Review: Feelunique Pick ‘N’ Mix – April 2018

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

I received my latest Feelunique’s Pick ‘N’ Mix  selection early last week  As advised previously you can choose five ‘free’ samples from a selection of samples available while stocks last (one selection of samples per month) – you are charged £3.95 for shipping and handling fees although you can redeem this against any future order  (excluding Pick ‘n’ Mix) via a £3.95 gift voucher you receive in your follow-up email.

This is a great service and one of the reasons I love it so much is you are not ‘tied’ into a subscription i.e. you do not need to make a selection each month,  only when you see items you like, want to try.

I chose the following items:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (5ml tube) – I already love this product and if you have never used it before it is not really a cream more a thick gel type consistency.  This is the perfect multi-tasking product, can be used as a lip balm, tame your eyebrows, ends of hair, cuticles, irritated skin, the list goes on…  This is the perfect size for my bag to be used as and when needed.  Would definitely recommend trying;

 

Clarins SOS Primer in Universal Light (5ml tube) – this is one of the newer Clarins products, never tried before, it has a creamy glimmer consistency (see photo below tried to show the glimmer), has a light fragrance and leaves a lovely sheen to the skin.  I have used it a few times and although do like the finish not sure about the colour correcting element but would need to use for a longer period of time to confirm results – at this stage do not think would go on and purchase but prolonged use may change my opinion;

 

Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ Smart Nutrient Day Cream (20g tube) – as this was a generous sample size, thought good way to try. I had not heard of this cream and although tried products from this range before none had impressed me enough to go on and purchase yet.  However this cream has already surpassed my expectations, a light creamy/almost mousse type consistency that absorbs into skin giving a matt type finish, also seems to help foundation to look more radiant.  The only one area I have had a problem with is around my nose area, as when I use this cream my foundation on this area is not as smooth, pores are more visible so I have started to just use this cream on all the other areas of my face and my normal moisturiser around the nose area. Although I may not go on and purchase because of this reason I definitely would recommend trying if you have an oilier skin or have no ‘open pores’ issues as think you will enjoy using;

 

Elizabeth Arden Standing Ovation Black Mascara (2.5ml) – Not tried this yet as so many mascaras to use before I do.  However impressed with the sample size, may last as long as a full size mascara because as we know we should only really be using each mascara for approx 3 / 4 months once opened.  Sounds good as states will add volume, help with curl and intensity but as we all know we need to try to see how good it actually is;

 

Nude by Nature Translucent Loose Finishing Powder  (v generous 2g jar) –  this is a really generous sample size.  I adore the Nude by Nature packaging and have enjoyed all their products I have tried to date.  This a fine mill finishing powder and does feel and look good on the skin once applied, does not feel heavy or settle into fines lines and does seem to help makeup last longer.  Initial impressions good but need to use for a longer period of time to confirm results.

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Delighted with my selection this month, a good selection of generous sample size products again this month to enable me to decide whether I like them enough to go on and purchase.  I will definitely continue to use the Pick ‘N’ Mix as and when I see samples I want to try or already love. Remember the more generous sample sizes / make up samples  go quickly but as long as you regularly look through the sample choice you should always see something you want to try.  


As always I highly recommend trying this ‘service’ for yourself as a great way to try products for ‘free’ prior to purchasing especially if you make a future purchase through Feelunique to enable you to redeem your £3.95 gift voucher (the charge for shipping & handling fees) (if new to Feelunique you can use my code here to get £10 off your first order with a £30 minimum spend). 

Look forward to any comments you may have – would love to hear if you have used the Pick ‘N’ Mix service already, what you thought of it?

If not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up during and / or end of the week.

Thank you – take care and hope you have a great week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: Love Me Beauty – Phase Zero Eyeshadows / Make-up

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Hi Everyone

As advised last month initially I wasn’t really sure about the changes to the Love Me Beauty  service .  However when I kindly received  a selection of Phase Zero lip products last month to try * I was impressed with the quality of the products so much (you can see my review via link here) I was really looking forward to what was going to be added to the LMB Phase Zero makeup collection this month.  I was over the moon when I seen it was eyeshadows as if you have been following me for a while you will know they are one of my favourite makeup items.

