September - She Said Beauty Box

If you have seen my post from a couple of weeks ago about the very nice presents I received for my birthday (post here), my lovely friends had got me a 3 month subscription to She Said Beauty, and I was really thrilled to have my first box waiting for me when I got back from Paris! So here is what was inside...

Collection 2000 Fix Me Up, Long Lasting Make-up Fixer - Full Size £5.99

Collection 2000 Primed & Ready, Smoothing Make-up Primer - Full Size £5.99

Ginvera, Green Tea Whitening Gel (Full Size £22 - 60ml)

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - Full Size £3.50, 30ml

Amie, Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask - 15ml Sachet £1.50

and a packet of Popchips in salt and vinegar

I really like this box and can't wait to try out all the products, I do think the sample packet of crisps is a bit random though!

Elaine

Selfridges and Co: The Beauty Box

This morning we received an email from Selfridges & Co about their exclusive The Beauty Box to celebrate the opening of the Beauty Workshop, the box costs £15 plus p&p which costs at least £4.95.

Selridges say: To celebrate the launch of The Beauty Workshop we've created The Beauty Box, a limited edition bespoke box, available exclusively at Selfridges.com. Filled with wonder products from some of our favourite new brands - from high-end Hungarian skincare Omorovicza to Fashion Week favourite Stila.

The Beauty Box Includes:

Philip B Katira Hair Mask, 60ml

Antipodes Avocado & Rosehip Divine Face Oil, full size

Stila One-Step Correct, full size

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask, deluxe sample size

Estelle & Thild Lip Balm, full size

Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Serum,

Bioeffect EGF Serum, 5ml

The beauty box is pretty impressive, as you receive quite a few full sized products that are worth over £20 on their own! Unfortunately even though the email only went out at 6am this morning all the beauty boxes have sold out :-( you can see the beauty box here, fingers crossed they may come back into stock but I doubt it as it was an exclusive offer, I will be checking constantly just in case!

Were you lucky enough to get this beauty box exclusive?

Elaine

Beauty Box Withdrawal

So this is my first month not to receive a Glossybox or Joliebox... and I have to admit I have been reading all the posts about the birthday box with green eyes! 

After I read the first couple of posts I was seriously tempted to just buy this months box I loved the idea of trying the HD brows and lash serum, but after I read more posts I saw the different variety of box's they had again this month, and there were some boxes with products that I really wasn't interested in, so decided not to bother.

The more posts I read the better I felt about cancelling my subscription, whenever I got my box I always felt that I got the dud box compared to others... grass is greener and all that!

It would be better if the boxes were actually aimed to different skin types & preferences that you state in the questionnaire when you signed up, although I know that would be a massive task.

Overall I am pleased I cancelled the subscriptions but I do really miss the excitement of waiting to see  what was in the box each month! 

Elaine

Holland and Barrett Beauty Box

 Recently we were lucky enough to be sent a box full of natural beauty goodies from Holland and Barrett, we have always been intrigued by this store but can sometimes find it a bit overwhelming when you don't know what your looking for. So we were both really pleased to receive this box as all the products were explained and seem to be exactly what we were after.

Holland and Barrett say: In recent research nearly half of women surveyed (48%) revealed they ditch their make-up on a regular basis, yet the words 'natural look' can still spread panic among those who never leave the house without a make-up safety net.

That's why we'd like to put the old adage to the test that 'beauty starts from within' putting some of our best selling beauty supplements and skin care products to trial in the name of natural beauty. - We couldn't agree more!

So this is what we received...

Dr Ogranic's Organic Rose Otto Eye Serum (£10.29, 15ml)

Elaine: I'm really excited by this product, it's just what I'm after, it smells gorgeous and not too overpowering, I can't wait to try it out.

This intensive repair complex corrects all the little signs of ageing that affect the delicate eye area. Organic Rose Otto Oil is combined with light and gentle rose flower water to soften and hydrate. A botanical blend of Aloe Vera, chamomile, passionflower and calendula helps to fight the onset of wrinkles, minimise the appearance of fine lines and banish puffiness and dark circles.

Pycnogenol (£11.85, 30 capsules)

Rachel: I'm constantly on the hunt for products to help achieve glowing skin and if this does anything near to that I will be more than happy!

This is an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It was found to improve skin hydration and elasticity in women in a clinical trial, it can also promote glowing skin and reduces the appearance of skin inflamation, resulting in a more even complexion.

Perfectly Pure Coconut Oil (£14.00, 453g)

Elaine: I can't wait to try this it smells absolutely divine! Apparently Miranda Kerr can't go a day without it... well if it's good enough for Orlando Blooms wife...

This is one of beauty's natural must-haves, giving life to dry and rough skin, melting into the warmth of your skin. It's also brilliant for conditioning tantrum skin and can be eaten on salads or used within cooking.

Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C (£9.75, 30 Capsules)

This aims to support a supple, firm and youthful skin tone, while the vitamin C helps to support the formation of collagen.

Hydrolysed Collagen (£19.85, 180 Capsules)

Collagen is a complex protein which provides the major building material for growth, repair and maintenance of skin as well as nails and hair.

Argan Oil (£12.99, 59ml)

Rachel: I can't wait to try this out, I've been dying to get my hands on pure Argan Oil for a while.

It's rich in essential fatty acids which helps to prevent wrinkling because the skin becomes more toned. Not only is it great for the skin, it can aid hair repair from sun and chemical damage too.

Skin, Hair and Nails Formula (£13.99, 120 Capsules)

A nutritious and well balanced supplement to support healthy hair, vibrant skin and strong nails. The 3-in-one tablet contains antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin B and selenium.

Dr Ogranic's Organic Royal Jelly Cellulite Cream

The revolutionary cellulite treatment cream utilises the unique properties found in this incredibly active ingredient and is formulated using researched and tested anti-cellulite extracts.

Holland and Barrett have launched a rewards for life card, so that you can collect points on purchases to spend in store, it also has a mini card key ring attached so that you can put it on your keys and always have a points card on you (great design). 


This box has got us both really excited about trying natural beauty solutions that we may not have considered int he past, we will defiantly be looking in Holland and Barrett for beauty products in the future and will of course keep you updated on any purchases.

We will be trying these products out over the next few weeks, so will let you know what we think soon!

Elaine and Rachel

April's Natural Glossybox

I have finally picked up my glossybox from the post office, I was really good and didn't read any of the spoiler posts!

So as you probably already know this month was the natural glossybox so the usual baby pink box was a natural beige box, even the delivery box was just a normal cardboard box not the usual patterned box. I really liked this idea, and think the themed boxes are fun.

So here is what's inside...

Caudalie - Vinosource SOS Thist-Quenching Serum

This newly launched ultra concentrated serum is extremely natural and plant based, ensuring your skin never lacks moisture.

£29.00 / 30ml 

This is an interesting product, i'm looking forward to trying this out on the dry skin on my forehead.

Inka Cosmetics - Certified Organic Eyeliner in Coco 

A rich creamy consistency unparalleled in the world of natural eyeliners.

£11.75 per Liner

I have tried this out on my hand and it's really good, the eyeliner is lovely and soft and the colour is a pigmented rich brown colour. I can't wait to use this on my eyes, though I'm not sure I would pay £11.75 for an eyeliner.

Monu Professional Skincare - Moisture Rich Collagen Cream

A rich, luxurious cream to relieve dryness and smooth fine lines.

£17.50 / 50ml 

This isn't my kind of thing, I will probably give it to Rachel.

Figs & Rouge - Lipbalm in Cherry and Vanilla

100% pure, 100% natural and 100% organic multi-purpose balm. Excellent for soothing and naturally hydrating dry lips and skin.

£3.29 / 8ml 

I'm really excited that this in this months box, it's a product I hear a lot of bloggers raving about, the scent is gorgeous and will be a must have in my bag. 

Burt's Bees - Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion

Nourishment that lasts up to a full 24 hours. 99% natural.

£9.99 / 190g

This was a really interesting product, although I had heard a Burt's Bees I had never thought of their brand for body lotion, I always associate them with products for feet! I will be trying this out and let you know what it's like.

So overall I'm happy with this months Glossy box, I really like the lipbalm, eyeliner and body lotion, but...

 I have already cancelled my subscription, I have really enjoyed getting a treat in the post every month but I still have a lot of samples that I haven't used and it was starting to become bad value for money, I might end up subscribing to another beauty box again in the future but for now I'm happy enough with my last beauty box. I would definitely recommend them as a one off treat for someone as a present, it's something different and unique.

Elaine

Glossybox won!

So in earlier posts I had mentioned that I had temporarily signed up for Jolie Box as well as Glossybox to see which one I preferred... no matter how much I tried I really couldn't justify paying for 2 beauty boxes.

I really liked the February Jolie Box but I have decided to stick with Glossybox, although the gimicks they seem to be doing are a bit annoying they are fun... and ever since I got a text from my boyfriend to say my Harrods Glossybox had arrived this morning I have been really excited and can't wait to get home from work to open it!

So I think I have made the right choice, yeah sometimes I am disappointed with what I actually get in the Glossybox but I love the fun of rushing home to open it!

You might be able to tell Saturday's aren't very busy for me at work!

