You Beauty Discovery Box - July Edition

It's that time of the month for another You Beauty Discovery Box and if you read my blog regularly, you will know that I am a huge fan of this box and think it is one of the best out there. For July, the box is centered about Travel and giving some new products a chance.

This month we have three extra treats which I always look forward to, even though I always know what they will be. July's treats are extra amazing with a 50ml St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower which has been everywhere at the moment and having tried it for the last week (you can read my review HERE), it is brilliant and I am chuffed to have another tube. You also receive a £2 off voucher for this tan from Boots. 

I also got a sample of the Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30 which is a skin protecting cream with added primer for a soft focus luminous complexion. I am quite looking forward to giving this a try as I am yet to try any products from the Emma Hardie range and so many people rave about them.

The final treat in the box was a packet of Muesli Breaks Oatcakes by Nairns which ive eaten and quite liked, they are great for on the go when you have forgotten to have breakfast or prefer ten more minutes in bed.

The hardest part of this box is choosing two items to try and I always attempt to try something I have either never tried, want to try or have tried and loved. So the two duo's that I have chosen are the Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 & Idealia Life Serum Duo. I have previously tried some Vichy Skincare and really liked them, so I decided to give these ones a try. had to pick these items. 

The Vichy Thermale 3 in 1 cleanses, tones & removes eye makeup all in one! You then, once cleansed, apply the Idealia Life Serum to help improve dull looking skin and give an instantly glowing and fresh looking complexion.

The final items in my box are a duo from Philip Kinglsey, whom most will recognise from the Elasticizer. Well this time, I have the Moisture Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner. They are said to gently cleanse and balance the different needs of the hair, providing more moisture at drier ends, without weighing down the roots. Together they transform dry and damaged hair into super smooth, shiny locks, leaving hair healthy and beautiful.

So there you have it, my £6.95 box of goodies for July from You Beauty Discovery. What do you think to my contents?

Habitat Birchbox for March

This month Birchbox have teamed up with lifestyle and homeware guru Habitat to bring to you this brightly coloured box full of amazing treats! This month sees the announcement of Habitat's new SS15 collection of dressing tables and beauty storage boxes - a perfect partnership in my opinion.

The theme of 'Do Try This At Home' brings to you the best of beauty and home right to your door.  It is a celebration of makeovers of all types: whether it is your beauty regime or your at-home furnishings and decoration, March is the time for renewal, renovation and refreshment.  Enclosed within the box is a series of cards which are designed to help and encourage you to 'shake off, shake up and spring clean your everyday' whether that is a home make-over with new beauty products or the introduction of new scents.

For March, Birchbox have given their subscribers a chance to pick their own Benefit mascara sample which includes the new Roller Lash, They're Real or BADgal - So I hope you got the sample you wanted the most!  The rest of the items in my box are as follows:

Catherine Malandrino Style De Paris - A Playful yet sophisticated fragrance with citrus top notes and a fruity twist.   I am a fan of perfume samples and I really like this scent.  It is quite fruity to begin with, but once it settles down there is a lovely floral scent which settles.  The description is that "It opens with accords of ruby red grapefruit, Nashi pear and Italian mandarin. The heart features orange blossom, gardenia, violet and ocean breeze accord, laid on the base of patchouli"  The floral for me is the Gardenia and it is just so lovely.

Philip Kingsley Smooth Cream -  Tame your curly, frizzy hair with Philip Kingsley Smooth Cream. It’s a protective styling cream that smoothes your hair, while adding incredible shine. Philip Kingsley Smooth Cream helps to prolong the life of colour treatments you have in your hair. It also safe to use when you are sun bathing, as this styling cream contains sunscreen.

TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil - Said to contain only natural and organic ingredients that nourish and hydrate the skin, this fake tan is Aloe Vera based and is the worlds first tanning oil.  I have to admit, I am not a fake tan fan, I am always convinced I will end up looking like an Oompa Loompa.  That said, I am intrigued by the fact this is an oil and I might give it a go on my legs to see how it turns out.

