Category: Blog

Review: Birchbox UK – May 2018

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.  I received my May Birchbox last Thursday.  Theme of this month’s box is ‘Palm Leaves & Warm Breeze’.

The colourful design / pattern of the box is definitely in line with this month’s theme.

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 box contains a sample size of the Doucce Luscious Lip Stain – subscribers were able to choose from two shades, Steaming Red or Amber Rose (I chose Amber Rose).   A product  / beauty information booklet and the following four products were also included in my box:

Doucce Luscious Lip Stain – ‘Amber Rose’ (deluxe sample / travel size)  Full Size RRP £21– tried a number of items from this brand before and have found them quite good.   I chose Amber Rose as it a dusky pink which is one of my favourite lip colours.  It has good pigmentation, looks and feels creamy on the lips, applies v easily, only slight transfer, does not feel drying on the lips either which is great. It also lasts really well, although to maintain true colour need to apply few times during the day, evening.    Initial thoughts are that I would definitely consider purchasing full size in this colour and other shades as well.

 

Greenfrog Botanic Geranium & Peppermint Botanical Bodywash – (sample size 50ml)  300ml RRP £8.95  – always happy to see body washes in boxes as useful to have, but quite a small sample to receive considering the full size is 300ml.  However this fragrance is not really for as don’t like peppermint/mint fragrances in skincare products, this one is also quite strong too.  Although it does have a nice creamy consistency and cleanses the skin ok but has not impressed me that much to consider purchasing in another fragrance.

 

Native Unearthed Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm (15g – sample size) Full Size 60ml RRP £7.99 – I was happy to see this in my box to try however when I received my box the lid was off the jar and only 1/4 left in jar.  However it does smell fresh and feels good/gentle on the skin but still not that confident with these types of deodorants, have tried few times but still unsure how it would last throughout an ‘active’ day so need to try for a longer period to confirm results – if impressed and would consider purchasing will post a separate review.

Marcelle New Age Precision 8-in-1 Power Serum (Sample Size 7ml) Full Size 30ml RRP £27 – I have not got trying this properly yet as already trying another serum – however does feel good on the skin, it has a creamy type gel that feels a bit like a primer on the skin. It states ‘that it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms and lifts the skin, creates a smooth, radiant complexion and without any parabens, gluten or added fragrance’.  If it delivers on these claims I will post a separate review.

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Eyeko London Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black (deluxe sample size 1.2g)  FULL SIZE 2g RRP £16:  I have already used this eyeliner a number of times and think it is very similar to the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, it has a precise tip, it is a strong black colour, only slight difference is at times I feel it does just not last as well – however still happy to see included as I personally can never have too many good black eyeliners;

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Although not too excited with this month’s box still good value and will use at least four out of the five items which is quite good.

 

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I am hoping for an even better box next month – good start with the sneak peak below.

SPOILER:  June Sneak Peek (below) is a ella EDEN Compact Eyeshadow in either Faith or Julia (Julia looks similar to my favourite Mac eyeshadow in ‘Shroom’) – subscribers will receive an email to enable us to choose which colour.

If you subscribe during MAY for your first Birchbox you will get two FREE LOC One & Done Shadow Sticks (worth £16), while stocks last.  Just need to use the code PAIR at checkout.
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 during and / or end of the week.

Hope you have a really enjoyable week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Magazine Freebies – June 2018

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Hi Everyone

Few magazine freebies this month already.    As always I will update post when or if there are any further magazine freebies throughout the month.

Marie Claire  = £4.20 – FREE Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream (50ml), worth £10 with the magazine this month.  There also is an Aveeno Daily Moisturising Sample Sachet (10ml) and fragrance sample ‘slips’, inside magazine.

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No free gift with subscription this month but always usually an offer on so just keep checking online for more Free Gift with subscription offers.

Tatler = £4.70 – £15 Espa Gift Voucher Card comes with this month’s magazine. However you do need to spend at least £60 before you get the £15 off – but still a good offer if you intended to purchase something anyway.

