Category: Blog

Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask

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Another one of my favourite products from the Antipodes range is their Manuka Honey Mask 75ml for £22.99.   The Manuka Honey Mask contains Manuka Honey Active 20+, Pohutukawa Bloom & Vanilla Pod, is vegetarian society approved and is described as  a luscious mask that leaves skin soothed and intensively hydrated.  Manuka Honey has potent antibacterial properties to cleanse and help clear blemishes and suited to most skin conditions especially blemish prone.   I had seen v good reviews on-line about this mask approximately a year ago and as I love masks and had been trying to find a mask that I really loved / not just liked  I thought I would give it a try and I am so, so glad I did. 

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The mask has a beautiful creamy consistency with a fresh, natural,  calming and relaxing fragrance – not overpowering.    You are advised to smooth thick layers of the creamy mask over your face and neck at sunset twice a week or as skin calls, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm, pure water, also ideal for blemishes as they arise.   I applied, as advised and I was so, so impressed with results, no uncomfortable tightening feeling on the skin and it left my skin clear, refreshed, smooth and hydrated (continues to do so).  I also applied over blemishes / slight irritations and was so impressed as the mask soothed any redness and helped clear blemishes up so quickly.

I personally find using this mask on a regular basis in conjunction with the Antipodes Divine Face Oil (please see my earlier post) that I now have very little breakouts / blemishes and my skin looks a lot clearer / hydrated too.    I also now apply the mask as soon as I realise  / think a blemish is going to appear,  overnight if required, and either the blemish has gone by the morning or mask has reduced / soothed any redness and helps to clear the blemish v quickly.

I would definitely recommend trying this mask, especially if you are prone to slight blemishes, dryness  as I personally love it and now always have a tube in my bathroom cabinet.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

Glossybox – July 2016

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I received my July Glossybox  on Monday and only got opening it today – it is a monthly 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 (occasionally products are sent in limited edition / collaboration boxes). Currently you can get two boxes for £10 (plus p&p), the July Glossybox  and a free surprise box (while stocks last).  You can also sign up through my referral link Glossyboxreferral.   Glossybox also occasionally have limited edition boxes available which you can purchase as a one off box (no subscription) – they have one currently available (while stocks last) for £24 (plus p&p) if you are interested.

I resisted the urge to have a sneak peek at the spoilers this month so was v pleased to see that all this months products were full size items.   Also included in this months box is the usual product  / beauty information card which also contains discount offers/codes,  and the following five products – pictures / slide show below:

  • UTAN Nourishing Night Cream (for a gradual even facial tan)  -25ml – £12.50– (looking forward to trying this product as sounds very similar to the James Read facial tan product I currently use – although is says facial I also use it on my neck and bust and works well so will try the same with this product);
  • Hawailan Tropic Lip Gloss in Island Berry SFP 25 –20ml =£6.99 – (looking forward to trying this properly but initial thoughts are it  has a lovely not too overpowering fruity fragrance, is not sticky, leaves a nice sheen on the lips);
  • Icona Milano Waterproof Emotion Allowed Black Mascara – 10 ml – £13.04 – (I have not heard of this brand so looking forward to using it.  It is  described as being water, sweat and humidity resistant making it a faultless choice for any occasion – hope it lives up to all these claims);
  • Hairon De Tangling Brush – £6.99 – (another brand I am not familiar with, a summery colour and handy handbag size); and last but definitely not least
  • Blank Canvas F20 Flat Brush– £11.99 – (yet again another brand I am not familiar with – Glossybox doing well this month – love this brush already, so soft but firm at the same time and the colour of the handy is absolutely gorgeous, cerise pink with slight metallic shimmer – cannot wait to use).

I am very pleased with this months selection, as all are full size items, great selection of products, brands, including three new brands for me.  I am really looking forward to trying all these products especially the brush, mascara and lipgloss but still hoping to have even more makeup items in next months box.

