Hi Everyone

I received  my December ‘Let it Snow’ Roccabox beauty box on Saturday.

Roccabox is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £10 a month (plus £3.95 p&p).   Each month you’ll receive a box of beauty treats usually hand-picked by one of the industry’s best-loved personalities / influencer, along with their top beauty hints and tips – for more details please see link here.  However this month’s box/bag is a Christmas Edition brought to us from Roccabox itself.

Products usually come packaged  in an outer white box but this month we got a lovely surprise, everything came in a beautiful Westford Mill Cotton large zipped bag, a Christmas pressie from Roccabox and as usual an information leaflet was also included (photo below).

This month’s ‘bag’  which contained the following six items, usually five, is gorgeous, great size for travelling and love the gold lettering as well:

Roccabox Hello Gorgeous Pocket Mirror  full size (states worth £4.99) – this is also part of our Christmas pressie from Roccabox – a mirror is always handy and love the matching wording;

YES to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask – Full Size 1 Mask – RRP £2.99-states this is a natural detoxifier and impurity remover to deep clean skin – also states if it is tingling it is working so looking forward to trying at the weekend as love trying different masks and if I find results really good will post a short review;

Oil’A Nurturing Body Paper (contains 2 wipes; one body oil and one body butter wipe)  I have not heard of this brand or their products before but if they work well would definitely be a great idea for the gym bag or travelling just hoping results are as good as they claim – states wipes should…. nourish, moisturise and plump up winter worn dry skin and get those limbs glistening.    Intend to try this weekend;

Tanya Burr Cosmetics Cheek Illuminator in ‘Forever Summer’ – Full Size (RRP £6.99)  This is a light pink illuminating stick.   Packaging looks very like the Rosie Huntington Autograph for M&S makeup range although more reasonably priced.  Although you need to swipe few times to see true colour, impressed with this product as it is buildable, not shimmery, just gives a nice glow/radiance to the skin and blends out so easily.  Swatch above is colour after a few swipes and second is when  blended out.  It does look lovely at top of cheekbones and under eyebrow, lightly on top of lip and also lovely on collar bones, tops of shoulders when blended out.    Also so easy to carry with you if you want to add some glow to your finished look prior to going out.  First impressions good;

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask  (15ml sample size)  – Full Size is £42 for 100ml – states brightens and revitalises for radiant, glowing skin.  Love it is a pump applicator, it has a slight orange smell and serum consistency  but when you apply / massage onto damp skin (face) it starts to turn to a milky consistency and then when you leave for five minutes it starts to rise to a full foam froth consistency (photo above) which is v easy to rinse off and although I followed with serum, moisturiser as normal, mask didn’t leave my skin feeling too dry afterwards.   My skin did look slightly more radiant refreshed after using and I did feel it give my skin a boost as well.  Look forward to using for a longer period to confirm results; and

Cougar by Paula Dunne 6 Shades of Nude Eye Shadow Set – Full Size RRP £13 – As I love eyeshadows delighted to see this included, especially as a full size item as well.  Never tried any Cougar Eyeshadows before but I had received Cougar lip products previously in US beauty boxes which I thought were ok.  Initially when I opened the packaging itself I thought it was flimpsy so was not expecting the pigmentation to be quite as good.  Although you need to take two or three swatches to get a good colour (see below), one swatch is workable.   Although all the shades have a slight shimmer, it is not too much – colours do look lovely on and you can also use the light cream, beige shades  as highlighters and pink shade as a blush.   They are not as long lasting as some of my other eyeshadows, as needed to top up during the day but still impressed with results – a lot better than I expected.

V pleased with this month’s box/’bag’ – think this is one of the main reasons I am so impressed as love the inclusion of the bag and mirror this month, lovely idea for the Christmas box.  There are also a good selection of products this month and as I will use them all I am delighted.  Especially love the highlighter, eye shadow palette and bliss mask this month.  Would have been better if we hadn’t received two masks but as they are different types I personally do not mind too much.   Although impressed this month still not sure what monthly boxes I am going to cancel in January but will know better / be able to decide when I receive the rest of my subscription boxes.

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

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

Hope you all have a good week and if weather wintry where you are, take care & keep warm.

Thank you for reading.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a good weekend.

