SUMMER FRAGRANCE - CLARINS EAU DES JARDINS

In my recent Selfridges Beauty Box, I found a product which I just fell in love with it's the Clarins Eau Des Jardins Smoothing Body Cream, it was definitely the stand out product for me! I had never really thought of trying a body cream from Clarins before as I just think of them as a skincare brand. But this is the great thing about beauty boxes, you find items you wouldn't normally buy yourself. I loved the body cream that much, that whilst I was in Duty free last month I spotted the matching Clarins Eau Des Jardins Fragrance in perfume form. I said to myself I didn't need another perfume but I couldn't resist this scent! The body lotion has as strong a scent as the fragrance and it lasts on my skin for hours which I love. It's great to use both products together to layer up the fragrance.
The scent is uplifting, fresh and just reminds me of Summer. The fragrance combines essential oils and plant extracts to create a fruity scent with notes of wild rose and comforting wood. It also contains etheric oils of grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, orange, citruses, black currant bud absolute, mint, bay leaf, along with dry oils of cedar, patchouli, vetiver and white musk. It's light on the skin but also moisturises, soothes and ensures skin is soft all day, it's suitable for all skin types. Clarins class their line of perfumes as treatment perfumes that not only leave you smelling lovely but soften and care for your skin at the same time and it's not greasy at all.
The scent is not overpowering and it instantly changes my mood from the first spray. I like to spray it straight after stepping out of the shower in the mornings. I feel Clarins fragrances are such value for money as I picked up this 100ml for £25.60 normally priced at £32.00. I really like the pebble shaped bottle, it's quite heavy so not ideal for travelling round, but I will be keeping this in my bathroom. It would even be nice to spray around the room before getting in the bath or shower, for a spa like feeling. This is definitely a Summer fragrance but I can see myself wearing it all year round. I used it everyday on holiday, great to use throughout the day or just for evening. There is also a shower gel in the line which I will have to try! I am intrigued to try out the other fragrances in the line now. 
The body cream feels silky, it's lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. My body feels hydrated after using as well as scented. The indulgent cream is enriched with three organic buds to cocoon the skin with rich moisture. Beech Bud extract helps to improve skin hydration while Sorbier Bud extract boosts the skin's natural radiance. Blackcurrant Bud is known for its high antioxidant content and its soothing, comforting properties. The body cream is priced at £29.00 for 200ml, which is definitely a treat but I would repurchase and I know Clarins regularly do gift sets at discounted prices.

I'm so pleased I purchased the Selfridges Beauty Box as I wouldn't be without this scent now, for me there's nothing like it! Have you tried any of the Clarins fragrances?

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SELFRIDGES SUMMER BEAUTY BOX

There have been so many beauty boxes this month which have caught my eye that I don’t need to go beauty shopping for a very long time! I have brought Selfridges beauty boxes in the past, they normally put together 2 or 3 a year, but the most recent boxes haven’t made me want to buy them, until this one. This limited edition Summer Ready Beauty Box is exclusive to Selfridges and contains 13 beauty essentials including skincare and makeup products. I'm surprised this is still available online as I can imagine it being very popular!

The beauty box, came in a Selfridges presentation box and then all the product came inside a canvas make-up bag from Alphabet Bags. I couldn't believe the size of the bag and I love the summer quote on the side, ‘I've got 99 problems, but a beach ain't one’. I will be taking this on holiday next week with me for all my poolside essentials like sun cream and books.

The box includes the Starskin Instaglam Foam Peel Perfect and the Starskin After Party Brightening Face Mask which I have never tried before. Instaglam is a disposable, foaming, peeling puff that gets rid of dead skin cells to reveal radiant looking skin. After Party is a Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Brightening face mask that contains a powerful serum complex to leave skin luminous and brightened. The translucent, cooling sheet mask is packed full of Vitamin C and Herbal Medley which works to reduce visible dark spots and even skin tone, I'm very excited to use this one! Another skincare product included was the Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel. This is an anti-ageing formula which helps to volumise and defines facial contours. It reduces redness and is ideal for sensitive and stressed skin. There was also a product I have tried before, the Caudalie Grape Water which is designed to soothe and refresh the skin. It’s made from 100% natural organic grapes and is suitable for all skin types. This product is quickly absorbed and can be used multiple times per day, so great if you need to cool down in the heat.

Also inside were the Ribband Sorbet Hair Ties in gorgeous pastel colours. I have been after some of these for a while now, they come in a pack of four and I think they'd be great for tying my hair up on holiday by the pool. Another hair product in the beauty box was the Tangle Teezer in Original Blue. I have quite a few Tangle Teezers but I think they come in really handy and it’s great to have one in your handbag, one in your gym bag and one on your dressing table. It’s so easy to untangle your hair with these, I'll definitely be chucking this in my beach bag!

