Get The Gloss Beauty Insider’s Kit by Latest in Beauty – Janaury 2015

GTGJAN14I’m a big fan of Latest of Beauty who curate incredible beauty boxes and showcase worthy and well-known brands for a very affordable price. Since Christmas they’ve been pretty quiet on the new releases but I knew in the background they were super-busy planning and working their magic to bring the next installment of boxes for 2015. I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new edition and to my delight they have just launched the Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit.

To kick-start the new year Latest in Beauty have launched their very first box in collaboration with Get The Gloss, an online editorial showcasing expert knowledge in beauty, health, and lifestyle. The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit showcases a beauty overhaul and includes well-known and loved brands such as Glamglow, Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Essie and many more. If that’s not enough the box is worth an incredible £116 and is available now for only £19.95.

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The box includes nine beauty treats:

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (10ml), Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner (2g), GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment (10g), Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (30ml), Therapie Roques ONeil Cherish Skin Repair Serum (30ml), Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush, Essie Nail Lacquer x2 (5ml), Balance Me Radiance Face Oil (10ml) and the James Read Sleep Mask Tan (25ml)

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider’s Kit is available now at:
www.latestinbeauty.com

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My Little Box Review – January 2015

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My Little Energy Box – January 2015
Price of the Box –  from £13.95 a month
No of Products  – 5 items
www.mylittlebox.co.uk

The January 2015 box has landed from it’s home in France and this month’s edit is My Little Energy Box, focused around positive vibes and energy to get you looking and feeling great again. January is the time to purge the toxins, take up that invigorating new activity and of course to be a better you!  This edit features a gym bag to kick-start those resolutions, an adorable calender to keep you super-organised and a selection of beauty treats from energising skincare to a nail varnish from a brand I love.

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

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

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

1. Talika Photo-Hydra Day – Travel Size 50ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £43.50

Within this month’s box is a very generous sized sample of Talika’s Photo Hydra Day Cream and in line with this month’s theme, the cream uses the energy from natural light to deeply moisturise and hydrate the skin making it much more than just an average moisturiser. The cream also contains the powerful moisture-binding ingredient Hyaluronic Acid which creates an effective water reservoir within the skin cells and plumps the skin for a rejuvenating and youthful effect alongside Mango Butter, which nourishes the skin and prevents dehydration.

Talika isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before however I’m really excited to try out this cream which claims to offer multiple skin benefits for all skin types.

2. Nails Inc Nail Varnish – Full Size 10ml RRP £11.00

I was delighted to see a Nails Inc nail varnish in the shade Tate, a classic red which is very parisian.

Tate is a deep blood red with a lovely glossy finish and a couple of coats gives you a fully opaque result.

I love the shade which will pair well with any outfit and can be worn all year round.

3.  My Little Beauty Energising Mist  – Full Size RRP £7.50

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

Inside this month’s box is a full sized Energising Mist which is very fitting for this month’s box.

This face and body mist is enriched with Vitamin C and green tea to help refresh the appearance of dull and fatigued skin as well as re-energising a tired body.

The mist has a gorgeous and non-artificial smell which smells really refreshing with subtle floral notes.

I think the inclusion of the mist was a great choice for this month’s box. Not only is it a great pick me up to wake up the skin but the handy sized spray will easily fit into a handbag for on-the-go touch ups as well as it being an essential for the gym bag too.

4. Lifestyle Items

This month’s box included two lifestyle extras in the form of a gym bag and an adorable calender.

First up is a very good sized gym bag made from nylon with a motivational quote on the side “Energy is Contagious”. It’s the ideal size with smaller compartments inside to store money and keys. It’s also very light weight, perfect for carrying around especially if you don’t drive. It’s a good all rounder bag that can double up as a weekend bag too if you’re not a gym enthusiast.

Up next is an adorable calender in an A5 size which can be hung up or alternatively it’s even small enough to fit inside your handbag. A great essential to keep you super-organised this year.

