You Beauty Discovery Box - December 2015

The December You Beauty Discovery Box is just brilliant.  I had a really hard choice trying to decide what I wanted to try more from the list we are given to choose from, but managed to narrow it down to my allotted two items.  December is all about Winter Wonder Shortlist products and they have been carefully chosen to help restore, rejuvenate and ready yourself for the party season.

As always within the box is a selection of treats and this month we have a sachet of Studio 10 Miracle Effect Priming Serum. Described as being a revolutionary anti-ageing skincare reduces wrinkles instantly and has clinically proven and tested results in just 15 minutes. The supercharged breakthrough formula dramatically improves the signs of ageing - wrinkles, age spots, dark circles, puffiness, dehydration - delivering powerful, real-time visible results that completely redefine the complexion.

The second item is a perfume sample of Narciso Rodriguez, Narciso.  It smells absolutely beautiful and I liked it from the first spritz. it uses top notes of white peony meld with bulgarian rose to compose a heady white floral bouquet that transforms the signature musc into a crystalline yet sensual heart. Enhanced by voluptuous woody accords - black and white cedars and a most elegant vetiver - the eau de toilette is hypnotizing.

When it came to choosing my two items, I had the choice of eight products covering a wide variety of areas such as skincare, makeup, relaxation or bodycare.  I decided to choose two items I have heard of, have seen and have been hankering after for a long, long time.

Pixi Glow Tonic.  I have read so many reviews about this that I cannot wait to try it.  It has become one of the most sought after and internationally revered cult skin treats of the last 2 years and there are seldom few who dislike it.  So what is it? Essentially it is an alcohol-free skin toner is packed with plant extracts & 5% Glycolic acid, and has a triple function:

• It gently exfoliates the skin, which brightens the complexion and smoothes the texture of the skin
• It soothes and hydrates the skin, leaving it with a beautiful healthy glow
• It balances the skin for a flawless finish

In my YBD box this is sample sized, very cute 15ml bottle which is more than enough for a few days to see if there is any reaction.

The second item in my box is from Kiko.  Kiko have become one of my favourite brands to use and the item in question is a long lasting eye shadow stick which is water-resistant with a creamy formula for extremely long lasting, pure, vibrant colour that won’t budge.  These eyeshadow sticks are available in 32 intense shades the creamy formula is easily blendable to help create a smokey eye effect, once set the colour remains radiant.  I have shade 06 and it is a beautiful Golden Brown shade which I absolutely love and have used a lot since it came into my possession.

So there you have my box of treats for this month and all for the bargain price of £6.95 and I think this is an amazing box and it is one I am really happy with. Had I been unable to have these two items as my main choices, I would have been more than happy with anything else that was given.  What do you think?

You Beauty Discovery Box - November 2015

The November You Beauty Discovery Box has arrived and this month's edit was specifically chosen to give us as subscribers a helping hand with the celebration of Autumn and in doing so, the chance to select products which would help to enhance our hair, skin and regular beauty regime.

There is two treats within this box, a little extra which I really like to get and this month we have the Alpha-Arbutin White Mask by DHC. Fight dullness and discolouration with DHC Alpha-Arburtin White Mask, a sheet mask formulated with moisture-binding ingredients. The deeply conditioning formula helps target the signs of ageing and sun exposure. The revamped sheet mask contains 43% more serum than before, uniting scientifically advanced brightener, alpha-arbutin, with mulberry, serine and peony. The sheet mask’s radiance enhancing formula delivers a continuous dose of hydration to the skin, and the addition of fold-over flaps allow the option of also using the mask to treat the eye area. I Love Perfectly Peachy Bath and Shower Creme sachet. I Love… is the first cosmetics company to commit to adding breast cancer awareness signs and symptoms labels to their limited edition Perfectly Peachy Bath & Shower Crème as part of CoppaFeel!’s new #showerhijack campaign and I wrote about it HERE.

Then as a subscriber there is a list of products to choose from to make up your box and you can see them all here and this is what I chose:

Bubble T – Bath & Shower Jelly - As a brand Bubble T is one I have seen written about quite a few times and as I had never tried any of the products, I thought this would be a great opportunity.  More than a shower gel, the Bath and Shower Jelly has a great malleable texture to cleanse and refresh. Ideal for the bath as the jelly won’t slip or slide off your hands. Scoop and lather! This one is the Summer Fruits Tea scent and it smells really fruity.