The next product I was excited about was the James Read Day Tan SPF15. This is a day cream that gives you colour as well as instant moisturisation. You can build up a subtle, sun kissed glow which can be used all year round as well as being protected from the sun at the same time. On the make-up side was the Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner, this eyeliner creates bold lines and long-lasting colour. The tip is flexible enough to create winged flicks, it delivers a smudge-proof finish but is easy to blend before drying for smoky eyes. Most beauty boxes seem to contain a Nails Inc Gel Nail Vanish at the moment. I received the shade Chiltern Street which is a lovely milky pink. The formula applies nicely and leaves a high shine finish, as well as being long lasting on the nails.

Something for the lips was the Illamasqua Lipstick in the shade Luster which a gorgeous candy pink. I have a couple of Illamasqua lip colours now from beauty boxes. These lipsticks are highly pigmented, long-lasting, moisturising on the lips and leaves a satin finish. There was also a mini Nars Lipgloss in the box in the shade Orgasm. This is so cute and a great handbag size. This lipgloss is really wearable and can be worn alone or look great over any lip product.

During the summer months, it can be a task to keep your makeup in place all day, that’s where the Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray comes in. I have been wanting to try this for a while now, since loving the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. The stand out product for me in this box was the Clarins Eau des Jardins Smoothing Body Cream. When I first applied this I fell in love with the scent, it’s beautiful!

The content of this box has the combined value of £176, so for the retail price of £40.00 I think this is a great deal! It's a little pricer than other beauty boxes but the Alphabet Bag is worth £20.00 on its own. I know I will get great use from all the products inside, I wish Selfridges did more regular boxes.

Have you been tempted by the Selfridges Beauty Box?

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LATEST IN BEAUTY - CAPITAL BEAUTY BOX

                                                                                                           Image: capitalfm.com
I have always liked the beauty box concept ever since receiving my first Glossybox. I have purchased a few beauty boxes from Latest in Beauty before, including The Dream boxes from British Beauty Blogger and the Glamour editions. Their latest box is a collaboration with Capital FM. The Capital Beauty Box includes nine products and together creates the perfect backstage beauty collection. The products are; Rita Ora’s new Rimmel Nail Polish, Pixi Lip Blush, Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette, Stila Smudge Stick, Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer, StyLondon Jewellery Inspired Temporary Tattoos, Collection Lengthening Mascara, Nail Buffer and Jimmy Choo Fragrance. I really like how most of the products in the box are full-size products, unlike other beauty boxes. I am most excited about the Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette as I've heard so many good things about it, some even say they rival the Urban Decay shadows. This palette is priced at £3.99 on it's own and comes in three different shades. You can create so many looks with this and I like that the packaging is so sleek and compact. The product I'm not really bothered about is the Nail Buffer, I have quite a few of these and they all do the same thing really. The box is priced at £14.95 plus free p&p, which works out at around £1.65 per product which is a really great deal! The contents is worth over £48.00, so it's well worth it. I'm sure this will sell out fast like other Latest in Beauty boxes.
                                                  Will you be picking up the Capital Beauty Box?

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WOMEN'S HEALTH BIRCHBOX - JANUARY 2015

This month Birchbox have teamed up with Women’s Health to create a box specially designed for the New Year. I have tried to up my game in the fitness department recently, so this was a perfect box to receive through my door in January. The box brings both products and content that will help start the year with your best foot forward. I have to admit this is probably one of my favourite collaborations recently, I think they have got the products and the box design/content spot on!

Activbod Cooling Finish Lotion, full-size 100ml £12.00 – This isn't a brand I have heard of before, but I have seen that they are now available in Boots. This product is designed to cool you down after your workout, it’s packed with menthol so it instantly delivers a cooling sensation to the skin. The formula also contains Vitamin E which helps to moisturise as well as repair dry skin. The scent is really nice and uplifting, it contains zesty pepper, eucalyptus and lemon which is reinvigorating as well. I really like products like this to use after going to the gym, I use a similar one from Nip and Fab and mainly like to use it on my legs to relax the muscles.

Healgel Intensive, full-size 30ml £37.50 – I have wanted to try something from this brand for ages, it’s always appealed to me but the price has always held be back. Healgel products are created by a team of leading British plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Healgel Intensive is a multipurpose, skin rescue gel. It contains, organic silicone, collagen-boosting hexapeptides and arnica restore and protects your skin in areas where it’s most needed. I found the cream to be really lightweight, cooling and absorbed quickly into my skin. It can also be used as a make-up primer.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner, full-size 250ml £19.00 – I am a big fan of Philip Kingsley hair care. This conditioner is enhanced with Keratin proteins and natural cellulose which is used to improve the hair’s strength and condition as well as thickening the appearance of every strand. I really like to receive hair mini's in beauty boxes, this formula is perfect for adding volume and shine to flyaway locks.

