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 | July 2014

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

It's fair to say I've been feeling a little sorry for myself this week - holidays in the sun are all well and good but returning home is always a bit of a kick in the teeth isn't it? The sunny weather here in the UK has helped to soften the blow slightly, but the main pick-me-up this week has most certainly been the delivery of my Love Me Beauty box.  I couldn't wait to get stuck in to this one - I was really excited when I first saw the menus on offer this month and I have to say, the July Edition (Menu 2) has been a winner for me. Here's the lowdown on what I received this month...

Ofra | Pressed Eyeshadow in 'Bliss' | RRP £8.80

I'll kick off with this month's favourite then, shall I? Ofra isn't a brand I've heard of before and I'm so glad I've been introduced to them because both of their products in this month's box have impressed me considerably. In fact, as soon as I finish tapping away at this post I'll be off to have a nosey at the rest of their range.  'Bliss' is a gorgeous, shimmery antique gold shade - just my cup of tea! I cannot believe how buttery soft this is - I really was so impressed when I first swatched it as the pigment is incredible and it's such a dream to apply.  I recently read Couture Girl's post on this box and she described the colour as being very similar to Mac's 'Woodwinked' - even though I don't own it myself, I can really see the similarities and I'm so excited to own a possible dupe for it. I will definitely be looking in to purchasing more shades from this range - they're even suitable for sensitive eyes too which is a fruity bonus for me as I have ridiculously sensitive peepers!

Ofra | Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in 'Hollywood' | RRP £11.60

Oh my goodness - I was blown away by this product! The formula is lovely and creamy and the pigmentation really is amazing - I tried this out yesterday and I have to say it's incredibly long lasting as well as feeling light on the lips.  The bright fuschia shade is simply stunning and perfect for this time of year - usually, I opt for orangey reds or corals so it's nice to be able to add a bright pink to my collection - it really seems to set off my tan at the minute! Although it wouldn't be my first shade of choice, I'm definitely going to get some wear out of this.

So Susan | Flutter Mascara | £14.95

I was so excited to receive some So Susan products in this month's box. They're a brand I've heard of briefly in the past and I've seen some lovely products feature on blogs over the past few months - so I was super chuffed to have the chance to try them for myself.  Firstly, the packaging is lovely - the gold tubing and little illustration of a bird on the lid is right up my street (pop a bird on something and I'll love it regardless ;)).  The formula is said to be super-black, and help to create curlier, more voluminous lashes in just one coat.  I haven't actually tried this yet but i'm looking forward to giving it a go - the brush is a little smaller than what I'd usually opt for but I can imagine it will work wonders for picking up every single lash (particularly those pesky ones in the inner corners!)

Lashem (2ml Sample) | Lash Enhancing Serum | RRP £40 (3.5ml)

I've always wanted to try a lash enhancing serum so I was really pleased to receive this sample size.  It's quite small - but for the amount you'll actually use i can imagine it will last some time anyway - just enough to give you an idea of whether or not it works for you. I've actually discovered you can use this on brows too - yippee! Any of you who have read my recent brow-related posts might know I'm not the greatest fan of my sparse brows - so I'm definitely going to give this a try on them.  If in a few weeks I'm sporting eyebrows to rival the likes of Cara Delevigne then I'll be sure to let you know... It says that results are noticeable from 2 weeks so I shall keep my fingers crossed!

So Susan | Dual Brow Powder | RRP £11.95

I actually received a brow kit in last month's box so, although I'll never say no to a brow product, I do feel slightly brow-kitted out to the max right now! Nevertheless, I'll definitely put it to some good use and I was actually quite surprised at the softness of these shadows.  I really like the shades as they lean slightly warmer - perfect for my brows at the minute - I always find a slightly warmer tone works better for me when I have a bit of a tan.  Although they aren't as pigmented or long-lasting as other kits such as my much-loved HD Brows palette, this is definitely a great contender. I quite like the packaging and the fact it comes with a little mirror is super handy for on the go touch-ups.

Weleda | Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion | RRP £15.95

I was super happy to see this in the box this month! I get through body moisturisers and butters like there's no tomorrow so a full sized Weleda Body Lotion went down a storm with me! This smells lovely and refreshing - it definitely has a citrus hint to it.  It's very light and sinks in really quickly.  I'm moisturising like crazy at the minute whilst I try my hardest to keep my natural tan looking smooth and keep it from fading - so having something light like this to pop on in the morning is just the ticket!

