Review: Milkshake Lifestyling Smoothing Cream

2 Comments

Hi Everyone

Since I ‘started’ on social media last year I have been v lucky and won a number promotional ‘free’ beauty prize draws, competitions.   One of the products I discovered this way was the *Milkshake Lifestyling Smoothing Cream (150ml RRP £15.99 – I was v lucky and actually received 10 tubes as my prize, which I shared with family and friends).    Although I knew of the Milkshake brand which is part of the z-one concept group, an Italian company offering professional hair and beauty products worldwide, I had never used this product before so was delighted to get the opportunity to try.

 

Size / Packaging

This styling cream comes in a squeezable 150ml light green tube with off-white and black writing, although the word Milkshake is hard to make out as it is in an off-white font so it may have been better if the name had been written in a different colour, would make it stand out more.

 img_5640

Description

A styling cream formulated to smooth the cuticle, protect the hair during blow-drying, and give natural support. Keeps hair smoother for longer and counteracts frizz.  Leaves hair soft and shiny without unwanted residue.

Application and Results

Advised to: Use the necessary quantity and apply by distributing over clean, damp hair. Proceed with styling.


The off-white cream when rubbed between your hands turns to a  thick serum type consistency.   It has a light fragrance which is hard to describe, not my favourite haircare fragrance but not overpowering once applied.      As I have long hair I use approximately a ‘grape’ size amount and after smoothing between my finger tips I apply to my damp hair making sure it is distributed evenly and then dry / style as normal.  I am v impressed with results, hair feels soft to the touch and looks smooth, glossy, without any ‘frizz’ and as it takes so little product this tube will last for ages even with using every day.     I also apply a v small amount to the lengths and ends of my hair after styling and any time throughout the day, if needed, to help with humidity / weather conditions, perfect for taming any frizziness, dry ends.    Love this cream as does not leave my hair feeling or looking greasy (although I avoid the root area when applying).  I also love that you do not feel that you have any product in your hair.

I am not sure I would say it keeps my hair smoother longer but that could be due in part to me comparing it to the fantastic results  I already I had gotten with the  ‘Alfaparf Milan Cristalli Liquidi Instant Luminating Serum’ (please see my earlier review here).   I think both products give great results both ways but I also love using both products together; the Milkshake styling cream prior to styling and the Alfaparf serum afterwards on the finished style – Perfect.

Although my tube will last me ages I will definitely be purchasing this product and also intend checking out other products in the range as love the fragrance of the Milkshake conditioning whipped cream, it smells divine.   All my family and friends that I shared this prize with have also been v impressed with the results  (used it on their own and some of their children’s hair) and intend to purchase as well once their tube is finished.

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 and the Milkshake brand here.

Have you tried this cream or anything from the Milkshake 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.

Best Wishes Liz x

*Complimentary product, prize win.

Review: Color Wow Root Cover Up

4 Comments

Hi

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Another one of my hero products is the Wow Color Wow Root Cover Up RRP £28.50 (currently reduced to £20.99 on justmylook.co.uk).  It comes in a palette with a dual ended brush and built-in mirror and is available in 8 shades – please see link here for more details and all the shades available.

cw542_lightkbrowncompact2000_1

Description

Root Cover Up (2.1g) is described as ‘the perfect product for covering up roots and regrowth both quickly and easily and will both camouflage unsightly grey roots and cover up dark regrowth instantly in lightened and highlighted hair – without the use of peroxide!

Also stated that: ‘The powder adheres to hair without being sticky or oily yet also doesn’t have a dulling effect on the hair or make it look dry,  is also water-resistant which means your new colour will last from shampoo to shampoo.   Each Color Wow shade is uniquely formulated using a variety of pigments and reflective particles to ensure it matches your natural hair colour perfectly’.

Directions:

  • Apply to dry hair using the included dual-tipped brush.
  • Start with a small amount of powder and apply to roots or regrowth, beginning at the scalp and working out.
  • Increase amount of powder if necessary and repeat process until all your roots disappear.
  • Ensure you don’t over-apply.

I have naturally light/mid brown hair so I purchased the Light Brown shade and it is the perfect colour for me.  Until recently I was darker at the top going down to a mousey blonde colour, however at my last visit to the hairdresser I got my hair coloured a copper brown colour, but as I wash my hair every day it has now a lighter brown shade with different colours coming through as well.  I usually get my hair done every four / five weeks but at around 3/4 weeks I start seeing regrowth at the roots, at the sides, so need help with this until my next visit to the hairdressers.

