You Beauty Discovery Box Shortlist – April 2015

Here’s a sneak peek at the April You Beauty Discovery shortlist menu which will be available on the 1st April at 7am. This month’s shortlist theme is Natural and Organic and has all areas covered showcasing both well-known and emerging brands.

Subscribers have the option to choose two products of their choice and as a bonus 2-4 extra samples are thrown in too by You Beauty Discovery. A complete steal for only £6.95 a month.

Items in the shortlist menu include:

• Age Defy+ – Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator (10ml)
• Tisserand – Sweet Dreams Bath Oil (20ml)
• he-shi – Express Liquid Tan (50ml)
• Scentered – Sleep Well Therapy Balm (5g)
• Heaven Skincare – Chamomile Desensitising Hydrogel (10ml)
• Heaven Skincare – Peppermint Clarifying Hydrogel (10ml)
• Heaven Skincare – Orange Flower Cell Renewal Hydrogel (10ml)
• Spa To You – Konjac Sponge (full size)
• Our Tiny Bees – Lavender Hand Balm & Beeswax Lip Balm Duo (45ml & 15g)

Plus, each box will include Yours Truly Organics – Fix Me! Repairing Serum (5ml sachet) and Linwoods – Milled Organic Flaxseed Cocoa & Berries (15g).

Contents may vary, subject to availability while stocks last.

http://www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – March 2015

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 8
Value – £45.00
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Spring is definitely in the air and Love Lula have embraced the arrival of this season with a newly designed logo as well as this month’s box, which sees a beauty overhaul boasting such a great array of refreshing products to renew, rejuvenate and restore. It’s the perfect mix this month as we eventually phase out our winter beauty products. The box showcases another impressive line up with three full-sized products and three samples with a selection of skincare products alongside a body soap. This month’s box features mainly new discoveries for me and it’s another great edition which greets you with a very fresh spring fragrance, unintentional of course but very fitting .

Love Lula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes three full sized products and three good sized samples .The box features the brands Acorelle, John Masters, Bon Naturals, Madara and Dudu-Osun.

1.    Acorelle Eye Serum – Full Size 15ml. RRP £21.00

I love slathering on a eye cream especially when my eyes are feeling particularly tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes the next morning. Acorelle isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before but welcomed the discovery and it comes in a full size too worth £21.00, really impressed Love Lula have included this within the box.

This hard-working certified organic eye cream by Acorelle has been created with unique patented formula Api Oleo Actif (AOA) and claims to restore the appearance, smooth the eye contour, reduce the color of dark circles, rejuvenate and prevent congestion of the eyes, and is suitable for all skin types.

The serum is light with a very silky texture and soaks into skin quickly without leaving any kind of residue and leaves the area around the eyes feeling soothed and relieved. On the first application I noticed a slight difference straight away and the area around my eyes looked much brighter and rested.

2.    Acorelle Cleansing Oil –  Full Size 125ml. RRP £17.00

There’s another full-sized product from Acorelle in the form of their cleansing oil and I really like that Love Lula have included another product from the brand as it really gives subscribers a good opportunity to road test the brand.

The Acorelle Cleansing Oil gently removes impurities and make up,including stubborn eye make up. It’s enriched with nourishing plum oil and antioxidant Vitamin E leaving your skin clean and supple without feeling greasy.

I’m a little reluctant to try this as it’s mainly for normal and dry skin types and with my skin being quite oily I think I will pass this onto a family member. Such a shame as it smells really beautiful and seems quite pampering.

3.   John Masters Cleansing Bar – Full Size 128g RRP £7.00

I’ve really been liking what I’ve tried so far from the John Masters collection and welcomed another new discovery within this month’s box.

This multi-purpose soap is an all-over body cleanser and shaving bar that lathers into a soothing foam for a close and comfortable shave, for both men and women. It contains Organic palm and coconut oils and is enriched with the antiseptic properties of essential birch and cedarwood oils alongside a high glycerin content, leaving your skin clean and soft – with no irritation from shaving and is suitable for all skin types.

I love multi-purpose products and I’m really drawn to the fact that this can also be used for shaving too, although I’m quite curious to see how this measures up against my beloved shaving foam, it certainly smells much nicer.

4.   Bon Naturals Tissue Oil – Sample Size 5ml. Full Size 100ml RRP £9.99

Another brand which I’ve not heard of before is Bon Naturals,  a South African family owned producer of natural skin care products that has been in existence for over 40 years. Their philosophy is to develop and manufacture the best quality skin care products, which are natural, have a proven benefit, and retail at affordable prices.

There’s an award winning, clinically proven face and body oil sample within this month’s box and is formulated to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, ageing and dehydrated skin. This Vitamin E enriched formula combines a unique blend of naturally derived avocado, grape seed & rose hip oils to nourish and improve the appearance of the skin.  The sample comes in a little spray bottle which is great to get an even burst of product and I will definitely be putting this to the test on some of my blemishes and with it containing rosehip oil known for its scar fighting properties I have high hopes.

5.  Dudu-Osun Black Soap  – Sample Size 25g. Full Size 150g RRP £5.00

This is probably the highlight for me within this month’s box, it’s another new discovery and comes in the form of a black cleansing soap crafted traditionally for hundreds of years in Africa. The packaging itself is quite simple and fuss-free and with the bar being rounded it fits comfortably in the hands. If you love using skincare with natural ingredients, this is as natural as it gets. it’s enriched with Pure Honey , Shea Butter, Camwood (Osun), Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Pod Ash, Palm Bunch Ash, Aloe Vera, Lime juice, water and fragrance.

The first time I used this on my face it felt like it was on fire and left my skin feeling rather itchy and uncomfortable afterwards. However, this is supposedly normal due to the lime juice and other natural ingredients and some other reviewers had also reported the same issues. Despite this, I did persist with the soap and have been using this for over a week now and it’s much more tolerable and the results have certainly been worth it. Every time I use this my skin feels thoroughly cleansed and I’ve not had any breakouts since so I’m hoping it’s down to this miraculous soap. One word of warning, do not get this soap in your eyes it’s horrifically stingy and dry skins should definitely stay away as it does suck moisture out from the skin.