Elaine

February Carmine Box - ooops 2 boxes

So after a slight mix up I received 2 February Carmine boxes, my lovely boyfriend signed me up for the carmine box for valentines day not knowing I had already signed up too, not that I minded as I used the half price deal and the boxes were great! So heres a rather late review of my two Carmine boxes -

BOX 1-

Full size 125ml Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Wash

I was really happy to see this product in the box as I was impressed by the radiance face oil from this brand (Balance Me) which I received in the January Carmine box (my boyfriend signed me up so I received the Jan and Feb boxes, but as it was so late I haven't done a full box review, although I must say I did really like this box)

Balance Me say - Treat your body to our skin-quenching super moisturising collection to keep parched and very dry skin at bay whilst helping to minimise the risk of stretch marks and visible signs of ageing.

 I  love that this is a natural product made in the UK and without parabens, sulphates etc, although I must say I was slightly disappointed when I used this product as I wasn't overly keen on the smell (sort of a musky orangeish smell, perhaps a little too manly) and I already have a stockpile of my favourite shower washes already which I feel leave my skin a lot softer. However I do think the brand is fantastic and would be more than happy to try more of their products.

Full size 75g Steamcream - Earth Limited Edition

Again I was pleased to see a lovely natural product in the box and I absolutely adore the packaging, I'm so glad I received the Earth edition as when I looked on the Steamcream website I was really disappointed with the other designs, too girly and quite cheap looking.

Steamcream say - We handmake STEAMCREAM in the UK and Japan with fresh natural ingredients, fused together with a shot of steam. Our unique method means that STEAMCREAM gives your face instant refreshment the moment you use it. It’s super-moisturising, sinks deep down and revives your skin straight away.

Anyhow this is a really creamy lavender scented moisturiser for face, body and hands, this product smells amazing and sinks into my skin really well, I must say when I use this it does tingle my skin slightly but not in a bad way. I wouldn't use this on my face but I'm going to take it to work and use it as a hand cream (It will look great on my desk) If i could get the Earth design tin or something equally as good looking I would defiantly buy this product again when it runs out and with the Carmine code you can get 20% off.

24g White Glo Whitening Toothpaste

I was pleased to see this in the box as I've been wanting to try out some whitening products. I've been using this for a couple of days and haven't seen much difference but I will keep you updated and do a full review soon.

White Glo say - Rated most effective whitening Toothpaste by a leading consumer trial. This formulation was originally developed for actors and models.* With regular use, this will help restore your teeth's glamourous shine giving you a radiant smile.

Full size Andrea Fulerton Nail Varnish - Naomi

This is a classic colour which I was pleased to see as my last nail varnish close to this colour has gone too thick, I've also seen this brand in Superdrug and have wanted to try it for awhile. 

Andrea Fulerton say - Andrea herself mixes and develops key nail trends, making many products available which were previously 'only available to professionals' and which have been adapted for the everyday woman with invaluable, easy step by step instructions. The Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique will be a one stop nail shop that you can rely on for both nail basics and creativity - long needed in today's nail market within the UK beauty industry

Although it's not a very spring like colour I put it on immediately, it was smooth, glossy and the brush was the perfect size -  it was looking good, until I went to put the second coat on I realised even though I'd left it ages the first coat still wasn't dry, this nail varnish took forever to dry! I was going to do nails of the day with it but unfortunately It was getting late and when I woke up the nail varnish had lines pressed in off my sheets as it wasn't fully dry. I would only try to use this if I had very little plans and could spend along time doing nothing but wiating for my nails to dry (and I mean a LONG time). So overall I must say I was disappointed.

Yardley London Peony Fragrance Eau De Toilette sample 

I wasn't impressed with this as I'm not a fan of getting perfume samples, although this was a bonus product so I can't really complain. The smell is very floral, far too girly for me but some people will love it for a fresh spring scent.

Diego Dalla Palma DDP Beauty The Lipstick Sample 47

I've never heard of this Italian brand but I love their branding on the packaging so found it really intriguing.

Its ultra rich, creamy luxurious texture sinks right into your lips for a full, smooth effect.

Diego Dalla Palma Say - 

The make-up professionals' choice, right from the first coat it imparts intense, vivid colour.

The tiny beads of marine collagen instantly penetrate the contours of the lips, smoothing out wrinkles and creating an immediate lifting effect.A formula enriched with UVA filters and vitamin E ensures a long-lasting moisturising action.

This lipstick feels lovely and creamy on and has great staying power, although this colour really wasn't for me, it was far too pearly and light for my dark lips and simply looked horrendous, although I've given this to Elaine and it looks lovely on her. So overall great lipstick just not for me.

BOX 2 - 

I was so pleased to see that there was a slightly different selection in my second box, I was planning to send it back for a refund but I couldn't bear to when I saw the products. I was happy to see the toothpaste again as I've been using the sample from the last box and hopefully the longer I use it the whiter my teeth will be (fingers crossed) I was disappointed to see the nail varnish was the same colour, but I think i'll give this to my mam as part of her Mother day gift and as for the Yardley sample I could leave or take it as it was a bonus anyway. I was really happy to see two new products and a different colour lipstick.

