Glossybox French Riviera Box

For the June edition, Glossybox takes on a French Riviera theme and it, they bring to you the most perfect summer essentials.  As we are lucky enough to bask in a few days of sunshine here in the UK, this box could not have arrived at a better time, even if you are not lucky enough to be heading off somewhere hot on your holidays.

First out of the box this month from Laritzy Cosmetics, a brand that has appeared in a few beauty boxes of late is a product called Shade Stix (Full-Size £18). Laritzy is a French-Canadian brand who pride themselves on being cruelty-free and this product is described as being a bit of a multi-tasker. 

Said to make the perfect bronzer, it has a buildable cream formula which is highly pigmented and long lasting. To use, you simply swipe it across where you want it to go and then blend with either your fingers or a beauty blender.  For me, it is a little too dark for my skin tone, but I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight it felt on the skin.

Up next is the Novex Mystic Black Deep Hair Mask (100ml) and this is the product which I was most looking forward to seeing because I am so intrigued by it.  Described as being a mask which will leave your hair feeling hydrated, free of frizz and tangles.  

Free of parabens, silicones and sulphates, this mask is enriched with baobab oil which helps provide intense hydration for the hair.  I am quite looking forward to giving this a try as it is suitable for all hair types. You can find this mask here from allbeauty.com

Up next is the Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix (50ml). Described as being a 3-in1 micro-exfoliant, it contains 3% Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and fine grains to ensure your skin is left refined and brightened. 

This scrub works deep into your pores to cleanse, polish, slough away dead skin cells and help reduce blemishes. With its zesty grapefruit scent, it is should leave your skin feeling smoothed and energised.

Next up is the SkinEye Cool Gel from Monu (Full-Size RRP £24.95) and it is described as being a refreshing gel that instantly restores hydration and refreshes the sensitive eye area. Monu is a brand I've got to know through Glossybox as it has featured quite regularly and I am yet to find a product I dislike. 

SkinEye Cool Gel contains a unique blend of Arnica, Vitamin C, Sodium Hyaluronate and Ginseng which come together and work to effectively reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eye whilst lifting, plumping and correcting skin tone for a fresh, flawless look. Delivering immediate results, the Eye Cool Gel is an all-around miracle, leaving eyes brighter and skin rejuvenated. With products like this, I would also put them in the fridge for around 30 minutes before using them as an extra treat.

Finally, in this months box, we have the Gatineau Firming Throat Gel (50ml). I have used products from Gatineau a few times now but this is a new one for me. Described as being a lightweight, rapidly absorbing gel, it works to address the appearance of skin slackening, refines the skin’s texture and helps firm facial contours. 

Enriched with Wheat Proteins which provide an immediate tightening effect, Pentavitin which intensively moisturises the skin, Sunflower Oil which helps to regenerate the skin and Vitamins A, E and F which nourish and protect against free radicals. I am quite intrigued by this and am looking forward to see whether or not it does work.

I really liked this months box, there are some new and some not so new discoveries for me this month and some products that I can put to one side for when I go to Disneyland Paris later this year. 

To add to the excitement of your box arriving, Glossybox has partnered with leading haircare brand Remington to secretly include exclusive Golden Tickets inside 5 lucky Glossyboxes. Those lucky enough to receive a golden ticket will win 1 of 5 ProLuxe hair tools from the Remington Range.

Get 15% off the May Glossybox using the code beautyqueen15 via www.glossybox.co.uk

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

The Body Shop Japanese Match Tea Pollution Clearing Mask

I think if you read my blog regularly you will be more than aware just how obsessed with facemasks I am. I was lucky enough to get my hands on The Bodyshop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask in the Latest In Beauty collaboration box with The Sunday Times (here) and since it came into my life, I have used it ALOT.

Enriched with matcha green tea from Kakegawa, Japan, dandelion extract and soul-soothing Community Trade aloe vera from Mexico, this mask is just so indulgently creamy and a delight to apply. The formula has been designed to not only purify but to also gentle exfoliate the skin and help rid it of those everyday impurities caused by pollutants. For me, living in London, anything that can help my skin breathe, be unclogged and have that must sought after clean feeling you get after a facial gets the thumbs up from me. It is also worth noting that this mask is also formulated without silicones, mineral oil or paraffins.

To use, you do need to ensure that you have cleansed your skin to remove any surface dirt and grime, then either using your finger or a brush, apply an even layer of the mask to your face, neck and if you feel the need, your décolleté too, but it is advised that you avoid the eye and lip areas.  Then leave the mask to do its thing for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water and in circular motions to aid the exfoliation process.  

What I really like about this mask is how my skin feels after using it, a feeling that is hard to describe but one which essentially gives you that feeling of skin that can breathe.  I have been using this mask twice a week as advised and when I have come to the end of this jar, I am definitely purchasing another one, it is that good. It is priced at £17 and if this one doesn't sound like it is for you, there are other masks to choose from.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Mintd Box - Explore Travel Beauty Essentials

Mintd Box is a monthly / bi-monthly luxury beauty subscription which sends to you a carefully curated selection of 4-5 full/deluxe sized luxury beauty products from exceptional luxury brands. Products across the skincare, makeup and haircare spectrum are carefully selected and handpicked from a broad section of innovative, exclusive and luxury that there is out there.  That box, then finds its way to you for your enjoyment.  I have had my fair share of beauty boxes over the years and I am really excited to see what Mintd Box has in store.  

