Beauty Pick of the Month – October 2014

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Each month I pick my favourite product which I received in one of my many beauty boxes. This month’s showstopper is the Inika Organic Eye Liner which I received in my Love Lula Beauty Box.  It’s joined my make-up regime this month and I’m truly impressed with the results and it’s incredible formula.

I tend to mainly focus on my eyes when perfecting my desired make-up look whether it’s to brighten the eye area or to create a sexy, sultry smokey eye look, eyeliner is the one staple make-up product which I can’t live without. I always get excited about new liner launches which promise longevity, no smudging and the blackest of black kohl. Unfortunately to date all of the liners I have purchased only fulfilled one or two of these promises that was until I was introduced to the Inika liner in the shade black caviar which not only is certified organic but amazingly ticks all of the boxes for me.

Inika is a 100 percent natural beauty brand incorporating mineral makeup, vegan and organic products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients.

The Inika Eyeliner is a divine, creamy and a true black shade which glides on smoothly and effortlessly creating bold striking lines and it’s blackest of black colour definitely draws attention to the eye area. Not only does this liner make your eye’s pop,  it also stays put with very minimal smudging – goodbye panda eyes! If you’re always on the go like me, this liner also conveniently comes with a complimentary sharpener lid.

I’ve tried a huge selection of  liners ranging from the high street to high end brands and this undoubtedly ranks number one for me. It’s amazing that whilst this doesn’t contain any nasty ingredients it’s much more effective compared to those that are not cruelty free. This gentle formula can also be used for the most sensitive of eyes and It’s a complete steal at £13.50.

My review of October’s Love Lula Beauty Box is available here

The Inika range is available to purchase at www.lovelula.com

Memebox #4 Floral Scentbox Review – October 2014

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

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

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

They offer a huge range of different themed beauty boxes which caters for everyone’s needs and likes and the good news is they ship to the UK and other parts of the world for only $6.99. These are not monthly subscription boxes and are available to buy as one offs. They sell out very quickly so you do need to be supersonic. The contents within these boxes are a complete surprise and only one item spoiler gets released prior to shipping which is an aspect I like about Memebox.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Verdict

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

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

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

What makes Memebox very different is the variety and choice of beauty boxes which they offer their customers as a one off purchase. They release a huge amount of boxes throughout the year and will simply leave you spoilt for choice. They don’t release any spoilers prior to shipping so it’s a complete surprise when you receive it.

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

Want to discover Memebox?

Get $5 off when you spend $30 using my promo code H6BNIH. Offer expires on the 30 November 2014.

http://us.memebox.com/

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

Memebox #61 My Cute Wishlist 3 Review – October 2014

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Memebox #61 My Cute Wishlist 3
Price of the Box is $29.99 including shipping approx £18.29
No of Products in the Box – 6
Total value of contents in the box – £61.54
http://us.memebox.com/memebox-global

Another My Cute Wishlist Memebox has landed and Edition 3 promises to bring explosive levels of adorable and cuteness. After being slightly disappointed with the last edit I decided to give this box another chance hoping that Memebox would bring back some of the magic and cuteness from the first box. Unfortunately despite my high expectations this box didn’t even come close in contending with the first. Whilst I’m not disappointed with the products it’s more the lack of cuteness within the box. There’s also some bizarre examples of cute inside this box as a few of the products look a little bit creepy especially if you don’t like dolls!

Memebox have since released My Cute Wishlist 4 which has sold now out however they have recently released the My Lovely Boutique box which promises indulgent treats with extreme cute overload.

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

They offer a huge range of different themed beauty boxes which caters for everyone’s needs and likes and the good news is they ship to the UK and other parts of the world for only $6.99. These are not monthly subscription boxes and are available to buy as one offs. They sell out very quickly so you do need to be supersonic. The contents within these boxes are a complete surprise and only one item spoiler gets released prior to shipping which is an aspect I like about Memebox.

This box includes 6 full sized products and mainly focuses on skincare.

1. Hope Girl Tinted Lip Balm – Full Size 5g RRP £7.31

I’ve been wanting to try one of these Hope Girl lip balms and thankfully out of the three colours available I received Hot Cherry which visually looked like a vibrant fushia shade to my horror! Surprisingly when this is applied it’s a really nice subtle pink which is very wearable.

The packaging is very pretty with a pink leopard print design.

This tinted lip balm has a co-enzyme Q10 and shea butter formula which deeply nourishes chapped lips without any stickiness.