Also currently when you subscribe to Tatler you will receive a FREE Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Sensitive Eyes Serum (15ml) worth £30 and 12 issues of Tatler for £29.90 – if this offer has finished by the time you read this, always usually an offer on so just keep checking online for more Free Gift with subscription offers.

In addition there is a pair of sunglasses FREE with next month’s edition of Tatler, July edition (choice of three colours – preview below) – on sale 31 May 2018.

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

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.

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

Best Wishes Liz xx

SpaceNK FREE Gift with Purchase(s)-May 2018

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Hello Everyone

Just to let you know the lastest SpaceNK FREE Gift with Purchase is now available online and in-store while stocks last – ‘The Explorer Gift’.  When you spend £175, or over (excludes gift cards, sale items and delivery charges) and enter the code EXPLORER18 at checkout you will receive a FREE gift worth over £450 (photo below), while stocks last. Gift contains 30 holiday essentials and a special edition passport cover.

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SpaceNK have partnered with the luxury lifestyle brand Aspinal of London, to give us this special-edition passport cover, which can be personalised with our initials. We just need to visit any standalone Aspinal of London store to receive our complimentary embossing. Concessions excluded.  You can find out full details what is in the gift via the link here.

I definitely would recommend taking a look at the SpaceNK site and although I understand it is a large spend, the FREE gift is impressive so if you had intended to treat yourself or get a number of gifts anyway,  it is a good time to get them if you can while this free gift is available.

As advised before I do like the selection of brands / products available in Space NK – although as always I try to purchase when gifts with purchase, special offers are on.  I also love the extras you receive when you sign up to their N.dulge scheme as well – you  receive / can collect a free gift in store on / in the month of your birthday (just need to remember to enter your details – usually will receive an email to remind / advise you when to collect your gift), special offers throughout the year and money off once you obtain enough points from purchases, which can be redeemed online or in store.

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

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Credit: Insert – Space NK.com

 

Review: Back to M∙A∙C ‘Recycle/Reward’ Program

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Hi Everyone

Just in case you are not aware, wanted to let you know about the M∙A∙C Cosmetics Recycling / Reward ‘Back to M∙A∙C Program’, another ‘beauty’ recycle/reward scheme that I think is great.

So easy to be rewarded for recycling as all you need to do is return six empty M∙A∙C ‘full size’ primary containers to a M∙A∙C counter or M∙A∙C Cosmetics online and then you will receive a FREE M∙A∙C lipstick of your choice as a thank you.   You can find out more details about the recycle / reward scheme here or by asking in store.

As 100% of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipsticks and Lipglass is provided to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS, these are excluded from their ‘recycle / rewards’ program.

 

I understand it may take a while to have six ’empties’ to return but it is still a great way to be rewarded for recycling especially if you purchase a lot of M∙A∙C products already. As I use my ‘hero’ M∙A∙C  eyeshadow in ‘Shroom’ as a base on top of my eye primer most days this helps, meant I recently had a another six empty containers to return / recycle in exchange for a FREE lipstick.  It was perfect timing as my favourite M∙A∙C  Cremesheen lipstick in ‘Hot Gossip‘ (RRP £17.50) was almost finished so I chose to get it as my FREE Lipstick.

I love this lipstick as it is the perfect ‘pink’ shade not too light or dark and as it is in the cremesheen formula so easy to apply and feels so good on the lips, need to reapply a number of times throughout the day but I do not mind this as love it so much.  I also have found that the M∙A∙C PatentPolish Lip Pencil in ‘Kittenish‘ (RRP £18) is the perfect partner as almost the same shade and just gives that extra sheen to the lips, it is beautiful on its own as well, so creamy and comfortable.

Love to know if you have managed to get any products through this recycle / reward scheme yet.  If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

M∙A∙C FREE Gift With Purchase(s) Offer

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Hi Everyone

Wanted to let you know that M∙A∙C Cosmetics FREE Gift with Purchase(s) is still available (worth over £40). When you spend £60 or more on M∙A∙C Cosmetics products online you will receive the following FREE Gift – valid until 14th May 2018 or while stocks last.