Application / Results

I apply as advised with the smaller brush, making sure not too use too much product at a time, you can add more if you need to and then brush through with the larger brush.   It helps camouflage grey (or any colour) roots (covers completely), dark regrowth  so quickly and easily without any mess and with no fragrance either.   It is also water-resistant, although cannot confirm how many days it would actually last as I wash my hair each day but still looks good the next day.   It definitely isn’t sticky, doesn’t make my hair look dry and is not noticeable if you apply properly. Also love this is a brush on powder as I find it handier, quicker to use than the cover up sprays / wands.

As I think this is a great product I recommend checking it out for yourself if you are concerned with regrowth, either grey or darker root regrowth – perfect for all ages.  This compact is so handy to take with you and with a built-in mirror it so easy to touch up wherever you are.    I have had my palette for ages, (as you can see below it is well-loved), as you don’t need much product but if you wanted to cover larger areas, have a heavier regrowth or do not get your hair coloured as often it should still last you a long time.

I would love to know if you have used this product before, and if so, do you think it is as good as me?

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

Take care and hope you have a fantastic week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Insert Photo Credit (first photo) – colorwowhair.com.

 

 

 

Lulu Guinness X Lookfantastic Limited Edition Makeup Bag

4 Comments

Hi Everyone

Just  wanted to let you know about another newly launched  Limited Edition collection, the ‘Lulu Guinness X Lookfantastic Makeup Bag’ which costs £65 (with free p&p and worth £191).

11573655-1384536428321505

 

Included in the Limited Edition Lulu Guinness X Lookfantastic set are the following selection of Full and sample size items:

  • MAC SemiSweet x 9 Palette (Full-Size) –  This eyeshadow palette is a mix of neutral and dark shades – love the look of this palette;
  • MAC Mini Mascara (1ml) –  Great way of trying out this cult mascara if you haven’t yet – love MAC mascaras so this is perfect size for my handbag;
  • Aveda Hair Thickening Tonic (Full-Size) –  stated for full, luscious and healthy locks this winter, spritz this lightweight tonic on towel-dried hair – have tried this before and I think it is a quite good product for fine hair but need to try for longer period to see how good it really is;
  • Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins (Full-Size) –  This mineral-enriched moisturiser is an overnight facial treatment – haven’t tried this product properly yet;
  • GlamGlow Mini Supermud Mask (15ml) –  states tackle breakouts with this purifying and detoxifying clay mask – do like this product and I found it does help with breakouts.
  • Darphin Mini Face Oil (10ml) –  Chance to test this exclusive product launch before it hits shelves – exciting; and
  • Clinique High Impact Mascara (8g) –  A volumising mascara that states includes a specially developed brush to help create a ‘high impact’ and defined look – not my favourite mascara but still quite good.

11573655-1334536421622340

 

The Lulu Guinness Makeup Bag looks beautiful and think this is what makes this collection extra special.  Although states is a makeup bag, I think it would be perfect as a small clutch as well.  This set would make the perfect gift but you could also split up into a number of different gifts and maybe keep the bag for yourself.    Only one downside as always with Limited Collections you do not seem to be able to use any discount, free gifts codes with this item but if you decide to purchase remember to claim cash back on your purchase – if not signed up already to TopCashback.co.uk please consider using my link here if  signing up and thank you in advance if you do.  You can find out more details and purchase this set from Lookfantastic.com, while stocks last.

Best Wishes Liz x

*Inserted Photos – Credit Lookfantastic.com

Review: Stylist Live Event – November 2017

4 Comments

Hi Everyone

I hope you all had a good weekend.

As you know as part of my passion for beauty and fashion I love attending beauty and fashion events and one event I have been wanting to attend for the last few years has been the Stylist Live event, held each year usually over three days in England – you can find out more details here.  Stylist Live is more than a beauty & fashion event, it helps bring the Stylist magazine to life across three days of experts, interviews, comedy, food, beauty and fashion exclusives.

As dates suited myself and my daughter this year I could not resist and bought the VIP tickets for us both.

