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Which Beauty Box UK February 23, 2015

Period Box Review – February 2015

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Period Box – February 2015
Price ranges from £15.95 to £18.95
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items
www.periodbox.co.uk

It’s that time of the month again and not to mention that all important delivery which brings everything you could possibly need and more for a much happier period. The February 2015 Period Box arrives on time as promised to get me through the next few days in the nicest possible way. This month’s box not only contains my chosen monthly sanitary items but also includes chic and premium treats to make that time of the month an escape from reality to something much more pleasant and luxurious. It also takes the chore out of buying your monthly pads or tampons, and if you’re anything like me it usually tends to get forgotten about until last minute! Let’s face it us women aren’t the happiest creatures during this time but this box certainly puts a smile on my face. I was pretty impressed with the January box but this month’s edit is truly my favourite and I wouldn’t expect any less from the ladies at Period Box who curate their boxes with so much love and care.

Period Box which is fairly new to the subscription market, is a premium UK monthly subscription service that bundles your choice of tampons and pads with hand-picked goodies and exquisite treats to cheer you up when you most need it. With every box you will get a selection of premium teas, chocolates from artisan manufacturers and high-end beauty samples. You will also receive a unique design gift or a beautiful art print by their featured artist of the month.

Period Box literally takes care of everything and will ship your package five days before your period is due. If you’re worried about flows and absorbances, Period Box has that covered too. You can mix and match to suit your flow based on the length of your period, you can select the number of items in your box and choose the tampons and/or pads of your choice from well-known and trusted brands such as Tampax, Always and Lillets. No matter what your personal preference is your box is completely bespoke to meet your needs both day and night.

Upon opening the box it was literally brimmed to the top. I loved how the treats were beautifully wrapped instead of just being thrown into the box. It really gives the feel of opening presents. As well as the monthly essentials the box also included six additional items to enjoy, indulge in and an extra SOS item to make it that much more bearable.

1. Period Essentials (2-3 days cycle)

I opted for the short flow customised package which is for a 2-3 days cycle. I chose a mixture of pads suitable for both day and night. Inside the box was 10 pads (mixture of day and night pads) with four liners too.

Dependent on flows, I personally think the box included the perfect amount, some of which could certainly be carried over for the following month. I was particularly happy to see Always, a brand which I trust and turn to and find them super comfortable, reliable and discreet.

2. Life NK Bath and Shower Gels – Travel Size 100ml x2

There’s nothing more dreamy than slathering yourself with an indulgent body wash especially in the evenings to simply relax and unwind. Within this month’s box is two very generous sized shower gels from Space NK’s own beauty collection. Both of the gels have a gentle formula and are paraben-free and sulphate-free meaning it’s much kinder to the skin.

The Drift Away Bath & Shower Gel contains an infusion of patchouli, vanilla, musk and white neroli flowers with hints of jasmine and rose whilst the Ultimate Unwind Bath & Shower Gel is fragranced with lime and green tea spiced with hints of cardamon and ginger.

These shower gels are great for using in the evenings due to their aromatic blend of soothing and calming notes, and not only do they smell utterly divine they really help to relax the body and mind to a point where I didn’t want to leave the shower. The shower gels lather up wonderfully, so you only need a little bit to escape into a truly relaxing bathing experience.

3. English Tea Shop, Sensual Me – 4 Tea Bag sachets

Whatever your cup of tea, I love that Period Box include a variety of unique tea’s from different companies, mainly sourced from brands I’ve not heard of before. This month’s box features four Sensual Me tea bags from The English Tea Shop who have a delicious range of handpicked teas for novices and tea connoisseurs a like.

The Sensual Me tea has a wonderful union of organic Lemongrass, Hibiscus, Rooibos and Blackberry leaves that dance with organic Lavender, Liquorice and Cinnamon, to awaken your sensuality.

4. Madecasse Dark Salted Almond Bar – Full Size 100g

Period Box really know how to spoil a girl and all subscribers can expect to see a full sized bar of chocolate inside their box each month!