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, full-size 50ml £30.00 – I have received so many minis of this that I have never had to buy the full-size of it yet. I love Ren skincare and their masks are some of my favourite! This mask is designed to get rid of dead skin cells to renew the complexion and remove impurities. It contains natural fruit extracts and papaya extracts help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skin’s surface. I like to leave this mask on for ten minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth, it’s nice to use as a mid-week pick me up!

Stila Lip Glaze, 2.4ml £15.00 – I don't think I have tried a product from Stila which I haven't liked. I really like that we received a full-size lip product. I’m not a big fan of the twist click pen applicator as I don't find it very easy to apply and end up using too much product, plus it’s not very hygienic. I received the shade Gleam, which is a sparkly pink toned hue which applies sheer for a wash of colour on the lips. The lip glazes also contains Vitamin A, C and E which keeps lips from drying out.

The lifestyle product that came with the box was an exclusive bright pink pilates resistance band, which also came with tips and exercises on how to use it. I have really enjoyed incorporating this into my current exercise routine, it's perfect for toning, improving your strength and muscle endurance. The box also offered us an exclusive subscription offer! It didn't make me want to subscribe to Women’s Health, but it certainly made me go and buy the current magazine. We also received a sachet of Embrace Matcha Green Tea which contains 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea, I'm looking forward to trying it!

Are you subscribed to Birchbox?

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SOPHIA WEBSTER BIRCHBOX - DECEMBER 2014

December 2014’s Birchbox was a collaboration with accessories designer Sophia Webster. I love it when beauty boxes do different themed boxes as it really freshens up the concept and get's me even more excited for the contents. I really like the design of this box and is definitely one I will be keeping for storage. But it's what's in the inside that really counts;

Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel, full-size 50ml £40.00 – I haven’t really tried Elemental Herbology products in the past but I’m very excited to try this one as I’ve heard only good things. This product rejuvenates your complexion with natural actives derived from apples, papayas and orange peel. You massage this straight into your skin, I love the fruity scent! I leave it on for four minutes and remove with warm water and a muslin cloth. It's not too harsh on my skin and it really does refresh my complexion.

Electric Hair Hydrate Shampoo, full-size 250ml £17.50 – This shampoo helps to repair and improve shine with it's nourishing, moisture-rich formula. This isn’t a brand I have heard of before, but I’m always looking out to try new shampoos. I was really impressed by first use, it made my hair super soft, it built up good lather in my hair and the scent is lovely. The scent reminds me of professional shampoo, the formula is really thick and my hair feels like it's just been to the hairdressers.

Eyeko Fat Eye Stick, 4g each for the trio £16.00 – This is a great party season essential! I find these eye pencils so easy to work with, you can pop them in your bag and use them on the go. You can create a smoky eye in a couple of steps, you can even smudge the pencil out to create a more intense look. The formula is sparkly and pigmented and would look great on a night out teamed with a red lip. These eye sticks are creamy and have a retractable twist up applicator. I want to pick up some more colours for my eyes, I received the shade Smoke!

Benefit Christmas Cracker High Beam, full-size 13ml £19.50 – This is so cute! Inside the cracker is a mini Benefit’s bestselling High Beam, which is a liquid illuminator that suits all skin tones. Having these minis are so handy to just throw in your bag and the little bottle lasts for ages. I like to use this on the top of my cheek bones and underneath my brow bone. I always like my skin to look glowing and this is the perfect product to make it happen. It has a soft pink hue which is very complimenting on my skin tone, you have to blend it quite quickly though as the product builds up in one place. It’s also nice to add to your foundation or primer to create a dewy base.

Models Own Velvet Goth Nail Polish, 14ml £5.00 – Last month we got to pick what shade of nail polish we wanted to receive out of four different colours. I picked the shade Amethyst, which is a lovely dark purple. The formula is matte, yet sparkly and has a velvety finish which means no topcoat is needed. The shade is really unique and it like nothing I have already in my collection. I haven't tried any polishes in the Velvet Goth range before but was really impressed with the formula and I like the velvet lid of the bottle too.

English Laundry Signature For Her, full-size 50ml £60.00 – This scent is inspired by an English country garden – rose geranium and white flowers with hints of chocolate and jasmine. I have never heard of this brand before but it’s nice to try something different. I’m not a big fan of receiving perfume veils in beauty boxes, it would have been nice to have a bigger sized sample. I was really surprised how much I liked the scent and it last much longer than my usual scents. It's probably my favourite perfume I have received in a beauty box and will be going straight into my handbag!
As a cute little lifestyle extra, everyone received a Sophia Webster Purse, which is a leopard print pouch that would be handy to have in your handbag for any small loose objects or on a night out for your party essentials. Overall, I was really happy with my December Birchbox and was probably my favourite beauty box from last month.

Are you subscribed to a beauty box?

