The Glamour Spring Beauty Edit Box

When I heard through the grapevine about the new Latest in Beauty 'Glamour Spring Edit' box - I knew it would be a good'un.  With contents totalling a whopping £99, there was bound to be some beauty gems in there - and I wasn't wrong.  There's definitely some big names in the Spring box - Moroccan Oil, Nuxe, Kiko and Revlon to name a few.  It's safe to say that I couldn't wait to get my mitts into this one...

Packaged in a pastel coloured box and wrapped in dotted tissue, the Spring Edit box  is a pastel, girly treat containing 9 different products. Here's what I received in my box:

• Model Co Creme Rouge Cheek & Lips in Just Peachy
• Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask - 75ml
• Beauty UK High Brow Kit
• Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Lip Gloss in 'Snog'
• Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel in 'Full House'
• Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat
• Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask, 50ml
• Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in 07
• Elie Saab L'eau Couture Perfume sample

A delightful mix of hair, makeup, skin and nail goodies I'm sure you'll all agree! The box also comes with a 12 month subscription to Glamour magazine discounted by 62%...all for £16.99*.  I have to say I reckon this might be the best Latest in Beauty box yet... I've bought a few of them in the past and I've never been disappointed but this one really does top the mark for me!  As far as beauty boxes go - Latest in Beauty have to be my 'go to'... Yes, you loose the element of surprise slightly but you're never left feeling disheartened and there's always a fabulous variety of products to try.  I often check the website to see what's coming up...

I won't go into detail of each individual product as I'm still working my way through trying and testing all of them - let's face it, there's a lot to get through (i predict there might be a couple popping up in a monthly favourites sometime soon...) Personal favourites so far have to be the ModelCo Creme Cheek and Lip tint in 'Just Peachy'.  It's a stunning bright coral-red perfect for the summertime - I reckon this will be a holiday favourite for me.  As I'm thinking of booking a holiday abroad soon I'm sure I'll get plenty of use from this over the next few months.  I love a good versatile product too so the fact that it works well on the lips to is a nice fruity bonus!  

I'm also a fan of the Rimmel 'Oh My Gloss' lipgloss.  It's so smooth and glides onto the lips easily with next to no stickiness at all. I love the shade as it pairs well with my '90s' nude lipstick shades - I love it over Mac's Velvet Teddy at the moment! It just adds a bit of dimension and the pink hue is really flattering.

The Moroccan Oil Intense Hydration mask is also a winner in my books.  I love a good hair product and I'm always reaching for deep conditioners and masks like this one - I'd like to do a full review of this soon so for now I shall keep it short and sweet - but it's made for a very welcome addition to my hair cupboard.  I'm also super excited about the Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask. I've heard amazing things about this face mask, and after reading a few reviews of this box it's clear that it's been the star of the show. I can't wait to see what it does for my skin - I've been burning the candle at both ends just recently so to say it could do with a bit of pampering is an understatement...

I was also chuffed to see Kiko make an appearance in this box - i've always wanted to try something from the brand so this lovely champagne toned eyeshadow stick will make for a nice introduction. As for the other products, the BeautyUK eyebrow palette is a must-have in my collection. I actually already have this from a past beauty box but I've got a tonne of use out of it so it's nice to have back-up ready and waiting.  The Revlon polishes are a lovely addition too - I particularly like the blue shade as I think it's going to look amazing with tanned skin through summer.

Overall, I'm so happy with this box.  There's not a single thing in there I wouldn't use and I think it's been the best LIB box so far for me.  The mix of products is really well thought through and I like that the shades of the products are quite neutral - meaning i'll get plenty of use from them on a daily basis.  You can grab the Glamour Spring Beauty Edit box on the Latest in Beauty website here for £16.99*.

Have you got your mitts on this box yet? What was your favourite product?

Birchbox October 2014 | Contents & Thoughts

I really have developed a bit of a soft spot for beauty boxes.  They often receive mixed reviews but there's no denying that they're a great way to uncover new products - I've discovered a fair few of my favourites through the concept and I've been made aware of so many brands I wouldn't have even heard of had I not been introduced to them via a beauty box. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, Birchbox teamed up with Coppafeel. Helping to raise awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, this month's box definitely has a bit of a pink theme! Packaged in a lovely pink pouch, the products inside are all perfect for use 'on the go' - there's even a quirky little lipstick shaped pen in there (ohh Birchbox. You do know the way to a beauty blogger's heart...) Along with some informative leaflets and motivation charts, October's offering made for a fabulous girly treat. Here's what I thought of the contents...