I was v happy as received my November 2017 My Little Box late last Saturday.   This month’s box theme is ‘Sunday’– As always the box, cards, print, packaging coordinated perfectly in line with the theme and a beautiful quote is inside the box again this month, see below.

The box cost £14.95 (inclusive of p&p)  – however we got some disappointing news this month – After three years of dreaming up My Little Boxes for the UK they have decided to take a break and this month’s box is the last My Little Box to the UK.  Although had thought this might be in the pipeline a few months back, as something seemed to be missing,  still disappointed as love receiving this box, was one of my favourite boxes.  However they have advised they have been working on a new box – ‘Gambettes Box’, and they are to let us know more about it v soon (details on site already) – to see more details please see note below.

This month’s box is cute and contained the following items:

 A ‘My Little Box’  Microfiber White Turban–  v pleased to see this included as turbans keeps my wet hair more secure while I am doing my makeup.  Feels high quality and so soft as well;

My Little Box Eat Your Words Biscuit Stamp– states ‘stamp a choice word onto your favourite baked good with this biscuit stamp, and watch it disappear, snapchat-style’.  Love the co-ordinated packaging as always and nice touch to include a recipe for ‘Sandy Butter Biscuits’ inside the lid – biscuit stamp something different to get in a box and that is one of the reasons I loved getting this box so much;

In the My Little Box navy blue and cream patterned drawstring pouch we got the following three items:

My Little Beauty Facemask Powder (20g)  – states sprinkle one half-capful powder into surface of three capfuls of water and allow to combine and then apply to face wait 8 minutes and remove – have tried once and did mix ok and no adverse reaction and did leave my skin looking fresher but not a big fan of these mixing powders as more of a task then applying a mask from a tube or jar but will still finish it;

Dr Hauschka Lip Gloss (3ml) Sample Size  – I have used a number of Dr Hauschka products before but mostly skincare and although nice enough products I have not found any I really love yet.  This gloss is a light pink colour with a non stick consistency which is great – however there is a menthol type fragrance / taste which some people might find off-putting – I do not mind that much.  It is a v sheer colour but does leave your lips with a nice sheen.  Will pop this is my bag as it is also nice applied over lipstick to give that added sheen;

Mixa Cica Repair Balm for Face Body & Hands and suitable for Adults & Children (50ml) Full Size RRP £5.99 (currently reduced to £3.95 in Superdrug) – states contains no parabens, no fragrance & hypoallergenic.  Panthenol, intensely cares & soothes for fragile skin.  It has a thick creamy consistency and does apply ok but takes a while to sink in – think this would be good for any dry, rough skin, therefore useful to have a multi-task product like this;

We also received a small 13g bar of chocolate which was a nice touch and tasted so good.

Quite happy with this box, not as good as last months but then I always expect a lot from this box.  So disappointed this will be the last box for us in the UK as really enjoyed receiving it.

Any queries / comments please let me know – are you as disappointed as me that this is the last UK box?

I will have more posts up later today or tomorrow and during the week.

Hope you all have a great week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

I received my November Birchbox last week.  This month Birchbox teamed up with Vogue.    Subscribers got to choose one of two box designs this month – both looked good but I chose the one with gold & black lettering on the front with white background & red drawer.

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 every subscriber received a Benefit Hoola Bronzer (sample size) and a Birchbox ‘beauty tool’ in their box.   A product  / beauty information booklet and the following three products were also included in my box:

Benefit Hoola Bronzer Sample Size (Full size RRP £24.50) – delighted to see this included as one of my favourite bronzers so versatile, can be used as a bronzer, to contour and perfect as an eyeshadow as well (transition colour especially).  Though only a sample size this will last ages and perfect for travelling;

Bumble and Bumble Prep Primer (Sample Size -50ml) – Full Size is 250ml RRP £18 – have tried a number of Bumble and Bumble hair products before and found them quite good – you spray this one on damp hair, work through, style or states refreshes second day styles.  It does seem to help detangle my hair but as I still need to use all my other hair products as well to get the results I want I do not think I would purchase as some of my current products also help to detangle my hair as well as smoothing and providing a beautiful fragrance.  Not sure about refreshing second day hair as I wash my hair each day anyway as do not feel it is clean otherwise.  A good size, nice to try and will still use but just won’t be purchasing;  