YOU BEAUTY DISCOVERY BOX - NOVEMBER 2014

This months You Beauty Discovery shortlist of products was based around gift worthy goodies. I do find it quite tricky to pick only two products from the shortlist. This month you could pick from; Skin & Tonic Steam Clean, Argan Organics Regeneration Anti Wrinkle Cream, Bourjous Cream Blush, Microfibres Brush On False Lashes, Green People Pencil Eyeliner and Invisibobble. The extra treats this month were Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder and sample sachets of Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm and Iconic Youth Serum.
Roques O'Neil Therapie Himalayen Detox Salts - I have always wanted to try these bath salts after always hearing great things about them, so they had to be my first choice this month. I’m always interested with anything bath and pamper related. These bath salts are calming on the skin, balance energy flow and help combat insomnia. The Himalayan Detox Salts are designed to dissolve the accumulated physical and emotional toxins that build up in the body. The mineral salts contain powdered Amethyst and essential oils of Lemongrass, Juniper and Geranium. I love using this product, they make bath time heavenly! This mini is worth £10.00 and contains enough product for around three baths, so more than enough to feel pampered.
Rituals Hamman Delight Shower Foam - This is the other product I chose this month. I have tried Rituals shower foam before and really enjoyed how luxurious this product is. I received the fragrance Yogi Flow from a past Glossybox and think it's a great concept which is a little more exciting than normal shower gel. The Hamman Delight fragrance combines the aromatic and revitalising qualities of refreshing eucalyptus and rosemary. I really like to use this scent in the mornings, it's great for dry skin as it's really moisturising. This size is great for travel and really reasonable priced at £4.00 for 50ml. The gel formulation turns into a foam when mixed with water. This product stems from one of the oldest cleansing traditions in the world. The aromas and ingredients help to sooth and calm your body. Originating in Turkey, the Hammam, meaning ‘Spreader of Warmth’, helps to cleanse both the soul and body to promote inner and outer harmony and balance. These products are great to use together or on their own at the weekend for a well-deserved pamper.

What were your picks in this month's You Beauty Discovery Box?

LOOK FANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX - NOVEMBER 2014

Look Fantastic has to be my current favourite beauty box of choice. I have used up most of the samples from last months box, this is really good for me as a lot of samples I try and then put aside as I'm already using other products. Everybody has been raving about this box, but I know a lot of people wanted to see make-up items, so it's nice to see a lip product in this months box. The contents of this months box include;

Eve Lom Cleanser, full-size 100ml £55.00 - This is a cleanser I have heard lots about and have received quite a few samples of it recently. This is a rich, balm texture that moisturises the skin as well as deeply cleanses. It's quite similar to the Emma Hardie balm cleanser, but less oily. I really like the way it leaves my skin feeling smooth and removes every last trace of make-up.
Monu Recovery Balm, full-size 50ml £22.50 - Monu is a brand I have received quite a few times in past Glossyboxes. This is the perfect product for the winter months. Recovery Balm is a soothing product for efficient and effective relief for sensitised or stressed skin in need of comforting. You apply this at night as the last step in your skincare routine, like an overnight mask. My skin is left feeling super smooth and hydrated. It helps to reduce redness, leaves skin feeling balanced and protective and has relaxing scents of Soft Rose and Bergamot to calm the senses. Probably one of the best products I've used from the Monu range.
Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Fluid, full-size 50ml £47.00 - This is an anti-ageing fluid which helps to recharge the skin and to restore its radiance. It's quite a unique product as it also boosts the efficacy of any anti-ageing skincare product. This is lovely to use in the evenings and is suitable for all skin types. This product contains Passionflower, Anchusa and Poppy Flower extracts, skin is luminous and appears younger.
Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, full-size 50ml £39.99 - I have tried this product a number of times and have always got on with it and enjoyed the results. It delivers instant results as its designed to be a 10 minute facial in a jar. When applied, you can really feel it working on the skin. My skin is left feeling refreshed, soft and glowing. It's a treatment that gives your skin a mid-week renewal.
Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex, full-size 100ml £18.99 - Hand Cream isn't a product I need more of as I have plenty, but I was quite excited about this product. I was first taken in by the pink packaging but this hand cream claims you will see visible results in less than 11 days. It targets eight signs of hand ageing. It contains 19.5% active ingredients that work to improve firmness, smoothness and evenness. I love the way this makes my skin feel, I apply it in the evenings and my skin still feels super smooth in the morning. 
New CID Cosmetics i-Crayon Lip & Cheek Tint, £14.00 - I have only used a lipgloss from this brand before, but really enjoyed using that. I am a big fan of lip crayons and this shade is perfect for Autumn/Winter, I received the shade Plum Cordial. These retractable chubby pencils are multiuse and can be used on the lips or cheeks. The formulation is pigmented and blends really easily. They leave a glossy tint to lips or cheeks and stay around for hours. I think I will mainly use this on the lips, but it's great to have products in my make-up bag that can be used for a number of things.