Membership

Firstly you need to sign up – 1 month membership is £5 but states minimum contract is 3 months.  Then after you become a LMB member you will gain access to LMB factory prices, I think you can purchase as many or as little beauty products (Phase Zero) at reduced prices, which will be added to your £5 – LMB advised this will save us 77%. You can buy the ‘Phase Zero’ products without a membership but works out a lot more expensive this way especially if you are purchasing a number of items.

I was delighted to kindly * receive 12 single eyeshadows and a magnetic closure palette to store them in this month.

I received the following 12 shades (members price £2.90 each RRP £5.90 each);  – as last month, all came in a heavier see through / silver resealable packet in an outer cardboard box as well.

When I opened the package first impressions were v good as loved the selection of colours included, a number of neutral shades with a few ‘stand out colours’ as well.  They looked similar to the MAC un-potted single shadows, quality felt good too, not too powdery and with good pigmentation.  No matt shades but a number with a lovely satin/sheen finish.

I received the following shades (swatches underneath each photo):

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Do like all these shades but the ‘snowball’ shade has a bit more shimmer and a little bit more fall out, would not use just as much but still a lovely colour to have in my collection.


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Love all these four shades although the ‘warm taupe’ shade does have a bit more shimmer as well, although not as much fall out as the ‘snowball’ shade.


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Love all of these four shades and the top one ‘Velvet’ is my favourite out of them all beautiful purple with tones of pink and gold, has a v slight shimmer and looks so stunning on.

I also received the Phase Zero magnetic closure palette for storing the shadows (regular price £10.80 members price £4.80).  Love this palette, it has a  high quality card board type packaging with good quality built-in mirror.  Love the beautiful holographic design and the palette does hold the 12 eyeshadows but it is a tight squeeze, you have to move them slightly to get all of them in. Definitely would recommend getting this palette to hold the Phase Zero eyeshadows or any other eyeshadows / items you may have.



Delighted I received these products to try, v impressed with quality.  I found pigmentation was v good, good coverage,  v slight fall out with some of the shades , satin type finish and all lasted really well throughout the day when I wore as normal with my eyeshadow primer and Mac Shroom eyeshadow underneath.  I do love most of the shades but my favourites are Velvet Party Dress, Bright Light, Banana Beige, Pearl Shimmer, Nude Newbie and Cashmere.  Good selection of base, transition/contour and all over shades.  Although I kindly received these for review consideration I would definitely purchase a number of these and other shades in the range as they are such a good price at only £2.90 each, you can also get a number of the shades in sets which is even better value.

Also love what is available now to pre-order; selection of 11 liquid eye shadows  starting from only £4 for members, they also look gorgeous and love the selection of colours as well.   I would recommend checking out this new LMB service especially if you love makeup items as much as me.  Look forward to seeing what they have in store for us in future months.   Having  a minimum subscription of 3 months may put some people off but as it is only £5 a month it is not too bad and definitely works out better than purchasing items at non-member prices.

In addition Love Me Beauty have also kindly given me the code LIZC5 for you to use at checkout when you purchase for the first time to enable you to get £5 off your first purchase – thank you in advance if you do use my code as I will also benefit from this.  You can find out more about the new LMB subscription service here.

Look forward to any comments you may have – love to know what you think about the LMB changes or if you have signed up to this new service already?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.    Will have more posts up later in the week and / or the weekend.

Thank you – enjoy the rest of the week and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

* Kindly received for Review.

 

Magazine Freebies – ‘May’ 2018

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Hi Everyone

As advised last month this is going to be a better month for magazine freebies, although my local shops have not some magazines in yet which I think may be due in part to the Easter holidays.    I will update post when they arrive (maybe later or tomorrow) or if there are any further magazine freebies throughout the month.

ELLE = £4.40 Free Nails Inc Nail Polish worth £11 – choice of 3 shades (red, light pink or a grey/lilac colour) or a base coat, as I have so many nail polishes at the moment I chose the base coat although do like the look of the 3 shades especially the pastel ones.

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Subscribe to Elle for £9.99 for 6 Issues by Direct Debit and you will get a free Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in Rouge 400 (worth £29)  with the subscription, (see photo below for details) do like this lip ‘maestro’ already as was lucky to receive a sample directly from Giorgio Armani to try  – always usually an offer on so if this particular offer has finished just check online for other offers.

 

Marie Claire  = £4.20 FREE Elemis Pro-Collagan Marine Cream (15ml), worth £28 with the magazine this month.

 

No free gift with subscription this month but always usually an offer on so just keep checking online for more Free Gift with subscription offers.

