Love Me Beauty Box | March

LoveMeBeauty Box | £10 plus £2.95 p+p | Link

This month's LoveMeBeauty box is a good'un, let me tell you! I was super excited to see The Vintage Cosmetics Company popping up on the menus for March - I've always wanted to try their lashes after grabbing some of their makeup brushes a few months ago so it's fair to say that this month's offering was rather enticing to say the least! Also, as soon as I saw Nip & Fab's 'Eye Fix' featured on one of the menus - I was sold - I'm all for a good under-eye product, me! Anyway, let's get to it, shall we? Here's what I unwrapped in this month's box...

The Vintage Cosmetic Company | False Lashes in 'Gracie' | RRP £6

I love a good lengthening pair of false lashes.  I often find overly-dramatic ones weigh my eyes down and can actually make my eyes look smaller, so I always opt for lighter, more natural ones like this. These 'Gracie' lashes are right up my street - I love the shape of them and I cannot wait to give them a whirl.

Quintessentially English | Bath Salts in 'English Rose' (sample size) | RRP £4.25

I don't think I could ever contemplate getting in a bath without some form of 'smelly' in there somewhere, surely that's not just me?! I've never really tried bath salts so I'll certainly look forward to tipping these into the tub next time I fancy a relax sesh.  They're made with dead sea salt and essential oils, so they're meant to provide subtle exfoliating qualities as well as a dose of moisture.  The only thing I'm not entirely sold on is the scent - I'm not a florals girl whatsoever and I received the scent 'English Rose'. I'll still use them nonetheless and they aren't overly strong so I might surprise myself and end up loving the rose scent. I've read other reviews of this month's box and there seems to be a lovely variety in scents available - I'm still rather excited to crack this little packet open!

Deep Steep | Moisture Stick in 'Lavender Chamomile' (Full Size) | RRP £3.60

I was quite intrigued by this product this month - I've never heard of Deep Steep but the concept of a moisture stick really tickled my fancy.  One of the reasons I opted for 'Menu 1' was because of the Lavender and Chamomile scent of this one - if you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know that I absolutely LOVE lavender scented stuff. I find it so relaxing and I often pop some oil on my pulse points before bed as I find it sends me off to sleep much quicker.  I've been using this stick non stop since I received it.  Honestly, it's SO good for moisture on the go! No faffing around with tubes or tubs - you simply just twist up and apply to the specific area.  I seem to have irritable skin at the minute (I'm pointing the blame at the time of year!) so this has been an absolute god-send and it has to be my favourite product in this month's box.

BlanX | White Shock Toothpaste (sample size) | RRP £7.50 (not pictured individually)

Firstly, let me just apologise for not individually photographing every product this month (i know, bad blogger alert or what?!) Of all these glorious, sunny days we've been having just recently, I chose the dullest, greyest, most rainy-est day of the bunch to take this batch. If you're a fellow blogger, I'm sure you'll feel my pain here... Anyway, moans and grumbles about the weather aside (typical UK blogger!), I was surprised to see BlanX featured in this month's box.  I'm still unsure how I feel about this one - I'm not sure I can get overly excited about receiving toothpaste.  Although this one does have whitening properties and I'll probably get use out of it, it's not something I'd usually buy... I'm definitely going to give it a try though. Who doesn't want whiter tegs?!

Murad | Sheer Lustre Day Moisturiser (7.5 sample size) | RRP £64 (not pictured individually)

WHOA!? £64 for the full size?! I am going to use this sample size like gold dust! This daily moisturiser is said to help restore a youthful, dewy glow to the skin and help towards maintaining a healthy complexion.  It deeply hydates whilst protecting against UV rays, at the same time as minimising lines.  Sounds jolly good to me.  I shall have to see what I reckon to this next time I need to break in to a new moisturiser...

Nip+Fab | CC Eye Fix in 'Light' (full size) | RRP £6

 Eeeek. This product has made me a happy chappy this month.  Admittedly, I haven't actually used this yet so I shall have to save the review for a later date, but I'm so excited to get testing it out! It's essentially an eye cream and lightweight concealer in one, and refreshes and brightens the under eye area. The light diffusing pigments lift the appearance of the eyes and bright light to the under-eyes, and the beeswax it contains helps to protect and care for delicate skin.  To apply, you simply twist the bottom of the tube and apply to the face.  The peachy pink undertones to the concealer will definitely help to counteract those pesky dark circles! It's very, very lightweight though, so on those days where the dark circles really are packing a punch, I might still require a little bit of the heavy-duty stuff - but I can't wait to test it out! It looks so promising!