Shaveworks | The Cool Fix | £11

I was soo chuffed to receive this product.  It's not something I would have gone out and bought myself but now that I have it, I can really see the benefits of having something like this in your bathroom cupboard and it's something I'd take away with me on holiday in the future.  It's a cooling gel which helps to soothe the skin after hair removal - preventing in-grown hairs and irritation. I've used this a couple of times now and it definitely helps to reduce any redness and prevents my skin from becoming itchy or irritated whilst providing a relaxing cooling sensation.

Balance Me | Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm | £20

A natural nourishing cleanser with exfoliating oatmeal powder, this face balm is suitable for most skin types and helps to balance out the complexion.  I'm very set in my ways when it comes to skincare but I love receiving miniature sizes like this as I really enjoy trying new things whenever I go away or stay away from home for a few nights. I've used and enjoyed Balance Me before so I'm quite happy to have this in my bathroom cupboard - I'm sure it's just as good as it sounds and will be a lovely option for the winter months.

KMS | Free Shape Hot Flex Creme | £15.50

I love KMS. They do some fabulous products (I'm a big fan of their quick blow-dry spray) and I'm always happy to see a hair product in a beauty box. I have to admit, I've never been the biggest fan of styling cremes as I find they weigh down my hair, but I'll definitely be giving this a go soon. I've never been disappointed with KMS products and I'm sure it's going to come in handy once the weather gets worse... I'm always looking for things I can pop into my handbag to help keep bad hair days at bay!

Meaningful Beauty | Glowing Serum | £30.95

Radiance-enhancing and anti-ageing, this serum is perfect for use at any time of day for a swift 'pick-me-up'. I'll probably end up giving this to my mum as I really don't like adding extra products to my skincare routine - but it does sound very lovely. I'm tempted to keep it by me until we're in to the depths of winter - my skin really does get very dull in the colder seasons so I'm tempted to try it nonetheless... 

Pixi | Shea Butter Lip Balm | £8

Eek. I was so excited for this product! I love a good lip balm - and I'm also a fan of Pixi products. This full-sized balm is a gorgeous raspberry pink shade which adds a delicate flush of colour to the lips. It also smells delicious - the vanilla hint really is lovely and makes it even more of a joy to apply. The texture is quite thick - so it's perfect for those days when you need to protect your lips from the cold. As someone who does prefer a splash of colour, it's sure to become a winter staple! It's already found a new home in my handbag...

Overall, a lovely little selection - I loved that the box was tailored towards such a good cause.I think my favourites have to be the Pixi Lip Balm and The Shaveworks Cool Fix - they're definitely products I'd purchase again and get lots of use out of.  For £12.95*, it's a fabulous treat! You can find out more about Birchbox on their website here.

Have you tried Birchbox before? 

Love Me Beauty Box | The Re-Launch

LoveMeBeauty Box | £10 + p&p*

When LoveMeBeauty announced that they were having a bit of a 're-jig' last month, I was rather excited to say the least.  The brand really has grown since it first launched and it's been amazing to be able to follow its journey. Not only have they had a complete re-design, but they've also adapted the concept.  Instead of a choice of menu, you now have your pick of a wide variety of products each month via a credits system.  You're given 6 credits and take your pick from whats on offer in the 'boutique' (some products are worth 1, some are worth 2 depending on the size) and if you find yourself a little spoilt for choice, you can add extras for a small fee. Not only do you get much more of a say in what you receive, resulting in a box that's completely yours, the website also offers a much more personal experience.   When you first log on to the website, you answer various questions about your skin type, hair colour and general preferences - LoveMeBeauty then recommends certain brands or products to suit you and suggests these in your 'personal boutique'.

I have to say I love the new design.  The box feels much more high-end and luxurious - and the handy drawstring pouch you receive your products in is a great little extra to keep (as someone who enjoys jetting away on holiday, they're so handy!) Not only have they stepped it up a notch, but they've kept their pricing the same - I love that they haven't used this re-launch as an excuse to up the pricing system. It does feel like a completely different experience to the previous boxes but it's such a fun process to take your pick of all the products available each month and it definitely feels more high-end and considered. It's worth mentioning that you can still opt for a surprise if you enjoy the mystery element of subscription beauty boxes. So, without any further rambling, I shall introduce you to the contents of my September box. Here's what I chose with my 6 credits...