 

RED = £4.50 A Rodial Glamolash Mascara XXL (Full Size) worth £24 FREE with this month’s magazine.

 

No free gift with subscription this month but always usually an offer on so just keep checking online for more Free Gift with subscription offers.

 

(Once again a little reminder for any new followers, that magazines always dated a month in advance i.e. you get the May issue in April).

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.   If not already subscribed, following my blog would love you to follow, would mean a lot.    Intend to have more posts up early next week.

Thank you and take care – hope you have a great weekend.

Best Wishes Liz xx

 

Latest In Beauty – Harper’s Bazaar Limited Edition Beauty Box Spring/Summer Edit 2018

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Hi Everyone

Although there are so many great beauty box offers available online at the moment I wanted to let you know about the latest Limited Edition Latest in Beauty Collection  beauty box which is now available to purchase while stocks last – The latest Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Box, Spring/Summer 2018 beauty edit that costs £50 but is worth £224 and is a one off purchase, so no subscription required (although you do get a £5 discount code to use off this box if you are).   I  love the selection of brands, high quality items they have included again this time.

Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Box 

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The following 11 items are included in the box:

  • Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – 75g FULL SIZE;
  • Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream – 15ml Travel Size;
  • Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder – 4g FULL SIZE;  RRP £22
  • MAC Prep + Prime Fix + – 100ml FULL SIZE;  RRP£19
  • Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair – 100ml FULL SIZE;  RRP £24
  • Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Black Mascara – 8.5g FULL SIZE;
  • Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence – 50ml Travel Size;
  • Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask – 15ml Travel Size;
  • Alpha H Liquid Gold – 50ml Travel Size;
  • Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser – 30ml Travel Size; and
  • Shavata Complimentary Brow-Shape Gift Card.

A great box, love the selection  of items and v happy to see so many products I already like included.  I was especially delighted to see FULL SIZEs of the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, MAC Prep + Prime Fix+  and the Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair included as RRP for all 3 would be £65 so saving money already and getting so many other products included as well – excellent value.  

I definitely would recommend checking out this box and the other options available while stocks last. The other boxes are good value as well and all the boxes would be perfect as beautiful pampering treats for yourself or as gifts as well.  As I have said before could also separate contents of box into a number of smaller gifts as well.

Currently if you are a subscriber and use the code HB5OFF you will get £5 off this box, as a subscriber you also get FREE SHIPPING on all collection boxes –  if not a subscriber and you use the code HBFD you will  get FREE SHIPPING on this box.

Latest in Beauty also have a monthly beauty subscription ‘Build Your Own Box’ which you can sign up to as well and is worth checking out – you can see my earlier post here for more details.   There are a mixture of full size and travel size beauty products you can select from.  As you would expect some products, especially full size items, sell out pretty quickly, however selection of products is updated / refreshed on a regular basis.

Hope you found this helpful and would love to hear your thoughts if you have, or are thinking of purchasing this or any other of the current ‘collection’ boxes.

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Credit: Photo insert Latestinbeauty.com

Review: Ocean Bloom Organic Skincare Trio; Cleanser, Exfoliator & Hand & Body Butter

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Hi Everyone

Hope you are all had a lovely weekend and Easter break.

I am always so, so grateful, feel so privileged when ‘companies/brands’ kindly *gift me products from their range to try.  One such company who recently sent me three products from their range was Ocean Bloom Organic Seaweed Skincare from West Cork, Ireland.

 

They kindly sent me ‘Fragrance Free‘ 80mls of their seaweed & poppy seed Facial Wash & Polish (duo came in a beautiful green see through drawstring bag  RRP 28 Euro for duo) and a 100ml of their Seaweed & Whipped Shea Hand & Body Butter.  Although these are ‘fragrance free’ they do still have a quite strong ‘natural’ fragrance.

About the Brand

Ocean Bloom is based on the beautiful Beara Peninsula in West Cork, Ireland and their website states ‘Ocean Bloom natural skincare products contain seaweed extract and infusions made from seaweed gathered from the clear and pure Atlantic waters that surround the Beara Shores. They have blended the seaweed extract with some of the richest oils from around the world resulting in an amazing, seaweed skincare range.   None of their natural skincare products will ever be tested on animals, they do not contain any parabens, SLS, silicones, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils or any other nasties and they have no plastic beads’.    You can find out more about the Ocean Bloom range via the link here.