Overall, this month's box has been a winner for me! The Deep Steep moisture stick and the Vintage Cosmetics Company lashes have to top the mark for me - and I'm jolly well chuffed to have the Nip+Fab Eye Cream in my possession! LoveMeBeauty box is really good value for money and every month I always end up finding something new to love.  For £10 (plus p+p) you get a choice of menus each month and each box is worth at least £35 - I've known some to be worth upwards of £50/60 and the variety of brands and products each month keeps things fresh and interesting!  You can have a nosey at the brands and concept behind the box over on the LoveMeBeauty website here.

Are you subscribed to Love Me Beauty? Which menu did you opt for this month?

Love Me Beauty Box | The December Christmas Edition

Love Me Beauty Box | £10.00+ P&P* | Link

I can't believe it's the last weekend before Christmas already! I seem to have ploughed through my advent calendar at super speed this year and it still doesn't seem 5 minutes since last Christmas!  One thing I've been looking forward to in the month of December (as well as all the tree decorating and chocolate consuming) is my Love Me Beauty box.  I've been quite excited about the December box so when it arrived safe and sound on my doorstep, it felt like an early Christmas present and I couldn't wait to delve into it's delights! Here's what came in my box this month...

Lord & Berry | Intensity Lipstick in 'Glazed Pink' | Full Size | RRP £12.00

I adore Lord & Berry lipsticks so I was really excited about receiving another shade to add to my collection this month.  'Glazed Pink' is the most stunning baby pink shade. The formula is just lovely - it contains macadamia oil and waterlily extracts to help keep your lips hydrated and in good condition, and it glides onto the lips smoothly and effortlessly.  I find the pigmentation and finish of this one to be similar to the Cremesheen finishes by Mac - although with a little added dimension and gloss.  I adore this shade already - It's the perfect nude pink and looks lovely against my winter skin. A little pop of pink blush and I'm good to go!

Lord & Berry | Kiss Proof Lip Liner in 'Seduction' | Full Size | RRP £7.50

Again, another lovely addition I was really happy to receive.  I love the Lord & Berry lip liners and the last one I tried became a make-up bag staple within days.  I do tend to pop lip liner on if I'm wearing lipstick as I find it helps enhance my lip shape more and gives that 'perfected' finish - so I'm always on the lookout for new shades to add to my little collection.  I don't tend to wear brighter pinks a lot so I won't get as much wear out of this as I would from a nude or bright red shade - but it's handy to have nonetheless.

 Headline Colours | Nail Polish in 'Quicksand' | Full Size | RRP £9

I'm always happy to see a nail polish in a beauty box - especially when it's a colour I know I'll use and love.  I adore taupe shades on the nails - it always looks so classy and elegant (and you never have to worry about matching nails to an outfit!).  This one claims to be resistant to chipping, flaking and cracking, and is said to be extra durable.  Perfect for me as I always seem to chip my polish easily!

S5 | Vitality Mask | Exclusive to Love Me Beauty
I'm really getting into face masks just recently so this S5 Vitality Mask sounds like just the treat my skin needs.  The formula is clinically proven to reduce imperfections by 60% and pore size by 20%. I cannot wait to try this!

Rodial | 5 Minute Facial | Sample Size | RRP £35

I was so excited to see Rodial make an appearance in the boxes this month! I've always liked the sound of their products and have read quite a bit about them in magazines so this is the perfect chance for me to finally give them a whirl!  The 5 minute facial is said to exfoliate, decongest the skin and clarify whilst absorbing impurities and reducing pore size. It contains 'Argirline' which is said to help reduce stress by helping to relax the facial muscles.  I don't know about you but it sounds like a wonder mask to me! I cannot wait to try it!

Once again, it's a thumbs up from me for the December Love Me Beauty Box.  Although, if I was so be extremely picky - I can't help but think it would have been nice to receive a little festive addition in the form of a red lip liner or something glittery - but I loved everything I got this month nonetheless.  Overall - a fabulous box and I'm so happy with the menu I chose - the Rodial additions to the menus this month and the gorgeous Lord & Berry lipstick really made it for me! Also, 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 the New Year, it really is the perfect opportunity to do so!  Simply enter the code 'LMBBB20' into the delivery section when you order.

Have you signed up to Love Me Beauty? Which product tickles your fancy this month?