Janjira Pomegranate & Acai Facial Scrub Cleanser - This scrub cleanser helps to deeply cleanse and exfoliate whilst retaining moisture and brightening the complexion. Walnut shell gently removes dead skin cells, dirt and black heads leaving the skin soft and smooth. While fruit oils help to reduce the appearance of pores and moisturise the skin.  This scrub smells absolutely delightful, very fruity and the walnut shell as an exfoliant isn't as abrasive as I was expecting, though if you add a little pressure you can certainly feel it more.

Now my Benefit Sample is the Roller Lash Mascara which I was delighted to see as I am still on the fence as to how much I like it.  Described as being a super curling and lifting mascara. The Roller Lash wand is designed so it hooks your lashes to lift and curl them.  I have used mine a few times now and think it is a pretty good mascara, I'm just not too sure about the formula.

The final two items in my box are Lifestyle items and they are:

A Birchbox and Habitat Exclusive Notebook -  a petitie but perfectly formed jotter to pen all of your ideas and inspirations.  Titled 'Here's the plan' this notebook is really well made and full of blank pages making it perfect for those blog ideas on the go, beauty wishlists, words of wisdom and random jottings.

A Perfect Heritage by Penny Vincenzi - Birchbox have done this before with a chapter of a novel and I think it is a brilliant idea.  It takes on the Kindle idea of downloading a sample to try before you buy.  This novel is an epic tale of ambition, ego and passion with the beauty industry as its backdrop. I didn't think I would enjoy this novel I have to admit, but I was hooked on the chapter in my box and read it within an hour, it is now downloaded onto my Kindle so I can continue and find out what happens in the end.

So there you have the box for March and overall I think it is brilliant.  There is a nice mixture of products included and all a nice size, so you can at least try them before you think about buying them.  At the minute, I really like both the Catherine Malandrino perfume and the Janjira Facial Scrub Cleanser plus I love the two lifestyle inclusions which gives this box a massive thumbs up from me.

What do you think to this months Birchbox? Have you got it? If so link me below so I can come and see what you have!

Look Fantastic Beauty Box January 2015

I have been getting the Look Fantastic box for the last few months and it has all been detailed on my blog if you would like to see previous boxes.  For just £15 a month you get such great quality products that for me, this is one of the best subscription boxes that there is out there.  Sadly I wasn't a lucky winner of the 20 included GHDs..had hoped to win one of them, but I still love the box!

Now we are in a new year and I am hoping this box continues because I am so impressed with it and the January Box is amazing, there is nothing I dislike or wouldn't use and this is what was inside.

Firstly the box, it is always so well designed and strong, not at all flimsy and you can see the 'Look Fantastic' logo clearly visible on the front and inside, there is nothing to spoil the surprise as to what might be inside (unless you have looked for spoilers) because the card which details the contents is hidden inside.  

So this month I have been treated to:

Michael Van Clarke is a hair brand I am quite familiar with and have me the great man himself at a blogger event he hosted in his West End salon.  The Life Extending Haircare pre-wash Treatment is something I am a fan of as well as the '3 more inches' idea, which I wrote about HERE.  Essentially it isn't about adding or encouraging your hair to grow 3 more inches, it is about the unique formulation which naturally slows down the ageing process allowing the hair to stay stronger and healthier during its lifetime, so it can grow naturally thicker, longer and more lustrous.

Molton Brown is comes next and as a brand, it is one I don't feel I have tried too much of. I have had the odd sample here and there, but have never exhausted the products out there. This box has given me the Templetree Bodywash Which is described as being "A blissful bath and shower gel blended with moisturising algae extract and purifying templetree flower extract". It also includes Jasmine, Fruity Rose and Sandalwood and it smells absolutely amazing, I cannot wait to give this a try!

Another haircare product next with Philip Kingsley, whom for many is synonymous for his elasticizer. This box however brings me a product I have never tried before with the Daily Damage Defence. This is a leave-in protective conditioning spray which adds elasticity and provides defence from daily heat styling, breakage and environmental effects whilst adding shine and manageability for all hair types.

Nuxe comes next with a product I have tried before but really like. The Creme Fraiche masque is said to quench the thirst of the driest skin types to leave your face feeling smooth and moisturised not to mention radiant.