I do like the practical white packaging however as advised before prefer when brands emboss details on their packaging as dislike the way some brand’s stickers start to ‘move’ with usage and then start to look grubby.  The trio of products I received are all fragrance free however fragrance versions are available too, which I personally may prefer but more about that later.

The Seaweed and Poppy Seed Facial Wash is described as designed to brighten skin tone whilst gently cleaning the days impurities from your skin. Bursting with vitamins B, C and E this facial wash will leave your skin feeling renewed and refreshed.

img_2099-1Directions: Apply to wet skin and massage to promote younger looking healthy skin, rinse with warm water and pat dry.  Use twice daily for best results.

This has a pump applicator which I prefer and has a creamy consistency but although fragrance free still has a light ‘natural’ fragrance (all 3 products have the same ‘natural fragrance though the hand & body cream has the strongest fragrance).    I applied / apply as directed and does remove makeup easily although I always remove my eye makeup with cotton pads and micellar water first.  It does leaves my skin feeling clean and looking refreshed, not too dry but there is still a slight tightening feeling before I apply my serums.  No irritations and although I think is quite a good cleanser not for me personally as results just not as good as with my ‘hero’ L’Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil. Although I still would recommend trying especially if you prefer creamy rinse off cleansers or have an oiler skin as it does seem to help tone your skin as well.

The Seaweed and Poppy Seed Polish states: contains Mother of Pearl and crushed Volcanic Rock to gently exfoliate your skin whilst the Seaweed infused Glycerine oil soothes and locks in moisture.  

Directions:  Apply a small amount to wet skin and gently massage to promote a healthy cleansed skin. Advised to use 2-3 times a week for optimum results.

This has a screw top and you need to shake to get this quite thick creamy exfoliator out of the bottle – would prefer a pump applicator as well but know might not work as well with the thicker consistency.  I applied as directed and although does leave your skin looking refreshed, brighter and smooth to the touch, the granules are quite coarse, like heavier sand granules, not as fine a feeling as I usually prefer.   However  I would still consider purchasing because of the results and would recommend trying especially if you prefer a creamy exfoliator that actually feels it is exfoliating your skin as I found when you use this exfoliator twice a week it does help your skin to remain smoother.

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Comes in a screw top jar and has a thick creamy consistency.  Although it is fragrance free this has the strongest ‘natural’ fragrance of them all and one I really do not like but saying that it is my favourite product out of the 3 items.

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States will leave your skin feeling instantly soft and scrumptiously fragranced as this body butter works it’s magic. Nourishing, healing, hydrating and soothing inflamed and irritated skin.  
Uses Include:
  • All over Body Butter
  • Hand Cream
  • Nail and Cuticle Ointment
  • Post Shave/Wax Balm
  • Massage Oil
  • Hair Mask
  • After Sun and Tan Enhancer

States perfect for everyone.

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As advised above this is my favourite out of the 3 items as it is the perfect multi purpose product. This cream leaves your skin feeling so smooth and soft to the touch and I personally found it also helped calm slightly irritated areas as well.  It is also great to use as a hand / cuticle cream at night, as it takes a little while to sink in so not a fan of using it during the day as can leave a slight residue on papers / bags if you dont allow enough time for it to absorb.    I have also used as a hair mask at night and when you shampoo your hair in the morning it leaves your hair feeling smooth and silky to the touch, just make sure you shampoo well to remove it.    Think it would be great as an aftersun moisturiser as well.  I am really impressed with this cream, far exceeded my expectations  – I do also think it is suitable for everyone.   I will be purchasing v soon but in the Pomegranate and Cranberry fragrance as the ‘natural’ fragrance free one is not for me. Definitely recommend trying it for yourself.   Will also be checking out more products from the range. 

Currently when you sign up to the Ocean Bloom newsletter you can get 15% off (link at bottom of their home page)  You can check out,  see more from the  Ocean Bloom range, stockists etc via the link here.

Look forward to any comments you may have.   Have you heard of or tried any products from this range before?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up tomorrow and during the week.

Thank you – take care and hope you all have a great week.

Best Wishes Liz x

*Gifted for Review Consideration.

Review: March 2018 Gambettes Box/Bag

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Hi Everyone

Sorry it has been longer than I expected since my last post, with work and being at so many fantastic beauty & fashion event over the last 2 weeks I have not got a chance to post until now.