Beauteco Box | August

Beauteco Box | Monthly Beauty Box | £10 +p&p* | Link 

Last month, I wrote a little introductory post about the new beauty subscription box in town - 'Beauteco Box'.  I'm sure you've all heard of it by now but just in case you haven't and fancy a read up on the whole concept and why I think it's the bee's knees then you can have a nosey at my last post here. I've been pretty chuffed to say the least, and last month's box actually introduced me to a couple of new favourites of mine - I'm now addicted to Neal & Wolf's conditioning treatment (definitely repurchasing it once I've ran out!) and I've been converted back to a kohl pencil (after using liquid liner for donkey's years) in the form of Art Deco's Soft Kajal Liner. Both products are FULL size which really pleased me - you really do get your money's worth with this box!  I'm sure you'll be seeing those products in my monthly favourites at the beginning of next month...

Anyway, onto this month's Beauteco Box offerings!  Once again, I was really excited about this box. Lord & Berry are one of my favourite brands and I was so excited to see them on the Beauteco Box menus - I definitely think they deserve a more widely known status amongst the blogging world (I've previously reviewed their highlighting 'Luminizer Stick' if you're interested!). Once again, the box contained 3 full size products and 2 generously sized samples for me to get my mitts on - for the price you really cannot grumble and if beauty boxes are your thing then Beauteco will be right up your street.  I'll give you the low-down on what I chose this month...

Lord & Berry Intensity Lipstick in 'Peach Gleam'

This product is the one I was the most excited about.  I've had Lord & Berry Lip Crayons in the past and LOVED them - so was really looking forward to giving one of their lipsticks a whirl.  The shade is just my cup of tea - you know me, anything with a hint of peach or coral and I'm there! I've been using this a lot the past couple of weeks - it's such a lovely muted peach shade - not too bright or too dark - just the perfect colour for an everyday lip.  It seems to perk up my complexion no end and applies really nicely.  The formula isn't so creamy that it applies fully opaque, but the pigmentation is really impressive and on first 'swipe' your lips are coated in peachy-gleamy-goodness.  If you like Mac's 'Shy Girl' or 'Ravishing' - then it's worth looking into this little gem.

Lord & Berry Kissproof Lip Colour Liner in 'Blossom'

I am a big fan of Estee Lauder's Double Wear Lip Liner in 'Spice' - and at £17 a pop (oof...that will send your purse strings running for the hills...) they aren't cheap.  Sadly, I'm almost ran out of my holy-grail favourite so this little addition came just at the right time. It's a little more pink than my usual lip liner but it's without a doubt very similar and it's a colour that I would pair with a load of lipsticks as it's not far off from a natural lip shade.  I can't wait to try this.

Arran Aromatics Lavender & Tea Tree Facial Wash

Again, another full size product!  I always use tea tree products on my skin throughout the month - I find it helps calm any redness and helps prevent blemishes.  This facial wash deep cleanses the skin and gently exfoliates, whilst the lavender in it revitalises and calms.  I haven't used this yet as I'm still getting through a sample size of a Balance Me one, but I will giving this a whirl in the next couple of weeks or so. 

S5 Purity Serum

Of all the products this month, this is the one that really intrigued me.  I don't use serums and oils on my skin that much but am always open to trying them.  I'd love to find one that really suits me.  This one seems really promising - it helps blemish prone skin by controlling breakouts, reducing appearance of pores and generally helping to keep the skin clear.  What I like about this one is that it doesn't feel greasy like other serums I've tried - just smooth, gel-like and almost cooling. 

Melvita Body Milk in 'Rose'

I'm not usually into floral fragranced things but I will certainly be giving this a try in the next week or so.  I really like the fact it's meant to soothe and moisturise the skin whilst providing a calming effect.  

This month's box has been another exciting one for me and I reckon there's at least a couple of gems in there for me.  I love the fact that Beauteco box have introduced me to both new brands and helped me rediscover some favourites too.  I will be sure to report on some of these products in the near future - keep your eyes peeled - some of them may make it into my monthly favourites...

Have you tried Beauteco box? Which product tickles your fancy this month?

The New Beauty Box Concept | Beauteco Box

Beauteco Box | Monthly Beauty Box | £10 +p&p* | Link

Before I started blogging, beauty boxes were quite the in thing and they flooded my reading list quicker than you could say the word 'hype'.  I must admit, I never quite caught on to the new trend and even though many times I'd been tempted, I put myself off when I heard of people getting sent the same things each month along with countless bottles of posh body wash they could never quite get through.  This was until recently, I was made aware of the new beauty box in town - Beauteco Box. 