Percy & Reed | Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Mousse | 200ml | Full Size

Wowzaa. Look at the size of this beauty! For 2 credits, this full sized mousse promises extreme, lasting volume without the sticky feel - providing incredible height as well keeping your hair light and natural due to the creamy, moisturising texture. Sounds dreamy doesn't it!? I've not used this yet as I'm currently getting through the dregs of my current one, but I cannot wait to give this a try.  Mousse is something I simply cannot live without and I use it every time I wash my hair without fail -- I'm excited to have a full sized can ready and waiting! I love Percy & Reed's branding too... the little illustrations and simplistic, quirky feel really appeal to me.

Oriflame | ECollagen Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream | Full Size

This looks slightly different to the pot that was shown on the website, but either way, I really wanted to try an eye cream so I'm still a happy bunny.  I'm pretty sure the one on the website claims to be for all ages but this one seems more targeted towards wrinkles. Not complaining though, I've often heard that starting in your 20's is the way forward when it comes to preventing wrinkles! This one is enriched with ingredients which stimulate collagen production which altogether help to banish wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. Dark circles are the main culprit for me and although it's too soon to report results, I have to say I've really enjoyed using this.  It's quite a thick consistency but the rollerball application makes it so relaxing to apply - it moisturises really nicely and is gentle on the eye area.

Malin + Goetz | Grapefruit Face Cleanser | Sample Size

I never really get excited about skin-care products but I picked this because I thought it would be great to keep by me for travelling. I was also quite intrigued by the grapefruit scent! The formula is a thick gel-like consistency which foams up when applied to the face.  I like this because it's suitable for all skin-types and is supposed to be a good option for those with sensitive skin (raises hand). It has a delicate, natural fragrance and isn't too perfumed. Malin + Goetz is a brand which is stocked in SpaceNK so it must be a good'un!

Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost | Sample Size

Ooo I was excited about this one! Although summer is well and truly over, I do favour products which add a subtle glow throughout the colder months in order to keep my skin from looking dull and lifeless.  This is perfect as it isn't too strong and blends like a dream - giving a super natural, smooth finish to the skin.  I use this as a pre-base before my foundation but I'm pretty sure you could use this over foundation too for a subtle glow - I'd even say you could mix a drop or two in with your foundation too - it's really quite versatile. It's oil free, protects from UV rays and smooths texture and restores tone whilst providing a subtle, even touch of colour to your base. Overall, I'm really enjoying this so far.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the re-brand. I really enjoyed the process of selecting my products and the fact that you're able to add extras if you wish means that you'll never miss out on a sample you really want - something I often had to compromise on with the old menu system.  Theres a lovely selection of makeup, hair, skin and body products on offer each month so there really is plenty of variety depending on your preferences. You can find out more about LoveMeBeauty on the website here.

What did you think to the new Love Me Beauty box design and concept?

Love Me Beauty Box | August Contents

 Love Me Beauty box | £10 per month* plus p+p | website

I was 'kid-in-a-sweet-shop' levels of excited for my LoveMeBeauty box this month.  Ok - I admit I probably say this every month and I sound like a bit of a broken record but this month i really was excited. Every product on the menu was just my cup of tea and I spent quite some time choosing which menu to opt for - spoilt for choice! In the end, I was swayed by the shade of the lip-liner and the full-sized beauty oil and opted for Menu 3.  This month, LoveMeBeauty featured 4 full sized products and I'm in love with every single one of them. I always seem to find something in each box that I really do like but this month really did hit the nail on the head for me - from the choice on offer to the quality of the products inside - there's not a single thing I wouldn't use this month. Without further ado, I'll introduce you to this month's beauty goodies...

Marsk Mineral Eye Shadow in 'Lucky Penny' | £14.49

I must admit, I'm not one for loose powder shadows as I'm a clumsy little elf to say the least, but the shade won me over instantly (there was a choice of 3 and this one was the clear winner in my books!) 'Lucky Penny' lives up to its name - a beautiful, shimmery brown/copper colour which is both amazingly pigmented and easily blendable.  The product is 100% natural, mineral based and cruelty free, and can be applied wet or dry.  I haven't tried applying with a wet brush yet but applied dry, the shadow is really soft and provides instant colour pay off.

