Category: Beauty

Review: Birchbox UK – March 2018

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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

Review: Love Me Beauty Phase Zero Make Up & New Service

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Hi Everyone

A while back when we were advised that the Love Me Beauty (LMB) Subscription service was changing I was slightly disappointed as loved popping in and out of this monthly beauty subscription service especially when I seen a particular range of brands / products I wanted to try as it was reasonably priced at £10.00 (+ £3.95 p&p) a month (I always bought these myself).

‘New’ 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%.  This service sounds similar to the Beauty Pie service which I will also be posting a review on shortly.  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.

Initially I wasn’t really sure about this new service so when I was approached early last month by Love Me Beauty to see if I would like to receive some of the new Phase Zero products for *review consideration I was delighted and thought what a great way to see from the start what Phase Zero products are really like.  However although my package was sent quickly by LMB it went the scenic route and did not arrive with me until the beginning of last week.

I received the following five lip products (members price £3.50 each RRP £12); two liquid lipsticks, two lip glosses and one lip topper in a heavier see through / silver resealable packet and all arrived in an outer cardboard box as well.

When I opened the package first impressions were good as outer packaging of the lip products felt good, do like the silver colour way though does scratch v easily. Now onto the products themselves,  feel  and look quite high quality, have a see through hard plastic bottom with cream screw top, with the Phase Zero makeup embossed in black on the front.  They all have a sponge tip applicator and a vanilla / caramel smell, although for me not too overpowering.

I received the following (swatches of all at the bottom):

Liquid Lipstick in ‘Gingerbread’:


This is my favourite – a lovely dark dusty pink ‘neutral’ colour, applies really easily and does not feel drying at all but this could be due in part to it not drying completely on the lips.  There is transfer initially but when product dries a bit more, transfer reduces.  I have tried it without a lip balm and over a lip balm and feels comfortable both ways but I just prefer using a lip balm prior to any lip products, always leave a few minutes before I apply lip pencils, lipstick, lip gloss, liquid lipsticks etc.   It is quite long-lasting but I found to ensure full colour need to reapply after drinking / eating, but I find this the case with most lip products anyway.   High praise I know, but I am liking this particular one as much as my Charlotte Tilbury liquid lipsticks.  Recommend trying this one if you can as I would definitely go on and purchase.

Liquid Lipstick in ‘Chai Latte’:


This is a caramel / coffee colour as the name suggests and is again a nice neutral shade and applies the same as above but this is not a colour for me personally, just too brown toned.  I find it does not work well for my light skin tone but still a good quality liquid lipstick.  Least favourite but this is just down to the shade.

Lip Gloss in ‘Postbox Red’:


This is a gorgeous red shade, more pigmented than a lot of red lip glosses and also feels comfortable on the lips, only v slightly sticky initially.  It is definitely better to apply a lip liner with this gloss and apply a few coats to avoid any streaks.  Definitely will keep using this as think it is also lovely over a red lipstick as gives it that little bit extra which I love.  I have also used on top the Gingerbread liquid lipstick and love the finish, pink / orangey red shade.   2nd Favourite and would purchase as well.

Lip Gloss in ‘Dark Burgundy’:


As with the red lip gloss this dark burgundy shade with a slight shimmer applied really easily, found it slightly more sticky initially, it does apply a bit more streaky but just need to apply a few coats to address this.  Will also continue to use but just not one I would reach for too much but this is down to the shade not the quality.

Lip-Topper in ‘Holo-lip’


This is a shimmer lip product to apply over any lip product it does apply really easily and does stand out, I personally think the best way to apply is to the middle of the lips. Perfect for that party night, would not go on to purchase but this is just because I would not use that much.

Swatches

 

From left to right: Gingerbread, Postbox Red, Dark Burgundy, Chai Latte and Lip-Topper

Over the moon that I received these products to try, really impressed with quality, surpassed my expectations.  Have checked online and see there are other colours available which I am thinking about purchasing.  I was unsure about this ‘new’ LMB service as when you add the price of the products onto the cost of the monthly membership could work out a lot more than you thought but if the quality of the other products are as good as these lip products It would definitely be worth it.

Also love what is available now to pre-order; selection of eye shadows  starting from only £2.90 for members, one of my favourite makeup items – there also is a palette available to purchase to put them in which is great.   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 currently when you sign up and use the code PZONEOFF at checkout you should get your first month free.

You can find out more about the new LMB subscription service here but noted some of the terms and conditions may not have been revised fully yet, still refers to the ‘old’ service.