*SPOILER* – As it is Glossybox fifth birthday next month,  Glossybox are celebrating with a special collaboration with Rae Feather – the August box is also going to contain a MUA eyeshadow palette – those already subscribed are able to make their selection (choice of colours) by the 14th July otherwise Glossybox will make the choice for you based on your profile.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

All Boxed Up ‘Box’

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‘All Boxed Up ‘ Media is a supplier of promotional boxes / consumer offers and maybe one you are not aware of as I only became aware of their offers approximately a year ago through a promotional ‘Telegraph’ beauty offer.  It is not a subscription service but has regular promotional offers available which include a variety of brands (skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrances etc.).  Currently when you look at their site they only have two promotional offers available but this varies and once you sign up, order, you will be emailed when exclusive promotional offers are available which you can advantage off while stocks last.  Delivery times vary and contents come in tissue paper in an outer cardboard box.

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Therefore when details of this exclusive offer were emailed to me, I could not resist as it was  £16.49 (inc p&p) for £109.50 worth of products and two of the items I had already tried and loved and the other three I was curious about so looked forward to trying.  I ordered on the 29th June 2016 and received on 8th July so very quick delivery this time (sometimes despatch can be slow but any boxes I have ordered have always arrived).

Included were the following products (pictures / slide show below):- however no information cards / booklets are included but overview of products always included in the ‘All boxed Up’ email / online site:

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  • Polaar Instant Radiance Serum (Iceperfect) – 30ml (full size) –  £44.99 – cannot wait to try this – only recently became aware of this brand;
  • James Read Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face – 25 ml – £12.50 – this is a product I already own and love, leaves your skin with a natural tan and so easy to use;
  • Percy & Reed No Fuss Flawlessness Dry Conditioner – 150ml (full size) – £12 – Although I personally do not like dry shampoos – intrigued to try this conditioner;
  • Bellapierre Mineral Lipstick In Ruby – 3.5g (full size) – £20 – I already own this and love the consistency – so creamy and a beautiful colour – you can regularly find this range on special offer although I feel that Bellapierre are not given enough credit for the quality of their products, especially lipsticks and some of their eye shadows; and
  • Bellapierre Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Ebony  (full size) – £20 – my initial thoughts are good strong colour, easy to apply, slightly smudgeable.

Good variety / value  of products for the price. I would definitely recommend keeping a look out on the All Boxed Up site as offers change pretty regularly (although some of the same products can be included in different offers).

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

Best Wishes Liz x

Birchbox – July 2016

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I received my July Birchbox at the weekend – it is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Five personalised beauty treats are included each month and as this month’s box is in collaboration with  Millie Mackintosh, a Full Size LOC x Millie Mackintosh Lip Pencil is included in every box.  If you are interested,  you can sign up  through my referral link www.birchbox.co.uk/invite and you will receive £5 worth of Birchbox points and currently if you use the code BERRY at checkout you will receive a FREE full-size Lord & Berry Smudgeproof Eye Pencil in black (worth £13!) – while stocks last.  (However please remember this may be sent separately).

Included in this months box is the usual product  / beauty information booklet, a drawstring bag (which the products come in and I love as very handy to store items and to take with you on holidays / short breaks etc)  and the following five products  based on my profile – pictures / slide show below:

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  • John Frieda Frizz Ease Anti Frizz Primer  100ml (full size) –  £9.99 – (there was a choice available this month, either the primer or a luxurious volume 7 day volume in-shower hair treatment – Birchbox emailed to ask preference – if you do not reply Birchbox will make the choice for you based on your profile);
  • LOC x Millie Ultra Gloss Lip Pencil in Bohemian Rose– 2.5 g (full size) =£9;
  • Elemis Hydra Nourish Night Cream – 15 ml (full size =£43 for 50 ml);
  • Nails Inc Mini – 4ml (full size= £12 – £15 for 10 ml) – different shades – (although I do like receiving nail polishes I would have preferred another makeup item instead as have so many nail polishes at the moment); and
  • Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask– 1 x mask 20 ml – (full size -£19.99 for 4)).