Diego Dalla Palma DDP Beauty The Lipstick Sample 32

So much happier with this colour as its a more matt peachy colour which suits my dark lips far better and warms my pale complexion. I think this lipstick is great and has a really high end feel, my only complaint is that its so small and therefore its easy to make a mess with it.

32 on the left 47 on the right

Full Size The Balm Frat Boy All In One Shadow/Blush

I've never used any products from this brand before but the packaging had me hooked straight away (Similar to Benefit) I usually use cream blushers but I adore this one, the warm apricot colour is perfect for me and its highly pigmented so a little goes a long way! I must say I wouldn't use this as an eyeshadow as its too pinky for the eyes. This is by far my favourite product from Carmine boxes, although I am aware this product has been in Carmine boxes before but this doesn't bother me as long as in the future I don't receive repeat products.

The Balm Say - Give him a rush he won't forget when he sees you in this velvety, peachy-apricot shadow/blush, Talc and paraben free, Fratboy's fine-graded powder formular adds the perfect amount of colour for a foxy flush so you look stella around the clock.

Full Size Daniel Sandler Eye Delight Ice

I've never heard of this brand but this looks like a sweet eyeshadow pot although I'm not a huge fan of the packaging, I find the clear pots look quite cheap. I haven't had a chance to try this out yet but a quick swatch showed me that its highly pigmented and this classic silver colour will no doubt come in handy at some point. I will do a full review and swatches asap. 

Daniel Sandler Say -  

Eye Delight is your loose shimmer eye shadow to help turn up the volume of your eye make-up - iridescent, micro-fine eyedust powders for brilliant shimmer effects. Pearlescent micro colours.

Beauty Box Review

So there is a lot of talk on blogs and youtube about beauty boxes, if you like me only really heard about them when you started reading beauty blogs it can be a bit daunting! So this is just looking at the 4 main ones I know of and 1 new box, Glossybox, Bourdoir Prive/Jolie Box, Carmine, Feelunique.com Beauty Box and She Said Beauty Box.

Glossybox

Glossybox is the most popular beauty box, and it was the reviews for this brand that I saw first, so I signed up. I do enjoy getting this every month and the packaging is soo pretty even the outer cardboard box it is delivered in is glamorous! 

I have enjoyed getting this but do find that when I look on blog reviews I never seem to have the best box and can sometimes be disappointed when other bloggers are raving about the box. There are a lot of Glossybox Ambassadors and some bloggers get their boxes for free, so sometimes reviews rate them better than they are, I'm not saying the bloggers lie, but if you got a beauty box free each month I'd think it was brilliant too, but when you know you have spent £12.95 it's hard not to feel disappointed sometimes. But I do love getting my Glossybox each month.

Feel Unique Beauty Box

I haven't received this beauty box, but it really intrigues me as I really like the feelunique website, and I love the concept of the beauty box being a drawer it makes the box itself much more useful and stakable! I think this beauty box is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Would love to hear people's thoughts on this box.

Carmine Beauty Box

 I signed up to the Carmine box this month as it was on special offer for new subscribers to receive your first box for only £5 bargain! usually £12.95. If your like me and cautious about signing up to direct debits its worth knowing you can leave at anytime easily. This link will take you to Carmine using my account so I received points (yey - hope you don't think that's rude) and you will receive the £5 first box -

To be honest if this box hadn't been on offer I don't think I would have signed up as I think other boxes look more exciting (however I thought the December box looked amazing). I'm not sure I love the look of the packaging compared to other boxes as it doesn't look quite as classy but maybe I should listen to that age old saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'. I am really excited to receive this as its my first beauty box (I promise to review this asap) - although I will no doubt be very jealous of Elaine's two boxes this month!

Jollie Box

I signed up to this box straight after I saw the reviews of the December box as I had previously heard good things about the Bourdoir Prive boxes but it seems that now they have joined up with Jollie box they are even better. This box is the same price as Glossybox and Carmine at £12.95 each month, so I have no intention of paying for two beauty boxes each month but thought I would give it a try and see if it tempts me to cancel my Glossybox!

She Said Beauty

Sorry for the blurry picture!

A new beauty box on the block is She Said Beauty, it starts in March and there is already a lot of hype building about it as there are a lot of industry experts being linked to the brand, currently they have an offer for the first box (March) at £9.70 and then it goes back to £11.95, the offer ends at the end of February. I'm tempted to give the first box a try to see what it's like! Link


One thing to remember if you sign up for a beauty box is that it doesn't fit through your letter box, so the initial Yay it's arrived is followed by oh but I have to go pick it up from the post office... when I have time!

Plus most beauty boxes now have an option to pay for 3 or 6 months worth of boxes for a discounted rate.

So February is pretty much going to Beauty Box month for us!

* all beauty boxes are paid for by us.