 My Verdict

I really love this month’s box which not only focuses on fitness but also has a great balance of beauty and lifestyle essentials to help kick start the year. As per every month the attention to detail, intricate design and content is impressive which is something this box never fails on.

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

This month’s box showcased brands such as Talika, Nails Inc and an item from their in-house My Little Beauty range. I particularly liked all of the beauty products this month which are all good sized and usable. The lifestyle items complemented the first box of year perfectly.

This months My Little World Magazine was also good read and contained fitness challenges, some useful tutorials from nail art to hair and even some healthy breakfast ideas.

I’m looking forward to the February edit and hoping it’s themed around the month of red hearts!

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:

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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The Beauteque Head to Toe Milk Bag Review – January 2015

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Head to Toe Milk Bag
Price of the Bag is £20.82 including P&P
No. of Products  – 7
Total value of contents in the bag –  £40.46
www.beauteque.com

As well as Beauteque unveiling their exciting new monthly subscription bag this month, they have also kick started the year with the new limited edition Head to Toe Milk Bag which is available now to buy as an one off purchase. The Head to Toe Milk Bag contains an impressive beauty overhaul from skin loving treats to some innovative milk sponges, all based around the key ingredient milk. The likes of Egyptian goddess Cleopatra was renowned throughout history for her radiant skin and her stunning beauty, and was known to bathe in milk to keep her skin soft and supple. As well as it’s beautifying properties , milk also has healing properties that repairs sun damaged skin, prevents premature aging, and also provides abundant nutrients for a youthful look.

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

The contents come presented in a black and white checked make-up bag which really complements the theme. This edit contans seven full sized products covering all aspects of beauty and as with all of the Beauteque Bags there was a little customisation available too which is a feature I really like. I love the illustration of the cute cow on the information card which has it’s very own Beauteque Bell around it’s neck!

1.  Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner  – Full Size 248ml RRP £11.65

There’s a very generous sized brightening toner inside the bag by Secret Key.

The toner contains an abundant mix of vitamins, minerals and ions which aids the skins immunity along with the vitamins and minerals from milk to provide the skin with nutrients and moisture. As well as it’s moisturising and brightening properties, it’s also balances the skin’s oil making it ideal for all skin types.

The liquid itself looks like milk watered down and smells really pleasant with a floral fragrance. This feels really refreshing on the skin and didn’t make my skin feel dry or tight in the slightest. It’s contains no alcohol either making it skin friendly too.

2.  Skinfood Green Tea Milk Cleansing Foam – Full Size 150ml RRP £7.36

I’m on a quest at the moment to really shake up my cleansing regime this year and this cleanser arrived at the perfect time. Out of the two options available I chose the Green Tea (Fresh) Milk Cleansing foam which is suitable for oily and combination skin. The other option which is also available is Wild Berry which is more suited for dry skin types.

The green tea cleansing foam is enriched with green tea extracts, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin against free radical-damage and smooth milk extracts to provide gentle exfoliation by buffing away dead skin cells for smoother and glowing skin.

The gentle formula is pretty creamy and it lathers up really well even when using a tiny amount. It did leave my skin feeling fresh and clean however it wasn’t that effective in removing a full face of make-up which resulted in a double cleanse. I think this would be more suited for the mornings for a quick refresh.

3.  Secret key Milk Whipping Hand Cream  – Full Size RRP £3.98

I love hand creams and was happy to welcome another product from the Secret Key collection.

Out of the two options available I chose the Secret Key Milk Hand Cream instead of the Somang hand cream.

This hand cream contains donkey milk which is rich in essential fatty acids, minerals and nutrients. The cream has a light weight and oil-free texture and sinks into the skin effortlessly leaving your hands soft, replenished and moisturised. The scent is really pleasant too with subtle floral notes. This is a great hand cream especially for the months of winter.