Gatineau Collagen Expert is the final skincare item within this box and it is a sachet sample.  Designed to revive and rejuvenate your eyes with clever eye compresses which are drenched in soothing marine-based collagen solution. They are also said to help reduce dark shadows, plum out wrinkles and relax the eye contour.

The final item in this box is not skincare or bodycare and nor is it for your hair. Instead what we have is a tube of MyVitamins which are dissolvable in water and are said to make a great tasting drink. Effervescent tablets are ideal for anyone looking to increase their intake of vitamins for a healthier lifestyle.

I have to admit, I am not the best at remembering to take vitamins or indeed any tablet, I always need to set a reminder in my phone which literally shouts at me to get on with it. So I will attempt to give these a go and see how it goes. The tube has 20 tablets in it which is an odd number as it isn't enough for a month.

So that is my January box and it is worth over £44 in total, which is pretty amazing value for money when I paid just £15 including delivery.

What do you think to the January Box?

Beauty Christmas Crackers 2014

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Whilst beauty calendars might have been and gone, sold out or are too pricey for you to have, there is one other option - Beauty Christmas Crackers - yes! I did a similar post last year where there was a whole lot to choose from and it looks as though there is to be a similar amount this year - the details of which are only just trickling in, so these are the ones I have so far.


Harrods - A handpicked selection of the best the beauty world has to offer, the set of six crackers are enveloped in our signature silver and black colourway and tied with embossed Harvey Nichols grosgrain ribbon.

Each cracker contains: a snap, silver foil hat, motto and one of the following treats: ESPA Pro Serum 8ml, Bliss Energizing Mask 10ml, bareMinerals 'Inspiration' Ready Eyeshadow Duo 1g, Prada Candy Florale Eau de Toilette 7ml, Laura Mercier Lip Glacé 6ml, Deborah Lippmann Nail Varnish 8ml

Boots No.7 - Presenting this selection of our favourite No7 mini nail polishes and skincare products in 6 beautiful crackers. The No7 Cracker Collection makes an indulgent festive treat for ladies this Christmas.

Contains:
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Temptress (4ml)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Beanie (4ml)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Damson Dream (4ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream (25ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Night Cream (25ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Eye Cream (5ml)

    Jo Malone - well if there is one cracker I would quite like it would have to be this one, I can't afford the calendar but this looks equally good.  Priced at £32 this cracker looks amazing!

     This Works – Can currently be found at places like Feel Unique and Debenhams for £10 and inside this cracker you get a 10ml deep sleep body therapy spray which is an innovative spray on body treatment that helps you fall asleep. Priced at £10 per cracker.

Balm Balm The All Over Body Cracker - Priced at £21 this cracker includes:

• Balm Balm Calm All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 
• Balm Balm Detox All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 
• Balm Balm Indulge All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 

Lancôme's Christmas crackers which cost £54 for 6.  They contain six premium products including:

• Hypnose Volume Mascara (black), 
• Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner (black), 
• Advanced Genifique 
• Youth Activating Concentrate, 
• Lip Lover, L'absolue lipstick and 
• Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover.

Clarins - Add the perfect final flourish to your table setting and make sure your festive season goes off with a bang. Enveloped in opulence, these crackers offer a selection of iconic miniature Clarins products such as Beauty Flash Balm and Nail Treatment Cream.  Priced at £39 for six you will find inside

• Wonder Perfect Mascara 3ml
• Gentle Refiner 30ml
• Beauty Flash Balm 30ml
• Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 30ml
• Eau des Jardins 30ml
• Rouge Eclat Lipstick 1.4g

Cowshed - The name says it all really as this gift set from Cowshed would make a cracking stocking filler and comes in a Christmas cracker-inspired box, adding a touch of fun during the festivities. Filled with two luxurious little treats to restore and moisturise hands and lips daily.

Set includes:

• Cow Herb Restoring Hand Cream, 50ml 
• Natural Lip Balm, 5ml

Molton Brown - Pamper someone from head to toe with Molton Brown's Pink Pepperpod Christmas cracker body care gift set. Each item is beautifully presented in a festive, cracker-shaped box with pretty ribbon detailing, making the ideal Christmas gift and priced at £20

Set includes:

• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Replenishing Hand Cream, 40ml
• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Body Wash, 50ml
• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Nourishing Body Lotion, 50ml

Philip Kingsley - Ive spotted two different ones from Philip Kingsley so far this year. The is choice is between Soft & Shiny or Body and Volume for the cracker and they cost £10 from sites like FeelUnique.