This month showcases Madecasse who source their pure cocoa ethically in line with Fairtrade standards from 200 miles off the coast of Africa, on the island of Madagascar.The savory-sweet classic Dark Salted Almond bar has a time-tested combination of chocolate and salted almonds and is made with 63% pure Madagascar cocoa.

The bar has a paper wrapping with a rustic look and feel and is tied with a piece of straw-like material with detailed information about the company and the rare cocoa they use to produce the quality flavours present in their chocolate. Whilst this alone left my mouth watering, unfortunately I’m allergic to nuts and therefore was unable to try it but my mum was at the ready. My mum isn’t a fan of dark chocolate but loved that it didn’t have a bitter taste and the salt and the sweetness had just the right balance along with the the crunch of the almonds which made it taste even more delicious! For someone who usually dislikes dark chocolate has managed to not even leave a crumb!

4. Heathcote and Ivory Wild Daisy and Elderflower Fragranced Sachet – Full Size

Every month you can expect to see a unique gift from an art print, to design stationery to a hand crafted jewelery item.

This month I received a beautiful designed fragrance sachet from Heathcote and Ivory. The sachet harnesses the benefits of plant extracts and is enriched with vitamins and essential oils of black pepper, cedar wood and cyprus oil to enhance the mood. The fragrance has a very calming scent with really delicate notes creating a lovely relaxing scent.

I find these types of sachets very useful and they can bring new life to almost anything! They’re great in small spaces such as wardrobes, drawers, bathrooms and even the car.

5. Cura-Heat Period Pain Patch – Full Size

As well as all of the delights above, Period Box also include a non-medicinal pain patch to help relieve cramps and abdominal pain which is very common during the time of the month. I certainly welcome this patch with open arms.

Cura-Heat Period Pain is an adhesive patch to provide targeted relief from menstrual discomfort and cramps. I received one patch which is designed to be applied to the abdominal area where the heat radiates through the skin to the source of pain relaxing sore muscles for up to 12 hours. Cura-Heat Period Pain pads are subtle enough to be worn under clothing to provide temporary relief from a variety of complaints and are also non medical with a discreet design.

I love the addition of the patch which is a great standby item should you require it. If not it can be saved for that moment of need.

My Verdict

I adore this month’s box, it’s definitely my favourite edition which includes a unique and chic line up of treats to make that dreaded time of the month a much happier one. We all look for comforts and indulgence in the form of food and pampering treats to get us through the cycle and this box really has it all covered from soothing bath treats, indulgent chocolate, reviving tea, a fragranced sachet which I absolutely adore and a little warming relief patch to make it that much more bearable. Period Box have really got this concept spot-on and it impresses me how they cover every aspect within the box each month. It’s a great little survival kit which has something for the first day to even the last day of your period whilst accommodating for all of the uncanny stuff that happens in between!

The presentation, the thoughtful contents along with the intricate details such as the stickers and the wrapping are a lovely touch and really shows the amount of love which goes into these boxes. Period Box is full of charm and I loved unwrapping all of the individual treats to see what surprises were enclosed. I felt like an excited child opening gifts on Christmas day!

The main aspect which is certainly apparent is that the founders are very passionate about the subject and impressively nothing has been overlooked when putting this box together and I wouldn’t expect any less from the ladies at Period Box who curate their boxes with so much love and care.

I really dread the time of the month and this box was a very welcomed distraction. It really is a little box of loveliness which makes the monthly visit much more pleasant and something to actually look forward to – did I just say that?

Offer for my readers:

Get 15% off your first Period Box using the code HAPPY15 at the checkout.

www.periodbox.co.uk

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Which Beauty Box UK February 21, 2015

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Value – £22.94
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The February 2015 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and this month all subscribers can expect to see a larger box than usual land on their doorstep, I was certainly eager to find out what was was within the bigger box and was pleasantly surprised. The box showcases an impressive line up with four full-sized products and one sample with a selection of skincare products alongside some bath & body treats. This month’s box features well-known brands as well as some new discoveries for me. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula 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 and one good sized sample .The box features the brands Lovea, Skin Blossom, REN, Madara and Fair Squared.