These are the different ticket options available – details below, however always check what offers are on as you usually can get really good offers on tickets at the beginning, nearer the dates (if available) i.e. two for one etc. which is particularly good value on the Gold VIP tickets, (I got my tickets at the beginning).

 

buy-tickets-9-922x1024

This year Stylist Live was held in the Olympia London from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November; Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 6pm and we attended on the  Friday  and as we were staying in London and only approximately a 10 minute walk from the venue we arrived at the start and as we were in no rush leaving, we did not mind the long queues for treatments.

 

If you a VIP ticket once you arrive and show your ticket (handy to just show on phone) you receive a VIP badge to wear round your neck throughout the day to gain excess to the VIP area which has additional offers, treatments available and where you get your goodie bag (we did not collect our gorgeous treats until the end of the day as bag was  packed with beautiful goodies).  If you have a VIP ticket remember to book your THRIVE event as soon as you see the one you want as the more popular ones go quickly e.g. Russell Brand and Fearne Cotton slots were fully booked really quickly.

Once you get inside you then have access to everything, as shown above, and can go round each ‘booth’ at your own pace.  We availed of the hair and beauty treatments and although queues for getting your hair done were v long, we didn’t really mind as we were in no rush but we did have to wait well over an hour & a half even though we went early but it still was worth it.     There is also a number of areas where you can get complimentary food, soft drinks (e.g. Diet Coke) and also purchase food.   Time just flew past and we did not leave the event until almost 9pm (closing time).

Definitely intend going back next year if I can because it even surpassed my expectations and I was expecting a lot – so many inspirational / informative talks, fashion shows, treatments, refreshments, and also good selection of brands, products to try and I discovered a number of new products as well – well worth the ticket price.     It is obvious a lot of planning, work goes into  this event,  v well organised, laid out although some booths were quite close together which made it a little bit more difficult to navigate at the busier times of the day but we did not mind this too much.    It is definitely worth all the ticket prices especially the VIP ticket when you take account of the additional treatments, refreshments, facilities you can avail off and the goodie bag you get.  If I lived near London would still  be happy with a bronze or silver ticket but when you have to travel a distance, I think the VIP ticket is the best option as the additional talks, treatments, food  available enhances your day’s enjoyment.


Therefore I  would highly recommend attending / purchasing tickets for the 2018 event when they become available if you can as we both thought it was a brilliant day  and really, really enjoyed it – v best event I have ever attended even taking account of the travelling we had to do to get there.  Many, many congratulations to all involved.

Few recommendations / tips for the day:

  • Book the VIP or other tickets when offers are on if you can;
  • Ensure you book your Thrive event as soon as possible if a VIP ticket holder;
  • Sign up for all the updates on the events on social media so you are fully aware of what is going to be available – updates on who and what will be available;
  • Get your free Stylist magazine which also gives details on the event and many other topics – copies of the most recent issue are available at the event too;
  • Nearer the date of the event, plan what you want to see, do on the day as when you go you will see so much;
  • Make sure you avail of as many offers as you can as this is a great way to learn about new brands and try new products; and finally
  • Just relax and enjoy your day; the perfect pampering experience.

Now onto the goodies we got (so, so impressed with the goodie bag well over the stated £150 stated value, but remember this is only available for VIP ticket holders) – we also were given a number of products to try from different brands, which was a great way to see if suitable prior to purchasing (all ticket holders have access to this.

The goodie bag:

Some of the other complimentary products we got to try and there was even more available:

Hope you enjoyed reading about the event – would love to know if you attended this year and if so what you thought of it – did you enjoy it as much as we did?

If you are not a follower would love you to subscribe / follow my blog too would mean a lot.  Intend to have more posts up tomorrow and during/end of the week.

Thank you for reading – hope you have a fantastic week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Insert table: – Credit Stylistlive.co.uk

Review: My Little ‘Sunday’ Box – Nov 2017 – Last UK Box

2 Comments

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a good weekend.

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

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

 


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


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

 


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

 

  

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Hope you all have a great week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: Birchbox UK November 2017

2 Comments

Hi Everyone

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

 

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Usually five personalised beauty treats are included each month.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 img_7271

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

 

img_7268
 
Birchbox Exclusive Brush Cleaner – Full Size RRP £5 – states ‘the specially designed grooves help to remove every trace of product from our tools giving them a deep-yet-gently clean’.  It does help to clean brushes you just need to add a small amount of cleanser to the ‘tool’ and then swirl wet brushes over the textured surface to help clean them and then rinse brushes to remove residue and leave to air dry.   Useful to have.