4. Skinfood Shea Butter Milk Lip Balm – Full Size RRP £4.29

I’ve been reaching out for lip balms more frequently recently and this one in particular is quite impressive with it’s creamy and super-moisturising shea butter formula. This really works wonders on dry chapped lips.

5.  Skinfood Milk Creamy Nail Polish – Full Size RRP £5.21

This little nail varnish which comes in a milk bottle is utterly cute and is the star product inside this bag. There is a good choice of colours available and from the selection I chose mint which is the perfect pastel shade for Spring.

As well as the adorable bottle which I love, the formula applies opaque within two coats which is normal for a pastel shade. I’ve not tried any nail varnishes from Skinfood so it will be interesting to see what the longevity is like.

6. 3W Clinic Milk Mask – Full Size RRP £1.84

There were two mask choices available, I chose the 3W milk mask instead of the Somang Milk Mask.

This is a sheet mask which I absolutely love, it contains milk and protein extract which leaves the skin smooth and moisturised. The instructions advise to pop this into the fridge first for an ultimate cooling effect which sounds appealing just on it’s own.

7. Milk Wash Off Sponge – Full Size x2 sponges RRP £6.13

Lastly inside the milk bag is a pack of two gentle exfoliating milk sponges which slough away dead skin cells in the most delicate approach. You simply add some cleanser and water to the sponge ensuring that it’s completely soaked through and use it in circular motions on your face.  As well as removing dirt and grime it also massages, stimulates tired skin and encourages skin renewal. I’m looking forward to trying these over the weekend.

 My Verdict

I really love this bag which Beauteque have carefully curated, it contains a great variety of milk themed products which covers all things beauty from skincare treats to an adorable nail varnish. As with all of their themed bags, Beauteque they have hit the nail on the head from the presentation to the contents within which is something they never appear to fail on. The bag boasts seven full sized products which are all very usable, very good sized and even included well known Korean brands.  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 definitely a company who get it right each time.

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

The entire contents within this bag has a value of  £40.46 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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You Beauty Discovery Selection Menu – January 2015

January Box - New Year, New You

Here’s a sneak peek at January’s You Beauty Discovery selection menu which will be available on the 2nd January at 7am. This month’s shortlist theme is New Year, New You and mainly features skincare this month which is great if your skin is a little partied out from the festive period and needs some extra TLC along with a couple of nail varnishes from the Sainsbury’s Boutique Collection.

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:

• Afyna – Organic Detoxifying Body Lotion (60ml)
• Afyna – Organic Detoxifying Body Scrub (60ml)
• Burt’s Bees – Beeswax Lip Balm (4.25g)
• Boutique by Sainsbury’s – Nail Varnish: Away with the Fairies (11ml)
• Boutique by Sainsbury’s – Nail varnish: A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss (11ml)
• DHC – Deep Cleansing Oil (30ml)
• Elemis – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (15ml)
• Merumaya – Melting Cleansing Balm™ (30ml) & Overnight Recharge Night Cream™ (3ml)
• TRESemmè – Platinum Strength 60 Second Treatment Shot (14ml)

Plus, each box will include: 3 Dragonfly Tea bags (4 flavours available: Green Gaucho organic mate tea, Mountain Honeybush organic tea, Swirling Mist organic white tea, Emerald Mountain organic green tea), Dove Hair – Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream (5ml) and Hello Fresh – £25 OFF voucher card.

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Love Me Beauty Box Review – December 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

www.lovemebeauty.com

The Beauteque Polished Holiday Bag Review – December 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Foot File – Full Size RRP £3.06

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

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

5. Essie Nail Varnish – Full Size RRP £10.95

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

6. Scandal Nail Polish – Full Size RRP £3.00

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

www.beauteque.com

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So Susan LoveLacquer Box Review – December 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 £46.00
www.sosusan.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

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Birchbox Review – December 2014

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Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7 items

www.birchbox.co.uk

With only a couple of short weeks left, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas with homes illuminated with sparkling lights, shop windows dressed to impress and of course the December 2014 Birchbox which brings it’s own glamour and sparkle this month with its exclusive festive edit ‘Get your party shoes on’ inspired by British Designer Sophia Webster’s gemstone Suri shoe. This month the iconic brown box has had a glitzy makeover and comes presented as a collectable must-have designed box making a bold fashionable statement just on its own.