2. Shara Shara Fairy’s Make-up Snergy Sun Cream  – Full Size 30ml  RRP £12.80

Remember at the beginning about the creepy dolls well here’s one of them! This is a sun cream which provides strong protection against UV-A and UV-B and also creates a make up base to balance out uneven skin tone and texture.

Unfortunately I don’t apply high SPF products to my face mainly because my skin just breaks out in spots. Intrigued by the make-up base concept I did try a little and didn’t really notice any significant results. The formula is light and blends in very well however this has a sweet fragrance which some people may not be fan of. I like that the applicator is a pump dispenser which is much easier to work with.

3. ddung Family Foam Cleansing Cream – Full Size 120ml RRP £7.31

There were two different cleansers available and I received the fruity cream which is enriched with various extracts such as plum, grapefruit, peach, apple, tangerine and blueberry. This gentle cocktail of fruits cleanser moisturises whilst the fine bubbles work to remove impurities clogging up the pores.

The cleanser smells good enough to eat and the scent of the apple extract is very dominant compared to the rest of the ingredients.

4. Shara Shara Kissing Sugar Lip Scrub – Full Size 10g RRP £4.26

Inside this cute pot contains tiny grains of sugar and walnut shells to gently remove any dead skin cells on your lips.

The scrub is enriched with extracts of honey, avocado oil, argan spinosa kernal oil and various vegetable oils which delivers intensive moisture for softer, supple lips.

5. Tony Moly Red Cheeks Girl’s Patch – Full Size RRP £1.21

The Korean’s do like these types of patches and they pretty much have a patch for all area’s which need a surge of moisture.

These cheek patches which I’ve not come across before are hydro-gel type patches and are specifically designed to deliver intense moisture and a soothing effect to dry cheeks. They contain a concoction of skin loving ingredients such as rose flower, cherry blossom, aloe vera, cucumber and green tea.

Fortunately my skin is rarely dry which is probably the only positive of having oily skin. I guess these could be used on other parts of the body which are dry too.

6. Youngwoosa Oh! It’s lovely and soft cream  – Full Size 45g RRP £28.65

Lastly inside the box is a tub of moisturising cream which instantly provides deep hydration. It’s a 2x moisturising system which claims to make your skin softer, silkier and smoother.

Due to the richness and the thick texture of this cream, this would be best suited for dry skin types especially with Winter on it’s way.

My Verdict

In my opinion this edition was another let down and I’m some what baffled how some of the products even made the shortlist as I don’t feel that they fitted in with the cute theme or stood out unlike the first box which was spot on. I think we got hugely spoilt with the first edition and it was definitely going to be difficult to compete with it. Since the first My Cute Wishlist box, I feel that the remainder of the boxes so far have been slightly hit and miss and not on point with the cute theme.

Despite being disappointed with the shortlist and the lack of eye catching products I’m quite happy with the products I received however it mainly consisted of skincare and I personally would of liked to have seen more variety. In all honesty I think I’m all boxed out with this series and think it’s definitely time to move on!

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

The contents within this box is worth £61.54 and the cost of the box including shipping works out to be around £18.29. It’s a small price to pay to discover these hidden gems.

What makes Memebox very different is the variety and choice of beauty boxes which they offer their customers as a one off purchase. They release a huge amount of boxes throughout the year and will simply leave you spoilt for choice. They don’t release any spoilers prior to shipping so it’s a complete surprise when you receive it.

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

Want to discover Memebox?

Get $5 off when you spend $30 using my promo code H6BNIH. Offer expires on the 30 November 2014.

http://us.memebox.com/

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

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My Little Box Review – October 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Keratase Laque Noir Hairspray – Travel Size 75ml

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

This good sized travel spray comes in 75ml.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Lifestyle Items

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.mylittlebox.co.uk

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The Beauteque Head to Toe Snail Bag – October 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**PR Sample**
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Glossybox Review – October 2014

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

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

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

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

Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 4-5 selected hair, make-up , body and nail products from well-known brands and new brands and includes a mixture of full sized and sample products.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Verdict

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

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

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

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

What did you think of October’s Glossybox?

 Thinking of signing up?
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www.glossybox.co.uk

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So Susan LacquerLove Box Review – October 2014

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Price of the Box is £14.95 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6
Total value of contents in the box £31.95
www.sosusan.com

The October 2014 So Susan LacquerLove box has arrived and this month’s theme is inspired by Halloween and whilst the 31st of the month may be doom and gloom for some, So Susan have come up with an edit which includes a selection of pretty and sparkly nail lacquers embracing magic and fantasy with illuminating and supernatural shades from ghouls and goblins to mermaids and ice queens. 