The Teashed | 4am Tea Whole Leaf White Tea | £3.50 (not pictured separately)

I'm such a tea-belly, so having a whole pack of these Teashed tea bags was a very welcome addition to the box this month. They're low in caffiene which is perfect for me as I try and stay away from the stuff whenever I can - these are also said to be beneficial for the skin and are rich in anti-oxidants.

Swatches L-R: Ofra 'Hollywood' / Ofra 'Bliss' / So Susan Dual Brow Powder

So there we have it - this month's box of goodies.  Personally, this has to be up there with my favourite boxes from LoveMeBeauty and I was really happy with the contents this month - there's not a single one in there that I won't use. My favourites have to be the Ofra products! They're amazing! I'm also really excited to get going with the 'Lashem' enhancer.  The July Box is definitely well worth the money - to say that the products in this box are worth well up to £70 if you were to buy them on the high-street, that's not bad going... there's also 5 full-sized products this month! If you fancy trying LoveMeBeauty for yourself if you aren't already subscribed, head on over to their website to find out more.

Which products tickle your fancy this month? Which menu did you choose?

Love Me Beauty Box | May Contents

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

I feel like it's my birthday every month when Mr. Postie delivers my Love Me Beauty Box to my door.  I always manage to find something in each box that I really like - in fact, some products featured in past boxes have become some of my all time favourites (it's thanks to this box that I was introduced to one of my favourite brands 'Arran Aromatics'). I love the concept - the fact that you have some sort of input on what you receive each month makes this box all the more exciting for me as I can pick and choose from which selection takes my fancy. Here's my thoughts on what's in this months box...

Raw Skincare | Lipbalm in 'Hint of Mint' | RRP £1.98

I've heard quite a bit about these lipbalms on blogs the past few months so I was quite chuffed to receive one in this month's box.  Who doesn't love a good lip balm?! No handbag is complete without one! This one is really lovely - I find it really smooth to apply and I also don't find it to be overly waxy - it's just the sort of consistency I prefer in a balm.  I thought the 'hint of mint' might be irritating on the lips but that's not the case whatsoever - it's really refreshing, leaves your lips feeling plump (without the 'bee-sting' tingly feel) and it feels nice and cooling.  It's definitely one of the more moisturising lipbalms i've tried in a while.

Nail Girls | Nail Polish in 'Nude Pink' | RRP £13.50

I've never actually heard of 'Nail Girls' before - but that's why I love beauty boxes - It's great being introduced to new products and brands! At £13.50 a bottle, this one has to be on the pricier end of the scale so I'm expecting good stuff! I can never say no to a pink shade, me.  I'm quite looking forward to giving this a whirl soon - I'm hoping it has good staying power. I've actually had a little look on the website and there's a lovely selection of colours on there - well worth having a look at!

GO Stationary | Pocket Notebook Set in 'Vintage Daisy' | RRP £5

I was superly-duperly excited about seeing a set of notebooks in this month's box.  I am a massive list addict! I'm forever jotting stuff down and I'm always creating to-do lists so I get through notebooks like there's no tomorrow! I'm the most forgetful person you'll ever meet so things like this come in extremely handy for me.  These ones are a lovely size for popping in your handbag - I can't wait to start scribbling away!

Suti | Trial Pack (Purity Balm, Cleanse Balm and Foot Balm) | RRP £6.50

I've never ever tried a cleansing balm (i know, how big is that rock I've been hiding under?!) so I was really excited to receive this little set.  I really like the texture of the 'Cleanse' balm and I've used it a couple of times now - of course, it's only a trial pack so I can't really get a true feel for how it would work with my skin on the long-term but I'd definitely look into buying the full size.  All 3 balms feel really nourishing and smooth to apply and I can imagine these would be great in the winter when my skin gets a little more dry in areas.  I'm saving the foot balm ready for when I go on holiday this year - you can't beet a little 'at home' pedicure before you jet away, can you?!

Tea Pigs | 'Chocolate Flake Tea' | RRP £0.65 (per tea bag)

I am a massive tea belly so these samples were right up my street this month! I recently had the chance to try some of Tea Pigs' 'Festive Tea' (I'm aware it's summer now but they became my 'go-to' choice of teabag over the winter months!) - TeaPigs really know how to jazz up your average brew! This tea is absolutely divine - honestly - if you're partial to a bit of chocolate now and again (who isn't?), it's well worth treating yourself to some of these! Tea Pigs describe it as 'a hint of dark, rich chocolate - a choccie biscuit dunked in tea'.  I personally like my tea quite strong so I leave the teabag in a little longer than it says (naughty...) but it really is such a lovely little treat. Very comforting if you've had a bit of a cruddy day.