Gift 1 (Red) with code FIRE –  you will receive; M∙A∙C Neoprene Makeup Bag, Liptensity Lipstick (full size) in Fire Roasted, Liptensity Lip Pencil (full size) in Fire Roasted, In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash (1g), Strobe Cream (6ml), Prep + Prime Skin (6ml), Cleanse Off Oil (6ml).

Please see photo below of what is in Gift 1 (Code FIRE) and the link here for further details.  There had been another version of this gift available but that one is now out of stock, however as always you will also get one or two more free samples at checkout.

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Hope you found this useful.  If you are not a follower would love you to subscribe / follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Thank you, take care & hope you have a great week.

Best Wishes Liz x

CREDIT – Insert maccosmetics.co.uk

Feelunique – FREE Gift with Purchase(s)

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A short post to let you know Feelunique.com’s new free gift/bag with purchase is now available.  When you spend £100 or over you will get the free gift worth £120 FREE, while stocks last (you can also choose two free samples at checkout as well) – please see photo below of what is in the free goody bag and link here for details.

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I understand it is a high value spend but as always if there are products you need, wanted to try, or have gifts you need to get – good time to get them if you can, while the free gift is still available, also a number of other free gift offers available too – from past experience the free gift / bag does not last long.

Also remember to claim your cashback on any Feelunique purchases – if you are not already signed up for cashback, you can sign up via my link here.    If you would like to see more details on ‘cashback’ please see my earlier post here.  In addition if you are new to Feelunique and use my link / referral code at checkout you should receive a code to enable you to get £10 off your first purchase.

Hope you found this useful – welcome any comments you may have.

Thank you for reading – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

 

Review: Travalo Travel Fragrance Spray Atomiser(s)

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Hello Everyone

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

I wanted to let you know about another ‘accessory’ type of item I find so useful and am never without, the Travalo Travel Fragrance Spray Atomiser (5ml).

Although I think my favourite perfume bottles are gorgeous, especially my two current favourite (have been for a while) fragrances,  the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess and Antonia Flowers Tiempe Passate,  they both are glass bottles, quite ‘bulky’ (unfortunately neither come in travel sizes here).  Therefore this means I prefer not to carry them in  my bag on a daily basis for a number of reasons; worried they might break, they are quite heavy, take up room and really not suitable for smaller bags, so was delighted when I discovered the travalo travel spray atomisers, the perfect solution.

The Travalo atomiser is available in different designs, sets, and prices start from approximately £10-12.49 but you can get the ‘plainer’ designs for less than this if you shop around – currently The Perfume Shop have a number reduced, though few of these are now out of stock online but if you live close by theperfumeshop recommend calling in to see if they have any of the ‘reduced’ versions left in stock.

The Travalo Spray Atomiser is so easy to use, can be refilled in seconds from a standard fragrance bottle and is perfect for nights out, travelling as well – so compact.

All you need to do is:
  • Remove your own perfume bottle spray head;
  • Take out the Travalo inner bottle from the Case;
  • Put the Travalo inner bottle on top of your own perfume bottle and then pump to fill;
  • Then you are ready to go, spray and enjoy.

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You can find out more details about the Travalo brand, range available via the link here.

 

I definitely recommend checking out the Travalo range if you haven’t already as I find their atomisers so useful and perfect for taking with you; to work, nights out, weddings, travelling, really any time you are out of the house or even in the house.    If you like to use a number of different fragrances you can just get different colours / designs to decant your different fragrances into.  I have already ordered another two atomisers as I give two of mine away to friends (with the Bronze Goddess fragrance in it as they loved it so much – more about this beautiful range in another post v soon). The atomiser version in the photos above I purchased in Sephora last year, note colour will wear off in parts with prolonged use/storing near other items in your bag.

Welcome any comments – also love to know if you use the Travalo Atomisers already, do you find them as useful as me?

Thank you for reading – will have more posts up tomorrow and / or beginning of the week.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and take care.