Inside the soft and Shiny Cracker you get:

• Elasticizer, 40ml 
• Moisture Balancing Shampoo (20ml) 
• Moisture Balancing Conditioner (20ml) 

Inside the Body & Volume Cracker

• Elasticizer (40ml)
• Body Building Shampoo (20ml)
• Body Building Conditioner (20ml)

Arran Aromatics - Choice of three different crackers, so will it be
Frankincense & Myrrh, Mandarin & Petitgrain or Christmas Spiced Vanilla, Each beautifully embellished festive cracker includes three votive candles.

So these are all the ones I have to date and I have no doubt there will be more to follow. As and when I do get some information, I will update this post!

Do you think you will be treating yourself or a friend to a Beauty Cracker?

You Beauty Discovery Box - May Edition

For the past few months I have been getting the You Beauty Discovery Box which you can see February,  March and April with previous box contents.  This month my fourth box has arrived and I have said I am just as impressed.

This months box is themed "CEW(UK) Beauty Awards" and when I got my email to let me know my options for selection was now ready, I logged straight in with excitement to make my choices and I am so chuffed I got the products I really really wanted to try and surprisingly some of my choices were already sold out.

As I have said before, I love is how the box fits through my letterbox, it is packed really delicately and the box really study

Within the magazine which comes with the box we are told that for May's box they have joined forces with CEW(UK) in celebration of the holy anticipated CEW(UK) 2014 Beauty Awards. So as a dedicated subscriber, I have been given the opportunity to try both the finalists and winning brands which included:

Philip Kingsley - Elasticizer, Percy & Reed – Eau My Goodness Shine & Fragrance Spray, Oriflame – Tender Care Protecting Balm, Margaret Dabbs – Foot Hygiene Cream, Manuka Doctor – Mini Hero Kit, LOLA Make Up – Finishing Brush, L’Occitane en Provence – NEW Almond Milk Concentrate, GLAMGLOW – YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment & SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, Fake Bake - 60 Minutes Self-Tan Liquid & Professional Mitt, Elemis – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Dr.Organic – Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum, CHEEKY – Nail Paint in Tongue ‘n’ Cheek, Carmex – Moisturising Lip Balm, Burt’s Bees – Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, Batiste – XXL Plumping Powder - Just how much choice is there - WOW

Again as with previous boxes, with this subscription you get some extra treats and mine came in the form of Charles Worthington - Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner, a sachet of Caudalie – Divine Legs and a sachet of Lizi’s – Naturally Toasted Granola in Treacle and Pecan flavour.

Then comes my actual selections.  

As soon as I saw one of them there was no doubt it was going to go in my box and it starts with Lola Make-up Finishing Brush which has the following description:

"This multi-purpose brush is designed to create a natural and airbrushed look.
It can be used to perfect and blend powder or liquid formulations.
Ideal for buffing face primers or foundations to a flawless finish".

This is obviously a full sized product which has an RRP of £17. This brush won the Best New Beauty Tool or Accessory Award.

The second choice of mine was Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum which comes with the follow description:

Produced with the finest Moroccan Argan Oil, this sumptuous but light hair treatment is instantly absorbed into the hair, resulting in a silky smooth finish with brilliant shine.

With the heavenly scent of Patchouli, Cinnamon and Rosewood and the combination of African organic extracts including Kukui, Moringa and Sacha Inchi Seed Oils, this bioactive formulation leaves hair beautifully conditioned.

This is a 100ml tube which you can purchase from places like Holland and Barratt and it has an RRP of £14.99

So for a £6.95 subscription, my box has a value of around £32 which is amazing value for money!

What do you think to do this? Do you subscribe to these boxes?  What would you have chosen? If you subscribe, link your post below so I can see what you got.

Next month the attention will be dedicated to Beauty Hero’s - quite excited already!