Fillerina – Hyaluronic Acid Gel Filler (grade 2). Okay so this really caught my attention with the words 'Revolutionary No Needle Filler' and it is a dermo-cosmetic filler for at-home use that containts the first ever blend of six hyaluronic acids with different weights and structures to facilitate in the plumping of tissues without puncturing the skin and I am really looking forward to giving it a try!

So there you have my box of treats for this month and all for the bargain price of £6.95 and some really intriguing products to try this month.  What do you think?

You Beauty Discovery Box - October 2015

It's that time of the month and my October You Beauty Discovery Box has arrived. For October the box prevents its perfectly polished edit. This month we have a bunch of products which help you to embrace Autumn, which is now well and truly here, and allow you to choose from some carefully selected items to help you feel perfectly polished and ready to take on and tackle whatever life throws at you.

There are two treats inside this months box. A few sachet samples of Vichy Dermablend Foundation which I feature here a few weeks ago. The Foundation gives up to 12 hours of long lasting flawless wearwhilst providing a natural even skin tone. Used in conjunction with the Dermablend setting power it can offer up to 16 hours of wear. The smooth blendable texture that glides on and spreads evenly and offers maximum colour dispersion. The Foundation includes Vichy Thermal Spa Water, renowned for it’s soothing and fortifying properties. The skin is moisturised, supple and comfortable all day long without a mask-like effect.

The White Company Day & Night Fragrance samples. The Day fragrance uses the delicate sweetness of jasmine and apple suffused with aromatic cedarwood and a burst of bergamot brings a refreshing twist to this beautifully light and luscious scent and once it has settled on the skin, it is absolutely divine. The Night fragrance uses notes of pomegranate, which are wrapped in opulent cassis and patchouli with a soft vanilla base to create this seductive and sophisticated off-duty scent. Again, once on the skin, it settles quickly and is a lovely evening fragrance.

The two products I chose centred around being happy, healthy and less stressed. The first offering is a little trio from a brand called Kore and nestled inside this cute organza bag is a Foaming Cleanser, Pearl Revitalising Toner, Pearl Gentle Exfoliator. Kore is an Australian skincare company who recently launched here in the UK and their main focus is on producing superior, natural skincare and have spent a concentrated effort studying the ancient healing remedies once used for medicinal cures for a number of problematic skin disorders. The trio I have is blended with the latest advanced pharmaceutical peptides with natural fruit and vegetable extracts (AHA’s) to create a unique, trademarked ingredient ‘KORE Complex.’ The products also contain the powerful bioactive concentrate, ‘Bovine Colostrum’ which increases the production of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant which is vital in the healing and production of skin cells.  So I am looking forward to giving this trio a try.

The second products I chose is Scentered – Stress Less Therapy Balm, something I felt I needed to try having read the description and this is it: STRESS LESS is a 100% natural, therapeutic balm to ease everyday tensions, soothe the mind and lift the spirits. STRESS LESS is the ultimate ‘feel good’ scent, with uplifting citrus herbal top notes of Chamomile, Neroli, Mandarin, Rosemary and Sweet Brazilian Orange, a balancing floral heart of Jasmine, Rose, Mimosa and Lavandin, and a grounding Cedarwood base.

Scentered therapy balms have been created with a unique blend of plant oils and waxes, moringa and shea butters, to create rich, nourishing balms that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, whilst ensuring long lasting fragrance delivery. On-the-go remedy to help you stay centred, no matter where you are or what life throws at you.

So that is my October box and I am really happy with it.  For the bargain price of £6.95 you always get real vale for money, especially when the Scentered Balm alone costs £14.95.  If this sounds like a box you want to check out, you can find everything you need to know about this box and previous boxes right here.

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?

You Beauty Discovery Box - May

This month's You Beauty Discovery Box has joined forces with and celebrates the CEW 2015 Beauty Awards. CEW is a not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to furthering the interests of the British beauty industry. The shortlist for the months box featured an assortment of nominees.

In the box every month are at least two treats. This month we were treated to a sachet of Dr Organic Snail Gel of which I am a huge fan already. Jimmy Choo Man sample for the mister in your life and voucher for 20% off selected beauty and fragrance at Marks & Spencer. So a really nice treat or two to be trying out to use.

Then my actual choices is again one I found quite hard to decide between because I actually wanted three of them and was almost playing "Ip dip" to make my decision. The three I struggled to choose between was the Angel Face Cloth from The Konjac Sponge Company, Better than Sex Mascara from Too Faced which I absolutely love and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream from Elemis which is raved about by so many bloggers and still remains to be a product I haven't yet tried. So, my choice in the end were these two.