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

This box includes 5 full sized items four of which are 4- free nail varnishes and one bonus make up product each month from Jelly Pong Pong with So Susan being the sister company. 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 was four 4-free nail lacquers and 2 bonus Jelly Pong Pong Liner/Shadow crayons chosen randomly from 3 make-up items.

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

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

These nail lacquers are 4-free which means they contain no DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate), no Toluene, no Formaldehyde and no Formaldehyde resin. A nail varnish which contains no nasties making it the ideal product which is kind to you but also great quality.

This month’s box included the shades Mermaid, Red Cape, Aurora and Ice Queen (Full sized retailed at £6.95 individually).

This Halloween edit features a selection of different unique shades and look absolutely stunning when applied. My favourite is the Ice Queen as it’s so sparkly and reminds of crisp frosty mornings in the Winter. The Aurora nail lacquer is unique in colour with its tiny specks of glitter and the Mermaid and Red Cape is the perfect companion alongside your Autumn wardrobe.

These nail lacquers have a wonderful formula and the colour payoff is pretty good.The most impressive factor is the shine which these lacquers give without the need for a top coat. One coat is all it takes to for an opaque result. They really do give you the most effortlessly application.

2. Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner x2 – Full Size RRP £10.50 each

This month So Susan are surprising their subscribers with a selection of 3 different make-up items which are chosen randomly.

I was delighted to receive not one but two of these liners which are uniquely formulated to double as an eyeliner for thick, precise lines as well as a perfectly-blended eye shadow. The exclusive combination of Italian-formulated waxes and pigments allows you to build up the colour, smudge or create bold lines quickly and easily.

The black liner/shadow applies smoothly giving a striking bold line on the waterline and the plum shade is more of subtle pink which is a lovely natural colour. Both blend quite easily on the eyelid or under the water line or above. I love that these liners are multi-purpose which can be used together to achieve either a natural look for the day or a dashing smokey eye look for the evening.

 My Verdict

This is by far one of my favourite edits by So Susan. I love the beautiful shades which provides the perfect finishing touch whether you’re off to a Halloween party or simply looking for the perfect nail colour to compliment your autumn wardrobe.

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.

This box is worth an amazing £31.95 which is great value for money as the box itself is only £14.95 including P&P. You certainly won’t be in the dark with this box as you will be able to preview the box and all it’s contents prior to it being sent to you. if you don’t fancy the pickings you can simply skip the month giving you complete control and flexibility.

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

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

For more information please visit:

www.sosusan.com

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

The You Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar 2014

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

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

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

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

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – October 2014

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Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 9
Total value of contents in the box –  £25.00+
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The October 2014 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and there’s nothing more delightful then receiving a box filled with natural skin loving treats. This month’s box contains an impressive line up and covers all aspects of beauty and excitingly, most of the brands are new discoveries for me.

LoveLula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes 1 full sized product, 5 travel sized samples and 3 sample sachets. The box features Inika, Bodhi & Birch, Yes to Carrots, Dr Lipp, Green People and John Masters Organics. 

1.    Inika Organic Eye Liner –  Full Size RRP £13.50

The Inika brand is certainly a new discovery for me and I was pleased to be introduced to their Certified Organic Eyeliner which came in the shade Black Caviar.

With it’s rich and creamy consistency, the liner glides on smoothly onto the water line giving a pigmented blackest of black solid line in one effortless swipe. This organic formula is also perfect for those with the most sensitive eyes.

Inside the box also includes a complimentary sharpener lid which is great to attach to the liner when you’re on the go or traveling.

I’m incredibly impressed with this eyeliner in particular the depth of the black which really accentuates the eyes. After being on the hunt for a new eye liner the last couple of weeks, I’ve fallen in love with this one which applies effortlessly and doesn’t smudge or make it’s way under my eye area.

2.   Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Refreshing Bath and Shower Therapy  –  Sample Size 50ml

The Mint Thé refreshing bath and shower therapy gel rejuvenates the body and mind with a revitalising fusion of Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus, Sweet Marjoram and opulent Frankincense. It’s potent mint scent is very over powering and if you’re looking for a pick-me-up in the morning to awaken your senses this could potentially do the trick.