James Read Overnight Sleep Mask Tan Face (Sample size 25ml) – Full size RRP £25 for 50ml – Love this product already and had planned to do a separate review anyway.  You apply overnight and in the morning you have a natural sun-kissed tan.  It goes on clear you just need to make sure you blend into the hairline and wash your hands afterwards.  I also apply on the neck / chest and it gives a beautiful natural tan not too dark which is perfect for my fair skin.    Only negative there is the self tan fragrance which lingers slightly but not too overpowering either.  This is perfect size for travelling;

 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (sample size) Starts from £8 for 30ml – this is my favourite hand cream already – as well as smelling divine it keeps my hands soft / hydrated throughout the day.  It is perfect for applying especially at night as when you apply during the day it is so creamy it takes a while to dry in – handy travel size;

 

 

Birchbox Exclusive Brush Cleaner – Full Size RRP £5 – states ‘the specially designed grooves help to remove every trace of product from our tools giving them a deep-yet-gently clean’.  It does help to clean brushes you just need to add a small amount of cleanser to the ‘tool’ and then swirl wet brushes over the textured surface to help clean them and then rinse brushes to remove residue and leave to air dry.   Useful to have.

 

 *SPOILER* – December Sneak Peek – states that next month we will get to choose from a classic party red / nicely natural tint Full Size lip product – see photo below.

Happy with this months box as already love three of the items and was good to try  two new products.  Definitely a better box for me this month but still hoping for an even better box in December, always hope the ‘Christmas’ box is a really good one – looks like a good start already with the Full Size lip product – hope good selection of other items as well.

If you are thinking of  subscribing to Birchbox UK – 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.    You can also get a FREE Cargo Cosmetics Sunset Beach Blush when you order your November Birchbox  (*photo below),  just add the code BLUSHGIFT at checkout to get free gift.

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.

Thank you – enjoy the remainder of the weekend – more posts will be up later today or tomorrow.

Best Wishes Liz x

* Credit Insert Photo lip products Birchbox.co.uk

Hi Everyone

I received my first CC Beauty Box, the ‘November’ box, end of last week.  When I seen one of the items to be included this month I could not resist subscribing especially as I got 20% off, as it was my first box (if you are thinking of subscribing and it is your first box use the code 1STBOX20OFF to get 20% off as well)

CC Beauty launched in 2014 with a vision to give customers elite beauty products at low-cost prices.  It is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £29.99 a month (including p&p), 3, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are also available.     More details via link here.

Products came packaged  in a larger outer black magnetic closure box with white /gold lettering and a yellow ribbon tie closure at front – there is no shredded / tissue paper included but two pieces of silky material are included with products, initial thoughts looks good but maybe better for bubble wrap to be used on fragile items.

This month’s box contained the following five items (classed 2 samples as one item):

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filter Soft Matt Longwear Foundation (shade 170) – FULL SIZE 32ml £26- this is the main reason I got this months box as have been wanting to try this foundation and the lighter shades were not available when I placed my recent Fenty Beauty order.  Shade 170 is one of the lighter shades (light to medium) and is perfect for me as blends in so well,  so delighted to see it included in this months box but know a number of people will be disappointed with this, which I totally understand, though I seen on social media that CC Beauty advised that they had only been able to get one shade but to make up for this they would replace it with a different item if this shade did not suit (but not a ‘Fenty Beauty’ item, so a number of people still disappointed).  The price of this alone covers the price of the box and as I had intended to purchase this foundation anyway I really got the rest of the items for free with almost two pounds saving.  Love the packaging, very sleek and practical – has a pump applicator and has a quite runny creamy consistency.  Does apply really easily on the skin but dries pretty quickly as well so need to blend in quickly – as long as skin is well moisturised, hydrated I find it does not settle into pores, fine lines but be sure to not use too much at a time.  It does dry to a matt finish and has a light to medium coverage and is buildable.  It is a lovely base to apply concealer, bronzer, contour and blush.  I find it really long lasting and although I prefer a slightly more dewy finish there is still a v slight glow.  Initially v impressed and although it is not as good as my favourite IT Cosmetics foundation at this stage think it may become a good runner-up.  However need to use for a longer period of time to confirm results – intend to do a full review of all my recent Fenty Beauty purchases shortly so will include a full review of this foundation then too;