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 tomorrow and / or during the week.

Thank you – enjoy the remainder of the weekend and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

* Received for review.

Review: Skinician Skincare Trio; Purifying Toner, Advanced Time Delay Day Cream and Restoring Night Cream

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Hi Everyone

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

As I have said before one of the many reasons I love attending beauty / fashion events is because we usually v kindly receive goodie bags containing a number of products including various beauty products from different brands which we may not be aware or got round to trying before we received them in our goodie bags.

One brand I discovered this way was the Skinician skin care brand and as I attended a lot of events in 2017 I was v lucky that I received a 50ml Purifying Toner and 30mls of both the Advanced Time Delay Day Cream and Restoring Night Cream from their range in different goodie bags which was a great way to try a number of their products together over a period of time .

About the Skinician Brand

In Ireland in 2012, mother & daughter team, and owners of the already successful 4Beauty Group, Hilary McMurray and Shelley Martin stepped into the ultra-competitive world of skincare with the launch of SKINICIAN – a  professional skincare brand focused delivering results.   In the 15 years previous Hilary stepped out of a successful corporate career in insurance and into entrepreneurship with the purchase of her own beauty salon in County Down, Ireland.   Later Hilary created the now internationally recognised He-Shi professional self-tan which developed Hilary’s resolve to do something exceptionally exciting in skincare.  This time, with the support of Hilary the development of SKINICIAN was spearheaded by her daughter Shelley.

Shelley worked with a range of skincare salons and professional therapists on the needs of salons and what was really important to them. Over a period of 3 years a small army of engaged skincare professionals diligently briefed, formulated and tested thousands of products. In the search for perfection, that process of formulate and test re-started, then re-started again until the SKINICIAN products we see in salons all over Ireland delivered on promise and were finally approved.  You can find out more about the Skinician range via the link here.

I love the sleek but practical packaging – always prefer when brands emboss their logo, details onto the packaging instead of using stickers, though does not affect the actual products, dislike the way some brand’s stickers start to ‘move’ with usage.

1.  Purifying Toner (100ml – £19.60) – suitable for Normal/Combination Oily Skin Acne Skin.

 

Described as a refreshing, hydrating and mattifying lotion for reducing shine whilst brightening skin tissue:

Benefits:

  • Reduces and regulates sebum production
  • Reduces skin blemishes by up to 30%
  • Reduces shine, leaving a long-term matte finish
  • Reduces the development of breakouts
  • Protects from damaging free radicals
Directions / Results
Use twice daily after cleansing both morning and night to face and neck area; – I personally am not a ‘toner’ fan as although I have tried a number of toners from different brands over the years and understand what the benefits should be,  I have yet to find one that has made any great difference to my normal / combination skin after using, my favourite toner type product to date would be the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic.
The Skinician purifying toner although not too overpowering still has that ‘toner’ type smell which I do not really like, the Liz Earle one doesn’t.    Very easy to apply with cotton pads (full size will be even easier as it has a spray applicator, good for applying during the day as well) – I used as directed twice a day and although it did seem to help reduce the shine on my t-zone area slightly over a period of time, I have not noticed any other benefits so still not convinced but saying that think this toner may be better for an even oilier skin.  Therefore as I still not a ‘toner’ fan will not be rushing out to purchase but if you enjoy using toners and have really oily / skin prone to breakouts I think this may be a good one for you to try.
 
2.  Advanced Time Delay Day Cream SPF 15 (50ml – £39.50) – suitable for Ageing Skin / Dry Skin /Dehydrated Skin /Sensitive Skin Normal/Combination Oily Skin.
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Benefits described as:

  • Radical technology boosts energy potential to that of younger skin
  • Brighter, younger looking and softer skin within 4 weeks
  • SPF 15 to protect against UVA & UVB rays
  • Intense moisturisation with hyaluronic acid
  • Botanical B-Gucans increases skin softness by up to 21%, suppleness by up to 26%, and moisturisation by up to 23%
Directions and Results
Apply after cleansing and toning, warm a small amount gently in the palm of your hand and apply generously to the face and neck area (avoiding eye area), leave skin to absorb moisturiser for five minutes before applying makeup  – So happy to see this cream, and the night cream, come in squeezeable tubes (full sizes are in similar packaging).  This white cream has a v light spa like fragrance and when applied as directed it sinks into skin so easily with no greasy residue, initially skin may feel a little sticky but within a few minutes this disappears and skin then feels smooth and looks refreshed  with a slight glow, skin also feels hydrated.   I have had no extra breakouts and  found this is a perfect base for my IT Cosmetics foundation but if using a  heavier foundation I would still suggest mixing a little serum or a slight bit of moisturiser into your foundation before applying especially if you have any really dry areas.
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I love this cream can be used on the neck area as well and although I usually try most facial moisturisers on this areas as well this is the first moisturiser I have started to notice a difference after using, my skin on my neck area also feels smoother and looks more hydrated as well.  I am really impressed with this moisturiser, exceeded my expectations  – I do think it is suitable for all skin tones,  ages especially mid twenties up – my daughter received this moisturiser as well and she loves it as well, she has normal to dry skin.  I will be purchasingv soon as it has now become my favourite day time moisturiser.   Definitely recommend trying it for yourself. 