Oriflame | Swedish Spa Beauty Wonder Oil | £8.45

I love a good oil.  I swear by my beloved Shu Uemura hair oil so receiving this multi-purpose one in this month's box was a nice addition for me.  It can be used as a body moisturiser or massage oil, pre-shampoo treatment for dry hair, or even used in the bath to add a dash of moisture.  I like this one as it isn't too heavy and I can't wait to try it as a pre-shampoo treatment on the ends of my hair. I also love a good pampering sesh so I'll be keeping this on my bathroom shelf. Containing coconut oil, vitamin E, sweet almond oil and tonic ginger oil - it really is a dreamy blend!

Mirabella | Lip Luster Liner in 'Shy' | £10.50

Lip liners have become my go-to just recently.  Generally, I find them much more long-wearing and easier to carry around on the go so I was really chuffed to see this one from Mirabella in this month's box.  This shade swayed me towards Menu 3 due to it's pinky-brown hue - just the sort of colour I prefer! It's really creamy and soft to apply and doesn't drag the lips like other liners I've previously tried. It's a great option for those who like the 'my lips but better' look and it's a gorgeous every day shade that I know I will get tonnes of wear from. It's slightly more sheer so provides a natural, plumped effect and contains Aloe Vera to keep lips soft and application comfortable.  Despite its glossier finish, it's quite long-wearing and is really versatile - it can be worn on its own or as a base for further lip colour.

A la Carte | Smudge-Proof Eyebrow Definier in Blonde | £23

I tried Soap & Glorys 'Archery' pen a while back and loved it so I was really happy to see this product this month - it's rekindled my love for an eyebrow felt tip! It's seriously easy to apply and the flexible, precision tip means it's a complete doddle to mimic hairs and add natural looking volume to your brows.  Personally, I really like the shade - it's a little too light for me however it acts as a really nice base - I've been using it to fill in my brows first and then I'll pop some darker powder towards the arch to give that 'faded' effect. It's incredibly long lasting and I've really been enjoying it of a morning. I really want to see how long it actually lasts before it dries up though - that will be the big test for me and I shall reserve proper judgement until then!

Swatches L-R: Marsk 'Lucky Penny' / Ala Carte Brow Definer 'Blonde' / Mirabella 'Shy'

Overall, a fabulous selection from LoveMeBeauty this month - one of my favourites to date. There's nothing in there that I wouldn't use and I've really been enjoying using every single one of them. The products in the August box total £56.44 altogether - seriously impressive considering the price of the box is £10 per month plus p+p. You can read up more about the concept and find out more about LoveMeBeauty over on their website here.

Which product was your favourite this month?

June Love Me Beauty Box

Love Me Beauty Box | £10.00 plus p+p* | Link

 
My monthly dose of beauty goodness from LoveMeBeauty has been a very welcome visitor through my letterbox the past few months, that's for sure.  Aside from snapping my postman's hands off, I've been battling on through my final few weeks of uni and it's fair to say I've rather enjoyed receiving a little selection of beauty treats every few weeks to keep me going.  I won't go off on one but I got my results back the other week (if you follow me on Twitter you might already know)... I'm superly-duperly happy to say I'll be graduating with a FIRST! eep! I was so excited my results paper now has a little smudge of lipstick on it where I'd half-kissed it with relief..oops! Anyway, life rambles aside, I have to say I really struggled to choose a menu this month - every single box was filled with stuff I fancied getting my mitts on and I spent ages trying to decide. I finally settled on Menu 2, although I have to say I half wish I'd opted for the one with the lipstick in it as after seeing other blogger's posts on it, the shade was just my cup of tea. I let one product in the box sway me but sadly, my little gamble didn't pay off. This being said, I'm still rather chuffed with my goodies despite my slightly mixed reaction this month.  If you want to find out more, read on...