Best Wishes Liz xx

 

Review: Balmain Paris Silk ‘Hair’ Perfume

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

If you have been following me for a while you will know I love different types of hair products.  One such product is the Balmain Silk Perfume which I use on a regular basis.

Size / Packaging

This beautiful fragrant ‘silk’ hair perfume comes in a see through plastic bottle with a black spray applicator/cap – 200ml RRP £24 or 50ml travel size RRP £9.95.

 

Description

The Balmain Hair’s Silk Perfume is a beautifully fragrance for the hair.

It has a blend of Silk Protein and Argan Oil – stated that this nourishing treatment repairs dry, damaged and weak hair, whilst protecting from environmental aggressors to leave locks sleek, smooth and hydrated.

Can be used as a finishing spray for lustrous shine, or as a leave-in conditioner to detangle hair.

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Application and Results

Advised to:  Spray a small amount onto hair from 25-30cm.  Do not rinse.  Can be used as a leave-in conditioner to detangle hair and enhance shine.


I apply as directed and spray lightly all over my hair, avoiding roots, before I dry it and afterwards as a finishing spray once I have styled applied any oils/serums to the ends.    I adore the results, hair feels soft to the touch and looks smooth, glossy and the smell is divine, my favourite ‘hair’ fragrance but it might have competition v soon for that title as Estee Lauder have just launched a Summer Waves salt spray for the hair, in their ‘Bronze Goddess’ range – more on that v soon.   This ‘silk perfume’ does feel slightly oily but it does not leave your hair feeling heavy or greasy as long as you do not apply to much or too close to your hair.    Although the fragrance does last well I do reapply during the day if I just want to give my hair a freshen up as the fragrance alone is uplifting.  Although I do like using it both ways my favourite is as a finishing spray.

I have both the 200ml and 50ml sizes – I have the 200ml for just over a year and it has lasted so well, still have approximately 1/4 left even though I do use most days as just love the finish and way my hair smells after using it.  The fragrance is also still as strong as when I first opened it which is another plus.

If you have never heard of this product or got round to trying it yet I  would  definitely recommend trying it for yourself if you can as think you will love it as well.  You can find out more about this product here.  You can buy from a number of online stores including:

Have you tried this Silk Hair Spray or anything from the Balmain Hair range before, if so would love to know your thoughts?

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

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

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Review: Feelunique Pick ‘N’ Mix – April 2018

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

I received my latest Feelunique’s Pick ‘N’ Mix  selection early last week  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.

This is a great service and one of the reasons I love it so much is you are not ‘tied’ into a subscription i.e. you do not need to make a selection each month,  only when you see items you like, want to try.

I chose the following items:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (5ml tube) – I already love this product and if you have never used it before it is not really a cream more a thick gel type consistency.  This is the perfect multi-tasking product, can be used as a lip balm, tame your eyebrows, ends of hair, cuticles, irritated skin, the list goes on…  This is the perfect size for my bag to be used as and when needed.  Would definitely recommend trying;

 

Clarins SOS Primer in Universal Light (5ml tube) – this is one of the newer Clarins products, never tried before, it has a creamy glimmer consistency (see photo below tried to show the glimmer), has a light fragrance and leaves a lovely sheen to the skin.  I have used it a few times and although do like the finish not sure about the colour correcting element but would need to use for a longer period of time to confirm results – at this stage do not think would go on and purchase but prolonged use may change my opinion;

 

Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ Smart Nutrient Day Cream (20g tube) – as this was a generous sample size, thought good way to try. I had not heard of this cream and although tried products from this range before none had impressed me enough to go on and purchase yet.  However this cream has already surpassed my expectations, a light creamy/almost mousse type consistency that absorbs into skin giving a matt type finish, also seems to help foundation to look more radiant.  The only one area I have had a problem with is around my nose area, as when I use this cream my foundation on this area is not as smooth, pores are more visible so I have started to just use this cream on all the other areas of my face and my normal moisturiser around the nose area. Although I may not go on and purchase because of this reason I definitely would recommend trying if you have an oilier skin or have no ‘open pores’ issues as think you will enjoy using;