The theme for the June box is exploration and with the summer having sort of arrived, quite a few people will be off on their jollies, looking forward to the summer holidays from school/college or just hanging around enjoying the Great British weather and all it has to offer.  With that in mind, here are the products you can find in this months box:

OM Skincare Mindful Traveller (£48) - This is a full sized product and it is described as being convenient for on the go. 

A double-ended skincare case which houses both the  Pure Glow Cleanser; a gentle and deeply nourishing cleanser that doubles up as a makeup remover and deep cleansing treatment, and the Daily Radiance Moisturiser; a lightweight daily moisturiser packed with high tech ingredients that combat ageing, whilst improving the texture and tone of the skin creating radiant skin that glows from within.  What I like about the Mindful Traveller is that it is easily re-fillable as well as being lightweight for packing.

Skin Laundry Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes (£14) - Another full sized item these wipes are part of a Skin Laundry collection which hails all the way from California. 

Formulated with a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients such a Witch Hazel along with Salicylic Acid, Chamomile Extract and Cucumber Extract, these purifying cleansing Cloths are designed for quick, convenient use as they cleanse, soothe and exfoliate.   Each pack contains 30 Towelettes.

Oskia Skincare Citylife i-Zone Lip & Eye Balm (£55) - Described as being a soothing lip and eye balm, it is formulated to defend your delicate features from the harmful effects of indoor and outdoor pollutants, such as airborne metals, smog and smoke. 

It is enriched with avocado oil, vitamins A and E, as well as an ingredient referred to as Collageneer, which is a patented active ingredient derived from white lupin, these ingredients work to deflect pollution from the delicate eye and lip area.  I have been using this for a few days now and what I do like is how nourishing the balm is and I love that you can apply to entire eye orbital, lip and upper lip zones, and any other areas in need of special protection.

Omorovicza Instant Plumping Mask (£33) - Omorovicza is one of my favourite brands and this Travel Sized Instant Plumping Mask is designed to be used as an overnight treatment. 

Alongside the use of Hungarian Thermal Spring water, an ingredient which features in every Omorovicza product, this mask uses skin plumping microspheres filled with hyaluronic acid provide instant hydration and swell to plump and firm the skin overnight. This cream also works to repair and strengthen the skin by tightening its lipid matrix with Omega 6 ceramide. It also replenishes dehydrated skin and restores softness and elasticity.  

Stephie Ann Dawn Silk Eye Mask (£25) - I am a huge fan of eye masks whether they are used during an afternoon nap or for settling down to sleep in the evening, I find them quite soothing. 

This mask from Stephie Ann Dawn is designed to help you fully block out light and is infused with lavender, to help you unwind on your way to the land of nod. Lined with black silk satin with a black elasticated strap, this mask fits like an absolute dream without being overly tight.

Malin & Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant (£12) -  Described as being a cooling, natural antiperspirant is easily absorbed into the pores for long-lasting protection with zero irritation or residue. 

It uses pure eucalyptus which is renowned for its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, there is no alcohol or aluminium which allows the body to function naturally. 

This was my first venture into the Mintd box and I am literally blown away by just how good it is.  When you are promised luxury products at affordable prices, this is more than value for money.  The value of this box is an incredible £187 but it can be yours for just £70 which includes free delivery within the UK but it is also available for worldwide shipping. If you want more information about previous boxes and more details about the subscription services on offer right here.  There is currently an offer of a free Omorovicza Oxygen Booster should you signup to 3, 6 OR 12 Month plans. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Lancome 3 L'Absolute Rouge Lipsticks

Oh how I do love lipstick, it never used to be a product I got excited about, but all that changed when I found quite a few formulas and shades I actually felt comfortable wearing.  Lancome is one of those brands that I have really enjoyed getting to know for both their skincare and their every increasing makeup range.  So, when this collection of L'absolute Rouge lipsticks landed on my doorstep, there was a bit of a squeal because they are just beautiful.

The L'Absolute collection of lipsticks spans more than 30 shades is described as being a cult lipstick, one which has everything from perfect nudes to intense reds and luminous pinks and they come in three different finishes:

• SHEER: a buildable sheer colour with a subtle shiny finish
• CREAM: a creamy luminous satin finish
• MATTE: a comfortable creamy matte finish

So whatever finish you like on your lipstick, there is definitely something for everyone within this range. It is also worth noting that all 3 textures are formulated with what is referred to as being a moisture-boosting Pro-Xylane™which leaves your lips feeling hydrated, soft and comforted.

It is hard not to be wowed by this trio, everything from the outer box packaging, which is the shimmery silver cardboard box to the actual lipstick bullet itself is just stunning. The lipstick comes in a clickable bullet and by pressing the well-known rose logo, it releases to showcase the most amazing looking shades of lipstick which are all embossed with the word Lancome.

Within this trip of lipsticks, I have shades 367 Final Bouquet, 393 Rose Rose and 132 Caprice and each one of them has a different finish. 

• 367 Final Bouquet has a sheer finish and it is a beautiful clear pink shade
• 393 Rose Rose has a matte finish and is very much a bright bubblegum pink
• 132 Caprice has a cream finish and it is an incredible classic red shade

Already in this gift set, there is an incredible mixture of shades which should have something for everyone, depending on your preference. What I love is that these shades are just incredibly pigmented, long lasting and at the same so hydrating it is like wearing a balm too.

I was kindly sent these lipsticks from World Duty Free who have an incredible range of products from every thinkable brand. Each lipstick if purchased separately retails for £21.20 and they are worth absolutely every single penny.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here