6.  Madara Time Miracle Samples  – x3 sample sachets

I’ve seen Madara appear quite a few times within the Love Lula editions and this month there’s three different samples from their Time Miracle range. I’m not quite there with the anti-ageing products so will probably pass these on.

My Verdict

This month sees another great line up by Love Lula and mainly showcases new discoveries for me. Although this month’s box mainly featured skincare with a couple of products not suitable for my skin type,  there was still enough within the box to keep me interested. I was particularly impressed with the Dudu-Osun soap and I’m hoping it continues to keep my spots at bay. There was also a good mixture of full sized products and samples this month with an impressive value of around £45.00. One of the aspects I really like about Love Lula is that they always include a mixture of products from both well-known and emerging brands so they’ll always be something new to try and as their concept is focused, you won’t find the majority of these products within any of the other beauty boxes. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on all of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is great if there’s something in the box you really love.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely unique beauty discovery experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty-free products or want to detoxify your beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

If you missed out on any of the Love Lula beauty boxes there’s a few available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Value – £22.94
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The February 2015 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and this month all subscribers can expect to see a larger box than usual land on their doorstep, I was certainly eager to find out what was was within the bigger box and was pleasantly surprised.  The box showcases an impressive line up with four full-sized products and one sample with a selection of skincare products alongside some bath & body treats. This month’s box features well-known brands as well as some new discoveries for me. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes four full sized products and one good sized sample .The box features the brands Lovea, Skin Blossom, REN, Madara and Fair Squared.

1.    Lovea Guava Body Wash – Full Size 400ml. RRP £6.49

This massive sized shower gel was the culprit that took up most of the space within the box and I was delighted to see this everyday essential. It’s definitely one of the highlights inside the box and who doesn’t love a fruity fragranced shower gel!

This shower gel contains a 100% natural fragrance and is enriched with soothing Organic Aloe Vera that gently cleanses while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance to leave the skin soft, smooth and delicately perfumed.

The scent is utterly divine and has refreshing and uplifting notes, perfect for a wake-me-up shower. I was expecting this to have an artificial scent but surprisingly it smells very natural just like the fruit itself. I can’t wait to put all my winter shower gels to one side to welcome this one as we soon approach Spring.

2.    Skin Blossom Reviving Eye Cream –  Full Size 15ml. RRP £5.95

I love slathering on a eye cream especially when my eyes are feeling tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes the next morning.

This eye cream by Skin Blossom promises to revive and restore THE skin around eyes with it’s moisturising antioxidant cream which contains a special blend of Green Tea, Eyebright and Buckwheat extract. It’s also made with 85% organic ingredients and certified to the strict Soil Association organic skin care standard making it suitable for all skin types, including even the most sensitive skin.

The cream is light and soaks into skin quickly without leaving any kind of residue and leaves the area around the eyes feeling soothed and relieved. I have been using this for a few days and whilst I haven’t seen any noticeable changes to the skin around my eyes I’m hoping I gradually see some results.

3.   REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot – Sample Size 3ml

I’ve really been liking what I’ve tried so far from the REN collection and welcomed another discovery within this month’s box which is a new addition to their range.

This super-charged gel-serum claims to instantly firm, lift and plump the skin to leave it looking dramatically smoother, tighter and more youthful. It contains a liquid matrix of Hyaluronans that supercharges the skin with firming moisture and encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time.

4.  Madara Cranberry Soap – Full Size 150g RRP £6.00

I love bath soaps and whilst they mainly take center stage within a big jar in my bathroom, I do sometimes use the more fragrant ones to unwind in the evenings so it was nice to receive a soap from Madara who’s products are entirely natural and certified according to the international ECOCERT standard.

Madara’s hand & body soap purifies and nourishes the skin with the vitality of cranberry and the freshness of juniper. The botanical base of the soap purifies while the jojoba oil nourishes the skin, leaving the skin full of energy.

This soap has a beautiful and delicate scent with uplifting and energising notes making it the perfect pick me up for the mornings.

5.  Fair Squared Almond Hand Cream  – Full Size 100ml. RRP £4.50

I’m absolutely drowning in hand creams at the moment and I’ve seen one pop up quite regularly within the Love Lula boxes and whilst I use hand creams regularly I only wish I had more hands to get through the ones I already have. Nevertheless I do love hand creams so was happy to add another to the stockpile from Fair Squared who I got introduced to a couple a months ago. I loved their lip balm formula so had high hopes for this hand cream.

The Fair Squared Hand Almond Cream regenerates dry, chapped hands. The rich hand cream nourishes the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and protects it from dehydration and premature aging and contains native Fairtrade certified olive oil, almond oil and nourishing honey,  which benefits farmers in Palestine, Pakistan and Chile.

The texture of the cream is quite rich and sinks into the skin leaving the hands feeling soft and nourished. I was expecting a really overpowering fragrance but it’s actually quite delicate and very much to my liking.

My Verdict

Another great edit by Love Lula this month which features a great selection of affordable natural and organic beauty treats to trial . I was pretty relieved that the box wasn’t so much dominated by skincare as I’m currently drowning in products at the moment but I loved that they mixed it up a little this month with some lovely bath and body treats and along with an eye cream and a newly launched product from REN. The box featured well-known brands as well as a few new discoveries for me and included mainly full sized products this month. I feel that Love Lula have really upped their game recently and I’m loving their new step in direction.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on all of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is great if there’s something in the box you really love.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely unique beauty discovery experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty-free products or want to detoxify your beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

If you missed out on any of the Love Lula beauty boxes there’s a few available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Love Lula Beauty Box Review – January 2015

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 8
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The January 2015 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and this month all subscribers are in for such a treat! The box showcases an impressive beauty overhaul boasting eight beauty items which includes skin and bodycare products along with some mini make up brushes. There’s a good variety of beauty revivers from skincare rescuers to much needed pick me ups making it the perfect kick-start box for January. This month’s box is one of my favourite edits from Love Lula and features well-known brands as well as a couple of new discoveries.

