Hi Everyone

I received my February Birchbox last week .  Theme of this month’s box is Beauty through the decades – ‘True Beauty is Timeless’ – subscribers were again able to choose their box design this month.  I chose the one below as just liked the design / colours of this one that bit more.

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 Full Size Beauty Crop Eyeshadow Trio is included in every box. A product  / beauty information booklet and the following four products were also included in my box:

The Beauty Crop Eyeshadow Trio in Love You So Latte  (Birchbox Exclusive)- Full size RRP £7– I had never heard of this brand before and although packaging is quite flimsy the pigmentation is good and quite long-lasting as well.  Although worth the price as a trio and will use occasionally, I would not go on and  purchase as  just not as good as several other eye shadows I have at the moment but still nice to try;

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Pixi Pink (FULL SIZE)– RRP £8 – already received this lip balm before through Birchbox and still have not got round to finishing it yet so have not opened this one.  As it is a balm it is not that pigmented but it does still leave a nice light pink sheen to the lips with one application which is buildable and also feels hydrating; 

Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish (Sample Size 30ml) Full Size is 100ml RRP £10 – states work a small amount through hair to smooth and define your finished style and add shine.  I have used a number of Percy & Reed products before and although ok products they have not impressed me enough to go on and purchase.  This finishing polish has a cream texture and a light fragrance similar to other Percy & Reed products, although not overpowering not my favourite hair care fragrance.  I have only used a few times and although it is an ok product and it does seem to help to smooth my hair after styling, not sure I would go on and purchase as initially results not just as good as with my normal oils / serums but need to try for a longer period of time to confirm.   This may only be a  sample size but as you only need a little product each time it will last for ages;

Luseta Coconut Milk Hair Mask (Sample Size 30ml) Full Size 16.9oz RRP £26– again another new brand for me.  It advises to apply to damp hair after shampooing, leave for 5 minutes and then wash away.  It definitely has a strong coconut fragrance which I do not mind.   I have tried both this way and also over night (love applying a weekly hair mask at night) and I am impressed with results already, when you rinse or wash it out of your hair it left / leaves my hair looking smooth, feeling soft with a beautiful light fragrance. Definitely would consider purchasing; 

Laura Geller Double Take Baked Versatile Powder Foundation in Medium (sample size 1.8g) Full Size 10g RRP £28– Although this is only a sample size it is still a good size and even though it is in the shade Medium it is still ok for my me –  I usually use light in a foundation.  It states you can use wet with a sponge for a full coverage but even though I applied it this way & it give a heavier coverage did not really like the finish,  prefer to apply over a lighter creamy foundation as a finishing powder or as a touch up during the day. Not sure I would purchase but happy to see included as do like a number of Laura Geller products already.

 

 

 

Happy with this months box as although may only go on to purchase one of the items will still use the rest.   Pleased to receive two full size items and three good size samples this month.

SPOILER:  March Sneak Peek (below) is either a choice of a BLAQ Hydrogel Eye Mask or Peel off Mask for subscribers – we will receive an email to enable us to choose which one, think I will pick the Eye Mask.  In addition I have seen on social media we should also be receiving a sample of the new Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara in our March box – hope this is correct as it is on my list to try.

If you subscribe during FEBRUARY for your first Birchbox you will get a FREE full-size Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer (worth £21).  Just need to use the code GLOSS at checkout.

Photo credit:  Birchbox.co.uk

Or just in case you prefer money off your box (cannot 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.

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 /or during the week.

Hope you all have a great week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

I received my third CC Beauty Box, the ‘January 2018’ box, end of last week.   You can see what I got in my second box at bottom of this post.

CC Beauty is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £29.99 a month (including p&p), 3, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are also available.     Currently a 3 month subscription is £75.

Products come packaged in a larger outer black magnetic closure box with white /gold lettering and a yellow ribbon tie closure at front.  Items also come wrapped in a piece of brown silky material.