1. Lovea Guava Body Wash – Full Size 400ml. RRP £6.49

This massive sized shower gel was the culprit that took up most of the space within the box and I was delighted to see this everyday essential. It’s definitely one of the highlights inside the box and who doesn’t love a fruity fragranced shower gel!

This shower gel contains a 100% natural fragrance and is enriched with soothing Organic Aloe Vera that gently cleanses while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance to leave the skin soft, smooth and delicately perfumed.

The scent is utterly divine and has refreshing and uplifting notes, perfect for a wake-me-up shower. I was expecting this to have an artificial scent but surprisingly it smells very natural just like the fruit itself. I can’t wait to put all my winter shower gels to one side to welcome this one as we soon approach Spring.

2. Skin Blossom Reviving Eye Cream – Full Size 15ml. RRP £5.95

I love slathering on a eye cream especially when my eyes are feeling tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes the next morning.

This eye cream by Skin Blossom promises to revive and restore THE skin around eyes with it’s moisturising antioxidant cream which contains a special blend of Green Tea, Eyebright and Buckwheat extract. It’s also made with 85% organic ingredients and certified to the strict Soil Association organic skin care standard making it suitable for all skin types, including even the most sensitive skin.

The cream is light and soaks into skin quickly without leaving any kind of residue and leaves the area around the eyes feeling soothed and relieved. I have been using this for a few days and whilst I haven’t seen any noticeable changes to the skin around my eyes I’m hoping I gradually see some results.

3. REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot – Sample Size 3ml

I’ve really been liking what I’ve tried so far from the REN collection and welcomed another discovery within this month’s box which is a new addition to their range.

This super-charged gel-serum claims to instantly firm, lift and plump the skin to leave it looking dramatically smoother, tighter and more youthful. It contains a liquid matrix of Hyaluronans that supercharges the skin with firming moisture and encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time.

4. Madara Cranberry Soap – Full Size 150g RRP £6.00

I love bath soaps and whilst they mainly take center stage within a big jar in my bathroom, I do sometimes use the more fragrant ones to unwind in the evenings so it was nice to receive a soap from Madara who’s products are entirely natural and certified according to the international ECOCERT standard.

Madara’s hand & body soap purifies and nourishes the skin with the vitality of cranberry and the freshness of juniper. The botanical base of the soap purifies while the jojoba oil nourishes the skin, leaving the skin full of energy.

This soap has a beautiful and delicate scent with uplifting and energising notes making it the perfect pick me up for the mornings.

5. Fair Squared Almond Hand Cream – Full Size 100ml. RRP £4.50

I’m absolutely drowning in hand creams at the moment and I’ve seen one pop up quite regularly within the Love Lula boxes and whilst I use hand creams regularly I only wish I had more hands to get through the ones I already have. Nevertheless I do love hand creams so was happy to add another to the stockpile from Fair Squared who I got introduced to a couple a months ago. I loved their lip balm formula so had high hopes for this hand cream.

The Fair Squared Hand Almond Cream regenerates dry, chapped hands. The rich hand cream nourishes the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and protects it from dehydration and premature aging and contains native Fairtrade certified olive oil, almond oil and nourishing honey, which benefits farmers in Palestine, Pakistan and Chile.

The texture of the cream is quite rich and sinks into the skin leaving the hands feeling soft and nourished. I was expecting a really overpowering fragrance but it’s actually quite delicate and very much to my liking.

My Verdict

Another great edit by Love Lula this month which features a great selection of affordable natural and organic beauty treats to trial . I was pretty relieved that the box wasn’t so much dominated by skincare as I’m currently drowning in products at the moment but I loved that they mixed it up a little this month with some lovely bath and body treats and along with an eye cream and a newly launched product from REN. The box featured well-known brands as well as a few new discoveries for me and included mainly full sized products this month. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on all of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is great if there’s something in the box you really love.