Love Lula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes four full sized products, 2 deluxe samples and 2 sachet samples.The box features the brands Balance Me, Eco Tools, Vinali, Yes to, Nourish and Funny Bee.

1.    EcoTools 6 Mini Brush Set – Full Size. RRP £4.99

EcoTools is a brand which I already use and love. I own a couple of their make-up brush sets and have always found their brushes of good quality and very budget friendly. If that’s not enough they also use cruelty-free bristles and natural, recycled materials.

The EcoTools Bamboo 6 Mini Makeup Brushes can be used to apply eyeshadow, lip gloss or lip colour and concealer and they are perfect for traveling especially when using make up housed in palettes.

2.    Vinali Body Lotion and Face Cream –  Travel Size 25ml and Sample Sachet 2ml.

In Winter we all tend to reach out for more moisture quenching products to make our skin that much more weather-proof and I was happy to be introduced to two samples from the brand Vinali who’s collection has recently been added to the Love Lula website.

Founded in 2009 although the founders were already experts in wineries prior to this, Vinali was the first organic Spanish range of Vino-Cosmetics who conducted pioneering research into the antioxidant properties of wine to bring a range of products combining the properties of grape and other carefully selected powerful natural ingredients.

The body lotion contains Grape Seed Oil, Organic firming Cocoa and Shea butter to deeply nourish and help regenerate and tone the skin.

The formula is really light weight and sinks into the skin effortlessly. The scent is really subtle and feels refreshing on the skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. The cream left my skin smooth and hydrated ready to face the cold wintery weather.

As well as the body lotion there was also a sample sachet of their day cream which I am yet to try.

3.   Balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream – Travel Size 30ml

I’m inundated with hand creams at the moment but the Balance Me Rose Otto cream has been one I’ve been wanting to try for quite a while and I was delighted to see a very good sized sample within this month’s box.

This cream has a ultra-soothing and skin-quenching formula which deeply smooths and moisturises dry hands with its emollient blend of anti-oxidant rich, protective Arctic cloudberry and exquisite aroma of softening rose otto, palma rosa and rose geranium essential oils.

It’s quite simply one of the nicest hand creams I’ve used. Its beautiful rose scent gently perfumes the air whilst the rich but non-greasy formula really absorbs into the skin leaving your hands super hydrated, soft and moisturised. As well as the hands this can also be applied to the feet which I’m looking forward to trying.

This cream also goes a very, very long way so, although it’s not cheap, it won’t need replacing for ages.

4.  Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes – Travel Pack RRP £1.99

I’ve not had much dealings with the Yes to range who are a organic eco-friendly brand.

These all-natural, biogradable and hypoallergenic wipes are made with soothing ingredients such as cucumbers, green tea, and aloe vera. One single cloth naturally exfoliates, detoxifies, and rejuvenates as well as gently removing dirt, sweat and makeup.

I occasionally use wipes if I’m feeling too tired to do a full cleanse and these sound perfect for my skin type being oil-free and hypoallergenic. They feel refreshing and make the skin feel clean without drying the skin out. I was expecting a very artificial scent but surprisingly the wipes smell identical to cucumbers!

This travel pack of 10 is ideal whether you’re out and about, at the gym, or traveling.

5.  Madara Detox Mud Mask  – Travel Size 12.5ml

I’m feeling really spoilt and I’ve not even got to the last product yet! This mask excites me as not only is it suitable for oily skin, it’s exactly what my skin needs to get back to it normal state.

This detox mud mask contains Nordic forest lake mud and it’s aim is to clean, tighten pores and conditions, to leave the skin fresh, matt and revitalised.

This hard-working mask offers five effects which clarifies, detoxifies. rejuvenates, recharges and hydrates and is recommended to be used twice a week as clarifying treatment for oily, combination skin, skin with enlarged pores, blemishes, acne, and to combat skin dullness, tiredness and occasional inflammation it can be used once a week. If that’s not impressive the mask is also suitable for vegans, is nut free, cruelty free and natural and organic.

I really love face masks as they provide a quick pick me up to remove impurities and generally leave the skin feeling refreshed and renewed.

I’m looking forward to trying this mask which appears to offer real benefits for oily and spot-prone skin.

6.  Nourish Kale Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser  – Sample Size 2ml

This cleanser is fairly new to the Nourish range and only launched last year. It contains the key ingredient Kale, a well known detoxifier to help protect skin from damaging free radicals. As well as it’s key performer the cream itself contains lots of skin-soothing oils as well as phytoactive pomegranate enzymes which gently exfoliate.

As well as this product being a cleanser, it’s multi purpose formula can also be used as an exfoliating mask and for a revitalising facial which is great to really benefit from the key ingredients.

7.  Funny Bee Pretty BB Cream – Sample Size 1.5ml

I love BB creams they are a great lighter alternative to foundation with multi-tasking abilities. It’s definitely my preferred option during the day.

This all-in-1 organic BB Cream moisturises, protects, perfects skin texture, covers imperfections and gives a natural and healthy glow without silicone or artificial coloring and contains skin loving ingredients such as shea butter, organic apricot stone, perilla and sesame oils and hyaluronic acid.

The cream looked very orange initially however once applied onto the skin it blends very easily with the shade being a perfect near match . The cream also has a subtle fruity scent but soon fades once applied. I found that the cream didn’t cover my blemishes as much as I’d liked however it did leave my skin looking more luminous with a very natural finish.

My Verdict

Love Lula have kick started the year with an amazing edit this month which boasts eight beauty treats covering skincare, bodycare and even some travel-sized make up brushes. I’m really into my skincare at the moment and this arrived at the perfect time for me where I’m on a quest to improve my current regime. I love that the box featured well-known brands as well as a few new discoveries and included a mixture of full sized products and very good sized samples.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on all of the brands which were featured in this month’s box.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely unique beauty discovery experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty-free products or want to detoxify your beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

If you missed out on any of the Love Lula beauty boxes they are now available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Glossybox Review – January 2015

Price of the Box is £10.00 Plus £3.25 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5 items
Total value of contents in the box is £34.36
www.glossybox.co.uk

The January 2015 Glossybox has landed and this month’s edit kick-starts the new year with a beauty revival box boasting an impressive five full sized products to help recover and revive tired partied out skin. As we soldier through the most miserable month of the year, this month’s box is the perfect pick me up to beat those January blues.  I also love that the box focuses mainly on make up giving a welcomed break from skincare. There’s also a few new brands featured this month which is always good to see.