This month’s box contained the following four items:

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (100ml) – RRP £16 (but this includes a cotton cloth)– have already used this cleanser a number of times and it still is my favourite hot cloth wash-off cleanser – you can see my earlier review here.  It is a gentle, slightly fragrant effective cleanser.  Leaves skin clean, smooth and refreshed.    V happy to see this included but would have been even better if a cloth had been included as well – for cleanser to be truly effective you need to remove it with the cotton cloth;

MAC Cosmetics Patent Polish Lip Pencil / Lipstick in ‘Look Lively’ 2.3g RRP £18 – this is a twist up chubby lipstick/pencil in light candy pink colour.    It is like a lip pencil/stick with the look of a gloss finish.  I already have this in a few colours but my favourite is ‘Kittenish’ – Mauvey Pink shade.  It is so easy to apply, is creamy with a beautiful sheen not a full pigmented shade because of the formula but I adore it as it feels so comfortable on the lips – not very long-lasting so need to reapply a number of times during the day which I do not mind as so easy to apply.   As with all my MAC lipsticks it smells lovely as well –  also lasts ages.  Over the moon to see this included  and especially in a shade I do not have – perfect every day or spring colour – on trend spring colour;

Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 338 ‘Mirage’ (light peach colour)- RRP £26.50  – states ‘Dior Addict’s Fluid Stick is a brand new, do-it-all lip hybrid that combines the rich color impact and longevity of a lipstick with the shine and finish of a gloss’ – definitely has the creamy feel of a lipstick but the finish of a gloss – this shade is not too pigmented but is still a lovely every day shade and does feel comfortable on the lips and not sticky either.  Love the packaging as well and although does not affect the quality of the actual product would still be nice if it had came in an outer box to help to protect the silver tone detail as mine came with a lot of scratches on it.  V happy again to get the chance to try, will definitely use, may consider purchasing in a different shade after I  try for a longer period of time;

YSL Red Patent Zipped Case with Built in Mirror  – love the colour and perfect for storing every day essential makeup, jewellery or accessory items.  Love it has a secure zip closure and the built-in mirror is great as well.  Happy to see this included in this month’s box but still would have loved to see another makeup / beauty item included as well.

V happy with this month’s box and also loved my second one (below).    Although this box is more expensive than a number of beauty boxes, it does contain full size high quality items.  Although I do like the red YSL ‘case’ would still like to see at least 4 beauty items in the box.     I have a referral link here for using in the CC Beauty shop to enable you to get discount – however seems to be a problem with link at moment, have contacted CC Beauty and waiting for them to respond, will update post when they do.

Contents of the December 2017 box

The Gucci Lipstick and eye pencil were my favourites – may do a full review on them when I use them for a longer period of time.

Would love to know if you are already subscribed to this box, what you thought of this month’s box?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot as always and be v much appreciated.    I will have more posts up during / end of the week.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

As advised before another great way to try a number of beauty products is by creating your own custom beauty box through Latestinbeauty -‘Build Your Own Box’ –  perfect way to treat yourself or get as a gift(s) as excellent value for money.

You can choose from three box options; Box 1 – 3 products for £9, Box 2 – 6 products for £15 and Box 3 – 9 products for £18 plus free p & p unless purchasing a one-off box.   Currently if you sign up to Latest In Beauty you will get a code to apply to get 10% off your first box.  There are a mixture of full size and travel size beauty products to 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.

Although I have purchased different versions of  the Build Your Own box in the past, it has been a while since my last box so decided to treat myself to one just before Christmas as such great value and perfect way to try range of different brands/products.

I chose Box 3 again this time as a number of items I wanted to try, already liked and majority were full size items, so as always this was the most reasonable way to purchase/ try them.

I selected / received the following items:

Minus 417 Aromatic Body Moisturiser – 200ml – Comes Sealed In a Box – Duo with a 200ml Body Shower Oil is Worth £28.50 –  lightly fragrant creamy body lotion which is non greasy, sinks in quickly and leaves a lovely subtle fragrance.  Never heard of this brand before either,  one of the reasons I love the Latest In Beauty boxes so much, great way to try different brands, products;

Tan Cream SPF50 – All in One Gradual Self Tan & Instant Bronzer– 100ml – WORTH £39.95 (cannot believe this RRP but it is currently selling online for this so what a great way to try);  Another new brand for me – have not got round to trying this self tan yet but looking forward to it as states odour & streak free, if it is, will do a separate review;