Overall, another fabulous box from Love Me Beauty - I really enjoyed the little mix-up of beauty and 'lifestyle' products this month - it's always good to have a little bit of variety. The chocolate tea made for a very welcome addition for me (I've saved the last tea bag because I can't bring myself to drink it until I've stocked up on some more...) 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?

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?

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 | January

Love Me Beauty Box | £10 monthly plus p&p* | Link

Ahh one of the highlights of my month - receiving my monthly dose of beauty goodness from Love Me Beauty.  I never quite caught on to the beauty box hype before, but ever since Love Me Beauty launched their 'menu' concept, I've really begun to catch to the whole idea of having samples delivered to your door as a monthly treat - especially when you have some form of choice over what you want to try! There's always atleast one product I'm super excited about every single month - and it's down to this box that I've discovered one of my new favourite brands - Arran Aromatics (featured in my Best of 2013 post).  Love Me Beauty have kicked off 2014 with a bang - with brands such as Nyx, Arran Aromatics and Anatomicals as well as a full size mascara and Pureology mousse...

Arran Aromatics | Apothecary Wheatgerm & Vitamin E Soap | RRP £2.75

As I've become quite the fan of Arran Aromatics skin care over the past few months, I was quite pleased to see one of their products featured in this months box.  I must admit I'm not too partial to bars of soap as I usually find them quite drying, but I was still rather pleased to see it sitting prettily in my box.  This little bar contains natural oatmeal to cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin.  I've read on other beauty blogs that this feels really nice and moisturising to use so I'm looking forward to giving it a whirl once I've got through a few other similar products I'm currently using.

NYX Cosmetics | Single Eyeshadow in 'Sahara' | RRP £5.00 

I'm a big fan of NYX but I've never ever tried their eyeshadows so I was superly-duperly chuffed to see one of their products featured on the Love Me Beauty menus this month.  'Sahara' is a beautiful champagne gold/white colour with flecks of shimmer running through it.  Sadly, mine arrived a little worse for wear (you have no idea how much this made my perfectionist tendancies twitch when I got round to taking photographs) but it is such a gorgeous shade - perfect for the inner corners of the eyes and for wearing in the centre of the lid to brighten up your peepers.  The texture is quite uneven - and I must admit there could be quite a bit of fall-out with this shade (I think it's down to the shimmery nature of it) but it's really well pigmented and it's a shade I will get a lot of use out of without a doubt.

Anatomicals | Rose & Jasmine Body Cleanser | RRP £3 

I'm never a massive fan of body washes in beauty boxes.  I'm also not the biggest fan of rose scented products so I reckon this one might be a bit of a miss for me.  I love the fact it's full sized though - It's nice to switch up your shower gels and whatnot sometimes so I guess I'll end up enjoying it in the end and it saves me buying any for a while! I must admit I quite like the bold pink packaging - definitely appeals to my girly side...

Pureology | Colour Stylist Silk Bodifier | RRP £15 (250ml)

Never one to turn my nose up at a hair product, this offering from Pureology sure put a smile on my face this month! I adore volumising products and anything that promises adding bounce to my barnet is a sure fire winner for me! This little mousse is said to infuse hair with volume, shine and softness whilst protecting and maximising the vibrancy of colour treated hair - without weighing the hair down.  I haven't had chance to try this yet as I'm still getting down the final dregs of my usual mousse - but I really can't wait to give this a try (and neither can my mother...) 

Cosmetics a la Carte | Divine Lash Mascara in Black | RRP £23.00

A whopping £23 mascara arrived in this month's box - wow! I've never heard of this brand before but the packaging has impressed me already - a sleek silver tube complete with its own little box.   I can't wait to give this a whirl - I'm quite a fussy little madam when it comes to mascaras so I will have to see if this manages to impress me or not!  It sounds fab though - and the wand looks right up my street.

So there we have it. The contents of this month's box.  I'm still yet to try everything so the verdict is out on what tops the mark for me this time around - however, I'm most excited about the NYX eyeshadow, Arran Aromatics soap and the Pureology mousse! I'm really intrigued by the high-end mascara too. It's always nice to try products you never would have discovered before. You can find out more about Love Me Beauty over on their website here

Have you subscribed to Love Me Beauty yet? Which product tickles your fancy 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?