I love the box design this month and I am very pleased with this months selection although only two full size items still great value and a good mix of makeup, skincare and haircare products which I am happy to receive although in future boxes I am hoping I will receive more makeup up items .

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

Best Wishes Liz x

Libbie Club Box – July 2016

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Libbie Club (libbie.club) is a beauty box with a difference that I receive on a monthly basis.  I receive it totally free* by reviewing / sharing reviews on each product and as long as a purchase is made via my recommendations I am then sent the following months box free for review purposes again (each box usually contains 3 full size items).  When I first joined there was no charge, you had to wait to you were invited (by Libbie Club) but currently dependant on stock availability you can pay for your first box.

Was impressed when I received the July 2016 box as it contained the following three full size items (worth £53.45 – prices of products may vary online so could work out cheaper):

Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion – 300 ml – £20.00

Although I have tried products from this brand before I had never tried this body lotion – it is described as blend of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary essential oils, formulated with shea and cocoa butters to give you that silky smooth feeling very time you apply and leaves your skin energised and smelling fantastic.  I found this thick body lotion did leave my skin soft, smooth and feeling revitalised and fragrance was / is not too overpowering for me but could be an issue if you are not fond of ginger fragrances.

Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub with Skin Loving Coconut Oil – 220g – £14.95

This is a brand and product I had heard of before but had never got round to trying so was happy to see it included in this months box.   It is described as an all-natural scrub created with ingredients like robusta coffee beans, coconut oil, organic cacao and Himalayan pink roc salt to stimulate blood flow.   You are advised to ‘get wet’, rub a large handful of scrub in circular massage motions focusing on problem areas, leave to dry for five minutes and finish with a quick rinse.  I used this product as directed and although I found it a bit messy to use, it did leave my skin smooth and soft and as long as you do not use too much product the coffee smell is not too overpowering and you find the coconut fragrance coming through which I like.

New CID Cosmetics Smoulder Smokey Eye Pencils and Shadow  – (0.5g) – £18.50.

As I love eye makeup products especially, could not wait to try this – it is described as an easy to use dual ended eyeshadow pencil.  On one side is a soft cream shadow with sponge applicator and the other side is a twist up eyeliner in a complimentary shade to finish off your look.  You are advised to outline your eyes with the eyeliner end and then blend in the eye shadow with the super soft tip for sultry smoky eyes.  I received the silver shade in this product, found both very easy to apply, loved the colour and found although they did last well needed to reapply during the day.

The Libbie Club currently have offers available on these products (and offers on items from previous boxes) – please check out my page to read my reviews on these and previous products and take advantage of any offers.

Have already seen a preview of next months products which I cannot wait to receive / try as have never heard of any of the brands / tried any products from their ranges.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

*Products received free for review.

YOU Beauty Box – July 2016

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Delighted to receive my July 2016 YOU beauty box (http://box.you.co.uk/) today  – so many good products this month  and therefore more difficult to choose, (please see my first / previous YOU beauty box post for details of how to subscribe and shortlist / selection of products to choose from this month) however I finally selected / received the following two products:

 Illamasqua Precision Ink eyeliner in Abyss (black) – 3 ml    

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FULL SIZE = £20.50 

States on information booklet (an information booklet is always included each month): ‘precision ink creates perfect lines with its long-lasting water proof formula – the ultra fine tip also makes a great nail art pen’

My initial thoughts are the eyeliner is highly pigmented , long-lasting and water proof but not sure about the ‘precision’ element as not as smooth a line as I expected but this could be due in part to me comparing it to my normal slightly thicker eyeliner.  Cannot wait to try it for some nail art too.

Aethic L’Air Bien Remarkable re-hydration in flight face & hand cream – 30 ml

FULL SIZE  RRP = £24.00

States on the information booklet ‘an organic cream packed with goodies including gogi berry, amaranth oil and other natural ingredients to restore the skin and naturally retain moisture’.

 It has a thick white cream consistency with a v, v light fragrance, I am intrigued by this product and cannot wait to try.