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

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 there’s a few available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

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Which Beauty Box UK February 20, 2015

Glossybox Review – February 2015

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 £51.62
www.glossybox.co.uk

I’m a little late to the party with the February 2015 Glossybox which is ultimately themed around the month of lurve and to no surprise it’s already sold-out. Forget about chocolates and roses, it’s all about this month’s Collectors Love Edition and whether you’re single, loved up or find the whole valentines concept quite gimmicky, you are in for real treat. The box arrives beautifully presented and wrapped in celebration of the day of love and captures the romantic mood perfectly. It impressively also incorporates a little naughtiness to celebrate the much anticipated film screening of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. If that’s not enough the box is worth over £50.00 and boasts five full sized products this month. In other news, I was very lucky to be invited by the Glossybox Team to a private screening of Fifty Shades of Grey in the luxurious W Hotel in Leicester Square to celebrate the launch of their Love Box. I had a fantastic evening and it was lovely to meet a few of the glossy beauties who bring us that all important beauty delivery each month.

Not only is the box pretty on the outside, the inside is even more delightful, packed with beautiful make-up treats along with an essential hair removing product to get you date-ready not just for Valentines Day but for the upcoming months too! This is most definitely my favourite edit to date and feel that Glossybox have really upped their game recently.

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. Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Razor – Full Size RRP £9.99

I think you’ll agree that the addition of this razor is a great essential inside this month’s box especially if you’re like me and don’t have the greatest pain threshold to endure waxing.

The Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Razor has 5 curved sensing blades with water activated serum infused with marine extracts and the unique skin guards help protect your skin from irritation, whilst the 5 curved sensing blades give you incredible closeness.

Inside the box is also a holder for the razor which can be stuck in the shower making it accessible and quick to hand as and when required.

2. Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Fifty Shades – Full Size 1.2g RRP £14.49

I loved how Glossybox included a subtle naughtiness in this months box with an eyeshadow shade inspired by the film Fifty Shades Of Grey, very well timed indeed!

This mineral based eyeshadow by Marsk is 100% natural and has great pigmentation. The shade is a sultry dark grey, perfect for creating enticing smokey eyes and you can use this wet or dry to create anything from a day look to something more captivating for the evenings.

3. Royal Apothic Tinties – Full Size 3.4g RRP £9.15

I was really excited to receive the Royal Apothic Tinties after seeing the spoiler last month. I was particularly drawn to the apothecary chic packaging and think many of us were! It’s not a brand I’ve heard of before so welcomed the discovery in the form of a lip tint in the shade coral.

Surprisingly this lip tint has a great pop of colour and the shade is quite versatile too and would imagine this suiting all skin tones. I usually associate these types of lip tints being more towards the sheer end but this gives a buildable colour that looks really pretty and it’s the perfect shade for Spring/Summer. The formula itself is really moisturising with it’s infusion of shea butter and trio of oils and the buttery scent really reminds me of baking. I see this being a staple within my make up bag.

4. So Susan Rose Quartet Lip & Cheek Palette – Full Size 4g RRP £8.00

Hello So Susan, who I’ve really missed recently since they discontinued their LacquerLove subscription box and was happy to be reacquainted with the brand in the form of their Rose Quarter Lip & Cheek Palette.

I really like this palette especially the variety of shades which are all very wearable and can simply transform your make from day to night with very little effort.

5. Essie Repstyle Polish – Full Size 13ml RRP £9.99

Last but not least is a brand we all know and love, Essie and within my box was a nail varnish from their Repstyle Collection.

The Repstyle nail varnishes were Essie’s first ever magnetic polish collection. These magnetic polishes are embedded with micro-iron spheres, which come to life by using the special magnet case on top the lid that leaves a snake-like pattern on the nails.

I’ve seen some swatches online and I can’t wait to give this go, it really does give a snakeskin finish on the nails.

