The ‘Editor’s Picks Edit’ September 2016 YOU Beauty box  (details below) is available on 1st September 2016 from 7 am (as before I suggest you make your selection as soon as possible after 7am as some items may go out of stock pretty quickly)  – for details on how to subscribe / different plans which start from £6.95 please see my previous post here.

In celebration of their 3rd Birthday, YOU editor Sue Peart has selected September’s  shortlist below:

• MALIN+GOETZ Vitamin E Face Moisturiser (40ml);
• Eyeko Black Magic Mascara (4ml);
• Argan + Anti Age Hand & Nail Cream (75ml);
• Weleda Sensitive Skin Almond Body Lotion (20ml);
• Sanctuary Ultimate Cleansing Oil (50ml);
• Erno Laszlo ³Firmarine Hydrogel Mask² (25g);
• INIKA Lip Tint, shade Cosmic (3.2g);
• INIKA Lip Tint, shade Candy (3.2g);
• Weleda Skin Food (30ml);
• Philosophy take a deep breath oil-free oxygenating gel cream (5ml); and
• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat (13.3ml).

Plus each member will receive: THE HERO PROJECT™ – Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost (3ml) or Glow Drops Dry Touch Facial Oil + Vitamin C (3ml), Indeed Labs – nanoblur (2ml), PROPERCORN – Lightly Sea Salted or Sweet & Salty flavours.

As a YOU Beauty box  member you are entitled to choose between two to four samples from the YOU Beauty Box shortlist each month, depending on which price plan you are on.

Remember of you are already subscribed and  wish to upgrade your account, you need to upgrade your account by 6pm on 27th August 2016.

Thank you for looking  and look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.?

Best Wishes Liz x

I received my August 2016 Lip Monthly  bag today and in case you are new to the US-based Lip Monthly  bag which costs $12.95  per month (free shipping worldwide – and always special offers on for your first bag) please see my previous posts here and here which also includes my thoughts on the contents of the June & July 2016 bags.

This month’s  bag is white with a Blue / Pink / Dark Orange and Black floral design– (each month you receive a lip monthly makeup bag and most months there is a different design).  Inside were the following – the usual three lip products, one makeup item and the product information card:

 1.  Seraphine Rosy Cheeks Natural Lip / Cheek Gel in ‘Bloom’  – $20.00

Never heard of this brand before  – comes in a tube and smells of roses,  you just need a dot and then press / blend colour in – it is long lasting and has a matt stain type finish – initial thoughts are that personally would use this product more on my cheeks than my lips.

I have received products from this brand before and although have used them have not been overly impressed with products I have received to date – states is a priming lip wand – it has a matt finish and is a medium pink colour – not sure about this product yet as initially feels quite drying on the lips but need to try for a longer period to see how it performs.

3.  Hikari Cosmetics Dual Colour Lip & Cheek Stick ‘Tawny’ – $15.00

This is definitely not a product I would use on my lips more a highlighter as has a bronze shimmery finish and not a strong colour either – maybe if I had received it in a different colour the shimmer would not be quite as noticeable –  initially v disappointed with this product.

4.  Lord & Berry Lip Liner ‘Romantic Rose’–$10.00

I do like Lord & Berry lip products and love the colour, a dark pink colour, consistency  and durability of this pencil already.

Although overall the bag was definitely v good value this month – total retail value of $69 – because I would not use one of the lip products on my lips and another one I feel quite drying on my lips I am not as impressed with this months bag compared to recent bags.   I would still recommend trying this beauty subscription especially if you love lip products and because of the value of products included, however as I am currently considering which beauty subscriptions to keep on I am seriously thinking of cancelling this subscription for the moment.

Please see my Lip Monthly referral link for more details on subscriptions / special offers etc.

 Link directly to the Lip Monthly site for more details.

Thank you for looking  and look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

I received my August My Little Box last Saturday  – it is a Parisian based monthly subscription box which costs £14.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month.    Each month My Little Box has a different theme and the box is always beautifully illustrated in line with that theme.  This month’s theme is ‘Friends’.