3.  Restoring Night Cream (50ml – £39.50) – suitable for Ageing Skin /Dry Skin /Dehydrated Skin /Sensitive Skin /Normal/Combination Oily Skin.

Benefits described as:

  • Radical technology boosts energy potential to that of younger skin
  • Brighter, younger looking skin within 4 weeks
  • Botanical B-Gucans increases skin softness by up to 21%, suppleness by up to 26%, and improves moisturisation by up to 23%.
Directions and Results
Use daily at night to face and neck  – allow to fully absorb and nourish the skin for at least 8 hours.  As before this cream also comes in a tube.  It is an off-white cream and again with just a v light spa type fragrance.    I applied  / apply at night as directed after cleansing although initially feels v slightly tacky on the skin it quickly absorbs into the skin.  After application my skin looks more refreshed and in the morning  my skin did / does appear fresher, fines lines are not as obvious after prolonged use and again skin feels hydrated, smoother and looks revitalised as well, again when applied to the neck area it also helps to keep it hydrated and smooth.   

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I feel when I use both the day and night creams together with my Antipodes serum underneath this is currently my best combination so will definitely will be purchasing this night cream as well.  I also feel that if I continue to use both I do not really need an additional neck cream as these both do such a good job.  Again recommend trying if you can.

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Overall

I am so impressed with these products, although will not be purchasing the toner this is only because I am really not a toner fan, think it may be able better for a more oily skin.  However I love the day and night cream delighted with results and although at £39.50 it may seem expensive compared to some other brands, it is still more reasonable than others and as they are 50ml sizes and you need so little product they will last for ages.  I definitely think they are well worth the money and an added bonus is they are an Irish brand which is fantastic.

I have already checked out the rest of the Skinician range and now also want to try the Pro-Radiance Enzyme Cleanser, peel and advanced eye repair as they sound good as well – they are now on my list of products to purchase soon, after I get using similar products I already have.

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Currently Skinician have the following great offer online, when you purchase either the Advanced Time Delay Day Cream or Hydrating Day Moisturiser you get a FREE facial exfoliator, come together in a pack, which is fantastic as wanted to try the exfoliator anyway.  You can check out,  see more from the  Skinician range via the link here.

Look forward to any comments you may have.   Have you 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 / or during the week.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Cherish.Love.Indulge Ltd Ed. Beauty Box

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Hi Everyone

A quick post to let you know that The Cherish.Love.Indulge Beauty Box  is now available to purchase for £28, (worth over £95), at Aveda.co.uk and the associated brands online sites (check which online site suits you best i.e. type of samples available with orders, products you may want to try etc.) while stocks last – this limited edition Beauty Box, contains a number of beauty essentials for Spring.

The Beauty Box  contains the following products:

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  • Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme, 40ml ;
  • Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, 15ml;
  • Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 7ml;
  • Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Eye Balm, 3ml;
  • MAC False Lashes Extreme, Black, 8g  – FULL SIZE – love this mascara;
  • Bobbi Brown Lip Color Sandwash Pink, 2.25g;
  • Darphin Stimulskin Plus Divine Cream, 5ml; and
  • Glamglow Youthmud® Tinglexfoliate Treatment, 15g.

Please see link here for full details.

If there are products you need, wanted to try, or have gifts you need to get – good time to get them if you can.    From past experience similar beauty boxes do not last long.

Thank you and take care – will have more posts up later in the week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Insert photo – Credit Aveda.co.uk.

Review: Feelunique Pick ‘N’ Mix Feb 2018

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Hi Everyone

I received my  Feelunique’s Pick ‘N’ Mix  at the weekend.   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.

It has been a few months since my last selection but when I seen the current choice of products just could not resist any longer.