My Verdict

I’m smitten with this month’s Glossybox and there’s definitely a lot to love this month. They’ve curated a great edit which not only captures the love theme but also touches base with the newly released Fifty Shades of Grey film. As well as the beautiful design and wrapping and not forgetting the pack of Love Hearts, there’s some great highlights within this month’s box not to mention the five full sized products which totals up to an incredible value of £51.62, now that’s pretty impressive . This edition mainly featured make-up alongside a nail varnish and an essential from Wilkinson Sword giving a much welcomed break from skincare. It’s definitely my favourite edit to date and I’m sure you will agree that Glossybox have really upped their game recently. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next month.

Glossybox always include a generous amount of full sized products and the total value always beats the actual monthly subscription cost so it’s a great affordable way to discover products from well known and new brands.

March Spoiler Alert – All subscribers will receive a full sized NAOBAY Moisturising Peel.

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Which Beauty Box UK February 18, 2015

Glossybox Limited Edition Mother’s Day Treatment Collection Box – February 2015

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been shocked by the sudden appearance of Mother’s Day in the calendar and it’s soon approaching with only a few weeks left!

With Mother’s Day in mind, Glossybox have curated a limited edition Treatment Collection with our favourite people in mind, our mums or alternatively a treat for you! Each box is perfectly packaged with an edit of little luxuries from leading brands including Decleor, Vichy and Wild About Beauty.

The Glossybox Treatment Collection is packed full of indulgent treats and is worth over £100 and the box will be available to order for £30.00 from the 23rd February 2015 via www.glossybox.co.uk while stock lasts.

The Treatment Box includes:

Decleor Aromessence Iris Super Serum – 15ml
Sacha Juan Hair Serum – Full Size
Scentered Stress Less Therapy Balm – Full Size
Wild About Beauty Botanical Skin Prep Serum – Full Size
Naobay Body Radiance Lotion – Full Size
Urban Apothecary Glass Tealight candle – Full Size
Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Day Cream – 15ml
Little Ondine Twins Nail Polish – Full Size

You can register your interest now at:

http://campaigns.glossybox.co.uk/uk/treatment-collection

Which Beauty Box UK February 17, 2015

Love Me Beauty Box Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 3
Total value of contents in the box £40.50
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

My February 2015 Love Me Beauty Box has arrived and this month sees a great line up in their boutique showcasing new make-up, nail varnish, a selection of skin and bodycare products along with some hair accessories too. I’m really liking the brands which they have been partnering with lately and only wish I had more credits to spend!

February’s boutique features new brands such as Nailberry, Melvita, Mirabella, Popband and Monu as well as some of their older stock from previous months. I must admit, I’m a self-confessed nail varnish obsessive and I vowed that I wouldn’t even look at any more nail varnish let alone purchase any but this month was certainly an exception as Love Me Beauty released five beautiful nail varnish shades from the chic and sophisticated brand Nailberry, and as the story goes… I ended up with three of them!

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.

All the items are packed within a drawstring bag which is enclosed inside a sturdy good-sized box which can also be re-used for storage.

1. Nailberry Nail Varnish – (2 credits each) Full Size RRP £13.50 each

It would have been criminal to turn a blind eye to these classy and sophisticated nail varnishes by Nailberry, the bottles are truly stunning and oozes chicness in true parisienne style. I already own a couple of their nail varnishes and not only are they pretty to look at, but their 4-free and cruelty-free formula is also very impressive, with these three shades being no exception. Their wide collection of colours includes brights, neutrals, darks and a range of shimmery shades, catering for everyone and all occasions.

From the five shades which we available I chose Baby Blue, the perfect debut for Spring, Strawberry Jam, a red varnish with a twist of fushia and Cherry Cherie, a light red which is very close to a summer orange shade.

The formula is truly amazing and apply opaque in one single coat with a high shine finish. It applies streak-free and the brush gives the utmost precision making the entire process really quick and simple without comprising on quality.

My Verdict

I’m really happy with my selections 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, a concept which I actually like. All of my items are full sized too with an incredible value of £40.50.