With the party season already in full swing, the December box showcases a selection of essential party must-haves, an exclusive-to-Birchbox coin purse designed by Sophia herself and a Benefit cracker with a surprise sample inside. This month’s box also featured a little customisation and subscribers were asked in November to pick their preferred shade of the Model Own’s nail varnish out of the four sparkly shades available.

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

This month’s box showcases a great beauty line up with all area’s covered. The box features a good balance of products and includes a selection of skincare, make up, perfume, nail varnish a hair product and a lifestyle extra in the form of the coin purse designed by Sophia Webster.

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

1. Models Own Nail Varnish – Full Size RRP £5.00

I already use and love Models Own nail varnish who have a wide array of darks, neutrals, pastels and glitter based shades within their collection.

Last month all Birchbox subscribers were asked to chose a Model Owns nail varnish out of four sparkly shades from the Velvet Goth collection.

This collection from Models Own is unique in design with a textured velvet lid giving it a very festive look and feel.

Nothing says Christmas more then sparkly bold nails which stand out and glisten. I received the shade Amethyst which is a dashing purple and contains tiny specks of glitter and shimmer. This dries as a matte finish and one coat is simply enough for a complete opaque finish. For a glossier effect a top coat can be applied to transform this nail varnish from matte to shiny. It’s the perfect party shade.

2. Eslor Firming Collagen Day CreamSample Size 10ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £50.00

I’ve not even started to look into anti-ageing products and being in my thirties this is a great introduction to ease my way into the anti-ageing range.

This anti-ageing cream from Eslor works to defend our complexion against the effects of ageing. It contains hyrdolyed marine collagen and a whole host of nutrient-rich botanicals work to lock in moisture, restore elasticity, and boost radiance to leave skin looking more youthful. It’s formulated without parabens or skin irritants to leave the skin feeling soothed and replenished.

The tub is really good sized and there’s enough product for at least a few days.

3.  Eyeko Fat Stick – Full Size RRP £8.00

I already own a few Eyeko items and was happy to see this eye crayon which is exclusive to Birchbox only.

There are two party-worthy shades available which subscribers can expect to see this month. I received the shade Smoke, which is charcoal-tinged shade perfect for achieving a sultry smoky eye look.
This multi-use eye crayon which has a retractable twist-up applicator can be used as eyeliner or a eye shadow. The creamy texture glides easily when applied and helps to contour and refine the eyes. It’s super pigmented too and can be applied sheer or opaque with it’s easy to blend formula. This crayon also lines the eyes quickly and easily and you can achieve a variety of effects, from a subtle yet precise look, to a more dramatic definition.

I personally would use this to achieve an evening make up look due to the dark shade. This crayon is great when you’re on the go and if you have little time for any beauty prep this is really handy and will keep your regime super simple.

4. Electric Hair Hydrate Shampoo – Sample Size 30ml. Full Size RRP £17.50

The brand Electric Hair is a new discovery for me and is a British brand taking the haircare world by storm and was founded by Mark Woolley.

The Hydrate Shampoo which was a finalist at the hair awards in 2013 is a nourishing, creamy formula packed with moisture-rich ingredients which retains optimum hydration in your hair and intensifies its natural shine.

Winter really sucks the life out of my hair making it dry and unmanageable at times and this sounds amazing for giving your hair an extra boost of moisture.

5. English Laundry Signature For Her Perfume – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £60.00

Having discovered English Laundry via Birchbox at the beginning of the year, it’s a high-end brand which really stands out for me. Their collection contains a selection of unique and luxurious fragrances which are really feminine and smell absolutely divine.