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Creamy Concealer – FULL SIZE RRP £4.99 – this is a screw up thick pen type concealer.  I received the ivory shade, which is perfect for me (available in 4 shades).  I was surprised how creamy this concealer was,  applied really easily,  tip also gives more precise application.  Does cover slight blemishes well and  lasts well with finishing powder,  do not really like it for under the eye area, prefer an even creamier concealer for this – also need to apply a number of times over heavier blemishes.  Results better than I expected as had never tried this concealer before and good product to take with you for retouching throughout the day if needed;

Too Faced La Matt Colour Drenched Matt Lipstick IN ‘Rebel Heart’ (cool red colour)- FULL SIZE RRP £22 – nice to see a full size lipstick included and although have never tried this lipstick before do like a number of products from the Too Faced range.  Not a fan of matt lipsticks as just find them too drying however this is creamier than most and although I found this colour a bit patchy when applied, you need to apply few times (but this is the same with a number of red lipsticks) was surprised how comfortable it felt on the lips.  After a period it gets a bit drier but not uncomfortable so some matt lipsticks are.  Would like to try a different colour to see if colour payout better but initially a lot better than expected;

Swatches, left to right: Foundation, concealer & lipstick

Velvet 59 My Fair Lashes Mascara  – Another FULL SIZE RRP £18 but reduced to £14.99 on CC Beauty site –   Packaging looks a bit like Too Faced packaging and as I do love mascaras, glad to see it included, but as have so many opened at the moment, have not opened / tried this one.   However will post a review when I do.  Nice to see another full size item included;

Lastly two perfume samples were included  – Perry Ellis 360 & Trish McEvoy samples   – not a fan of perfume samples being included in beauty boxes as fragrance is such a personal thing and you can usually get samples in stores if you want to try something new.  However as the other products are all full size do not mind on this occasion and it is still a good way to try something new.    Both smell quite floral/fruity and although not too overpowering just not sure yet if they are for me.

Delighted with my first box but this may be due in part to me getting a product I wanted anyway for less than I would have paid, as well as getting all the other items for ‘free’.  It is a lot more expensive than a number of beauty boxes but the products appear to be in line with the cost – majority full size high quality items.  I intend to get at least the December box and then I will look at all my subscriptions to see which ones I want to continue and which sadly I will cancel, for a while at least.  I definitely would recommend checking the CC Beauty box out especially as you can currently get 20% off your first box (also states that:  Discount code will be valid for all previous customers who were not able to redeem this code for their first box).  Great way to try the Fenty Beauty foundation as well if you think the shade would be suitable.

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 and be v much appreciated.    I will have more posts up during / end of the week.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

I received  my November Roccabox beauty box last Monday, v prompt this month.

Roccabox is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £10 a month (plus £3.95 p&p).   Each month you’ll receive a box of beauty treats hand-picked by one of the industry’s best-loved personalities / influencer, along with their top beauty hints and tips – for more details please see link here.  This month Roccabox have teamed up Really Ree and you can check out her blog here – really enjoy watching her videos and reading posts on her blog.

Products came packaged  in an outer white box with rose gold lettering  as usual and an information leaflet is also included (photo below).

This month’s box contained the following five items:

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask (5ml sample size) – full size £60 for 50ml – have used this cleansing mask before and I enjoyed using it – it has a creamy mud consistency with a light spa fragrance, definitely feels like you are giving your skin a ‘treatment’ and leaves skin looking and feeling clean, refreshed and pores look ‘tightened’, less noticeable – although you do not need to use a lot of product at a time would have loved a larger sample;

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo & Conditioner (sample sizes 50 ml each) – full sizes 250 ml RRP £16 & £20.50 – this is a sulphate free duo for damaged colour treated hair and states leaves hair strong and soft.   Good to see both a shampoo and conditioner included and although once again nice travel sizes, would have been nice if larger sample sizes had been included. I have used products from this brand before and although they were quite good not my favourite  – however look forward to using this duo as smell really good;

Murad AHA / BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (sample size 30ml) –  200ml is £35  –another sample size.  This is a skin polishing cleanser, 1 – cleanse / tone, which can be used on dampened face and neck.  I have also used this cleanser before and although skin does look clean and feels smooth after using – it is not for me personally as my skin feels really ‘tight’ afterwards, maybe better for an oilier skin.