This month’s boutique included a good variety of all things beauty and featured a selection of new brands along with some new additions such as skincare, bath & body products and hair accessories. I’ve also noticed that the boutique features more products that are 1 credit meaning subscribers have the opportunity to get more for their 6 credits. I’m really liking the brands which Love Me Beauty have been working with recently and I’m looking forward to seeing who they have on board next month.

Want to sign up to the Love Me Beauty Revolution?

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

www.lovemebeauty.com

Which Beauty Box UK February 16, 2015

My Little Box Review – February 2015

My Little Frenchie Box – Ines de La Fressange – February 2015
Price of the Box – from £13.95 a month
No of Products – 6 items
Value – £64.49
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

If last month’s box left you in awe and wanting more, the February My Little Box edition makes a fashionable statement in true parisienne form in collaboration with Ines de La Fressange who is world-renowned for her role as muse to leading international designers.

I know I say this every month but this box never fails to impress me with this months edition being no exception. From it’s chic presentation to the stylish and luxe contents within, it beautifully captures this month’s collaboration.

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. Every month the box truly captures me and the contents and loveliness inside is even more pleasing, it’s something which My Little Box do extremely well.

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.

The February edition contains six items with an incredible value of £64.49 and includes a mixture of make up products which is contained within a charming drawstring bag and also lifestyle items. Enclosed is the My Little World Magazine which is always a good read with interview features, useful beauty tips to mouth watering recipes.

1. By Terry Crayon Khol Terrybly – Full-Size RRP £23.00

I think it’s pretty impressive that’s there’s a full sized eyeliner from opulent make up brand By Terry and having heard great things I was excited to be finally introduced.

This eyeliner claims to be a high-precision waterproof eye pencil to create bold and glamorous eyes and also guarantees to be very long-lasting with excellent hold.

I received the shade bronze generation which a very dark brown with hints of shimmer. I don’t usually turn to shades other than black but this one is surprisingly does look more black than bronze.

I tend to use Kohls mainly for their smooth and creamy application, and this Terrybly pencil takes it to the ultimate level of performance. The creamy liner literally glides onto the waterline very effortlessly and it’s deep pigment with the subtle shimmer gives a super intense colour that really makes the eyes pop. Unfortunately two hours later I noticed I had shimmer everywhere under my eye and it just wouldn’t budge! This was a complete let down for me as I had such high expectations. I loved the formula itself and hoping that their black eyeliner without the shimmer delivers a much better result.

2. L’Oreal Brow Artist Shaper – Full Size RRP £5.49

Brow filling is a must for me to give me extra definition and shape and I much prefer pencils instead of powders so was happy to see a this within the bag in the shade Dark Brunette. This 3 in 1 eyebrow pencil intensifies, defines and tames the brows and features a wax based formula and a soft brush tip.

Firstly this has just the right texture with it not being to creamy or too stiff and the colour was a perfect near match for me. I really love this pencil which works pretty well and it’s really budget friendly too.

3. DHC Blotting Paper – Full Size (100 sheets) RRP £4.00

If you have oil-prone skin like me, blotting papers are great to eliminate oil and mattify the skin while you’re on the go.

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. I love the pretty pink packaging and this will certainly be replacing the ones I already have in my make up bag. The pack is conveniently sized and is great for keeping in your make up bag or handbag for on the go touch ups to keep your complexion shine-free throughout the day and night.

4. My Little Beauty Complexion Enhancer – Full Size 30ml RRP £9.50

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 tube of a Complexion Enhancer, a very welcomed addition to combat dullness and lackluster skin during the colder months.

The slightly tinted formula is very light and it’s versatility is perfect for all skin tones. It’s infused with Apricot Kernal and anti-oxidants and not only gives a warm natural glow but also protects your skin leaving it soft and smooth. It’s is lightly scented too and is great for days when you want be make-up free.

5. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included 2 lifestyle items which really complemented the Ines de la Fressange collaboration.

First up is a Smart Phone Case (RRP £16) which has been designed by Ines de La Fressange and My Little Box. The quality is quite impressive and doesn’t look cheap or tacky. In fact it looks really stylish. My iphone fitted perfectly within the case and I love that there was an extra compartment too for me to store other bits. I’m forever losing my phone in my handbag and this is so ideal for me.