This month's box also included a £10.00 Coggles.com voucher, which is ideal to stock up on Christmas presents! and also a nice little extra. What is your favourite product from this month's Look Fantastic box? December's Box is currently on Pre-Order here.

HOT OR NOT - BEAUTY BOX PRODUCTS OCTOBER 2014

As I missed out reviewing most of my October beauty boxes, I thought I would give an overview on which products I enjoyed and would repurchase and which ones I would give a miss. I reviewed my current favourite box - Look Fantastic, so all of these products are from Glossybox, Birchbox or You Beauty Discovery box. Glossybox's theme last month was based around a pop art box, which I love and will be keeping after use. The limited edition box came in four different colour ways and included four full-size products and two samples, which really impressed me. October's Birchbox was a collaboration with Coppafeel as October is also breast cancer awareness month. I loved that all the products featured in that months box fit in a cute pink zip up pouch and the box also came with a handy lipstick pen, which is perfect for any beauty lovers! You Beauty Discovery's product list was based on handbag heroes which are effective in the quick fix approach. I love this beauty box as it gives you the chance to try samples you actually want to try at a really reasonable price tag.
Hot Products -
The products I got on with the most were; Ciate Paint Pot in Ditch The Heels (Glossybox) - I received a gorgeous green shade called Ditch The Heels. I've tried many Ciate nail polishes in the past and really like the glossy finish. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute (Glossybox) - I was really impressed to receive a full-size product from Nuxe. This is priced at £19.50 and is similar to the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask, so great for dry skin types. So Susan Flutter Mascara (Glossybox) - Mascara is probably my least favourite make-up product to receive in a beauty box, just because I know if I try it I have to use it up within the next few months, so I have a stock pile building up. But I decided to try this and really liked the way it lengthened my lashes. Etre Belle Liplift Peel (Glossybox) - I had never heard of this brand, but I was intrigued as I haven't used many products like it. This gives your lips a gentle exfoliation to prepare your lips for lipstick and I was impressed with the results. Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm (Birchbox) - I have tried samples of this before, I really enjoy the balm texture. It's a product I go back to again and again but have yet to purchase it as I keep receiving samples. Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Honey Nectar (Birchbox) - I was very excited for this product as I haven't tried many products from Pixi. This gives a lovely nude tint to the lips and helps moisturise them as well, great for the winter months! KMS California Hair Play Playable Texture (Birchbox) - I have been loving KMS products and this one is a must try! You can use this before or after blow drying and it helps to build style and define layers without making your hair feel weighed down. Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Tease (You Beauty Discovery) - This was my first choice from You Beauty last month as I haven't tried a lipstick from Illamasqua before. I received the shade Tease which is a gorgeous matte nude and goes lovely with my skin tone. Crystal Clear Skincare Intense Anti-Ageing Serum (You Beauty Discovery) - I love a good serum and I knew this was a pricey brand so I thought I would give it a go. It helps to reduce wrinkles and firm the skin, I'm sure this is for an older target market but I love the way it peps up my skin. Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum (You Beauty Discovery) - Another serum similar to the Crystal Clear one, I liked massaging this into my face in the evening. It has made me want to try more from the brand!
Not So Hot Products -
The products I didn't rate were; Yves Rocher Quelques Notes D'Amour Perfume (Glossybox) - I'm not a big fan of perfume samples in beauty boxes, this one is a little too sweet for me! Rimmel BB Cream Matte in Light (Glossybox) - A nice little extra, but even the light shade is too orange toned for my skin. Shaveworks The Cool Fix Gel Lotion (Birchbox) - As I don't have any issues with shaving my legs this isn't a product I would normally pick up. It is really smoothing and cooling though, so maybe nice to leave until the summer months, not too sure of the manly scent though. Lollipops Paris Nail Lacquer (Birchbox) - I had never heard of this brand before, I really like the festive shade and the shade is quite pigmented. But I wasn't very impressed with the staying power as it chipped quite easily. Gold Collagen Forte (You Beauty Discovery) - I have received one of these before in a beauty box and I must admit I haven't tried it. It's aimed at the 40+ market, but I can't imagine it's a nice beauty supplement to drink, I think I will give it a miss.

I think my favourite box out of the three October editions has to be Birchbox.

Which is your favourite Beauty Box?