 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (15ml jar) – I have used this product previously and also selected a sample of it before through the Pick N Mix service – although it might not be my all time favourite cleansing balm, it is good and I enjoy using it as it smells refreshing, leaves your skin cleansed, hydrated and feeling soft – perfect travel size;

Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream (5ml jar) – I have also received this product before through the Pick N Mix service.  It has a lovely creamy texture with only a light fragrance, feels lovely on the skin and definitely helps give skin a boost – a good size sample and in a jar as well;

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theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Luminizer/Highlighter (0.57g) – really love theBalm samples.   Beautiful packaging with a magnetic closure.  This powder highlighter is perfect for under the brow bone, eye shadow base, top of the cheeks, top of the lip, inner corner of the eye, just about anywhere you want to highlight – love this product;

Benefit Goof Proof Brown Pencil in No 2 (0.03g) – although a smaller sample than normal still enough product to see if suitable – a handy size for my makeup bag;

Xen-Tan Fresh Tanning Mouse – Weekly Self Tan (50ml) –  this is a really generous sample size – I have not tried before but I have read some good things about this tan so really looking forward to trying and if impressed will do a separate review post.

Delighted with my selection this month, maybe my favourite to date as I was able to get a good selection of generous sample products this month – 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: Birchbox UK February 2018

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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; 

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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.

 

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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.
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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

Magazine Freebie(s) – ‘March 2018’

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Hi Everyone

The last few months have not been great for magazine freebies however happy to see there is a freebie with at least one magazine this month (below) – ‘March 2018’ issue, 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 = £4.40– Free Rodial Exclusive Dragon’s Blood Eye & Lip Mask Set (worth £12) – perfect for applying before that special day or night out.

 

Subscribe to Elle for £9.99  for 6 Issues by Direct Debit and you will get a free Skin Laundry Night Renew Treatment (worth £36)  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 25% Warehouse card / code to apply in-store or online with next month’s Elle – April edition (on sale 7th March).


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

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 / or tomorrow and beginning of next week.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Thank you and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

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Hi Everyone

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

One of the reasons I love receiving free beauty samples / goodie bags with purchase(s) is discovering new brands / products I may not have heard of / or got round to trying yet. So when I got sent a sample of the Mario Badescu  Seaweed Night Cream  a while back with a Beautybay.com purchase I was v happy as although had heard of the brand had not got round to trying this particular product yet.  As this was a sample size it  only lasted for a short time however I was impressed enough to purchase the Full Size as wanted to try for a longer period of time to confirm results.  Please see link here for more details about the brand / range of products available.

The Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream 28g is RRP £18.50 (on beautybay.com site but as always check around where best value is if you decide to purchase) is described as a non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with Seaweed, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to soften, hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores.

Stated:  Suitable for combination, dry & oily skin types.

Results described as:

  • Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid help maintain maximum moisture without the use of heavy ingredients.
  • Seaweed extract contains nourishing trace minerals and has the ability to form a protective barrier on the skin.
  • It leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.

Directions:

  • Apply nightly to cleansed skin.

The product comes in practical white jar with screw on lid.    It has a sticky label around the jar with the name, ingredients etc.  however with use this label loosens slightly.  As it is an open jar would be nice if a ‘spatula’ was included as well.

It is a green cream with a balm type consistency and a light ‘powder like’ fresh fragrance, not overpowering.    When you first apply to the skin feels slightly different to other night creams that I have used due to the consistency.  However it does apply really well and feels like you are applying a ‘barrier’ to protect the skin although does feel slightly tacky at the beginning, does not sink into skin completely.  This is the only slight negative about this product but I personally do not mind because of the results, as in the morning when I wash it off, my skin feels hydrated, smooth to the touch and looks refreshed with a slight healthy glow.    I also mix with my Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask when I am using it as a nightly treatment and I find this enhances the results even more.

I definitely would recommend trying this seaweed night cream if you can especially if you have dehydration concerns and / or are looking for an extra boost for your skin, as I found this product is perfect for that and it is  so easy to fit into your ‘usual’ skincare routine as well and perfect for all ages.      However if you are near any stores that stock Mario Badescu products check if you can get a sample to try first.

Although I personally am not a fan of the Mario Badescu cleanser I did purchase the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (29ml £16) (spot treatment for pimples / whiteheads) as well recently and although have been v lucky and have not needed to use it too much, as my Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask helps avoid too many breakouts, I have been impressed with results to date – will do a full review when I get a chance to try for a longer period of time, however would recommend checking out this product in meantime if you are prone to breakouts.