The English Laundry Signature Perfume taps into the very essence of an English country garden with a beautifully fresh fragrance with top notes of rose geranium and creamy white flowers along with woody spicy and musky notes.

I’ve received a sample of this previously and it’s a great perfume for daily wear which really gets noticed. If you’re a fan of sweet scents you will fall in love with this instantly.

6.  Benefit Christmas Cracker containing High Beam – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £19.50

This Benefit Christmas Cracker is teeny but it’s so adorable and inside all subscribers can expect to see a sample of the popular Benefit High Beam highlighter. It’s my all time favourite highlighter which gives the perfect finish to any make-up look.

High Beam which is a subtle pink in shade adds a natural glow and really accentuates features such as your brow bone and cheeks with very little effort. It gives you a fresh-faced and wide awake dewy finish which looks very natural and really enhances your make up look.

7. Lifestyle Extra – Sophia Webster Coin Purse – RRP £10.00

I love this months lifestyle extra which is an exclusive to Birchbox coin purse designed by Sophia Webster and all subscribers will receive this within their box.

I’ve stopped carrying a purse recently mainly because I find them bulky and they never seem to hold large amounts of change. Instead the zipped compartment within my bag holds everything from my bank cards to loose change. It’s not ideal and I was certainly happy to see this purse which is the ideal size for day to day. It’s also great to accompany you on a night out when there is limited room in your clutch bag!

My Verdict

This month’s Birchbox is dressed to impress and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the December edit was a collaboration with Sophia Webster. I was expecting a box with a very typical Christmas design however I was delighted that Birchbox upped the game with something more unique and eye catching. This edit without a doubt has stolen the show and will definitely be a crowd pleaser this month.

This month’s box showcases a great beauty line up with all area’s covered. The box features a good balance of products and includes of selection of skincare, make up, perfume, nail varnish, a hair product and a lifestyle extra in the form of a coin purse designed by Sophia Webster.

As well as the striking box design which I absolutely love, the box boasts seven items this month, two of which are full sized and contains a selection of beauty must-haves to get you party ready from well known brands and a couple of new discoveries for me.

I really adore this months box which ticks all the boxes for me. All of the items are very usable and the samples are decent sized too giving you an opportunity to really road test the products.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Birchbox have in store for us in 2015.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Join today and get your first Birchbox for only £7.95 by entering the promo code DEC5 at checkout.

For a limited time only receive an exclusive beauty gift worth £45 with the purchase of every 3-, 6- or 12-month gift subscription to Birchbox!

The exclusive gift will include a glitzy make-up bag packed with 3 FULL-SIZE products: an exclusive-to-Birchbox Models Own polish in Terra Firma, a Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm in Ripe Raspberry AND Benefit’s Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. PLUS, they have also thrown in £10 to spend on the Birchbox e-shop, on orders over £40!

Use code CHRISTMASWISHES at checkout to redeem but hurry – it’s only valid while stocks last!

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

www.birchbox.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Love Me Beauty Box Review – November 2014

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Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box £43.35
http://www.lovemebeauty.com

My November 2014 Love Me Beauty Box has finally arrived and this month sees a wide array of products featured in their boutique from make-up to nail varnish.

November’s boutique featured a much improved line up of new products from brands such as OPI, Ciate, Max Factor, Eco Tools and Sally Hansen as well as some of their older stock. For me personally I was delighted with these new additions and my customised box is all things make-up, nail varnish and a fool-proof tanning item this month.

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

All the items are packed within a drawstring bag which is enclosed inside the newly designed box which made it’s debut last month.

1.   Mirabella Pretty & Provocative Lipstick in ‘Fever’ –  (2 credits) Full Size RRP £13.41

With the party season approaching  a red lipstick along with a classic black dress is the perfect combination to look glam and chic this season.