NYX | Nail Polish in 'Compulsive' | RRP £3

So i thought I'd better kick things off with the product that swayed me.  This month, Love Me Beauty provided 3 different selections of nail polishes from Nyx - a brand I've tried and loved so much in the past.  Since I'm going away on holiday, I was instantly drawn to the 'Exotic' shade selection and really liked the look of the beautiful turquoise blue shade of the three - the thought of it on my nails with a golden tan was enough to persuade me to opt for this menu.  Sadly, my little gamble didn't pay off so I was a little disappointed to receive a dark, wintery shade - 'Compulsive' (not at all a fault of the box or the product - just my overly positive wishful thinking!).  However, I have to say I'm really impressed with the Nyx packaging - I've seen a few bloggers say it's very 'Deborah Lippman-esque' and I have to agree. It feels weighty, looks luxurious and feels expensive to say the RRP of these polishes is just £3!  Although it's not my most preferred colour in the world and I might end up saving it for Autumn/Winter - I'll still be sure to give it a go and see how it works for me - maybe it will prove me wrong and the purple/black iridescent pearl effect will actually help set off a tan? I'll reserve judgement for now but it was a nice addition to the box nonetheless - I'm never one to say no to a nail polish!

Urban Veda | Daily Purifying Facial Wash | RRP £7 | Sample Size

This sample sized face wash was a nice addition to the box this month. I'm off to London tomorrow and I've been stocking up on miniature products to pack into my wash bag.  This will be going with me as it's just the perfect excuse to give it a try! It's down to Love Me Beauty that I discovered one of my most loved skincare products - Arran Aromatics Lavender & Tea Tree Face Wash - so I'm always happy to see similar things pop up from time to time. You never know what holy grail products you might uncover!  This little offering from Urban Veda is said to mattify the skin, refine pores and clear toxins whilst helping to clear the complexion.  Although I don't have oily skin, I'm sure I'll get on well with this - I'll be taking lots of photographs so anything that helps towards banishing shine or excess oil is very much welcome! 

Beauty UK | High Brow Kit | RRP £3.99

I was really excited about this product! I'm a big fan of brow products and I'm always on the lookout for new things to try.  This one from BeautyUK seems like a cheaper alternative to palettes such as the HDBrows kit or Benefit 'Browzings' - it's even cheaper than Sleek's offering.  Although the shades aren't as pigmented (don't expect it to be an amazing dupe!) - it's still a nice little palette for £3.99 so you can't grumble. I actually find the two darker shades in the palette to be quite good - they're the 2 most pigmented of the bunch and I have to say, none of them feel overly powdery and they all transfer really nicely. If I was on the lookout for a budget eyebrow product with change from a fiver I'd definitely give this a swatch in store. I've gone off using powders on my brows just recently so I'm going to use these shades as eyeshadows or pop it in my handbag simply for eyebrow 'touch-ups'.  The addition of the wax is also handy for on the go.  I'm really pleased with this product - I know a few bloggers felt slightly indifferent about the eyeshadow palette but it seems as if this Brow Kit offers a little more in the pigment department and it has to be my favourite addition to the box this month! 

Montagne Jeunesse | Hot Spring Sauna Face Mask | RRP £1

Ohhh this takes me back... Hands up who else used to bulk-buy these bad-boys for girly sleepovers back in the day!?  I'm a little unsure about the warming effect of this mask as I usually prefer a cooling sensation or just a general cleansing one, however, I'm going to take it in my suitcase with me and have a pamper-sesh half way through my holiday! I tend to wash my hair and sit out on the balcony in my fluffy dressing gown whilst I soak up the last of the late afternoon sun with a magazine and a glass of cider (classy bird) - this seems like just the ticket for a mid-holiday treat (can you tell I'm daydreaming about my holiday lots just recently?!) This mask is said to open pores and remove impurities for a deep cleanse - definitely useful to say I'll be slathering on the SPF every day!

Model Co | Eye Define Pencil in 'Black' | RRP £9

I have far too many eyeliners but I'm always up for trying more. I like my pencils to offer intense pigmentation coupled with staying power - a combination that's actually rather difficult to find!  I haven't tried this yet but I'm looking forward to seeing how it works for me - it's said to provide intense, long-lasting colour whilst being smooth and creamy to apply.  It has a sharpener in the lid which I always find handy to have for on the go.  Seems jolly good to me - I'll have to give it a whirl soon!

So overall, this month's box is a mixed bag for me.  It's not been my favourite so far but I'm definitely a fan of the eyebrow kit and I'm excited to try the facial wash on my travels next week.  In fact, there's nothing I actually dislike in this box and I'm sure I'll use them all - there's just nothing that stood out to me this month.   This being said, the selection on offer this month was one of the best I've seen so far and like I mentioned above, I really did struggle to choose! Love Me Beauty really do hit the nail on the head when it comes to monthly subscription boxes - they even offer the option to 'skip' a month if you're not overly fussed! To find out what else is on offer this month or to find out more about the concept, head on over to their website here.