Glossybox already revealed two of the products which you could expect to see inside this month’s box and I was pretty excited to try the organic toner and the mineral blusher, both of which come from brands I’ve not heard of before. The box mainly features make-up and a toner this month from brands such as Nicka K New York, Kueshi, Jelly Pong Pong, MeMeMe Cosmetics and Naked Lips.

Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 4-5 selected hair, make-up , body and nail products from well-known brands and new brands and includes a mixture of full sized and sample products.

1. Kueshi Revitalising Face Toner – Full Size 200ml RRP £8.36

Last month’s box revealed that all subscribers would be greeted by this revitalising toner from the organic brand Kueshi. I’m on a quest to really shake up my cleansing routine and this arrives at the perfect time in a very generous sized bottle.

Kueshi is a Spanish brand who’s products combine high quality active ingredients and natural products for their effectiveness, smoothness and texture, providing optimal results which are natural and kind to your skin.

The toner contains skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and calendula that combine to soothe the skin leaving it feeling comfortable, fresh, healthy and perfectly clean. The formula is gentle for even the most sensitive of skin types and comes subtly fragranced.

This toner removes any last traces of excess oils and makeup effortlessly and leaves the skin feeling rebalanced, refreshed and hydrated making it the perfect base for moisturiser application.

My only gripe is the brand isn’t readily available in the UK and I can see myself falling for this toner!

2. MeMeMe Eye Liner Pencil – Full Size RRP £4.00

Eyeliner is a make-up bag must-have for me and it’s very rare that I switch from my all time favourite shade, the blackest of black.

The pencil is really soft and creamy and comes in the shade clay which is dark brown in colour. I wasn’t expecting much from this eyeliner but it applies on the waterline effortlessly and smoothly. After a few hours the colour had faded a little but was still clearly visible without any smudging. The shade really softens the eyes whilst still giving you that defined look.

3. Nicka K New York Colorluxe Powder Blush – Full Size RRP £7.00

I was really excited to try out this innovative loose blusher by Nicka K New York which promises to give you radiant and glowing skin, a much needed make up fix to brighten dull and lacklustre skin during the months of winter.

All subscribers can expect to see this revolutionary blush in the shade Romantic which is pink with a red undertone. I love that the blusher is housed in a compact tub with a plush applicator and also includes a mirror which is great for on the go touch ups.

Unfortunately the applicator does dispense quite a bit of powder and doesn’t apply evenly which resulted in some parts being patchy. I found that using a brush as opposed to the applicator worked much better to soften the colour for a more natural and even result. If you’re a fan of brighter cheek shades unlike me who is more drawn to muted shades, this pigmented blusher really gives a healthy pop of colour and can be built up to achieve the desired result. I love the overall concept but for me the shade let it down.

4. Jelly Pong Pong All Over Glow Illuminator –  Full Size RRP £10.00

This oil-free lightweight luminising gel is enriched with micronised pearlescent pigments & jasmine extract to highlight the face for a fresh, radiant complexion by simply dabbing a little onto the cheekbones and the brow bone.

The shade is a lovely golden peach with hints of gold shimmer and a pearly finish. The formula is very pigmented and a little goes a long way.  This blends in effortlessly leaving a beautiful sheen and you can really see the luminousity when the light reflects on the skin . As well as the cheeks and the brow bone, a very tiny amount can also be mixed in with foundation to add a little glow.

I really like this illuminator, the subtle shade really brings warmth to the skin as well as giving an instant luminous and radiant glow.

5. Naked Lips Organic Lip Balm – Full Size RRP £5.00

I’ve been reaching out for lip balms much more recently for keeping my lips weatherproof during the colder months.

Naked Lips is a European brand who just focus on organic lip products. I received the super fruits balm which is quite impressive with it’s creamy and super-moisturising 100% natural formula. It’s packed with oils from anti-oxidant fruits and has the most delicious scent which is very similar to the love heart sweets! As well as it’s good enough to eat fragrance, it also works wonders on dry chapped lips making them feel much more softer and hydrated.

My Verdict

Glossybox have curated a great box to kick start the year and will certainly be a crowd pleaser amongst subscribers this month and is one of my favourite edits. The box showcases an impressive line up which includes five full sized products and mainly focuses on make up treats as well as the soothing toner which I’ve fallen in love with. It was good to see a few new brands within the box too. As well as the beauty treats there was also a £25 Hello Fresh card to redeem against any of their boxes.

Glossybox always include some full sized products which bumps up the value of the box so it’s a great affordable way to discover and trial products from well known and new brands. This months box has a value of £34.36 beating the cost of the box.

February Spoiler Alert – All subscribers will receive a full sized Royal Apothic Tintie Lip Butter which has just been launched in the UK and has already hit the shelves at Space.NK

Fancy Subscribing to Glossybox?

Click here to sign up

www.glossybox.co.uk

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You Beauty Discovery Box Review – January 2015

Price of the Box is £6.95 including P&P
No of items in the box – 7 items
Total value of contents in the box £18.35
http://www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

It’s the start of a new year and as well as it being a catalyst for a healthier and fitter you, it’s also the perfect time to make some beauty resolutions and one my resolutions this year is to more regimented with my evening cleansing regime. I did a fair share of falling asleep with my makeup on after a few late nights last year! The January 2015 You Beauty Discovery Box has landed and this month’s New Year, New You shortlist mainly featured skincare which worked out quite well for me considering I’m on quest at the moment. As well as the skincare products  there were also a couple of nail varnishes from the Sainsbury’s Boutique Collection too.