Ardell Featuring Really Ree Eyelashes (full size ) – (exclusive for Really Ree fans – states money cant buy these) –  I have never used eyelashes, however to look at these particular lashes they look very fine and lightweight and states are comfortable with natural hair, so I think I will try to apply later today or during the week and if look and feel ok on will include an update at the bottom of this post;

Although nice enough products and will use four out of the five items which is good was not overly impressed, maybe I was expecting too much with it being a collaboration with ‘Really Ree’ and compared to some other beauty boxes out there at the moment the sizes of some of the products is a bit disappointing as well.  However saying that, it is still quite good value considering the price of the box, though hoping for a better December box.

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 and be v much appreciated.    I will have more posts up later today, tomorrow and during the week.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Hi Everyone

I received  my October Roccabox beauty box last week, a bit later than usual but as I have now got a chance to try most of the products wanted to let you know my initial thoughts on the box/contents.

Roccabox is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £10 a month (plus £3.95 p&p).   Each month you’ll receive a box of beauty treats hand-picked by one of the industry’s best-loved personalities / influencer, along with their top beauty hints and tips – for more details please see link here.  This month Roccabox have teamed up Daisie Smith and you can check out her blog here.

Products came packaged  in an outer white box with rose gold lettering  as usual and an information leaflet is also included (photo below).

This month’s box contained the following five items:

Yes to Cucumber Sleeping Mask – (calming sleep mask for sensitive skin) one mask  RRP£2.99  – have used products from this brand before and found them ok but had not heard of this particular product – this is the one item that I have not tried yet – states: apply mask all over face, tuck yourself in and let mask do all the work while you sleep and you will wake up to a clean pillow and beautiful skin – sounds good, going to try over the weekend and if results impressive will do a separate review;

Vita Liberata Mini Body Blue Instant HD Skin Finish (sample size 7ml – medium) – 100ml is approx. £29.95 but currently reduced to £19.65 in Superdrug- I had heard so much about this product but had not got around to trying until now.  It is a wash off ‘tan – body makeup’ type product designed to give coverage to any imperfections such as bruising, spider veins. even cellulite.  I am loving this creamy product already, so easy to apply with your hands and gives a subtle glowing tan, great applied with a brush to your arms, legs collar bones for added colour and also so easy to apply on your hands as well.  Only downside it does transfer to clothing, bedding however I have found if you apply and leave for at least a half an hour transfer to clothing is not as much.  Medium is a good colour for me too even though I have very fair skin.   Will do a separate review when get a chance to try properly as have already purchased full size.   Also if  the Superdrug offer is over if you decide to purchase you can get 20% on www.vitaliberata.co.uk when you use the code VITALIBERATA20 until 31.12.17.  V happy this was included but would have loved a larger sample as this is my favourite item out of the box;

Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt  (sample size 45ml) –  125ml is £24.00  – I love the feel of this slight citrus fragrant gel-to-oil cleanser on the skin, so easy to massage over all the face including eye area, then just need to rinse off to remove.  I  needed to massage a bit more on the eye area, but did remove all makeup and left my skin feeling clean and looking refreshed.  Although states should not leave skin dry my skin does feel slightly ‘tight’ after using but need to try for a longer period of time to confirm.  Nice inclusion and travel size cleansers are always useful;

Buxom Lash Mascara (sample size 6ml) – 11ml is £16 –  Good strong colour and although I found it is long-lasting with no fall out, does not lengthen my lashes as much as my Mac mascara,  packaging quite bulky as well.  Although will still use as an everyday mascara, will not be purchasing.

Milani HD Advanced Lip Color – FULL SIZE RRP £4.99 – love the black and gold packaging – need to twist up to apply.  I received ‘Cotton Candy’ a beautiful bubble gum pink colour with a slight glimmer, does have a beautiful ‘candy/ sweet’ fragrance as well.  States is a ‘3-in-1 lip colour that hydrates and nourishes lips while giving a long-lasting highly pigmented colour wash’.  It definitely feels nourishing on the lips, non drying and has good pigmentation that does last well.  Will definitely use and although shimmer not too overpowering would prefer it without.  Glad this is a full size item and would consider purchasing in a different colour.

Overall I am quite happy with the contents of this months box, again not one of my favourite boxes but still a relatively good selection of products and brands, happy to see more makeup items this month but still hoping next month’s box is even better.

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 and be v much appreciated.    I will have more posts up over the weekend.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x