 

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


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

 

If you are thinking of  subscribing to Birchbox UK – you can get £5 off your first box -(box is normally £10 +£2.95 shipping – you will get for £5 +£2.95 shipping) by clicking  link here and then copy and paste code at checkout to get your discount.    You can also get a FREE Cargo Cosmetics Sunset Beach Blush when you order your November Birchbox  (*photo below),  just add the code BLUSHGIFT at checkout to get free gift.

86983390097c4fc3b5a3ef66571c1e65

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

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

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

Best Wishes Liz x

* Credit Insert Photo lip products Birchbox.co.uk

Review: Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub

2 Comments

Hi

It is so hard to believe it is Saturday again – the last week has just flew past for me.

When I recently posted how good I thought the Mac Lip Scrubtious lip scrub was (you can see my earlier review here), one of my followers kindly told me how good she thought the Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub was as well.  As this was already on my list of products to try I went ahead and purchased it to see how it compared with the Mac one.

 


Description

The Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub (30g RRP £12.00) comes in a hard plastic colour co-ordinated jar with pink screw on top  and is available in the following  six ‘flavours’, mojito, orange soda, pumpkin spice latte, rootbeer (currently reduced to £9), spearmint and strawberry gum.

I purchased the strawberry gum flavour, which is true to its name smells and tastes of strawberries – states is edible!

Claims you will achieve the following benefit;

  • this innovative preparation product delivers the foundation for a flawless stay all day finish

Directions

  • Gently massage onto lips;
  • When you have finished simply lick away the excess or wipe off with a tissue.

Application / Results

I applied as directed but with a slight addition I wet my lips slightly before application  as although I do the same with the Mac Lip Scrub I find these granules even coarser on the lips if used when lips dry.  I massage in circular motions on my lips for a few minutes and then when all the particles have nearly gone I rub my lips together few times and remove any remaining residue with a wet cloth as find a tissue does not remove it as well.  It does taste ok if you lick away excess but I just prefer removing with a wet cloth as leaves your lips feeling softer.

The results are good and is definitely comparable with the results I get from the Mac Lip Scrub & Milani Keep it Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub (RRP £13 for 12g), , any dry patches are gone, lips feel really soft, look refreshed, so smooth and  lipstick / lip gloss  glides on so easily afterwards, perfect base.  If I use this lip scrub twice a week along with my Ultrasun lipbalm it does help keep any dry patches at bay.  Though I will use this scrub and results similar to what I get with the Mac one, when I need to repurchase I would repurchase the Mac one first because the oiler base of the Mac Scrub leaves the granules not as coarse on you lips and my lips feel more conditioned with the Mac one.  However I have to say the Jeffree Star one does taste better!

You can find out more details / purchase the  Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub from Beautybay.com however as always check around to see where the best value / offer is if you decide to purchase.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  I will have more posts up tomorrow and beginning of the week.

Thank you and take care.

Best wishes Liz x

Review: CC Beauty Box – November 2017

6 Comments

Hi Everyone

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Swatches, left to right: Foundation, concealer & lipstick

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


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



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

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

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

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

Leave a comment

Hi Again

Just to let you know that the Marks & Spencer 2017 Beauty Advent Calendar  is finally available  to purchase –  worth £250 but you can get it for £35 while stocks last when you spend £35 on clothing, beauty or home items  – please see photo* below and link here for full details of what you get.

cd8020b367a8c8a5ad1ab08dd0f4f8566104e579

 

It  contains 25 beauty items and I think this year again it is one of  the best  2017 beauty advent calendars – great selection of products and excellent value for money.  Remember you need to add items from either clothing, beauty or the home range to your basket before the calendar will show at the reduced price of £35.  If you are interested I would recommend you purchase as soon as you can, as from past experience it sells out pretty quickly.

In addition do not forget to claim your cashback on any M&S purchases – you can sign up via my link here if you are not already signed up for cashback or if would like to see more details on ‘cashback’ please see my earlier post here. 

I think this would be a perfect gift or a lovely treat for  yourself.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

* Credit – Inserted Photo Marksandspencer.com

Review: Roccabox – November 2017

2 Comments

Hi Everyone

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

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

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

This month’s box contained the following five items:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x