To see the January Shortlist please click here

“You Beauty Discovery” is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 2 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known and new brands and they also include 2-3 bonus samples. Unlike the other subscription boxes you get to choose two products of your choice from a diverse selection menu each month.

 My box included 2 products of my choice from the shortlist and three extra bonus treats in the form of a sachet sample of the Dove Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream , 3 Dragon Fly Teabags and a £25 Hello Fresh card.

1.  AFYNA Organic Detoxifying Body Scrub – Travel Size 60ml. Worth £10.00

I  tend to reach out for exfoliating products more often during the colder months and was happy to see this body scrub from a new British organic brand.

AFYNA is a new organic skincare range developed by its founder, Sara Young who is an experienced spa therapist. Their  groundbreaking product formulations use certified organic ingredients combined with powerful bio-extracts such as hyaluronic acid and lupine peptides. AFYNA is expertly hand blended in Cornwall and provides effective organic skincare for the modern woman.

The AFYNA Detoxifying Body Scrub is a gentle organic exfoliating gel that uses apricot kernel to polish away dead skin cells to reveal younger looking skin which is visibly brighter, smoother and refreshed. It contains five carefully selected essential oils including juniper berry and grapefruit which encourages the body to detoxify and reduce the signs of cellulite.

I like that this is in a gel texture as it feels much more refreshing on the skin as opposed to a creamy formula. It’s quite gritty but not where it’s abrasive on the skin, it’s very gentle. This scrub releases an abundant therapeutic aroma which made my bathroom smell divine and very spa-like.

I really enjoy this using this body scrub and not only is it kind to the skin, it’s a great skin saviour which restores, hydrates and sloughs away any dryness unveiling brighter and radiant looking skin.

2. Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm & Overnight Recharge Night Cream – Sample Size 30ml and 3ml. Worth £8.35

I’m on a quest this year to improve my evening cleansing regime especially when coming home the wrong side of midnight which usually results in skipping that all important cleanse. This comes in a duo set and and includes a cleansing balm and there newly launched Overnight Recharge Night Cream.

Meruyama is a brand I’ve heard of but I’ve not tried anything from their range before and being relatively new to the market, they have already established a reputable name for themselves.

The Melting Cleansing Balm by Merumaya consists of a double cleanse method which removes make up and grime first, and on the second use it cleans your skin. This luxurious balm is infused with skin loving ingredients such as sweet almond oil, echium seed oil (RevitElix™), Mangosteen extract and the MERUMAYA Signature Essence Blend which smells utterly divine with a subtle floral fragrance. It’s also suitable for all skin types including oily and spot-prone skin which is one of the main reasons why this appealed to me as well as it being a firm favourite amongst the blogging community.

Firstly I love that this balm comes in a tube instead of a tub as it’s definitely much more hygienic, easier to use and minimises wastage.

The balm removes make-up, dirt and grime effortlessly, applies like a dream and feels utterly luxurious. It doesn’t make your skin feel tight or dry and if you’re oily skinned like me it doesn’t leave behind any traces of oil on the skin.  As well as it’s beautifying properties the balm is scented with a floral fragrance which makes the cleansing process much more pleasant.

I’ve been using this for a couple of days now with a muslin cloth and it’s a great daily cleanser which is gentle on the skin, works effectively and is such a pleasure to use. I’m really impressed with my first experience with Merumaya, and will definitely be looking into more of their products as well as trying the overnight re-charge cream which came alongside this cleanser.

3. Extra Samples within the box:

This month, You Beauty Discovery included a sachet sample of the Dove Youthful Vitality Hair BB Cream which is new form of a BB cream which is for the hair, there was also 3 types of  Dragon Fly Teabags and a £25 Hello Fresh card.

My Verdict

I was a little disappointed with this months shortlist however the products I selected definitely made up for this. I’m really happy with my choices and the discoveries I’ve made this month. There was also a generous amount of extra bonus samples too. I loved the inclusion of the Dragon Fly Teas which arrive just in time for that all important inner cleanse.

The value of my box is worth £18.35 beating the actual cost of the box and includes very good sized samples.

The magazine contained within the box includes various discount codes for all of the brands which have been featured this month which is great if you want to buy further products.

You Beauty Discovery is one of favourite beauty boxes and it’s a great way to discover new and well known brands from a good selection of beauty products. I love that I can personalise my box giving me full control on what I receive. The box itself is only £6.95 each month making it super affordable and good value for money.

For more information or to subscribe please visit:

http://www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

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Love Lula Beauty Box Review – December 2014

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 7
Total value of contents in the box –  £25.00
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The December 2014 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and there’s nothing more delightful then receiving a box filled with natural skin loving treats. This month’s box boasts four full sized products and includes a variety of winter essentials, my all time favourite multi-purpose soap and an indulgent bath time treat. I’m delighted that most of the brands within this edit are new discoveries for me.

LoveLula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes four full sized products, 1 deluxe sample and 2 sachet samples.The box features the brands Dr Bronner, Salcura, Fair Squared and JOIK.

1.    Dr Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap – Full Size 237ml. RRP £5.99

I recently discovered this amazing magic soap by Dr Bronner and have been using this on a daily basis to wash my make-up brushes. It’s gentle yet effective formula definitely makes the chore more pleasant with quick results. I’ve been using the Dr Bronner’s bar of soap and was happy to receive this as it’s more versatile and is much easier to use being in a liquid form.

Whilst this may appear to be just a simple bottle of soap it’s truly natural with it’s no-fuss packaging and boasts eighteen multi- uses .The soap which isn’t restricted just for the face and body, can also be used for household cleaning, laundry washing, even washing pets such as dogs. This gentle formula is not harsh in the slightest with its combination of certified fair trade and organic oil ingredients.

It’s potently scented with a lavender fragrance which smells very soothing, perfect for using in the shower to unwind in the evenings. Alternatively if you’re a fan of lavender scents a little can be added to an oil burner too.

2.    Salcura Hand Hydrator –  Full Size 75ml. RRP £11.99

In Winter we all tend to reach out for more moisture quenching products as the weather conditions wreak havoc on our skin.

I’ve not tried anything from the brand Salcura and was happy to be introduced to them in the form of their Hand Hydrator.