LOOK FANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX - OCTOBER 2014

Look Fantastic is the newest beauty box to hit the market and this month (October) is their second box. After the success of last months box, I had high hopes that good sized samples and well known brands would carry on and I'm pleased they have, I just can't get enough of this box. It's a couple of pounds more than competitors Glossybox and Birchbox, but I think it's totally worth it to receive products you want to try.
KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry, full-size 200ml £11.45 - I was very excited to see KMS in the box, I have been wanting to try something from the brand for ages. I think they are also featured in Birchbox this month too. This product claims to reduce your blow dry time by up to 50%. As I wash my hair most mornings this is ideal for me and means I can quickly dry my hair and get out the door. This also provides heat protection, so is a multi use product. This is a bi-phase solution that you have to shake really well before use and the product helps to condition the hair as well. I really like the fruity scent and will look into buying the full-size version if this continues to work.
Gatineau Collagene Expert Ultimate Smoothing Cream, full-size 50ml £54.19 - This product can be used as a day or night cream, which works to give you younger and more radiant looking skin. This product contains a high concentration of elastin and collagen, it has a gel like texture which instantly absorbs to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the feel of the complexion. The formula is thick and creamy and leaves a nice smooth, fresh feeling on the skin. This is probably my least favourite product in the box just because I don't know much about the brand. But I will be taking this sample on holiday with me at the end of the month to give it a good test run.
Korres Citrus Shower Gel, full-size 250ml £8.00 - I received the body milk in this range in last months Birchbox. So it's quite nice to use them both at the same time to layer up the scents. It's more of a summery scent, so again this is ideal to take on holiday with me. I've really got into using Korres bath and body care. The product contains wheat proteins which form a protective film on the skin, maintaining it's regular hydration level, leaving the skin soft and moisturised.
Balance Me Facial Expression Filler, 15ml £22.00 - This is a full-size product and is probably targeted at a slightly older customer than me but there is no harm in giving it a go. This product is marketed as a daily natural botox fix and helps to tighten and tone skin fast. It's suitable for all skin types and is 99% natural. I have really enjoyed using Balance Me products in the past and this product contains ingredients to soften the appearance of forehead lines instantly. I will probably mainly use this around the eye area before applying make-up.
L'Oreal Professionnel Pro-Keratin Refill Shampoo, full-size 250ml £10.99 and Hair Masque full-size 200ml £13.99 - These are probably some of my favourite products in the box, they're made for damages hair and L'Oreal claims that hair feels 70% more resistant to breakage with use. I currently use the L'Oreal Professionnel silver shampoo, so know their products are of good quality and certainly make a difference. The shampoo cleanses and replenishes the hair and leaves a smooth, reinforced feeling. The masque intensively repairs and creates a defensive shield providing day to day protection from external aggressors. These both smell heavenly and I would look into buying the full-sizes when these run out.
This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray, full-size 75ml £25.00 - Last month, we received the normal version of this and this month we have the stronger version. I really liked using the spray last month, so was happy to see another sample. It really does help me to relax and helps you feel less restless during the night. The scent is stronger but only time will tell if this version out does the original. Looks like this product hasn't been released yet, but you can pre-order on the website - out 17th October, so that's really nice to receive an exclusive sample.
The October box is now sold out, but you can pre-order November's box. I already have! It would be nice to see some make-up products being introduced into the box, but is that why this box is so successful? Are cosmetic items too individual to that person's taste? But if Look Fantastic beauty box carries on like this, their competitors better watch out!

Have you ordered your Look Fantastic beauty box yet?

KAREN MILLEN GLOSSYBOX - SEPTEMBER 2014

Last Month, I posted my review see here, of the 3rd Anniversary Glossybox and stated that I was a bit underwhelmed with the contents. This month's box was totally different and is a collaboration with fashion brand Karen Millen. I love the London print skyline on the top of the box and I will definitely be keeping this out on display. Karen Millen's AW14 campaign is a celebration of the unique style and creativity in London hence the theme. I also received a £25.00 off voucher to spend in Karen Millen, which is a nice little extra. For me, this month's box is sky high compared to last month. I received;
ModelCo More Brows Fibre Gel Light/Medium, 3.5ml £9.00 - ModelCo is a brand that keeps popping up in beauty boxes. I have enjoyed a couple of their products and this More Brows is a great dupe for Benefit's Gimme Brow. I like that I received the right shade for my hair tone and at £9.00 its half the price of the higher end version. This thickening fibre gel helps to tint brows, fill in brows and keep brows in place all day. I wouldn't be without a brow gel in my make-up routine now. What I like about this version, is it hasn't seemed to clog up yet around the top like my Benefit one does. If you haven't tried the Benefit one, I would definitely recommend picking this up first.
Nails Inc Westminster Bridge Matte Topcoat, 10ml £12.00 - Nails Inc have recently re-branded themselves changing their bottles as well as their logo, see my post about this here. Saying that, I received the matte polish in the old packaging. I'm not normally one for matte nails, but it's nice to have. It is also another full-size sample, which is an extra bonus. I can imagine this looking really nice over a vampy purple, perfect for Autumn.
L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Hair Masque, 75ml full-size 200ml £15.30 - This is a product I have tried before and loved. My hairdresser recommended this to me and it's great to use on dry hair to hydrate ends. It smells great and the formulation is really thick. The masque intensely nourishes and leaves a glossy look. It's suitable for all hair types and it's a great sized sample to try if you haven't already.
Vichy Normaderm Night Detox and Hydrating Care, 3ml each fullsize 50ml £12.00 40ml £15.50 - I'm very excited to use this duo, their perfect to target adult blemishes. With use, blemishes appear reduced, skin looks purified and balances excess sebum production. I do struggle with blemishes on my chin from time to time, so I'm looking forward to see some results. There is a day and night cream and they're best used in conjunction.
SkinPep Brightening Enzyme and Acid Peel and Dark Circle Eraser, 3.5ml and 2ml Trial Size £6.49 and £7.98 - These are probably my least favorite products in the box, just because they're sachets and in my house these get put somewhere and forgotten about. But after reading more about these products, I'm more interested in using them. The Enzyme and Acid Peel is a highly effective peeling gel which uses Pineapple and Papaya extracts to create gently exfoliated, soft and bright skin. The powerful dark circle eraser uses anti-oxidant ingredients to boost collagen in the delicate undereye area. You can actually buy these trial sizes on their website.
Overall, I'm really happy with this months box, much better than last months. A few full-size products and well known brands, the only thing that would of made it better for me would of been if I had received the Origins product, but you can't have it all. Glossybox also included a leaflet in the box showing us the Pop Art themed box for next month and everyone will receive a full sized Nuxe Masque worth £19.50.