Up next is an adorable Pot of Messages (RRP £6.50) which contains 28 tiny scrolls inscribed with happy and positives quotes to brighten your day. This is probably my favourite item this month, the sentiment is so lovely and I can’t wait to read each one.

My Verdict

I adore this months edition which beautifully captures the collaboration with Ines de La Fressange and as per every month the attention to detail, intricate design and content is impressive which is something this box never fails on. I loved the beauty line up this month mainly showcasing make-up this month along with both of the lifestyle items. I liked that there was something practical and also something quite unique and fun.

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

If you like chic and adorable lifestyle items along with good beauty brands, you will simply fall in love with this box and I can’t recommend it enough!

My Little Box Offer

Get your first My Little Box for only £11.00 using the promo code FIRSTBOX

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

http://www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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Which Beauty Box UK February 14, 2015

Givenchy British Beauty Blogger Edit by Latest in Beauty Review – February 2015

Givenchy British Beauty Blogger Edit
Price of the Box is £18.95 including free P&P
No of Products in the Box – 9 items
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

With Valentines Day in mind, I took the initiative and treated myself to the lust-worthy and luxurious Givenchy British Beauty Blogger Edit by Latest in Beauty, and with my husband being pretty clueless on what to buy me as per usual, I wasted no time getting in there first although surprisingly he did quite well with the gifts this year! This limited edition box includes Jane’s personal picks of Givenchy Iconic Products and each item has an emblem of excellence within the brand to allow you to get to know Givenchy a little better. As well as the box being a great little sampler set to get a feel of this famous Parisian brand, I was also really lusting after the coin purse although I would of been equally happy with the notebook too. Unfortunately and to no surprise this box has now sold out so I’m even more happy that I managed to purchase one just in time!

Firstly, the presentation and the packaging is in true Givenchy form and really gives it that luxurious and premium feel. It’s almost too pretty to unwrap and feels like a true little treat! Interesting fact – the packing team wore white gloves to put this one together so the white glossy box and all the contents were absolutely pristine. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Latest in Beauty!

The box showcases an impressive beauty line-up from the luxury brand Givenchy and covers a good area of beauty from innovative skincare, make-up treats to sensual fragrances. As well as beauty there was also a chic handbag accessory in the form of a notebook or a coin purse.

Okay, so there’s no full-sized products but remember this is a taster edit to welcome beauty lovers into the world of Givenchy and enables you trial some iconic discoveries without splurging out on full size items.

1. Givenchy Foundation (1 empty bottle for a 5 day foundation trial + FREE make-over invitation)

I’ve seen a little controversy over this empty bottle but personally I think this is a great concept and one which I really welcome and wish more brands would incorporate this. There’s nothing worse then receiving a foundation shade which doesn’t match your skin tone and this will allow you to get a perfect match from the experts themselves along with a free-make over. The bottle gives a 5 day foundation trial which is great to really decide if you want to purchase the full-size.

2. Phenomen’Eyes Mascara: The Iconic Reinvented – Sample Size (4g)

I love mascara in all shapes and forms and I must admit this one looks a like medieval mace with it’s spikey applicator although it’s not harsh in the slightest! I’ve not tried a sphere applicator like this before so couldn’t wait to see what magic this had in store for my lashes.

This reinvented new launch of the original Phenomen’Eyes Mascara promises to give more length, more curl and more definition which is exactly what I look for in a mascara.

Admittedly, it took me a couple of minutes to get to the grips with the sphere applicator but once I had got the hang of it I was pretty much a pro. The brush surprisingly works very well, it gives you complete control, separates the lashes without any clumping and also manages to grip the tiniest of hairs. The end result was even more impressive and I loved how this mascara enhanced the length of my lashes with a very natural finish without compromising on the impact. It’s not the quickest of mascaras to apply but seeing the results and the precision it’s definitely worth spending the extra time.