Each month My Little Box contains the usual high quality glossy booklet, which I love reading, additional product information cards, the My  Little Box cloth drawstring bag, red hearts with cream background this month, (which contains the three to four beauty / skincare products usually three – one of which is a My Little Box item), two accessory items and a beautiful card that can be framed.  Included in this months box are:  

• A Nail Kit in a Gorgeous Case – File, nail clippers, cuticle stick and patterned emery file come in this beautiful designed case, pattern of which is throughout box.   Case is embossed with  ‘My Little Box on the front and ‘#NAILSINPROGRESS’ on the back – secure clasp closure =£7.50; (absolutely love this case, not sure about quality of items within – however very pleased to see this included – absolutely love the pattern);
  

  

  
• Clip On Fisheye All Smartphones – £12  – comes in a the matching pattern gift box gift with a small drawstring bag  (this is only one of the reasons I love this box, such a great item to be included, one you would not think of but I have tried already and it works v well, able to get wide screen shots in v easily – however will still need a bit more practice);
  

  
• Batiste Stylist Hold Me Hairspray- 75ml –  £4.49 for 400ml  – (smells like hairspray as you would expect – I have tried few times and did give more hold to my hair but thankfully with no stickiness/ crunchiness  – not v excited about this product but will still use it);
  

  
• Kadalys Comforting  Face and Neck Cream – Yellow Banana and Mango– 40ml –  (never heard of this brand – it is a thick white cream that leaves a lovely sheen to the skin, slightly sticky when you first apply, need to only to use a small amount at a time and leave for a few minutes, initially impressed, only negative is the slight stickiness);
  

  
• My Little Beauty Summer Lips SPF 15 – full size – £12 – (a tinted lip balm that applies smoothly and gives a wash of dark pink red colour – feels nice on the lips and love the packaging – happy SPF included too); and
  

  
• Also included in this months box was a packet of Sweet & Salty Proper Corn – £1.

I am delighted with the contents of this months box, which I think are  excellent value for money,  I will use everything,  only item not really excited about is the hairspray but do not mind as all the other products, accessories, extra special details and the box design more than make up for it.   Even though I was more than happy with last month’s box, I prefer this months –  you can see what I got in last months box  here.  I still am hoping I will receive more makeup up items in future boxes as recently there has been a lot of skincare items included.   I would definitely recommend subscribing to this box as it gives you something slightly different / contains a variety of items and is a lovely surprise each month.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know and if you would like a separate review on any of the above products just let me know.  Also if you received this months box would love to know what you thought, what were your favourite items this month?

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

Best Wishes Liz x

I received my August Birchbox on Monday – it is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Five personalised beauty treats are included each month and this month’s box theme is ‘Dive In’  and for this month only in line with the Scuba theme, Birchbox have included a Scuba Birchbag,  (each member will receive one of four colours – just the zip is a different colour)  instead of the usual drawstring bag and outer Birchbox – although love the normal drawstring bag was happy to see a zipped bag included for a change.

This month as well as the Birchbag every subscriber received a waterproof eyeliner in one of two shades, usual product  / beauty information booklet,  four additional products  based on profile and a little sample extra–  I received the following in my ‘Pink Pufferfish’ Birchbag:

• Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Mulberry  (Deluxe sample size) – Full Size =  £10.50 – happy to see an eyeliner included as love eyeliners – you could have received it in either Expresso or Mulberry – although I love brown eyeliners too was v happy to receive the mulberry colour as perfect for my green/hazel eyes – it is a beautiful purple colour which in different lights has glipses of gold, pinks, not as noticeable when you apply on your eyes as when you swatch it e.g. on your arm.  Although  colour not very strong / opaque when you first apply, it is buildable and  easy to apply.  I have used by itself and at the outer corners of the eyes and like it both ways, I find it is long lasting, does not budge and definitely waterproof, more a smoky eye so if you wanted a stronger colour could apply black eyeliner first and this eyeliner on top- will definitely purchase in a different colour too;
  

  
• Parlor by Jeff Chastain Volumising Lifting Spray – 30ml (travel size) – Full size =£17 for 147ml  – This is a Birchbox exclusive  – have used a number of products from this range through Birchbox and have been impressed to date so expecting good things and looking forward to using it;
  

  
• Balance Me Radiance Face Mask –15ml (travel size) – full size= £18 for 75 ml – Balance Me seems to be a popular brand to be included in beauty boxes / special offers at the moment and therefore have received  and tried a number of their products, although I enjoy using their products cannot say I have noticed any major difference to my skin since using them- have used the mask once  and although skin felt clean / fresh, did not notice any visual difference to the skin but will keep using to see if results improve with usage;
  

  
• Anatomicals the buff stuff Citrus Body Scrub– 50ml (travel size) – Full Size 200ml and is £3.99 – Citrus fragrance but not overpowering – looking forward to using – perfect travel size for a short break; and
  

  
• Merci Handy Antibacterial Hand Cleansing Gel – 30ml – Full size £2.90 – ‘handy’ handbag size perfect for travelling although a v strong alcohol smell, similar to some other antibacterial hand gels,   left hands soft and fragrance died down when product sank into skin but I found fragrance slightly overpowering at the beginning but did feel like your hands were being cleansed but I will not be rushing out to purchase in the near future.
• There also was a sample sachet of the NUDE Omega Cleansing Jelly included in the Birchbag as an extra – small sample but was happy to receive as an extra as love majority of NUDE products too.