I was after a red lipstick and spotted the Mirabella lipstick in the shade Fever which is vibrant rich red.

Fever is wonderfully pigmented and is super creamy, moisturising and it’s longevity is pretty impressive too. It’s nourishing formula simply glides on and doesn’t dry out the lips. I think all skin tones could pull off this particular shade as it’s quite versatile and looks stunning when applied.

2.  Headline Colors Nail Polish in ‘Belladonna’  –  (1 credit) Full Size RRP £8.00

Killer Colours was a indie nail brand that released a small collection of catwalk inspired shades each season however it appears that they no longer exist and may of disbanded as a company.

There were a few different shades available from this brand in the boutique and one which stood out immediately was Belladonna, an eye catching electric blue shade.

This does apply streaky on the first coat, however it evens out with a second with full opacity and dries to a matte finish which can easily be made shiny with a top coat.  I had no issues with the formula in terms of thickness or being too thin, it applied smoothly and dried within minutes. I really love the colour it’s a true electric blue shade which looks bold and striking.

3. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in ‘Plum’s The Word’  –  (1 credit) Full Size RRP £6.99

This Sally Hansen range promises to covers in just one coat, brilliantly. The Perfectionist Brush™ contours to any nail, so colour always glides on precisely, quickly, flawlessly. And, the exclusive Flexiglass Complex combines beautiful, brilliant shine and super-strong wear.

I don’t own any Sally Hansen nail varnish so it was nice to try a different brand. The shade is a muted mauve/plum colour.

The bottle is really good sized and there’s a useful innovative rubber ring at the base of the lid which is helpful when opening the bottle. The brush itself is flat and rounded giving an even finish in a few strokes. The formula applies amazingly well and only one coat is needed to get a opaque and super shiny finish.

This is definitely a shade which will pair well with any outfit and can be worn all year round.

4. Bronze Buffer Sponge –  (1 credit) Full Size RRP £4.00

If you’re not a pro at applying fake tan like me you will welcome this miracle sponge which reverses all of the common mishaps when it comes to fake tan applications.

This claims to gently remove streaks and application mishaps to colour buildup on palms, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, feet and beyond. Bronze Buffer has no added ingredients or chemicals. You simply add a little water to the sponge to gently exfoliate unwanted self-tanner on the uppermost layers of skin, leaving you with a flawless, natural-looking golden glow. I don’t usually apply fake tan this time of the year however I will be saving this for summer.

5. Oriflame Skin Dream BB Cream SPF 30 –  (2 credit) Full Size 30ml RRP £10.95

I’m a big fan of BB creams and love to experiment with ones which claim to do an all in one job quickly and effortlessly.

Oriflame’s 5-in-1 skin dream BB cream promises to deliver everything your skin needs in one super-charged beauty balm and containing SPF 30 it protects your skin too whilst nourishing and healing the skin, as well as camouflaging any redness. 

This cream itself is quite thick and applies smoothly to the skin and with it’s medium coverage it makes the skin look radiant with a soft dewy finish. It’s not so effective at covering blemishes and redness however a little dab of concealer before applying this will do the trick. The BB cream is also oil free making it suitable for oil prone and sensitive skin types.

This really is a great quick fix answer for those who are always on the go. It gives your skin a lovely glow and with it’s no shine formula it’s ideal for wearing during the day and in the evening.

 My Verdict

I’m really happy with my selections this month and I’m warming to the new concept which allows the creation of curating your own box giving you full control and flexibility.

This month’s boutique had a much improved line up with more variety and featured well known brands such as OPI and Ciate. The boutique itself covers all areas of beauty and whilst this months new additions were mainly make up and nail varnishes I hope next month features more skincare and body products. I’ve also noticed that Love Me Beauty have added more products which are one credit meaning subscribers can get more for their 6 credits.

My box is worth an amazing  £43.35 beating the cost of the box.

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

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

www.lovemebeauty.com