The Angel Cloth from The Konjac Sponge Company which at a first glance reminds me of a prawn cracker from my local Chinese Take-away but is actually described as being shaped like an angel. Once wet, the angel turns into a soft gentle exfoliating cloth, made from pure vegetable fibre. Perfect for cleansing with both hot and cold cleansers, or on its own with no cleanser at all; it even cleanses the delicate eye area. Kinder than a muslin cloth or flannel, the angel cloth will not damage the skin and leaves it feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.  This is a mascara that is always out of stock whenever I look for it.  Having used it some time ago, I have been desperate to get my hands on some more.  Described as follows "One application of this collagen-fueled formula and touch of the specially shaped brush will leave you begging for more. One coat and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coatsand they’re reaching unbelievable heights of drama. Three coats and you’ll believe in magic".  What I love about this mascara is the formula which is not overly wet and nor is it overly dry, it sits somewhere in the middle and is perfect for day and night wear.

Given the number of choices for this month's box, at £6.95 it is an absolute bargain.

Are you a subscriber to You Beauty Discovery Boxes?

You Beauty Discovery Box - April

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'Organic and Natural' and champions the best that nature has to offer. This month the list to choose from was again amazing and again I was chuffed to find two products listed that I have heard of, never tried and have wanted to try for some time and this is my box:

As always with the You Beauty Box, there are two treats. The first being a sachet of Yours Truly Organics Fix Me! Repairing Serum. Designed to smooth, repair and tighten your skin, the range is formulated with innovative active ingredientssourced from around the world to specifically reduce inflammation and combat oily t-zones. Sourcing only the best natural and organic solutions proven to reduce oiliness and inflammation, the products deliver soft and beautiful skin.

The second treat Linwoods – Milled Flaxseed Cocoa & Berries which says I could add it to a yoghrt, smoothie, cereal or when I am baking muffins or pancakes to enjoy the luxurious taste of Cocoa knowing you are fortifying your diet with extra Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients! This delicious blend of milled flaxseed, cocoa and berries is a good source of Iron, Zinc, Dietary Fibre and Antioxidants.

Then onto my choices. I was absolutely delighted to see Heaven Skincare offering three different options. Anyone who reads my blog will know that I cannot highly recommend the Bee Venom Mask enough, it is truly amazing and the fabulous Deborah Mitchell is such a wonderful person, supported by the wonderful Donna (who is also a blogger) I have been really lucky and honoured to try a few products from the range. That said, I was chuffed to be able to choose the Chamomile desensitising hydrogel which is designed to calm and soothe.This treatment toner contains chamomile and azulene for their antiallergenic, desensitising and anti-inflammatory properties. 

The unusual properties mean that this toner is not only safe for sensitive skins but actually helps to normalise them. This is something I am really looking forward to trying and if you have never tried a product from the Heaven skincare range, you should, they are amazing!

The second choice for me was the Scentered Sleep Balm because I was curious. Sleep Well Therapy Balm offers powerful, pocket-friendly support to catch up on sleep, something that is quite tricky to do in our busy lives.

It’s fair to say that most of us don’t get enough sleep and rest. It’s time to allow the essential oils packed in this pocket-sized therapy balm soothe your mind and body to get a good night’s sleep.Relax and prepare for a great night's sleep with a sophisticated floral lavender blend that harnesses the therapeutic benefits of fourteen different essential oils, including Lavender, Chamomile, Palmarosa, Ylang Ylang and Ho Wood.

A rich, nourishing balm, which feels a bit like a Chapstick, has a unique blend of moringa and shea butters that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, whilst ensuring long lasting therapeutic fragrance delivery.  As a 100% natural product which is perfect for carrying around in your luggage if you are away from home. It is also perfect for those suffering disrupted sleep due to an over-active mind, the Sleep Well range clears the head, quietens the mind and relaxes the body, making it an ideal part of any bedtime ritual, as well as a great travel companion when sleeping away from home.

 So this months April Box for me is absolutely amazing value for money yet again, a further two products that I intend to use.

What do you think to this box?  Do you subscribe to You Beauty?

You Beauty Discovery Box - March Edition

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'Best of British' and homage is paid to all the fantastic home-grown brands and their brilliant products. This month the list to choose from was again amazing and I was chuffed to find two products listed that I have wanted to try for some time and this is my box:

The extra treats for March starts with Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner and comes with the following description - Dove Advanced Hair Series Youthful Vitality range helps to replenish hair’s lost nutrients, whilst natural coconut oils help increase elasticity and enhance the strength and feel of your hair. Hair is left deeply replenished and with double fullness.  Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner formula cleanse and condition, leaving sophisticated smoothing benefits for hair that is softer and more nourished than ever before.