Founded in 2002, Salcura is a British skin therapy brand who have developed scientifically supported, highly effective, skin kind and skin friendly therapy products.

This hand cream is 99% natural and the star ingredient within the formula is Sea Buckthorn Oil known for its nourishing, regenerative and restorative properties and also contains high concentrations of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9.

The cream claims to provide quick relief from dry skin and also reduces inflammation fast if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis which both flare up during the winter months.

The hand cream is lighted scented and it’s rich formula sinks straight into the skin leaving no greasy residue. My hands were left soft, supple and extremely nourished.

3.   Fair Squared Lip Balm x 2 – Full Size. RRP £2.99 each

Fair Squared provide organic and vegan beauty products and their collection ranges from skincare to bath, bedroom and beyond.

There’s two generous lip balms from Fair Squared in this month’s box which is another new discovery for me. I received Spearmint and Pomegranate from their collection.

Fair Squared lip balms are produced with rich almond oil, precious apricot kernel oil as well as coconut oil and cacao butter.

I use lip balms on a daily basis and was happy to see a couple more to add to my collection.

4.  JOIK Lavender bath truffle and Sample Sachets  – Sample Size

I spotted this brand on the Love Lula website a few weeks ago and immediately the JOIK collection stood out for me with its luxurious look and feel. I’m really pleased that Love Lula have featured this deluxe sample in their box this month.

JOIK originates from Estonia and their ethos is to use nature to their best advantage whilst caring for it too. Their products contain all the goodness from natural sources combined with luxurious emotions of scent and colour.

The Lavender bath truffle which is 100% natural is infused with natural essential oil offering a relaxing and calming experience. They are rich in cocoa butter leaving your skin wonderfully soft, moisturised and velvety and it’s especially good for dry skin.

The bath truffle sample comes presented in a pretty organza drawstring bag and you can really smell the notes of the lavender even before opening the bag.

This bath truffle looks very creamy in appearance and on the surface lies a scatter of dried lavender and almost looks edible! You simply add the truffle to warm bath water and slowly let it melt. I’m looking forward to trying this over the Christmas period.

Also within the box is two sample sachets of JOIK’s Shimmering raspberry body lotion with sweet almond oil and their Silky Facial Serum with cranberry seed oil.

My Verdict

I’m delighted with this month’s box which features variety of winter essentials, my all time favourite multi-purpose soap and an indulgent bath time treat. The box boasts 4 full sized products and covers a good area of beauty.

This month’s brands were mostly new discoveries for me and included a mixture of full sized products and samples this month.

The December box is slightly less valued compared to previous months and works out to be around £25.00 which still isn’t bad considering the box is only £12.50.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely different experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on any of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is valid throughout December.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty free products or want to detoxify your beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

If you missed out on any of the Love Lula beauty boxes they are now available to buy without a subscription here.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

The Naturally Beautiful Box by Latest in Beauty Review – November 2014

Price of the Box is £24.95 including P&P
No of Products in the Box – 14 items
Total Value of contents in the box – over £80.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

Christmas is slowly creeping upon us and with only five weekends left there’s not long to go before we all start to enjoy the festivities and exchange gifts with our loved ones. I love this time of the year which see’s the release of bespoke and limited edition beauty boxes which make the perfect Christmas gifts or a much needed treat for yourself to beat the winter blues.

With the launch of the Latest in Beauty’s Gift shop they have curated three themed boxes brimmed with premium, cult and classic beauty products with brands such as Caudalie, L’Occitane, Loreal Paris, Crabtree & Evelyn and many more.

I kindly got sent The Naturally Beautiful Box to review which contains active skincare, delicious body treats, make up for the party season ahead and some indulgent treats making it the perfect box for pampering both the body and mind this winter.

The box is tied with a pretty pink bow and the contents are wrapped within festive paper embossed with gold specks. It’s very presentable and comes with a card too, perfect for gifting this Christmas.

1.    Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Antiwrinkle Sample Set – Worth £9.95

I adore Caudalie products and inside this box is three generous offerings from their Polyphenol C15 Antiwrinkle range which includes the Defense Serum (10ml), Defense Eye & Lip Cream (5ml) and the SPF 20 Antiwrinkle Protect Fluid (15ml).

The Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Antiwrinkle range is packed with antioxidant filled ingredients such as grape seed, polyphenols, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid and it’s aim is to protect and plump your skin.

Latest in Beauty have this exact set for £9.95 on their website and it’s amazing that these have also been included within this edit. The set will also enable you to fully road test this range and give you a good for the brand itself.

2.    Dr Bronner’s All-One Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Soap –  Travel Size 30g.

Whilst this may appear to be just a simple bar of soap it’s truly natural with it’s no-fuss packaging and it’s multi-purpose uses. The soap which isn’t restricted just for the face and body can also be used for household cleaning and laundry washing, and amazingly it’s not harsh in the slightest. This soap is completely biodegradable, vegetable based and is made with certified fair trade and organic oils.

Scented with relaxing lavender which smells very natural it’s very soothing and relaxing, perfect for using in the shower to unwind in the evenings.

I’ve heard raving reviews about this soap and it’s effectiveness in cleaning make-up brushes and sponges. Brush cleaning is a chore and one where I procrastinate. However last night was the perfect opportunity to try out the soap as my beauty blender had definitely seen better days! This lathers up pretty well and surprisingly this soap works just as well as the beauty blender cleanser solid only this one will last longer and doesn’t cost half as much. A very welcomed discovery which makes brush and sponge cleaning a little more pleasant!

3.   Herbacin Wuta Kamille Hand Cream –  Travel Size 20ml. RRP £1.99

The Herbacin hand cream is a proven Canadian classic with it’s triple action formula which soothes and nourishes hard working hands with the healing powers of the camomile. The Glycerin moisturizes, repairs your skin and makes it perceptibly softer and smoother without leaving a greasy film. The cream also contains silicone which acts as an invisible glove and offers optimal defenses against daily environmental influences at work, at home or when gardening.