Kneipp Herbal Bath Back Comfort 20ml  – 20ml worth £1.95 –  I have tried this before and this is perfect size for travelling.  It really does seem to help when you are tired after a long day or have been exercising, has a medicinal fragrance but I do not really mind that as I find it quite relaxing as well;

Rodial Smoky Eyeliner in Black  – Full Size RRP £17 – I have this already, got it free with a monthly magazine and although it is a good strong black colour, not my favourite eyeliner, not as long-lasting as I like but as I use that much eyeliner I decided to get another one anyway as the price of this alone is more than what I got the box for with 10% off – I personally cannot have too many eyeliners;

Max Factor False Lash Epic Mascara in Black – 13.1ml – Full Size  worth £11.99 (but currently reduced) – I haven’t tried this mascara yet but going to try next as my favourite MAC mascara almost finished, so will try this one before I open my new MAC one – will post a separate review if impressed;

Burn’s Bee Natural Lipstick in 501 Blush Basin (pink / nude colour) –  Full size worth £9.99 but currently reduced to £6.65 at Superdrug.com ;  I have also tried this lipstick before and although I found it not very long-lasting, does feel hydrating on the lips and gives you a nice hint of colour – perfect for wearing every day.

SOL Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream– 24ml – 75ml worth £18.00;  Although only a travel size, love this cream already so thought this would be perfect size for a weekend away.  Beautiful creamy fragrant body cream that leaves skin so soft, hydrated and smelling lovely especially after a shower or bath;

Institut Esthederm Eau Cellulaire Spray 30 ml (travel size) 100ml RRP £16 – This is a great product for refreshing your skin throughout the day, also helps set your makeup as well;

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Duo in 023 ‘Sleigh All Day’  – Full Size worth £14.99 – This is a great set, other colours still available as well.  Nude / gold colour with light shimmer, two coats makes it even more pigmented.  When applied with the top coat it is quite long-lasting, though has a shimmer I still like it as an everyday nail colour;

Latest in Beauty also v kindly included a small packet of hankies, 50g box of Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolates (delighted as one of my favourite chocolates), and a generous  extra product (photo below), Super Facialist Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil (30ml – Full Size worth £14.99), delighted to see an extra product included, this can be used as a pre-cleanse, to hydrate and calm dehydrated, sensitive skins.  Have not tried it yet as unfortunately for me personally it has that overpowering Rose fragrance which I am not fond off in skincare but will still try once at least and if too strong will pass on to a friend. Although these extras may have been included for Christmas, always keep checking as Latest in Beauty do have regular offers on.  Delighted with my box of goodies – great selection & fantastic value.

I definitely would recommend checking out the Build Your Own Beauty Box range, as there usually is a great variety of brands and products to choose from, excellent value for money, great way to try products and perfect as gifts as well.  Although you do not usually receive a product information booklet/leaflets there is a summary / details of each item available on the Latest In Beauty site.  All the products above were still available, with the exception of the SOL Janeiro Cream (may be restocked), at time of posting but remember they can go out of stock quickly.

Hope you found this helpful and would love to hear if you have, or are thinking of purchasing one of these boxes.

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

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

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

I received my December Glossybox mid month and although this review is later  than normal, I  wanted to let you know my thoughts especially because I am so impressed with one of the products we received;  the Steve Laurant Precision Tip Eyeliner in Black Approx RRP £18.    Glossybox is a  monthly beauty subscription box which costs £10.00 (plus p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.

Five personalised beauty products are included each month which are normally sent wrapped in pink tissue paper with a black bow in the signature pink Glossybox but this month is one of the collector’s edition boxes designed beautifully by Irish lifestyle brand, Dusty Boy.    You can sign up through my referral link here  if you want and then you will get 20% off your first box when you subscribe, thank you in advance if you do use my link.

Firstly my favourite item from this month’s box, the Steve Laurant Precision Tip Eyeliner  – had never heard off this brand before and was delighted to see this was one of the five FULL SIZE items we received in our box this month, more about the rest later.  If you have been reading my posts, or following me for a while I am sure you know by now black eyeliner is one of most have makeup items.  Was not sure what to expect from this eyeliner as quality and staying power of different eyeliners can be so hit and miss.