What do you think of September's box?

LOOK FANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX - SEPTEMBER 2014

Look Fantastic is the latest brand to release a beauty box. It’s nice to see an online beauty store bringing something different to the ever growing industry. I have always been interested in the concept, some people became uninterested in the whole idea but I’m always excited to see another new box released. Look Fantastic is always an online shop I check for deals and offers that are cheaper than the high-street. The Look Fantastic Beauty Box will contain a minimum of six products every month and you can decide if you want to order it instead of signing up to a subscription. The first box sold out really quickly, you don’t know what you’re going to receive before you get it through your letterbox and by using popular brands I know this box will be popular. The products included in September’s box were;

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 1 and Lait Vital, full-size 250ml and 200ml £22.20 for both – I am a big fan of Kerastase hair products, you know you are getting quality hair care from this brand. I wish I had ordered my mum a box at the same time, as she loves this shampoo and conditioner. I sadly went back on the website that evening and it had sold out. I will definitely be taking these on holiday with me, it’s so nice to see deluxe samples. I have used this hair care range before so I know I will enjoy using them. This hair duo is perfect for drier hair types, they're super moisturising and has a nourishing formula that protects hair to an award winning standard.

Caudalie Divine Oil, full-size 50ml £17.50 – I have already tried and loved this product, but it’s nice to have an extra sample for travel. This is a multiuse product which can be used on the body, hair and face. I love the glass bottle packaging, I’m most likely to use this on my body. Caudalie are committed to planting one tree for every bottle sold. The oil has a light, floral fragrance with woody notes.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, full-size 75ml £16.00 – I have always wanted to try this product, another product my mum swears by. I don’t have any trouble sleeping, but this is nice to spray on my pillow to relax me before sleep. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is clinically proven to help you sleep better than normal, make you fall asleep faster and feel more refreshed in the morning. The soothing scent is wild camomile, vetiver and true lavender, which helps to calm the mind - I will definitely be spraying this on my bed sheets tonight.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum, full-size 30ml £49.50 – Another product I was very excited about receiving. I haven’t tried many Jurlique products in the past, but the ones I have tried I have really enjoyed. This serum helps to recover your radiance, it features a proprietary active complex, Naturadiance PB18+ to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, restore radiance and increase hydration. I will be adding this to my evening skincare routine.

St Tropez Bronzing Mousse, 50ml £9.99 – This is probably my least favourite product in the box, just because I’m not much of a tanner. If I was to tan though, I would use St.Tropez as I’m always happy with the results, so this will come in use at some point. It gives a lovely even colour and this is a great sized product to touch up a holiday tan. I much prefer using a mousse product than a liquid. This bronzing mousse creates a streak-free, natural looking golden glow that lasts for days. I like to apply this with an applicator mitt for stain free hands.
Overall I'm really happy with the contents, so refreshing to find new products from brands I love and deluxe sized samples instead of sachets. The stand out product for me is the Jurlique Advanced Serum. I have already pre-ordered the October box, lets hope it lives up to their first box. Five random boxes will also receive a mystery gift worth £149.99, there's limited available so pre-order yours quick here.

What are your thoughts on Beauty Boxes?