I love the addition of the zipped Scuba bag this month, very useful although the one I received was slightly stained and the interior does smell strongly of rubber as you would expect but it is great to store goodies in.  When I first opened the bag I was slightly disappointed,  as bag was not that full and the one full size item was small and only costs £2.90 however now I have had a chance to try most of the products although I am still not overly excited by this months products I am content enough, not as good as last month’s, you can see what I got / last month’s review  here,  but sometimes that is the way it goes with subscription boxes, a really good box one or two months  which builds up your expectations and then when you receive an ok box you are very disappointed.   I love the eyeliner this month, pleased with the lifting spray and body scrub and although may not be rushing out to purchase the mask and the hand gel will still use them.  Although not as good a value as other months, still an ok mix of makeup, skincare and haircare products which I am happy to receive although in future boxes as always I am hoping I will receive more makeup up items.

If you are interested,  you can sign up  through my referral link www.birchbox.co.uk/invite and you will receive £5 worth of Birchbox points and currently if you use the code SCUBA at checkout you will receive a FREE full-size Mirenesse Glossy Kiss (worth £17.50) when you join – while stocks last.  (However please remember this may be sent separately).

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know and if you would like a separate review on any of the above products just let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

My August 2016 Lookfantastic beauty box  arrived last Saturday (it is a monthly subscription box which costs £15 per month (inc p&p) or from £11.25 for a 12 month subscription)and I was excited to see what was included as the theme of this month’s box was best of  / favourite British brands.

Included within this months box is the September 2016 edition of Elle (£4.10), the product  / beauty information booklet and the following six products (photos below):

• Percy & Reed Wonder Hair Balm – 30ml (travel size) –  £18.00 for 75ml
• Renu Skin Lip & Eye Active Lift – 7ml (travel size) – £31.95 for 15ml
• Bee Good Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm – 10 ml (full size) – £4.75;
• Balance Me Congested Skin Serum – 7ml – (full size) = £10;
• Bloom and Blossom Rejuvenating Facial Spritz – 40ml– (travel size) – £15 for 100ml
•  and
• Ren Flash Defence Anti Pollution Mist – 9ml (travel size) – £24 for 60ml

Thank you for looking – love your comments on what you thought of this month’s box and which beauty boxes you love reading reviews on?.

Best Wishes Liz x

I received my August 2016 YOU beauty box  selection yesterday  – I was not as excited about the choice of products this month so still stayed with the standard subscription – £6.95 (including p&p) for two items plus the extras. (please see my previous post here for overview and how to subscribe  and the August shortlist / selection of products  post here). I  selected / received the following two products and extras:

 111SKIN – Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask – One Sheet 23 ml

FULL SIZE = £20.00

States on the information booklet ‘utilising the most advanced mask technology on the market this treatment delivers beneficial nutrients into the dermis.  The mask adheres to your face like a second skin’.

As this is a high value item I am expecting great results, hope I am not disappointed.  Will do a review if I notice any difference to my skin after using the one mask.

THIS WORKS In Transit Camera Close-Up – 20 ml 

DELUXE TRAVEL SIZE  (full size 40 ml) = Approx £15.00

States on the information booklet  ‘instantly banishes signs of fatigue counterbalancing redness reducing wrinkles and leaving skin naturally radiant – wear it alone or use it as a base for makeup’.

Although only a travel size It is the perfect size for your makeup bag – cannot wait to try as it is described as a mask, moisturiser and primer in one so if it does all these things will be impressed – will do a review once I get a chance to try properly.

Plus the extras included in this month’s box are a sample size of the Perfect White Black Toothpaste (12ml), a £5 off gift card for Leonie Saliba and a Best Secret £20 gift card for new members / when you join.

Although I was not as excited about the selection of products available this month. I am still happy with the products I selected and pleased with the extras included this month as still excellent value as always.  I would just love to see more makeup items available for future boxes.  However I still would definitely recommend trying the YOU beauty box if you can because of the value of products / cost of box – subscriptions start at £6.95.   However as always, please remember if you are interested in specific products you need to make your choice early as some products may sell out quickly.