What are your thoughts on this month's box?

Love Me Beauty Box | April's Contents

Love Me Beauty Box | £12.95* monthly (including delivery) | Link

Firstly, I just have to say HAPPY EASTER! I do hope you're all enjoying a lazy day tucking into an egg or two ... I know I'll certainly be regretting it later when I'm sat on the sofa in a chocolate induced coma after submitting myself to one too many Creme Eggs. Chocolate worshipping aside, I've also been tucking into some other little treats this month - of the beauty variety, of course! I always look forward to my monthly dose of beauty sampling goodness thanks to Love Me Beauty box.  Every month, they offer three different menus to choose from containing a variety of different products to test and try for yourself.  If the selection on offer doesn't float your boat, you can simply choose to 'skip' that month - which is what makes Love Me Beauty so unique.   There were a couple of little extras added to the box this month which made for a lovely surprise! Here's what's in my box for the month of April:

Betty Hula | Secret Wonder Oil Roller Ball | Full Size | RRP £6.25

I've always been intrigued by the Betty Hula range so I was really excited to see the brand pop up in this month's menus.  This little roller ball is a multi-purpose product which is said to moisturise the skin and promote radiance, whilst the roller ball applicator works to encourage circulation through gentle massage.  Suitable for all skin types, it relieves scarring, stretch marks and dry skin at the same time as soothing sunburn.   Personally, I'll probably be using this on my body instead of on my face - although I might be tempted to try it on my cheeks throughout summer when I've accidentally sat out in the sun for too long! It does have quite a strong, natural scent which lingers on the skin afterwards - it's quite refreshing and soothing. It's not greasy - which is a big plus point for me, and it seems to sink into the skin really well. I shall definitely be using this on travels thanks to the handy 10ml tube size.

Neal & Wolf | Glow Super Shine Spray | Full Size | RRP £9.50

This product is the star of the show for me! I've made no secret of the fact I absolutely LOVE Neal & Wolf products so seeing them included within this month's menus certainly brightened up my day! I chose this particular box purely down to this Shine Spray.  It's a weightless mist which is said to give long-lasting radiance and shine, whilst helping to smooth and tame the hair.  I adore the Neal & Wolf scent, so using something like this after I've styled my hair means my hair is kept looking soft and shiny at the same time as smelling pretty (I also use their heat protectant spray because I love the smell of the stuff so much!) I've used this a few times and it has to be a winner in my books - it seems to really help soften my hair and keeps it looking healthier and glossier for much longer.  Just a few sprays is all I need so I can imagine this 100ml bottle is going to last me quite some time!

Models Own | Nail Art Pen in 'Pastel Pink' | Full Size | RRP £6

This particular box contains one of Models Own's Nail Art Pens in a lovely pastel pink shade.  A couple of summer's back, I used to love doing nail art (there's a post on some of my floral designs here). I don't seem to spend time decorating my nails much anymore since I started nibbling them again *slap wrist* but I can't wait to start being a bit more creative with them again as soon as I manage to grow them back!  I'm hoping that I'll have my talons back in time for summer... These nail pens have a duo application system consisting of a thin nib for more intricate designs, as well as a long, thin brush for creating lines and thinner strokes.

Redken | Colour Extend Conditioner | RRP £9.99 | Sample Size (25ml)

This little sample sized conditioner is specifically for colour treated hair and is said to resurface the cuticle for a smooth, vibrant finish. It helps to detangle and provides protection from colour fade.  Personally, I don't have coloured hair - I just tint the top sections now and again when it's looking a little dull so I don't think I'll benefit much from the colour preserving properties of this one.  However, Redken are a brand I've used in the past and from what I can remember, I quite liked them - so I'll definitely be getting some use from this.  I'm thinking of saving it for a week's trip to London I have in July - it's quite a decent sample size! 

It's always nice to receive little extras! This month's box also came with 2 sample sachets of Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil and a £25 gift card for 'Hello Fresh'. I have to hold my hands up and admit I'm not the most talented of people when it comes to cooking and it's not often you'll find me getting creative in the kitchen unless I have the spur of the moment urge to bake a cake,  but for the foodies amongst you - it's such a lovely little treat.   Overall, another fabulous box from Love Me Beauty. You can find out more about the boxes and what they have to offer over on their website here.