Plus the extras included in this month’s box are a St Tropez New Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion in Medium (50ml), a £2 off St Tropez coupon and a White Rabbit skincare £10 gift card.

I was over the moon with my box / choices and extras this month – excellent value – this is a box I would definitely recommend trying if you can because of the value of products / cost of box – subscriptions start at £6.95.   However always remember if you interested in specific products need to make your choice early as some products sell out pretty quickly as was the case already this month for three of the products.

Thank you for looking – any comments / queries please let me know – would love to know what you chose too if you are already subscribed.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Box of Style Summer 2016 – The Zoe Report

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The  Zoe Report Box of Style is a US seasonal box (4 boxes per year) which costs $100 per box (I was lucky to have a $20 code that I was able to redeem against my first box) and contains a variety of items (could be clothing, accessories, skincare, jewellery, makeup etc.).  The contents of each seasonal box  are different and contain around six items, one of which is a high value ‘hero’ item – could be jewellery, a bag etc.  International shipping is now available to the UK  for a flat rate of  $15 per box / shipment.  (full details on subscription(s) / shipping can be found at http://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/)

I was over the moon when I received my Summer 2016 box as had resisted the temptation to look at spoilers on-line so everything within the box was a surprise.  An added bonus is that when you receive the black magnetic box, all the items within the box are wrapped separately in black tissue paper so you can enjoy / prolong the surprise with each separate unwrapping.

Included within the Summer box were the following items & information booklet (see photos below):

  • The ‘Hero’ Item – A gorgeous Luv AJ Lariat Necklace and Open Ring Set = $190;
  • A beautiful colourful and versatile Michael Stars Coverup = $58;
  • YHF Los Angeles Brown Sunglasses with pouch – (I feel these sunglasses would suit most shapes too) – $40;
  • Quai Haircare Wave Spray – perfect for the beach / summer = $12;
  • Dreamdry The Dream black turban / towel – perfect product especially for long hair = $30; and
  • Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturiser – beautiful lightweight moisturiser which smells divine = $38

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I was so impressed and v happy with the items within this seasons box, not just because the total value of items was $368 but because the quality and variety of products included was fantastic too, the necklace and ring is unusual and beautiful and can be worn casual or for a special occasion / night out etc, the coverup is gorgeous, bright colourful and lightweight, the sunglasses are the perfect colour and shape and the moisturiser, hair spray and turban are also the perfect everyday summer items too.  I would definitely recommend trying at least one of these boxes if you can.

My referral link for Box of Style: – http://fbuy.me/d34vC

Direct link to Zoe Report Box of Style site: https://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

Pommade Divine – Nature’s Remedy Balm

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I only became aware of Pommade Divine (Nature’s Remedy Balm) approximately a year ago when I was looking through products online to see if there were any other products out there that could compare with one of my favourite products, the  multi purpose Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream (really a thick gel / salve).  When I found Pommade Divine and saw it was recorded as being a multi purpose remedy,  based on a 200 year old British recipe I was v curious so just had to try it to see how good it actually was.

The full size comes in a 50 ml screw top jar, is £19.80 and available on a number of online stores including https://www.birchbox.co.uk/, https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/ and https://www.lovelula.com/t/brands/pommade-divine (no specific offers on at the moment , but remember to always shop around if you thinking of purchasing – may also be available in-store as well but none available locally where I live). It states on the back of the jar that ‘it is a natural multi purpose remedy which helps to quickly soothe calm and protect skin, sensitive skin’.

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It is a honey colour thick salve with a delicate almost antiseptic scent of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg which I love and although not an overpowering fragrance may not be for everyone.  I found you need very little of this product, it lasts for a long time and I personally think it is definitely a multi purpose product and is on the same level as the Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream.  I used as a treatment for a number of ailments and found it was  / is perfect for cuticles, slight scratches / grazes,  irritated areas of skin, patches of dry skin and left my skin hydrated no adverse reaction and cleared any discomfort / skin irritations within a day or two.   I have seen reviews that state it is also perfect for the lips but I personally did not find it as good for my lips as the  Ultrasun lipbalm (please see my post on this for more details).    The one negative about this product is the screw top jar – not as hygienic as a tube.    Although I would still definitely recommend this product as a multi-purpose handbag / bathroom cabinet essential.