I use hand creams religiously during winter so receiving another one as a back-up is always welcomed. This can also be used as an intensive night-treatment by smothering your hands with the cream and wearing gloves to lock in the moisture.

4.   ModelCo Black Lengthening Mascara – Full Size. RRP £10.00

I love eye make up and along with eyeliners which are my favourite make-up staple, Mascara is also on the top of my list when it comes to daily make-up must-haves. I tend to stick to lengthening formulas rather than volume so was pleased to see a ModelCo one tucked inside the box.

The brush itself is tapered and captures each lash perfectly even the pesky small ones towards the inner corner of the eye without any clumping. The the end result is very natural yet impressive as my lashes certainly look much longer without any product build up. I’m pleasantly surprised by this mascara which is perfect for everyday wear.

5.    Nailberry Nail Polish –  Full Size 15ml. RRP £13.50

I’m a newbie to the Nailberry collection which hosts a collection of 4 free nail polishes, free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and Camphor. It is also cruelty free and boasts ultra long wear and resistant, high pigmentation, contains UV filter to prevent discoloration and yellowing and dries very quickly. They have a wide collection of beautiful colours which are unique and include brights, neutrals, darks and pastels, all of which are contained within a very chic designed bottle.

I received the shade Pink Me Up which is described as an honest pink and is perfect for a natural nail look along with its high shine payoff. The brush is ideal for the clumsiest of people and the varnish dries pretty quick too.

6.   Maddi Alexander Frivolous Bath Oil –  Travel Size 10ml. RRP £10.00

There’s nothing more relaxing then immersing into a hot running bath infused with a luxurious bath oil especially during the colder months. I only wish I had the time to indulge in such activities.

The bath oil hydrates, soothes and nourishes your skin whilst the uplifting and refreshing blend of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, sweet orange, ginger and clove focus the mind and invigorate the spirit.  The scent reminds me of mince pies due to it’s sweet spicy notes, it’s very festive and comes enclosed within a little gift box too.

I’m hoping I find some time to enjoy this bath oil as I rarely get a chance to have a nice relaxing bath.

Whilst on the subject of Maddi Alexander, Latest in Beauty also have a box which includes a selection of Maddi Alexander’s Rose range which is available here.

7.   L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate – Travel Size 50ml.

I’m a big fan of  L’occitane, who’s products smell absolutely divine.Their distinct potent scents can always be smelt when walking past their pretty dressed windows.

Enriched with powerful almond extracts, the Almond Milk Concentrate melts into the skin to help the skin look firmer and smoother whilst giving 48 hours of hydration.

The texture feels heavenly and luxurious and it’s the perfect consistency which glides onto the skin effortlessly with quick absorption resulting in silky, velvety, and moisturised skin.

As with all L’Occitane products this smells wonderful with subtle floral notes which is sweet and fresh. Dry skins will love this pampering treat during winter.

8.   Dr Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum –  Full Size 30ml. RRP £17.99

Snail based products are renowned for their restorative and healing properties and has hit the beauty industry like a storm with it being hailed as the latest beauty wonder product promising great skin benefits and boasts as being a miracle face fixer. Whilst some of you may frown, I can confirm snail secretion filtrate is the main ingredient, also known as snail slime and no snails were harmed in the process.

This Snail Gel serum with Olive Leaf Extract, Levan and Jujube Seed Extract is a soothing non greasy serum that penetrates deep into the epidermis, instantly hydrates for smoother, nourished and restored skin, revealing a more youthful glow.

The serum is quite light which is what I look for in facial serums due to my oily skin and I think this will work for most skin types. It’s very refreshing and simply just sinks into the skin. I’m not too sure of the scent but it soon fades after a few minutes once applied.

9.   Rose & Co Cherry Kiss Lip Balm –  Full Size 10g. RRP £5.00

This lush and lovely lip balm is sweetly scented with a rich cherry fragrance and a hint of red cherry colour. Gives lips a surge of protective moisture for soft and scented cherry lips.

The balm glides onto your lips and makes the lips feel super soft, it’s a bit sticky but tends to stay put for longer. It’s a great nourishing aid for the colder months whilst the wash of sheer red provides a subtle hint of colour.

10.  Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Candle – Full Size. RRP £2.70

Christmas has certainly been captured in this very festive scented candle infused with notes of uplifting orange and warming spiced cloves. I love lighting candles in the winter it makes the house feel that little bit more cosy and at the same time lifts the mood and relaxes the mind.

The candle is made from pure essential oils and 100% natural plant wax from sustainable sources and it’s one of Amphora Aromatics best sellers.

This warm luxurious fragrance really takes you back to Christmas past and the musky notes released from the cloves combined with the orange really fills the room with a warming spicy scent with a hint of citrus.

11.   Latest in Beauty Pocket Mirror – Full Size

This is the ultimate handbag essential – a pocket sized mirror to accompany you on night outs from lipstick top-ups or to check that your mascara hasn’t smudged from tipsy episodes of laughter! It’s the perfect size and would even fit into the smallest of clutch bags.

12.  Lindt Milk Chocolate Novelty Hollow Figure 10g

Last but not least is the cute iconic chocolate reindeer by Lindt which definitely is a sign that Christmas is on it’s way and finishes off the box perfectly.

My Verdict

I’m really smitten with The Naturally Beautiful box which is perfectly presented, wrapped to perfection and contains a wide selection of luxurious and lust worthy essentials,  perfect for pampering your mind and body this winter. Upon opening the box there’s also a unintentional warming welcome with the scent of the festive candle which has fragranced the whole of the box – very fitting indeed!

The box is brimmed to the top with an impressive 14 products and covers all aspects of beauty. It contains active skincare, delicious body treats, make up for the party season ahead and some indulgent treats all from well-known brands. All of the products are really good sized too with a mixture of deluxe samples and full sized products.

This box is incredible value for money and worth over £80.00. Everything’s very usable making it the ultimate beauty gift this Christmas or the perfect pampering treat. 

For anyone who is looking to detoxify their beauty regime with a more skin friendly alternative this box boasts a selection of natural and organic products, ideal for the new year.