Look forward to any comments you may have.   Love to hear if you have tried this product before and if so do you enjoy using it 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 during, or end of the week.

Thank you – take care & enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Review: Birchbox UK January 2018 & 2 for 1 Offer

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend.

My review on my January birch box is later this month as my first box arrived damaged and although Birchbox v kindly arranged a replacement promptly it took a little while to arrive due to weather conditions etc.  However although late I decided to go ahead and post short review as currently Birchbox has a great offer on, until 31st January 2018 or while stocks last (more about that at end of this post).

Theme of this month’s box is ‘OHH DEER’ – this month Birchbox have teamed up with Ohh Deer, a quirky British stationery brand.    Love the design of the box 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 every subscriber received a FULL SIZE  Lord & Berry Blusher Crayon.   A product  / beauty information booklet, offer and the following four products were also included in my box:


Lord & Berry Blusher Crayon in Camelia  – Full size RRP £15 – Camelia is a lovely dusky pink colour and the pencil application leaves it very easy to apply, however I find when you apply sideways it applies more gently onto the skin.  Blends out very easily and leaves a lovely fresh gently colour to the cheeks.  Not as long-lasting so some of my other blushes but do not mind as so easy to reapply – definitely will use and I am glad I received in the shade Camelia as perfect for my skin tone – the other shade you may receive is Peach;

 

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Charcoal Deluxe Sample  – Full Size RRP £10.99 (reduced to £4.40 on Birchbox.co.uk) – I am always happy to see eyeliners included as one of my favourite makeup items.  I received an eyeliner before from this brand in an earlier Birchbox and although I find them quite creamy, easy to apply I do not find them as long-lasting as other brands.  However I do like this dark grey shade so will definitely use over a black liner for added definition – though do not think I would purchase;

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Benefit Cosmetics the Pore Professional Pearl Primer (3ml sample )- 7.5ml £10.50 this is a small sample of the new primer from Benefit.  It is pearl / soft pink version of the original Pore Professional.  States…‘helps skin look bright, boosted & awake’.  It is the same consistency and the only slight difference I see that it does give a v slight brightness to the skin as well.  Although a small sample does not take that much product each time -I will use this but not that impressed that I would go on and purchase – however still a great way to try although I personally do not see a lot difference from the original;

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Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (Sample Size 15ml ) Full Size 100ml RRP £48  – although this is only a sample size, will still last a long time because you need so little product each time.   Has a  fragrance but not too overpowering.   I had never heard of this brand before and although only tried for a short time I am very impressed already.  It states will condition, add shine, tame frizz and care of scalp.   I have used small amounts on both wet hair prior to styling and afterwards as a final step and have found it definitely seems to help smooth the lengths of the hair and also to keep hair smooth throughout the day.  I have also applied a small amount to the ends after being outside when it has been windy/raining slightly and it helped straight away to tame the ends of my hair.  This product definitely has exceeded my expectations and although the RRP is quite steep I would definitely consider purchasing especially if I see an offer on – my favourite item out of this months box;

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Afterspa Amazing Makeup Remover– Full Size  RRP £5.50 – again another brand I had not heard of before.  This is a soft cloth that when washed in the washing machine first, prior to using states ‘will break down impurities and remove all types of makeup with water alone and lasts up to 1,000 washes’.  Although I found it does remove makeup ok after you have removed your eye make first with a micellar water/cotton pads, which I always do anyway with any cleanser, I still find it hard to get used to as although my skin looks clean unless I use my own cleanser as well I do not feel my skin is clean enough. Therefore although I would still use this I would only use as  a double cleanse routine, this first and then fully cleanse my skin with my L’Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil. 
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  Next Month’s (February) Sneak Peek:

 

I am happy with this month’s box as a good variety of products and I am delighted to have discovered at least one new product that I would go on and purchase the Charlotte Mensah Hair Oil.  As well as being a treat each month that is one of the main reasons I love receiving beauty boxes, is discovering new products, brands.  I am not that excited with the sneak peek item above for next month’s box but hoping there is a good mix of other products as well.

 

BIRCHBOX OFFER

I definitely would recommend checking out Birchbox if you haven’t already as currently until 31st January 2018 or while stocks last you can get two boxes for £10, the January box and another surprise box (probably selection of items from 2017 boxes) when you enter code HAPPY at checkout – link here – only for new subscribers on rebillable subscriptions. 

I do not think you can use this offer with the offer above but if above offer is over when you see this post and you are still 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.    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.  I will have more posts up later today or tomorrow.

Thank you – enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: CC Beauty Box – January 2018

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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