I v kindly received the *March 2018 Gambettes Box  last week, my second ‘box’ – though came in a bag this month.  You can read what I thought of my first box via the link here. This month’s box is in collaboration with Patricia Blanchet.

The Gambettes Box  is a subscription service; delivery of two surprise pairs of quality tights to your door every month.  Box costs £13.90 a month (inclusive of international shipping), you can pause / cancel  your subscription at any time and currently  if you decide to sign up for your first box you also get the option to sign up to their newsletter as well to enable you to get 20% off your box.  When you sign up you just need to select your size and then your first Gambettes Box should arrive within 3 weeks.   After that, you should receive your Boxes between the 15th and the 25th of each month.

 Background

From Autumn through spring, the Gambettes Box will arrive in your letter / mailbox every month with two surprise pairs of tights. In summer, when bare legs are in season, Gambettes enter into vacation mode and stop your shipments till autumn.  You can find out more details on my first post via this link or even more about the Gambettes service via the link  here.

This month we again received two pair of tights, information cards and all came in a beautiful drawstring bag.

 

We received the following two pairs of tights this month:

  

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Black Haute Voltige Tights – 20D – 90% Polyamide & 10% Elastane (made in Italy): – love the rectangle pattern but just takes a bit more work to make them look ok on, pattern even etc – do feel and look good though when you get them adjusted. 

 

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Black Spectacular Spectacular Black Lace Tights 35D – 92% Polyamide & 8% Elastane (made in Italy): – love this design my favourite out of the two pairs – see photo below, excuse the shadows but look great and feel so comfortable on as well.  Love the feel of these tights and look just as good after hand washing, no pulls either.

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(Boots are from Ashfootwear.co.uk– love studs and adore their footwear, stylist but comfortable as well, love wearing them with skinny jeans/trousers as well).

V impressed again with this months ‘box’, quality of tights is great and love the addition of the drawstring bag this month, hope we receive more of these, perfect for storing any delicate items including your tights etc I would definitely recommend checking out or subscribing if you can especially if you love tights, or just want to try a different type of subscription service.  If you do sign up using my link thank you in advance.

Look forward to any comments you may have – have you tried or heard about this subscription service before?  Also if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.   I am hoping to have more posts up tomorrow but if not definitely beginning of next week.

Hope you all have a great weekend and a lovely break.

Thank you and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

*PR Sample / affiliate links

Lookfantastic Limited Edition ‘Beauty Egg Collection’ 2018

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Hi Everyone

Just wanted to let you know the Lookfantastic Limited Edition ‘Beauty Egg Collection’ 2018 box, which costs £65 (worth over £200), is now available, while stocks last.

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The ‘Beauty Egg Collection’ box contains seven individually packaged eggs and  Lookfantastic states that ‘This limited edition collection is filled with skincare, haircare, bodycare and cosmetics from some of your favourite brands, each individually packaged in their own metallic Easter Egg’.

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What’s Inside:

  • Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (50ml) and Professional Cleansing Cloth;
  • Kérastase Aura Botanica Shampoo and Conditioner (80ml and 75ml);
  • Pixi Rose Tonic (100ml);
  • Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (50ml full-size); 
  • Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml full-size) RRP £85 so RRP alone for this one product is £20 more than the cost of the box;
  • NUXE Huile Prodigieuse (50ml full-size); and a
  • Illamasqua Beyond Veil (30ml full-size).

 

As last year I think this is a fantastic idea and lovely gift for someone or treat for yourself for Easter.  You could also split up as gifts and keep one or more for yourself.  However if you are interested I would recommend purchasing as soon as possible as think will sell out pretty quickly.  Link here to see more details/purchase.

Only one slight downside you do not seem to be able to use any discount, free gifts codes with this item but if you decide to purchase remember to claim cash back on your purchase – if not signed up already to TopCashback.co.uk please consider using my link here if  signing up, thank you in advance if you do.

Thank you – take care and enjoy the remainder of the weekend.
Best Wishes Liz x

*Inserts – Credit Lookfantastic.com

Review: The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ Serum

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Hi Everyone

As I have told you before in earlier posts I love the Kiehl’s range of products  and the Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate  is one of my ‘hero’ skincare products – you can see my earlier review via the link here.

However I am also always on the look out to see if there are other products available at a more affordable price which will compare / is as good as my ‘hero’ beauty items.  Although that hasn’t happened that much lately.