3. Mini Le Rouge Lipstick (shade 202 Rose Dressing) – Sample Size 1.5g

I really couldn’t take my eyes off the pretty packaging this lipstick came presented in, it’s so chic and utterly adorable.

Rose Dressing is a warm coral pink shade that has a semi-matte finish and impressively applies opaque in one swipe. According to Givenchy’s description, it contains micro-spheres that “glide into the fine lines of lips and lock in moisture growing 50x larger to make your lips look plumper and revitalised. I’m not sure if I noticed my lips looking plumper, but they definitely looked smoother and felt much more hydrated.

This has to be the most easy-on-the-lips matte lipstick that I’ve come across and with it not being so bright it simply adds a touch of class and sophistication.

4. Hydra Sparkling Luminescence Moisturizing Cream – Sample Size 5ml

This velvety, feather-light hydrating cream is specially formulated for normal and combination skin type and it’s texture is soft and comfortable with a non-greasy, non-sticky finish.

I did open the tube and it has a light perfumed scent which smells quite refreshing however my skin is quite oily so it’s probably wise that I didn’t try this one.

5. Hydra Sparkling One Minute Glow Powder – Sachet Sample 0.5g

We all need a little skin boost especially during the colder months and I was delighted to see this innovative Hydra Sparkling One-Minute Glow Powder. It’s a micro-peeling cleanser with a light as talc texture and when in contact with water it transforms into a delicate foam to eliminate impurities.

The gentle formula can be used daily and it’s suitable for all skin types too. I’m saving this for that emergency skin moment and can’t wait to see what this does for my skin.

6. Hydra Sparkling Nude Look BB Cream – Sample Size 2ml

I love trying out new BB creams and really favour them over foundations especially on days when I don’t need much coverage or when there simply isn’t enough time in the morning. They provide a quick fix and tend to do everything from skin brightening to covering blemishes within one single formula making it a staple for the make up bag.

The Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Nude Look BB Cream is a multi-perfecting cream that balances the skin and provides 24-hour continued hydration whilst giving a flawless radiant finish. Its universal chameleon formula is suitable for all skin types and all skin tones.

The texture is a light fluid that feels super-comfy on the skin and simply glides on like a dream making it very easy to work with. The coverage is very impressive and managed to blur my imperfections perfectly which wins me over automatically although the end result was even more pleasing with it’s soft, natural and radiant finish, a result I haven’t seen with any of the BB creams I’ve tried. I think I’ve just found my holy grail BB cream!

7. Dahlia Divin sample & Gold Blotter – Sample Size 1ml and Gentlemen Only Intense sample & Costume Blotter – Sample Size 1ml

As well as the signature make up and innovative skincare the box also included perfume samples from Dahlia Divin and Gentleman only, all of which came within an organza bag.

8. Givenchy Purse

Last but certainly not least is the adorable and chic Givenchy coin purse which I’ve been lusting after since the box was launched. It’s the perfect companion on a night out which easily fits into a clutch bag and it’s good quality too and looks very classy. There’s certainly going to be some envy when I pull this one out of the bag on a night out with my friends!

My Verdict

Just visually, my first impressions were “wow” especially the presentation and the intricate detail of the wrapping, even the Givenchy sticker made it feel that extra special and it felt like a treat even before I had delved into the contents. I’ve not tried anything from Givenchy and this box gave me a fantastic opportunity to trial some of their iconic beauty gems, handpicked by Jane herself who I completely trust when it comes to beauty and with this in mind I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. In fact the box actually exceeded my expectations and turned out to be very worthwhile.

This box has been a great introduction to a luxurious brand which truly captures the best of the Givenchy and I will definitely be looking into more of their products.

I’m really impressed with my first experiance with Givenchy and I’m looking forward to visiting my nearest counter to find my perfect match foundation and to purchase a few of the items I’ve already fallen in love with, although I don’t think my husband will be best pleased on my new found obsession!

Another great box by the British Beauty Blogger and Latest in Beauty, thank you so much for the introduction!

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