 

Elizabeth Arden Standing Ovation Black Mascara (2.5ml) – Not tried this yet as so many mascaras to use before I do.  However impressed with the sample size, may last as long as a full size mascara because as we know we should only really be using each mascara for approx 3 / 4 months once opened.  Sounds good as states will add volume, help with curl and intensity but as we all know we need to try to see how good it actually is;

 

Nude by Nature Translucent Loose Finishing Powder  (v generous 2g jar) –  this is a really generous sample size.  I adore the Nude by Nature packaging and have enjoyed all their products I have tried to date.  This a fine mill finishing powder and does feel and look good on the skin once applied, does not feel heavy or settle into fines lines and does seem to help makeup last longer.  Initial impressions good but need to use for a longer period of time to confirm results.

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Delighted with my selection this month, a good selection of generous sample size products again this month to enable me to decide whether I like them enough to go on and purchase.  I 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: Love Me Beauty – Phase Zero Eyeshadows / Make-up

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Hi Everyone

As advised last month initially I wasn’t really sure about the changes to the Love Me Beauty  service .  However when I kindly received  a selection of Phase Zero lip products last month to try * I was impressed with the quality of the products so much (you can see my review via link here) I was really looking forward to what was going to be added to the LMB Phase Zero makeup collection this month.  I was over the moon when I seen it was eyeshadows as if you have been following me for a while you will know they are one of my favourite makeup items.

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%. 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.

I was delighted to kindly * receive 12 single eyeshadows and a magnetic closure palette to store them in this month.

I received the following 12 shades (members price £2.90 each RRP £5.90 each);  – as last month, all came in a heavier see through / silver resealable packet in an outer cardboard box as well.

When I opened the package first impressions were v good as loved the selection of colours included, a number of neutral shades with a few ‘stand out colours’ as well.  They looked similar to the MAC un-potted single shadows, quality felt good too, not too powdery and with good pigmentation.  No matt shades but a number with a lovely satin/sheen finish.

I received the following shades (swatches underneath each photo):

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Do like all these shades but the ‘snowball’ shade has a bit more shimmer and a little bit more fall out, would not use just as much but still a lovely colour to have in my collection.


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Love all these four shades although the ‘warm taupe’ shade does have a bit more shimmer as well, although not as much fall out as the ‘snowball’ shade.


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Love all of these four shades and the top one ‘Velvet’ is my favourite out of them all beautiful purple with tones of pink and gold, has a v slight shimmer and looks so stunning on.

I also received the Phase Zero magnetic closure palette for storing the shadows (regular price £10.80 members price £4.80).  Love this palette, it has a  high quality card board type packaging with good quality built-in mirror.  Love the beautiful holographic design and the palette does hold the 12 eyeshadows but it is a tight squeeze, you have to move them slightly to get all of them in. Definitely would recommend getting this palette to hold the Phase Zero eyeshadows or any other eyeshadows / items you may have.



Delighted I received these products to try, v impressed with quality.  I found pigmentation was v good, good coverage,  v slight fall out with some of the shades , satin type finish and all lasted really well throughout the day when I wore as normal with my eyeshadow primer and Mac Shroom eyeshadow underneath.  I do love most of the shades but my favourites are Velvet Party Dress, Bright Light, Banana Beige, Pearl Shimmer, Nude Newbie and Cashmere.  Good selection of base, transition/contour and all over shades.  Although I kindly received these for review consideration I would definitely purchase a number of these and other shades in the range as they are such a good price at only £2.90 each, you can also get a number of the shades in sets which is even better value.

Also love what is available now to pre-order; selection of 11 liquid eye shadows  starting from only £4 for members, they also look gorgeous and love the selection of colours as well.   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 Love Me Beauty have also kindly given me the code LIZC5 for you to use at checkout when you purchase for the first time to enable you to get £5 off your first purchase – thank you in advance if you do use my code as I will also benefit from this.  You can find out more about the new LMB subscription service here.

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 later in the week and / or the weekend.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

* Kindly received for Review.