Thank you for looking – any comments / queries please let me know.

Best wishes Liz x

Lookfantastic Beauty Box – July 2016

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I was delighted when I arrived home this wet Monday evening and saw my July Lookfantastic beauty box had arrived (www.lookfantastic.com) – it is a monthly subscription box which costs £15 per month (inc p&p) or from £11.25 for a 12 month subscription (if you are signed up to topcashback.co.uk you can also obtain cashback by subscribing to the Lookfantastic beauty box via the topcashback site http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/kellyl).

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

  • Bellapierre Pink Lip & Cheek Stain – 5g (full size) –  £12.99
  • Nuxe Shimmer Multi Purpose Dry Oil – 10 ml (full size =£19 for 50 ml);
  • Thisworks in transit camera close up primer – 20 ml (full size =£30 for 40 ml);
  • MiTi hair tie x 3 (full size) = £4.95;
  • Silk anti frizz cream – 15 ml – (full size -30 ml but unable to find RRP for this alone);
  •  and
  • New Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Light (no 2) – 0.11g (full size = £18.50 for 0.34g) – (Please see my review on this product – love it so although I already have it – pleased to receive another one)

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I am very pleased with this months selection although only two full size items still great value and a good mix of makeup, skincare and haircare products which I am happy to see as although last few months boxes have been excellent value too they have been more skincare related and I love to either see a good mix of products / or more makeup items included (my personal preference) – also the addition of the Elle magazine I feel is a great idea (has been included in the last few months boxes too) as I just love relaxing when I get the chance with a good magazine as I am sure you can see from my magazine offers post.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

The New Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

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Benefit is another of my favourite makeup brands – especially their eyebrow products and I was excited when I seen they were bringing out a new range of brow products -see photo below – which has now launched.

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Therefore I was over the moon when I seen that a travel size (0.11g) of the new Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil was free with the July 2016 issue of Elle magazine – you may still get it in some retailers as the August 2016 edition is not out yet but be quick as the August issue should be out v soon also please also see my monthly magazine offer post(s) which might help you not miss out on any future magazine / beauty offers that are of interest to you.

I was lucky enough to receive the correct shade for me with the  magazine – shade 2 (light) as this is light brown / taupe – perfect for me – however the brow pencil is available in six shades – please see details below and swatch of the shade  I received (the full size also has a spoolie brush at one end is 0.34g and RRP is £18.50):

My initial thoughts were I love, love the packaging, futuristic but very stylist and elegant.  I followed the instructions and used the pointed end of the twist up pencil to define my eyebrows and I then I jut used the wide tip to fill my eyebrows in – perfect for filling in any spaces or uneven brows  – I was v happy with results, my brows looked shaped, natural and colour was perfect for me and although  I needed to swipe pencil few times at the beginning the product glided on smoothly after that and you can build the colour up the more product you put on. I also found that although the product was long wearing it is smudgeable for a short period after application.    I definitely intend to purchase again but as always will look out for the best offers available at the time – have included some online sites where offers are available at the moment but as always shop around online or in store for best offers before purchasing – hope this helps.

  • Debenhams: – http://www.debenhams.com/ – £18.50 – free mini It’s Potent, mini Porefessional and mini Boi-ing with 2 or more Benefit purchases and remember your beauty card points too;
  • Boots: – http://www.boots.com/ – £18.50 –  golden gate passport cover  (online orders only) with any three selected Benefit purchases and currently there is also a free beauty box offer on at Boots with purchases of £50 or over and remember your advantage card points too;
  • Benefit: – https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb – £18.50 – currently a choice of a number of offers available including a choice of a mini and bag with £40 or over spend.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x