LATEST IN BEAUTY - THE GLAMOUR BEAUTY POWER LIST 2014 BOX

I am currently obsessed with beauty boxes, I say currently, I have been since I subscribed to my first box and even wrote my dissertation around the whole concept. Glamour have collaborated with Latest in Beauty to come up with a beauty box based on their Beauty Power List. They have collaborated with Latest In Beauty before, I didn't pick up that box because I had tried most of the products featured, but I thought this box was definitely worth trying. The box contains seven handpicked beauty products which featured in the 2014 Beauty Power List and have Glamour's Beauty Director's stamp of approval. The total value of the box is £83.47 and you can buy it for £15.99 with postage and packaging included, so it definitely is a one-off steal at that price and it means you get to try new up and coming products. On top of that you also receive an annual subscription to the iPad or iPhone digital edition of Glamour for you or a friend, which I think is a really good deal.
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Conditioning Spray – I’m really into leave in conditioners at the moment. I have tried quite a few Philip Kingsley products recently and have been pleased with the results. This leave in protective conditioning spray defends against daily heat, styling and breakage. You spray this into wet hair to detangle, add shine and it smells divine. It's suitable for coloured hair and it's a great deluxe sample size at 60ml.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser – This is a cult product that everyone raves about. If my skin is acting up I always go back to this cleanser. I have tried the original formula and the limited edition scents and have enjoyed all of them. This is definitely a sample I will keep for holidays or nights away, it even comes with a muslin cloth. It removes dirt and make-up to leave skin clean and conditioned. It works on every skin type and any age.

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara – I have been wanting to try this mascara for ages, I have heard nothing but good things. It claims to give 360 degree volume the second it's applied. The unique wand coats every lash, without clumping. I haven't tried many Bourjois mascara's before, but this one doesn't disappoint, it's a full-size product and the formula is extra black.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – I have the radiance version of this primer which I love, so it’s great to try out the normal formula from the brand. It’s a generous sized sample of 30ml and the formula is lightweight, has a creamy gel consistency and makes your make-up stick around for longer. Meaning you don't have to touch up through out the day, which is perfect for my oily skin.

James Read Sleep Mask Tan – I’m not big on tanning but this is a great sample size to have to travel with. This product combines overnight skin beautifying ingredients with a touch of self-tan. It is a lightweight formula, that moisturises and soothes the skin overnight and leaves you with a subtle golden glow by morning. This is great for a quick pick me up and evens out your skin tone.

Maybelline Nude Colour Sensational Lipstick - I am big on nude lipsticks, they're great for everyday and right on-trend. Maybelline have five flesh tone shades in the collection to create an understated glossy finish. I received the shade Tantalizing Taupe, it's moisturising and pigmented, I will definitely be getting a lot of use from this lipstick.

Eyeko Mascara Off Make-up Remover Wipes - I am getting more into Eyeko products recently, these wipes will come in handy for travelling. They remove even waterproof mascara and smokey eye make-up, so they're great for lazy days or quick touch ups. These 100% pure cotton pads contain olive oil and aloe extract to condition and soothe, I will be popping these straight into my handbag.

PS - Fearne's make-up looks amazing in this months Glamour and it's all Revlon products.

Will you be picking up Latest In Beauty's newest box?

YOU BEAUTY DISCOVERY BIRTHDAY SPECIAL SEPTEMBER 2014

You Beauty Discovery has become one of my favourite beauty boxes to receive every month. It’s now been a year since they launched and I've been a subscriber since the beginning. The concept of the box is that they give the customer the choice to pick two items from a list of around ten products every month. I love picking my choices and it still gives you that surprise element as they might be items you wouldn't normally pick up, or beauty products you have wanted to try for a while.

This month they also included some birthday treats, £25 off your first order with Hello Fresh, two soothing Crabtree & Evelyn tea bags and a face sponge. Everyone also received an extra full-sized product, the Toni & Guy Glamour Volume Plumping Whip – which I already own and love. This is applied at the roots before blow drying to create body and volume.

The first product I chose was the Eyeko Hydrogel Eye Patches which come in packs of two and we received two sachets. I’m always excited by these kind of skincare products, I love a good face mask. You place these directly underneath the eyes and they help to instantly brighten and revive tired eyes. Great to use after a night out or if your feeling extra tired as they help with puffiness and dark shadows and leave your skin hydrated. Just leave them on for 30 minutes, take them off and carry on with the rest of your skincare routine. You can gently pat the eye area to help the skin absorb the nutrients, they contain concentrated botanical blend with Vitamin B and fruit extracts to treat the delicate eye area. I haven't tried much from Eyeko, so I'm looking forward to giving these a go on a pamper evening.

My second choice was from a brand I hadn't really heard much of, Ark. I received the Ark Age Aware Skincare Loving Body Wash and Body Butter duo. These are great products to have with the colder months coming and perfect for travel. These products help to soften skin with a blend of essential oils, chosen to boost your well-being. The scent is lovely - a creamy, sweet floral Rose, Jasmine and Orange flower, it actually reminds me of the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish.

You Beauty still have a few options available for this month, but a lot of them went out of stock straight away, so you have to be quick to make sure you get what you want. I think You Beauty Discovery is a great box if you enjoy discovering new products and at £6.95 it’s a lot cheaper than other beauty boxes.

Are you subscribed to a beauty box?