That was until I purchased ‘The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ Multi Technology Peptide Serum’ (30ml RRP £12.70).  As with the Kiehls’ Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate, The Ordinary Buffet serum can also be used on the entire face including eye area night and morning.

 

Described as:

“A serum concentrate that gives new life to dull, tired skin’.

States: Visibly targets:

  • Surface hydration, fine lines, wrinkles, dynamic lines and textural irregularities

Directions:

  • apply to entire face morning and night after cleansing.

The ‘buffet’ serum comes in a sleek and practical slightly frosted glass bottle with a white cap and a dropper applicator.

 

The serum is a foggy colour, creamy liquid consistency and has a v, v slight clinical type fragrance hard to say what it actually smells off but definitely not over powering.  Consistency is also what I would usually expect from a ‘serum’.   I apply just over half a pump to clean skin both night and morning, including eye contour area as found that is all that is needed as if you apply too much takes longer to absorb, spreads v easily although initially feels a little bit tacky but after a few minutes this disappears.    It does not completely sink into the skin but  is non greasy, just leaves your skin feeling and looking totally hydrated prior to even applying other serums/moisturisers.  You need to leave for few minutes before applying any other serums, skincare, to get the full benefits, then it becomes the perfect base, like a pre-skincare primer, for applying the rest of your skincare (including eye cream) and makeup.

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I am so impressed and also surprised that results are as good as with my ‘Kiehl’s Re-texturizing Serum’ as I have tried other products from The Ordinary range and although they were still quite good none has wowed me like this serum.    I just love the way my skin feels and looks after applying.  My skin feels smooth to the touch, serum helps give my skin a boost, looks more revitalised, skin also does look plumper, fines lines do appear less noticeable and also helps my skin / makeup to look more refreshed throughout the day and even at the end of a tiring day.  I also find when I apply at night under my Antipodes Face Divine Oil and any night-time moisturiser, my skin  and around my eyes again appear more refreshed, slightly plumper & brighter in the morning even with little sleep.   A tip, if you have both the Kiehl’s retexturizing serum and The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ serum and apply both together the results are even better.

 

Although I also still love my Kiehl’s serum (above), as I do most of the Kiehl’s products I have tried, I will definitely be repurchasing The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ Serum.    As although The Ordinary serum is a smaller size, I find I need less, so 2 bottles should last me as long as one Kiehl’s one. This means I can now purchase something else from the Kiehl’s range instead to try,  although still would repurchase the Kiehl’s serum as well.

You can purchase The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ serum at a number of online stores including:

  • theordinary.com – £12.70 – However as always check around where the the best value is before purchasing either of the serums.

Look forward to any comments you may have.  Have you tried either of these serums before and if so would love to know what you think – do you like both as much as me?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up tomorrow or over the weekend.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Magazine Freebies – ‘April 2018’

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Hi Everyone

As we know the last few months have not been great for magazine freebies and this month is unfortunately no exception as only a FREE discount card so far which I have detailed below – however as usual will include details of any freebies below and when / what free gifts are available if you are considering subscribing as well.    I will update post when I see or if there are any further magazine freebies throughout the month:

ELLE = £4.99 (for a 2 pack, includes a copy of the April Cosmopolitan as well) – Free 25% off (full price items) Warehouse card, which you need to register first, to use online or in-store – useful if there is something you wanted to get anyway.

 

 

Subscribe to Elle for £9.99 for 6 Issues by Direct Debit and you will get a free St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Duo (worth £33)  with the subscription  – (see photo below for details) – always usually an offer on so if this particular offer has finished just check online for other offers.

 

Also states there will be a Nails Inc Polish FREE with next month’s Elle – May edition, loving the look of the 3 pastel shades (should be on sale 4th April).

 

In addition although no FREE gifts with Marie Claire (£4.20) this month, (however there are a few sample sachets inside the magazine) it states there will be an Elemis Pro-Collagan Marine Cream (15ml), (details below) worth £28 FREE with next month’s magazine – May edition (should be on sale 5th April).

(Once again a little reminder for any new followers, that magazines always dated a month in advance i.e. you get the April issue in March).

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.   If not already subscribed, following my blog would love you to follow, would mean a lot.    Intend to have more posts up later today  and / or during the week.

Thank you and take care – hope you have a great week.

Best Wishes Liz xx

Review: Birchbox UK – March 2018

2 Comments

Hi Everyone

I received my March Birchbox last Thursday.  Theme of this month’s box is ‘Mindfulness – ‘Be Present not Perfect’ – Birchbox are championing the importance of me time and the art of self-care.   Loving the box design again this month.