Thank you for looking –   if you are already subscribed would love to know what you thought of the selection of products this month and also love to know if you are considering subscribing.

Best Wishes Liz x

When I seen that QVC UK were launching the Tili First Edition Beauty Box  at a total cost of £20 all in (no additional postage charges) and saw the variety of brands, value of products included just had to get one.   I received my box end of last week, impressed as always with the quick delivery from QVC.

The products came beautifully packaged in a light blue box with a pastel pink trim and pink paper / shredded paper.    Included in the box were the following 8 products (counting the mousse and mini mitt as one item)  and information card containing each of the products ingredients (although slightly disappointed product prices not included on card too)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

‘The Beauty Solutions Edit’ August 2016 YOU Beauty box  (preview / details below) is available on 1st August 2016 from 7 am (as before I suggest you make your selection as soon as possible after 7am as some items may go out of stock pretty quickly)  – for details on how to subscribe / different plans which start from £6.95 please see my previous post here.

Shortlist / your choice of products are:

• The Body Shop British Rose Body Butter (50ml));
• The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil (7ml);
• Sönd Revitalising Face Serum (5ml);
• This Works® In Transit Camera Close Up (15ml);
• Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde® Dramatic Repair® (25ml);
• 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask (23ml, 1 mask);
• Bloom and Blossom Rejuvenating Facial Spritz (40ml);
• Bloom and Blossom Revitalising Leg and Foot Spray (50ml);
• NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (5 pads); and
• nügg beauty revitalizing face mask (10ml).

Plus each member will receive a:  Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black toothpaste (12ml), Leonie Saliba £5 Gift Card and a BestSecret £20 Gift Card.

As a YOU Beauty box  member you are entitled to choose between two to four samples from the YOU Beauty Box shortlist each month, depending on which price plan you are on.  I am still on the ‘original’ subscription plan (two items-£6.95) and was considering upgrading this month, however still unsure as would have loved a makeup item this month as well – may just stick to the original plan for this month and consider again end of next month when I see the preview for the September box.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.  Also would love to hear what you think of the August preview and if subscribed / thinking of subscribing what items are you thinking about getting?

Best Wishes Liz x

I received my July Cohorted box  last week  – it is a monthly ‘luxury’ subscription box which is currently one of the most expensive UK monthly beauty boxes at £35.00 (inclusive of p&p) per month, however total value of products are also of higher value.   Each month usually 4 / 6  products (majority of which are usually from high end brands) come in a magnetic / ribbon tie closure black box with tissue and shredded paper.

Included in this months box was the usual Cohorted glossy booklet which  contains details of products included within the box, additional information, a Zalando £10 discount voucher and the following products:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

• Nars Monoi Body Glow 2 – 31 ml – £14.99– (it has a beautiful tropical / relaxing fragrance love the scent and a tiare flower is contained within the bottle);
• HD Brows Sculpt and Glow Palette– £45  – (a beautiful palette with built-in mirror with a beautiful creamy duo – a contouring balm and a highlighting balm – cannot wait to use properly);
• Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil – 30 ml –  £10 (a handy size for travelling with a pump applicator, I like using cleansing oils so look forward to trying);
• The Vintage Company Blending Sponge – £5.95 (a light pink sponge – very similar shape and texture to the beauty blender sponge, so intrigued to see how well it applies makeup and lasts);
• Bellapierre Cosmetics Lipstick in ‘Envy’ – £20 – (I already have this lipstick in the same colour which I received in a different beauty box – however do not mind receiving another one as I love the consistency and colour, a beautiful creamy hydrating finish, a dark pink / burgundy colour which smells divine too – love this brand’s lip products and if you search online there are usually offers on); and
• Bellapierre Gel waterproof gel lip liner in ‘Cinnamon’ – £20 –  (never tried before, it is a dark plum / burgundy colour which matches the above lipstick v well and is long lasting as well)

I am v happy with the contents of this months box, excellent value for money as total value of products is £115.94 – (although I know if I search online I may be able to get a number of the products for cheaper than the recommended retail price, however still v good value for the £35 paid for this box).  I will use everything,  cannot wait to try all the products properly and I am over the moon that I have only tried one of the products before.   It is a beautiful ‘luxury’ treat for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.  Also would love to know if you received this box too and what you thought of it?

Best Wishes Liz x