Are you subscribed to Love Me Beauty? What's your favourite product this month?

Make Your Own Beauty Box | A Unique Gift Idea

I know what you're thinking - gift ideas?! Get with the times, Beth, Christmas has been and gone!  However, this year, I got a bit creative with some of my Christmas gifts and I really wanted to share one of them with you all.  My favourite idea has to be this little beauty box I put together as a stocking filler for my best friend, Sarah. She's a good'un, and always has been ever since we first met at the school gates over 10 years ago where she told me all about her pet rabbits and love for Steps. She got me through a bit of a cruddy break up earlier in 2013 and sat and ate chocolate and ice cream with me in true Bridget Jones' style whilst I harped on about all of my 'i'll forever be single' woes.  She's listened to me grumble on about uni work and deadlines and came to watch me walk across a stage for all of 10 seconds at my Graduation in November - she's just been an all round good egg. As an avid reader of my blog (hello there, bird!) I thought I'd pick up a few beauty bits I've really enjoyed using over the past couple of years and put together a little selection of things I know she'd use.  She's maybe not as completely obsessed with beauty products as I am, so I tried to pick things I know she'd get a lot of use out of and listened to things she'd mentioned she'd wanted to try in the past.

The star of the show was MUA's 'Heaven and Earth' palette.  Sarah is much more daring than me when it comes to colour on the eyelids, but I thought I'd include a neutral palette as they're so amazingly handy to have.  Neutral colours are a staple in my daily makeup routine and the MUA palettes are really good quality.  I also included an Eyes Lips Face 'Eyeshadow Brush' - its' always good to have a brush handy instead of the fiddly sponge applicators that tend to come with drugstore palettes and the ELF ones are actually pretty good quality.  I also popped in a Barry M Eyeliner in 'White' - I tend to smudge this into the corners of my eyes to brighten them and she'd recently mentioned she wanted to try one.  Sarah's also really into her nail art at the minute so I popped in a H&M Gold Glitter and a Sinful Colours polish in 'Purple Diamond' - I love the Sinful Colours range and she's always loved lilacs and purples so I thought this shade would go down a storm!

As well as this, I also popped in a Charles Worthington Volume Mousse and a little handbag sized Elnett Spray.  One of her other presents was a curling tong so I thought they would make a lovely little addition and travel sized minis are so handy to have! It's no secret that I love a dollop or two of mousse, and Sarah has always wanted to try one - so I figured this would be a great way for her to experiment with some volume and texture without buying a full sized bottle. To finish off my beauty box, I filled it with some iridescent shredded paper and made a little 'what's in the box' card similar to what you'd find in 'proper' beauty boxes.  I found the little black and white box in the Card Factory and thought it was the perfect size to hold all of the beauty bits. I was going to personalise it with photos and lettering but decided against in the end - how could I smudge glue all over that pretty, glittery lid?! A few photographs added in there made the perfect finishing touch and my box was complete.

So there we have it - a lovely little gift idea if you have a birthday coming up soon and are stuck for ideas.  If you have a friend who reads your blog, it's a fabulous personalised idea and they don't even have to be beauty obsessed - a few bits and bobs you know they'd love will make up a lovely beauty package! Boots and Superdrug do a great selection of minis too - so if they travel a lot or you know they're jetting away on holiday soon, it's a great place to start looking for ideas! Of course, I woud have loved to have posted this up on my blog before Christmas - but since madam reads my blog - I thought it best to wait until afterwards. I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year! I'm thinking of doing a 'What I Got for Christmas' post soon as I know a lot of you like reading them (as do i - nosey so and so!).  If I don't manage to post again before New Year's Eve - *raises imaginary champagne glass* - here's to 2014 and another year of blogging goodness! 

Did you put together a little beauty package for someone this year?

Love Me Beauty Box | November

Love Me Beauty Box | November - Menu 2 | £10.00 (+p&p)* | Link

Receiving my Love Me Beauty box is one of the highlights of each month for me. It's something I really look forward to receiving and I love reading through the menus each month and choosing what I fancy! I'm sure you're all aware of the concept by now so I shall just dive straight into the good stuff - what's in my box this month?!...