 

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Usually five personalised beauty treats are included each month.

This month a Deluxe sample (3.0g) of the new Benefit Cosmetics BAD gal BANG mascara is included in every box. A product  / beauty information booklet and the following four products were also included in my box:


Benefit Cosmetics BAD gal BANG Mascara (3.0g deluxe sample / travel size) 4g RRP £10.50 8.5G £21.50 – this is the new mascara from Benefit so was delighted to see subscribers were all going to get one in their boxes this month as wanted to try it anyway.  Although a lot of people love Benefit mascaras they are not my favourite so wasn’t sure if the new one would be for me either – but I have been v pleasantly surprised.  I like the black and pink packaging, larger sizes has even nicer packaging and the slim long brush is supposed to be streamlined for BIG VOLUME with 360 degree Reach and boy does it deliver.  I cannot believe how with only application how long and voluptuous my lashes look.    It gives more volume than my ‘hero’ MAC mascara and although have only used since last Thursday impressed already as no flaking,  but I have found v slight smudging under my eyes at the end of the night after using it.  The only other slight issues I have noticed is that after I apply I need to separate my lashes with a little brush as it adds that much volume I feel my lashes look a little bit clumpy and that is with only one application; and it also takes a little bit longer to dry as well but overall already it is my favourite Benefit mascara to date, think may even go on and purchase because of the volume it gives.   Although still will not be without my MAC mascara. 

 

BLAQ Eye Mask (One Set)– RRP £22 for a set of 5 – subscribers had a choice of a BLAQ Hydrogel Eye Mask or Peel off Mask this month and I chose the eye mask as although love face masks as well I already have a number to use but I do not have that many eye masks at the moment.  This is a charcoal eye mask with hyaluronic acid to help de-puff, detox  so really looking forward to using, if results good will do a separate review post;

 

Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray (37ml – sample size) Travel Size 75ml RRP £20 – V happy to see this included as although Oribe hair care products are expensive I do think they are v good.  This 2-in-1 formula states works on both wet and dry hair to create natural, unfussy appearance of beach waves and I agree it definitely does without the crispy feel of some sprays and an added bonus is that it smells so good as well;

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Baïja Gommage Festin Royal Body Scrub  – Carmelised Honey (Sample Size 50g) Full Size 60ml RRP £14.90– have tried a number of Baïja products through Birchbox and have loved everything I have tried to date and this is no exception.  This scrub has a vanilla, caramel / honey type fragrance with a sugar like consistency as you would expect with the name and although feels a little scratchy on the skin it does not irritate the skin and leaves it feeling so smooth and fragrant after you wash it off.  Although the jar container is not very user friendly I do think it is really cute; 

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Manna Kadar Cosmetics Radiance Split Pan Bronzer and Highlighter FULL SIZE RRP £17:  Nice to see a full size product included although it doesn’t look full size and I personally don’t think it is worth the price.  I also have not opened this as I have tried this before and although pigmentation was quite good and bronzer applied ok, I just didn’t reach for it enough so went on and give it to a friend.  So I intend to give this one away as well.

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Happy with this months box as really like four out of five of the items.  Was delighted to get the opportunity to try the NEW Benefit Bad gal Bang Mascara and loving the Oribe spray and Baija body scrub as well.  So not too disappointed that I won’t use one of the items.

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SPOILER:  APRIL Sneak Peek (below) is either a choice of a MODELCo Baked Highlighter – subscribers will receive an email to enable us to choose which colour.

 

If you subscribe during March for your first Birchbox you will get a FREE full-size ModelCo Eye Define Crayon Liner, while stocks last.  Just need to use the code DEFINE at checkout.  I think it is worth getting this month’s box to get the chance to try the new Benefits mascara if you haven’t already, along with four other treats.
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Photo credit:  Birchbox.co.uk.
Or just in case you prefer money off your box (do not think you can use both) you can get £5 off your first box -(box is normally £10 +£2.95 shipping – you will get for £5 +£2.95 shipping) by clicking  link here and then copy and paste code at checkout to get your discount.    Thank you in advance if you use this link.

Look forward to any comments you may have – if you have received this month’s box would love to know what you thought, did you receive the same products as me in your box?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up later today or early next week.

Enjoy the rest of today and hope you have a great week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x