Packaging:

Love the rose gold and white colour scheme – a Rose Gold with white lettering outer box which the eyeliner packaging matches perfectly, also comes sealed which is great and although packaging is lightweight still looks and feels like a high-end product.

Application & Results

It has a precision felt tip which is so easy to apply either as a fine line or  built up to a thicker line.   Although I am not a master of the ‘flick’ this is perfect for it as well.  Good strong colour and when you swatch on your hand there seems to be a slight sheen to it but not really obvious when applied.   I have found this liner to be so long lasting, although sometimes I have applied again towards the evening time if I am going out but this is what I would normally would do with any eyeliner I use.  No irritation either and already think this may become my favourite eyeliner, at the minute it is anyway, better than what I have been using recently.

Only downside is it may be difficult to get as not many places seem to be stocking Steve Laurant in the UK at the moment, therefore to make sure I do not run out I treated myself to another box  – such great value as box costs less than the RRP price of the eyeliner and you get another four full size items and a treat as well, hard to beat that.

Now on to the rest of the products we got this month, the usual product  / beauty information card and the following four FULL SIZE products & a little ‘sweet’ treat:

Naobay Equilibria Gel to Milk Cleanser (75ml) states RRP £15.99 but £12.59 on ecco-verde.com – have tried a number of Naobay products before through beauty boxes and although ok products, was not impressed enough with any of them for me to go on and purchase.  This is a thick cleansing gel with a light fragrance and feels a bit different when applying because of the thicker consistency but once you add water it turns into a cleansing milk which feels nice on the skin and is so easily rinsed off.  I found it does leave my skin feeling clean and t-zone appears less shiny, better base for applying serums, moisturisers.  Although my skin does not feel too tight afterwards, I do not feel it leaves my skin as hydrated as my L’Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil which I love and is my favourite cleanser at the moment.  However need to try this cleanser for a longer period to confirm results;

Laqa & Co Cloud Lips Matt Lipstick in Day Dream (Dark dusky pink shade)  –  £12.65 – v happy to see this lip product included as well.  Have tried a number of products from this brand before and enjoyed using them.  This twist up lipstick lipstick is also encased in rose gold packaging which I love.  Although the lipstick shade looked good was not sure about the matt element as I am not a huge fan of matt lip products, however really impressed with this one.  Good strong colour, creamy texture makes applying so easy, long-lasting, full coverage and does not feel drying on the lips – however after a period wearing any lip colour I always apply a light lip balm / lip oil to also help with hydration.  V impressed, my second favourite product from this month’s box – three other shades available, think I might treat myself to the Cherub shade as well; 

 Ecodenta Extra Black Whitening Toothpaste with Black Charcoal &    Teavigo (100ml) £4.49 – states this is a fluoride free formula and as the title states this is a black toothpaste.  Although it does clean my teeth well, it is quite messy both on your teeth and the sink and takes a while to rinse clean.  Although I will still probably use up, would not be my first toothpaste of choice so will not be going on to purchase;

 We also kindly received a Raffaello Trio (below) as a treat which was a nice touch and are gone already – so yummy especially as love coconut.

V, v impressed with this month’s box, Glossybox definitely left one of their best 2017 boxes to last.  Delighted five FULL SIZE items (and a treat) were included and as I will use all the products that is an extra bonus.  Because I have found a new black eyeliner as well I am over the moon, this is one of the reasons I enjoy receiving beauty boxes, is discovering new, quality brands, which unfortunately recently has not happened that often.  Because of the quality of this box and other boxes this month I have decided to wait till I receive the January boxes to decide which other one or two to cancel (have already cancelled my Love Me Beauty subscription).

*SPOILER* – January 2018 Sneak Peek – Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil to treat and hydrate the skin  – looks like a full size though hoping not too strong a ‘Rose’ fragrance.

In addition you can also now get 20% off the Limited Edition Beauty Case  £59.99 (free p&p as well & worth over £270) when you use the code CASE20 at checkout, while stocks last –  (photo below).

Look forward to any comments you may have – if you have received this month’s box would love to know what you thought.

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.   I intend to have one or more posts up tomorrow or / and Tuesday.

Hope you all have A Happy New Year and that 2018 brings you everything you wish for and more.

Thank you and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

One Insert Credit: Glossybox.co.uk