This invigorating gel leaves your skin highly refreshed and resuscitated, deeply cleansed but not taut or dry and is great for after sports. It can also be used for a therapeutic bath soak.

3.   Dr Lipp Original Lip Balm – Sample Size 3ml

This formula which was originally developed as a nipple balm for breastfeeding women due to its ultra hydrating & hypoallergenic multipurpose properties, is an extremely versatile healing and nourishing balm thanks to it’s one key ingredient which is Lanolin. The formula is 100% natural, hyper allergenic, odourless and contains no parabens.

I already use this lip balm which sits on my bedside table ready for me to apply before I go to bed and it’s great for  dry chapped or sore lips with it’s super moisturising and conditioning formula. It’s the perfect SOS balm for keeping the lips hydrated and soft as we approach the colder months.

The balm also has multi purpose uses and isn’t just restricted for the lips. It soothes dry and sensitive skin and can be used for dry cuticles, dry skin patches, burns and abrasions, sore nipples, split ends and eczema.

4. Yes to Carrots Gentle Cleansing Wipes  – Sample Size 10 wipes

The Yes to brand is an organic line that utilises the natural goodness of fruit and vegetables to bring you a complete skincare range for different skin types.

The Yes to Carrots Gentle Cleansing Wipes are formulated for normal-to-dry skin types looking for a nourishing formula without the fragrance and not only cleanses but moisturises too with the power of carrots and Vitamin E.

The Yes to range boasts a wide selection of wipes for every skin type including their wide array of other skincare products.

The pack comes in a handy travel sized packet which includes 10 wipes.

5. Green People Gentle Cleanser – Travel Size 25ml RRP £4.95

Green People offer over 100 certified organic products in high performance award-winning ranges for all of the family including specialist skin conditions. Their products are packed with over 90% active natural and organic ingredients to protect, nourish, balance and, most importantly, respect the body.

This cleanser which is suitable for all skin types, gently removes all make-up including waterproof mascara and is alcohol-free, rich in moisture-binding and anti-inflammatory actives. It also cleanses away all impurities leaving your skin silky smooth and includes ingredient’s such as Organic Aloe Vera, Calendula, Shea butter, Squalane from Olive oil, Jojoba Esters & Rose Geranium. The scent is truly divine and is mainly dominated by the Rose Geranium which is very  pleasant.

6. Green People Age Defy Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator and sample sachets  – Sample Size 10ml and 2 sachets.

As well as targeting various skin concerns, Green People also have a premium collection called Age Defy which is a unique organic skin care regime for women aged 35+ to tackle the signs of mature skin.

This month’s box features an incredible line up including a good balance of natural and organic beauty treats, most of which were all new discoveries for me. The box also features 9 products which is amazing and this edition is one of my favourites by far from Love Lula.

The box included a mixture of full sized products, travel sized and a few samples sachets this month and featured the brands Inika, Bodhi & Birch, Yes to Carrots, Dr Lipp, Green People and John Masters Organics.

 There are a couple of products I won’t make use out but I am extremely happy with the remainder of the contents. The most exciting discovery for me by far is the Inika Eyeliner pencil which has replaced my current liner and has earned a well deserved spot in my make-up bag!

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

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use on their website on any of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is valid throughout October.

The value of this month’s box is around £25+ beating the cost of the actual box.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty free products this is definitely the box for you. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

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

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

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The Indulgent Delights Collection Box by Latest in Beauty – October 2014

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As we approach Autumn and say good bye to Summer, the dreaded cold weather and dark nights is slowly creeping upon us and to ease the blow,  Latest in Beauty have launched their Editors Picks – The Indulgent Delights Collection Box which features a collection of cheery, warming delights to ease you into the new season. Enjoy head-to-toe pampering with some of their favourite indulgent beauty treats for only £12.95 plus P&P.

Inside the box includes:

1. Therapie Roques Oneil Himalayan Detox Salts 100g

2. Caudalie Divine Legs 5ml

3. L’Oreal Paris Miss Manga Mascara

4. L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate 50ml

5. Alterna Kendi Dry Oil Mist 25ml

6. Inika Mineral Eyeshadow – Gunmetal 1.2g

7. Teeez Mysterious Crystal Eyeliner (0.3g)

8. UrbanVeda Daily Purifying Facial Wash 20ml

9. Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Spa 1 mask

The Editors Picks – The Indulgent Delights Collection Box is available now at:
www.latestinbeauty.com