I am not a fan of any Dove product, I have never felt they work for my skin or my hair, but as I have two 50ml samples to use, I will give them a try.

The second treat this month is a Nakd Bar and I have Cocoa Orange which is one I like and have reviewed HERE on my blog already.  Nakd bars are a great way to snack in a nutritious way and they are not only one of your five a day but dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, Vegan friendly, Kosher approved, free from sugar, GM Free and low in saturated fats.

My first chosen item this month was #LipGlam which is a 100% natural Lanolin Lipbalm and is a product I have had before and loved it, so I just had to get it again and a full review is coming soon.

Described as being the ultimate multipurpose moisturiser that not only acts as an amazing lip balm, it can also be used to prime, banish dry patches, treat cuticles, smooth split ends and set brows in place. It is proven to reduce skin roughness by 40% in just 60 minutes and with results lasting up to 8 hours, this 100% natural, rich balm sounds just amazing!.   This balm costs £9.99 to purchase.

The second chosen item this months comes from Illamasqua and it is a lipstick called Sangers which is a blood red, matt finish lipstick and full sized too.  The reason I chose this is because I was intrigued by the shade and the description issued a challenge to try it. 

Described as being a long-wearing formulation which contains Vitamin E, it is said to provide an immediate intense pay off from the initial stroke and can also be applied lightly as a lip stain that wears all day - this is the part I liked the sound of and I am going to be daring and try a red lipstick, I am told there is a red for everything, is this a red for me?  If you like the sound of Sangers it costs £18.50 to purchase and there is a further post coming on this lipstick and why I love it!

So that is this months box.  It costs just £6.95 and look at the contents, isn't that just great value for money?  This box is worth around £30 which is almost five time what I have paid for it to begin with, amazing.  I would love to know if you also subscribe and what you chose from the list!






 

You Beauty Discovery Box February 2015

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I am a huge fan of You Beauty Discovery Boxes because they are not only amazing value for money but the actual concept is brilliant.  Most of us love Beauty Boxes and subscribe to them, most of the time not knowing what an earth you might find.  With You Beauty Discovery, every month you get a menu to choose from and then you also get one or two treats as well.

This month the list to choose from was again amazing and I was chuffed to find two products listed that I have wanted to try for some time and this is my box:

Every month within the box, which cleverly fits through your letterbox, is a little magazine to read and it is one I always read cover to cover.  This month we are told that the products we have had to choose from are for the Red Carpet, which is interesting as I was expecting a Valentines Pamper box theme, so it is nice to get something which is both unexpected and great at the same time.

The freebies or little treats this month are ones I really like too and they are and as you can see there was a mini box of Lindt chocolate (now eaten) and a sample of Bare Minerals Bareskin foundation.  I have never used anything from Bare Minerals, so I would I have liked a bigger sample to use so that I could have properly tried it.

The products that I actually chose this month was again a tough choice as there was quite a few that I loved the sound of and this month I had never tried any of the products in the box!  So I chose:

INFUSED Coconut Body Scrub which comes inside this beautiful gold 100g sachet, which is huge and packed full. It is described as a product which incorporates a natural blend of Robusta Seed Coffee and brown sugar that help to eliminate dead skin cells and impurities such as stretch marks, and dry skin.

It's natural oil base is enriched with coconut oil and healing clays that help to maintain moisture whilst removing impurities from the body.  A 200g sachet retails for £18.99 so this being half that size is worth around £9.50 which I think is a really generous offering and a review is coming soon.

Kiss The Moon Love - After Dark Bath Oil.  This is a little 3g vial of the product which is described as follows - A 100% natural beauty oils to help you prepare for a good night's rest, nourishing your skin and soul whilst you sleep.

This oil is made from a blend of coconut oil, combined with a generous helping of nutrient rich jojoba oil and white tea seed oil to leave the skin smooth and well-nourished.  To use, you simply squeeze two full pipettes into a still, deep, warm bath, or in this case 3-4 drops from the vial. For a more intense experience, massage lightly into skin before stepping in to the bath. Take three slow breaths and relax. Step out lightly moisturised from top to toe and ready for a perfect night’s sleep.

I have seen Kiss The Moon popping up all over my Instagram and Twitter timelines so curiosity has got the better of me.  To me, this oil sounds absolutely divine and I cannot wait to give it a try.  A 100ml bottle retails for £38 and my sample is worth about £1.15.

Now this box cost just £6.95 and look at the contents, isn't that just great value for money? I think so and I would love to know if you also subscribe and what you chose from the list!