As well as The Naturally Beautiful Box there is also The Pamper Box and The Party Prep Box. Each box comes complete with a premium finish, tissue paper, bow and a card. All of the boxes are £24.95 plus free delivery.

Latest in Beauty have an amazing offer where you can get 3 boxes for the price of 2.

http://www.latestinbeauty.com/giftshop/

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Love Lula Beauty Box Review – November 2014

Price of the Box is £12.50 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5
Total value of contents in the box –  £50.00+
http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

The November 2014 Love Lula Beauty Box has arrived and there’s nothing more delightful then receiving a box filled with natural skin loving treats. This month’s box contains a variety of  winter essentials from skin rescuers to instant moisture fixes which are perfect for tackling the colder weather upon us. I’m delighted that all of the brands within this edit are new discoveries for me.

LoveLula brings together an unparalleled selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products. Their brands are hand-picked and tested: products are created using only the highest grades of ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients and must be effective, luxurious and guilt-free.

They insist on NO parabens, NO SLS’s and NO animal testing. Beyond this they seek out the most innovative companies and strive to support morally run and environmentally driven businesses. Love Lula also have a online shop which has a huge selection of the world’s finest natural and organic beauty products.

This month’s box includes 2 full sized products, 3 travel sized samples and 1 Hello Fresh Gift Card. The box features the brands Barefoot SOS, Jason, Giovanni, Living Nature and Suti.

1.    Barefoot SOS Face and Body Rescue Cream –  Travel Size 25ml. RRP £5.95

With Winter upon us we all tend to reach out for more moisture quenching products as the weather conditions wreak havoc on our beauty regime.

The multi award-winning, intensively rich and nourishing Rescue Cream by Barefoot which is 100% natural combines the highest quality botanical extracts, pure natural moisturisers and the finest essential oils  to provide welcome relief for all kinds of dry, sensitive, uncomfortable and problem skin.

This multi-purpose cream can be used on the face and body to moisturise, soothe and hydrate the skin. Not only is this a saviour for dry skin it can also be applied to patches of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis including any allergic flare-ups making it the perfect skincare essential for the months of winter.

Normally creams like these come non scented however this has a refreshing aroma of real French lavender, Neroli and Camomile which is really pleasant and smells quite therapeutic.

2.   Jason Brightening Apricot Facial Wash and Scrub –  Full Size 113g. RRP £5.49

This naturally gentle, soap-free foaming scrub polishes away impurities, oil and makeup for a clean, comfortable feel and contains apricot oil and triple refined walnut powder which gently washes away dead skin cells, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion. Mild enough to use everyday, this scrub is a gentle way to wake up your skin, with no pore-clogging residue.

I welcome this full sized product as I tend to reach out for exfoliating products more often in winter as the cold weather and indoor heating really dehydrates my skin making it look dull and tired.

3.   Giovanni Deep Moisture Shampoo – Travel Size 60ml.

Winter really is my hairs worst enemy especially if you have unruly hair like mine which turns into a frizzy mess as soon as it comes into contact with rain or wind! Another welcomed addition in the form of the Giovanni Deep Moisture Shampoo which claims to transform your hair into a silky palette whilst calming unruly hair to alleviate frizz.

I look forward to trying this over the weekend and hope this is the rescue product I’ve been searching for.

4. Living Nature Nourishing Hand Cream  – Full Size 50ml. RRP £16.00

My all time favourite winter essential is hand cream and I was pleased to be introduced to a full sized one from Living Nature.

This hand cream contains active manuka honey and larch tree extract to help repair chaffed hands and gives extra protection from moisture loss. I work in a hospital and I’m constantly washing my hands with the not so friendly hand wash, it really doesn’t do any wonders to my skin!

The hand cream is lighted scented and it’s rich formula sinks straight into the skin leaving no greasy residue. My hands were left soft, supple and extremely nourished. This definitely gets top marks from me!

5. Suti Cleansing Balm – Sample Size 4ml.

The Suti cleansing balm is an uplifting oil that melts instantly into the skin, penetrating the dermis and drawing out impurities, cleansing the skin of dirt, pollutants and make-up. It also states that you can apply this as a face mask whilst in the bath perfect for cosy nights in.

Unfortunately I tried this a few months ago and I found it too oily for my skin. This would be more suited for dry skin types.

My Verdict

I’m delighted with this month’s box which features a variety of winter essentials from skin rescuers to instant moisture fixes,  perfect for tackling the colder weather upon us.  The box covers all area’s and everything is very useable.

This month’s brands were all new discoveries for me and included a mixture of full sized products and good sized samples this month including a £25 gift card to spend at Hello Fresh.

The value of this month’s box is around £52.44 which includes the value of the Hello Fresh Gift Card beating the cost of the actual box.

The Love Lula Beauty Box offers a completely different experience compared to the others boxes and focuses only on all things natural and organic.

Love Lula also included a 20% off promotional code to use in their online shop on any of the brands which were featured in this month’s box which is valid throughout October.

If you love organic, natural and cruelty free products this is definitely a box you don’t want to miss out on. I have discovered some wonderful natural skin loving treats thanks to Love Lula.

For more information on Love Lula’s Beauty Box please visit:

http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Latest in Beauty Gift Shop Launch – November 2014

Christmas is slowly creeping upon us and with only seven weekends left there’s not long to go before we all start to enjoy the festivities and exchange gifts with our loved ones. I love this time of the year which see’s the release of bespoke and limited edition beauty boxes which make the perfect Christmas gifts or a treat to spoil yourself.

Latest in Beauty have launched their new Gift Shop, a one stop shop which features three themed boxes brimmed with premuim, cult and classic beauty products with brands such as Caudalie, L’Occitane, Loreal Paris, Crabtree & Evelyn and many more.

The boxes available include their season Christmas Box, The Party Prep Box and The Naturally Beautiful Box

Each box comes complete with a premium finish, tissue paper, bow and a card. All of the boxes are £24.95 plus free delivery.

Latest in Beauty have an amazing offer where you can get 3 boxes for the price of 2.

For more information please visit:

http://www.latestinbeauty.com/giftshop/