What intrigued me was their completely fresh, unique twist on the monthly subscription box - the option of choosing what you want to receive from 3 carefully selected 'menus'.  This clever little concept means that every month, there is something there to suit your needs and preferences when it comes to beauty - adding a little personal touch and taking the whole gamble factor out of ordering a beauty box.  It's such a good way or trialling products that you would genuinely use or look into again in future and it means you can select a box full of products that you will be sure you will enjoy - inevitably saving yourself from a heap of wasted product samples and stacks of unused bottles on your bathroom shelf.  The Beauteco box is also put together using 100% recyclable material - a little eco-friendly boost goes a long way when it comes to packaging in my opinion! (you can have a read about the eco side of it here)

I opted for 'Menu 2' in July - containing products from brands 'Neal & Wolf', Pukka and Art Deco. I was particularly excited about the Art Deco eye products and the volumising offering from Neal & Wolf but there isn't a single product in there that I wouldn't want to use. Massive high-five coming your way, Beauteco! I'm sure you'll see a few of these products popping up in a favourites post or review sooner or later, but until then, I thought I'd give you the lowdown on each product and my thoughts on each one so far...

Neal & Wolf | Elevate - Volumising Lotion | £11.95

My hair needs volumising one heck of a lot just recently... so I was really excited to receive this little bottle of voluptuous goodness. Applied to wet hair, this lotion acts similarly to a mousse, adding body and volume to the hair but also adding shine and extra gloss.  I've only used this once so far, so I'm yet to see if I'm prepared to swap my trusty mousse for a lotion, but first impressions were really good. I found it volumised my hair yet helped it to remain smooth a sleek - no danger of 'straw hair' anywhere here!

Neal & Wolf | Harmony | Intensive Care Treatment | RRP £12.95

Another product my hair could do with at the moment after being slightly frazzled on a recent trip to Greece! This intensive treatment is designed to repair damaged hair using a combination of different conditioning ingredients. I'm planning on slathering this on my locks tonight...

Pukka | Radiance Serum (sample size) | Full size RRP £24.00 

Suitable for sensitive skin, this serum soothes and refreshes the skin and is completely free from parabens, synthetic fragrances and colours. It brightens, tones and adds radiance to the complexion and supports the skin naturally.  Again, as with any skincare, I can't really provide you on the whole she-bang with this product yet, but I really like how it's naturally fragranced and is paraben free - I'm a big fan of natural skincare.

Art Deco | Soft Kajal Liner | RRP £6.95 |

So far, I reckon this has to be my favourite of the July box.  It's soft and gel-like texture makes lining your eyes a breeze and is perfect for the waterline - I have sensitive eyes but I've had no trouble whatsoever with this *happy dance* I've used it over my Mac and Urban Decay liners recently and really, really love it.  It's the softest eyeliner I've used and doesn't drag my peepers.   The performance is also really good - long lasting and really well pigmented.  I love this one.  Definitely a winner for me. I'm glad I've been introduced to the brand and will definitely be checking it out soon.

Art Deco | Eyeshadow Base | RRP £8.00 

Again, another good product I've discovered this month and one I've been reaching for whenever I've been using powder eyeshadow.  The base is formulated with Vitamin E, meaning it feels soft and smooth on the delicate eyelid area. It also claims to reduce eye redness due to the ingredient 'Bisabolol', neutralising the skin before eyeshadow application. I've tried this and have to say, i like it.  It makes applying powder shadow a lot easier and lot more 'swift', with a lot less fall-out, whilst prolonging the life of your eye makeup. I love the consistency of it and find it a really nice base to apply.

Overall,  I personally find the 'menu' concept really refreshing and it's solved the whole problem of wasted samples.  Of course, with all beauty boxes there's a chance you might not like something occasionally, but if you liked everything, where would be the fun in ordering a monthly beauty box?! The fact I've found a new brand I will definitely be checking out soon only goes to show how you can benefit from a beauty box like this - you're introduced to brands you might have skimmed over before and the simple fact you're able to choose a selection means that any disappointment is taken out of the equation. The box costs £10 plus delivery - which is a really good price considering how much everything in the box costs when added up, and the majority of them are full sized.  This is my first ever subscription box, and it has somewhat changed the way I see beauty boxes.  Dare I say it, I'm converted (but only if I have a choice in what I receive, that is...) BIG thumbs up Beauteco Box.

You can have a nosey at the Beauteco Box website here.

What do you think about the Beauteco Box concept? Is this something you would consider trying?

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