Absolute New York Eyeshadow Primer

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Although I love all makeup / beauty products I absolutely adore eye shadows and to ensure they look their absolute best you need the perfect eye primer.   I have tried many eye primers  in the past and found a number of them do not live up to their claims,  does not matter what brand of eyeshadow I used on top, my eyeshadow always creased.  Until approximately 18 months ago I had found that the eye shadow primers that performed the best for me were the Too Faced primers.  Then  I discovered the Absolute New York Eyeshadow Primer (Eyelid Primer Base), I was sceptical when I first saw it as had never heard of the brand (US brand) and because it was reasonably priced at £4.99 did not expect too much.  Oh my gosh was I surprised with the results.

The primer is described as an oil-free, ultra-creamy formula which evens skin tone around the eye area and keeps eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.  It advises to apply a thin layer over eyelids and gently blend with fingers to create an even base which I did and I found the best way is to leave it to dry for a few minutes and make sure it is a smooth (a light tap with your fingertips if needed)  before applying your eyeshadow.    I was over the moon and still am with the results, my eyeshadow stayed / stays ALL DAY,  without the need to reapply and with no creasing at all.  I absolutely love this product as well as the price and would definitely recommend trying – only one big negative at the moment is that currently no retailers seem to stock it in the UK and currently Amazon only have it available to the UK at over £28!   –  I think I may have got the last two at £4.99.

However I have searched online and it appears that currently the best value available / that post to the UK are HB Beauty Bar (based in US) – on their site, the primer is $5.95 (currently if you use the code SIZZLING at checkout you get 15% discount and they do post to UK, cheapest postage is standard postage which costs $12.83 – takes between 7-21 days to arrive) – better value to buy two or more if you can.  Also remember to check on Amazon / online if you intend to purchase in case it is in stock again at £4.99/5.99.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.  Also would love to know if you have tried this eyelid primer and what you think of it – do you find it as good as me?

Best Wishes Liz x

My Little ‘Coconut’ Box – July 2016

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I received my July My Little Box today  – it is a Parisian based monthly subscription box which costs £14.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month.    Each month My Little Box has a different theme and the box is always beautifully illustrated in line with that theme.

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Included in this months box was the usual high quality glossy booklet, which I love reading, additional product information cards, the My  Little Box cloth drawstring bag (which contains the three to four beauty / skincare products usually three – one of which is a My Little Box item), usually two accessory items and a beautiful card that can be framed.  Included in this months box are:

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  • A Beautiful Passport Holder – Embossed with ‘Let’s Get Lost’ on the front and ‘My Little Box’ on the back – also comes in a gift envelope with a ribbon tie closure =£11; (perfect  as the pattern reminds you of holiday times)
  • A Stella & Dot Goldtone Bracelet – £18  – comes in a ‘Sunshine Suits You’ pink and cream drawer style gift box (beautiful bracelet with clasp closure and red tassel – perfect as I have a small wrist but may be a problem for those with a larger wrist size);
  • My Little Box Apres Soleil / Aftersun Spray- 100ml –  £10  – (it is a beautiful coconut scented body milk spray);
  • Yves Rocher Coconut Eau De Toilette – 20 ml – £7 (again going with the coconut theme- if you love coconut you will be happy this month  -a beautiful fresh summery coconut  fragrance – good handbag size);
  • Coco Rico Hand Cleansing Gel – 30 ml – 3 Euro – (a useful handbag size cleansing gel); and
  • A Ojon Rare Blend Oil Moisture Therapy 2ml Sample– it is a 5 in 1 replenishing care for parched , dry hair – it is £30 for 45 ml (nice sample to be included – card advises that just one drop helps hydrate, smooth ends, soften strands, boost shine and reduce Frizz – I did apply one drop and although felt nice on my hair not greasy and appeared to tame some stray hairs too early to say how good this oil actually is)

I enjoy receiving My Little Box because it not only contains beauty / skincare products but  also a variety of accessories e.g.  included in past boxes have been a scarf, gloves, diary, cup, bangle,  etc.  I also  love the box designs / illustrations which are always exquisite.  Although I am v happy with the contents of this months box, which I think are v good and excellent value for money and I will use everything, in my opinion it is not quite as good as last months box which I loved, think the one makeup item sealed it for me – I have inserted a photo below of what I received in last month’s box.  I am hoping I will receive more makeup up items in future boxes as recently there has been a lot of skincare items included.   I would definitely recommend subscribing to this box as it is gives you something slightly different / contains a variety of items and is a lovely surprise each month.

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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

Chanel Dimensions De Chanel Mascara – 10 Noir

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I wear mascara most days, one of my essential makeup items, and love it when I get the opportunity to try a mascara for free, it is the perfect way to see if you like it without having to buy the full size.   Recently there were Chanel and MAC mascara samples available to claim free online through Facebook/ notifications  – although they  are now all gone online you could still ask at the Chanel and MAC counters to see if they have any samples left that you could try – also if you currently  purchase any MAC items online you have option to choose a  free sample which includes mascara samples – also ask in store too they may have samples available there as well with purchase.   (Remember if you sign up through online freebie sites e.g. LatestFreeStuff, Magic Freebies – other freebie sites available too just search online – you will get early / daily notifications of what freebies are available and the earliest you claim the more chance you have of getting freebies before they are gone – I also intend to do a weekly freebie post starting from this Sunday 17th July, freebies I have claimed for and received during that week)

I received the Chanel Dimensions 1ml mascara sample in 10 Noir / black – it arrived in beautiful outer packaging as you can see from photos above  – very impressed but then would expect nothing less from Chanel.   I found the brush the perfect size to apply the mascara, even on my lower lashes, a strong black colour and even with one coat you could notice the difference straight away, left my lashes long and luscious, dried quickly with no flakiness / fall out / smudginess throughout the day and also did not irritate my eyes.  Even after a long day at work although my eyes look tired my lashes look as good when I first applied the mascara in the morning.

The full size retails for £25 (expensive compared to some other brands) currently £22.50 in Debenhams, I would definitely recommend it, although try to get a sample first to see if you like it as much as me.  I intend to purchase the full size in either Boots or Debenhams with my advantage card / beauty club card points once I get a chance to try / use the other free mascara samples  I have been lucky enough to have received from other brands, including the one from MAC mentioned above (will do a short post on it too once I get a chance to try it properly).

Thank you for looking – if you have any comments / queries please let me know.  Would love to know if you received this sample or have already tried this mascara and what you think of it – do you like it as much as I do?

Best Wishes Liz x

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