 Absolution Le Soin Purifiant | Sample Size (40ml) | RRP £24 (50ml)

Although this is a sample size, it's still pretty substantial considering the full size is just an extra 10ml. I've really gotten into my face masks just recently so this little tube is a really nice addition to the box this month. This mask is said to be skin-renewing, radiance restoring and toxin absorbing - pretty much ticking all the boxes for what I look for in a face mask - especially in winter! It contains birch sap and white clay to absorb impurities and get rid of any toxins and help tighten pores.  I really like the consistency of this - I've only tried it once so far so shall reserve judgement for now. But on first impressions it has to get a thumbs up from me!

Jelly Pong Pong | 2 in 1 Bronze Shadow/Liner | RRP £10.50

I was so excited to see Jelly Pong Pong in this month's menus! It's a brand I've always heard about but never had the chance to try for myself.  This little multi-use product is just my kind of thing - a beautiful bronze colour with a little bit of shimmer.  The formula is really soft and creamy and seems like the perfect little pencil for creating a soft, sultry smokey eye. I'm yet to test its staying power though!

Mitchell and Peach | Shower Wash | Sample Size (50ml) | RRP £20 (250ml)

I will openly admit that I'm always a bit iffy about seeing body washes in beauty boxes.  They're great to receive from time to time but I see them as more of a necessity than a beauty item. This being said - I actually really like this little bottle! It's the type of thing you'd expect to see in nice hotels and spas - the sort of product you'd use when you really fancied a treat.  I'm really fond of my Elemis Bath oil and similar items - so I have got a bit of a 'thing' for luxury bath products.  This one smells beautiful and luxurious - exactly what you'd expect from looking at the bottle - I can't wait to use it up over the festive season (although I have an urge to save it for the next time I'm travelling) It's enriched with Vitamin E so has added moisture in there - perfect for dull, winter skin.

Models Own | Nail Polish in 'Hot Pink' | Full Size | RRP £5

Who doesn't love a cheeky nail polish treat?! I love hot pink shades and this one is going to be a winner in my books! Although it isn't your average winter shade, you've got to have a little bit of pink now and again, right?

Art Deco | Hydra Lip Booster in 'Translucent Rosewood' | Full Size | RRP £11.50

It is thanks to Love Me Beauty that I have been introduced to this brand.  Art Deco's Eyeshadow Base is probably the best eyeshadow primer I've tried and their kohl liners are super soft and dreamy to apply. So, it's safe to say that I expected great things from this lip product - I was so excited to see it on this month's menu! The shade is simply stunning - a perfect everyday shade to wear either on it's own or over lipstick.  Translucent Rosewood is a gorgeous pinky nude - a very lovely 'my lips but better' shade that every girl has to have in their collection.  The formula is said to help even out the lip surface, filling in any wrinkles and giving a plumped up appearance.  I love that it doesn't have a sticky, heavy feel to it - it's just the kind of glossy lipstick I'd choose myself. Love it. 

EXTRA ADDITION: Lord & Berry | Lipstick in 'Brick' | Full Size | RRP £12.50

This month there was a lovely little addition to the box.  There were a few complaints regarding the mascara and eyeliner provided by Lord & Berry in the October box.  I personally only found problems with the mascara, but I know a lot of bloggers found both products to be dried up and not up to usual standards.  I've always been impressed by Lord & Berry (having ordered from them before) so I know that this wasn't 'standard' for them.  It was a lovely little addition to receive - it's nice when a brand really does care about the opinions of their customers and although it wouldn't have put me off buying from them, it's still a really nice little redeeming factor.  The shade I received is in 'Brick Lip' - a neutral warm brown/nude shade. It's not for everyone - but I really love the formula of these lipsticks.  I'd really recommend them!

So there we have it - my thoughts on November's box. The Christmas Love Me Beauty box is on it's way for December - containing an extra surprise product to try - I'm not sure I can contain my excitement! Also - I thought I'd give you all a little heads up... For all first time orders, Love Me Beauty have passed on a little 20% discount code which is valid from the 5th December all the way up to the 10th January - so if you've never tried a beauty box before or fancy treating someone for Christmas, it really is the perfect opportunity to do so!  Simply enter the code 'LMBBB20' into the delivery section when you order.  Anyway, I hope you've all had a lovely November and are looking forward to December. It's the first year in about 4 or 5 years that I haven't had to worry about working Christmas Eve or boxing day so I'm feeling rather chipper about that! Still not happy that I'm yet to see the Coca-Cola lorry advert though...

Have you signed up Love Me Beauty Box? Which product takes your fancy this month?!