Glossybox Under The Sea - July Edition

The July edition of Glossybox has arrived and this month the theme is 'Under The Sea' and it arrives in the most stunning box which is very mermaid-esque. Featuring products that are designed to give you that beach babe vibe, these are the essentials, worth £49.93* within my box.

SENHOR DO BONFIM Sea Water Hair Spray (£16) - A full-size product at 50ml this spray is said to help you achieve beachy mermaid waves. The bottle which is pink plastic features a cute shell theme which is in keeping with the theme. 

I have never come across the brand before, but I do love sprays like this which help tame my natural waves in the humidity, so I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy Hand Cream (£8) - This is one of my favourite hand creams from Crabtree & Evelyn and I am glad to have another tube to add to my stash. 

It is infused with a Hydra Marine Blend of Green Seaweed and Red Algae which soothes and nourishes as antioxidant Vitamin E helps to protect against environmental aggressors and then there is a Myrrh Extract which helps to condition the nails and cuticles whilst Shea Butter and Macadamia Nut Oil pamper and regenerate. This is the perfect hand cream if your hands are in need of some TLC because it is so hydrating and moisturising without being greasy.

Oriflame The One-in-5 Wonder Lash Mascara (£9) - A brand I haven't come across for years, this mascara from Oriflame claims that it will smoothly lift, curl, volumise, lengthen and separate the lashes without smudging, smearing, running or flaking which is quite a bold claim.  

With a unique double-sided brush, it is recommended that the short bristles are used to lift and sculpt the lashes and the other side to lengthen and define.  I am glad that the formula of this mascara isn't overly wet and it is a deep black shade.  One the lashes, I didn't notice that it lifted, curled or added any volume when used, but I do have fairly long lashes.  

Inuwet Cheek Shell Brush (£15) - Hailing from Korea, this cruelty-free and Vegan cheek brush is again very much in keeping with the theme of the box with its shell design. 

Perfect for the application of powdered bronzers, blushers and highlighters, the synthetic bristles which are densely packed are incredibly soft on the skin.

Regenerate Enamel Science Toothpaste (£2.50) - This toothpaste, which I've read quite a bit about, features the clinically proven, patented NR-5™ technology. This toothpaste effectively works to recreate the mineral that tooth enamel is made of, working to reverse the early erosion process and protect against cavities, acid and decay.  

Im not too sure how this fits in with the theme of the box, but it is a handy size for travelling and has been added to my travel products ready for Disneyland Paris in a few months time.

The final product in the box is described as being a 'treat' and in short, it isn't, it is a sachet that doesn't contain enough product to gage an opinion as to whether or not you would purchase a full size. 

However, this sachet of Hawaiian Tropic Duo Defence Sun Lotion SPF30 is made with green tea extract to form an Anti-Pollution protective layer on your skin. Described as having a lightweight texture, leaving the skin feeling moisturised and pampered, never greasy it is infused with mango, guava, papaya, and passion fruit. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Now, this would have been a great addition to the box had it been a better size because it is something you would use on holiday, by the sea or just for some added protection whilst enjoying this glorious UK sunshine.

So there you have 'Under The Sea' from Glossybox to complete there July Edition.  To add to the excitement, GLOSSYBOX has also teamed up with On the Beach to offer a prize draw to win a £500 voucher to spend on a holiday.

GLOSSYBOX’S ‘UNDER THE SEA is available now and you can subscribe from just £10 a month (+P&P) or take advantage of a 12-month subscription, saving £18 at www.glossybox.co.uk.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

BeGlow Tia - All-In-One Sonic Skincare System

I love my skincare gadgets and every few months there is always something new and fancy looking that makes my inner magpie just want to give it a try. I am all for anything that will make my skincare routine easier but in saying that, it has to be just as effective. I was to know that the products I am trying will benefit me and my skin, rather than be the latest fad.

Then the BeGlow TIA system arrived and to give it its full title of the TIA Sonic Skin Care System from BeGlow it is described as being a 3-in-one beauty device that not only cleanses but also lifts and tones the appearance of skin too. I made the decision some time ago to no longer use facial brushes with bristles, instead opting to use those which have silicone brushes instead, this device is one of those. Being fully waterproof, the silicone brush is replaceable and much more hygienic. Once used, I also ensure I rinse off any debris and allow to air dry.

So what does this TIA system do and how?

Firstly, we have cleansing. Using the silicone brush head for cleansing the TIA works to remove impurities more effectively than manual cleansing to leave skin feeling fresh and decongested. The use of silicone bristles with the pulse technology help to remove more excess sebum and detritus from the skin. When you switch it on, The pulsations start when the cleansing brush touches your face, offering a variety of pulsations to fit individual skin types. 

The pulsation can smartly adjust from 4500 time per minute to 8500 times per minute, according to your skin care needs. As soon as it is switched on, you can feel the vibrations on your hand as you hold the device and it makes use of dual-pulse technology and in doing so it delivers low and high-frequency pulsations which effectively removes anything in its way. Living in London the very thought that my skin is clogged with dirt, pollution and grime makes me feel ill, so anything I can do to prevent as much of it getting under the skin's surface, I am doing!

When I use the TIA, I use it as part of my second cleanse. I always use a balm for my first cleanse to ensure everything on the surface of the skin has been removed and then I use the TIA for my second cleanse. 

The next function is the Anti-Ageing factor. Most of the time I do roll my eyes at the terminology 'anti-ageing' because we all know nature does what it does and we cannot turn back the time. 

However, the TIA system has a titanium applicator at the opposite end to the silicone bristles and you use it to not only soothe and de-puff but also to ensure all those lovely skincare products that you use, including face masks actually work themselves into the skin. For me, this function is quite relaxing, the coolness of the plate working across the skin, especially on a hot day is really welcome.

Finally, there is what is referred to as DualPulse Contouring. On the reverse of the Tia device is an ergonomically shaped section which is designed to shape and help contour the face giving the areas which need a little workout, a good bit of exercise - think double chin and saggy jowls!

Due to its unique shape, it fits into the contours of the face perfect and using dual pulse technology, works to shape and firm those areas. Described as being an effective 'lifting' mode that targets problem areas such as double chins and sagging jawlines to help stimulate, strengthen and 're-contour' the look of skin. 

Putting all of that together, you can see that this device does a whole lot of things

• It is an all-in-one sonic beauty device 
• It works to cleanse, lift and tone 
• It uses gentle SkinSense technology 
• It features an anti-ageing titanium applicator 
• it uses Dual-pulse technology 
• It is 100% waterproof 
• It has a replaceable silicone brush head

The BeGlow TIA comes with a magnetic USB charging cable which simply snaps on to the back of the device and once it is fully charged it lasts for around six months. It also comes with a nude drawstring pouch which has a separate pocket to store the charger and it is perfect for travelling with because it takes up so little space in your case, bag or even your handbag.  I have really loved getting to know the TIA and all of its functions, it is so .different to other devices that I have used and my favourite part? It has to be the chin work out, again it is also quite relaxing to just lay down and let something work away.  

The BeGlow Tia device is available from Beauty Expert here or from Lookfantastic here for just £199.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

My Birthday Wishlist

I am a July baby and with my birthday coming up in just over a weeks time (21st) and I am very much Cancerian by trait if you read into horoscopes and their meanings. For example as a water sign, I am at my most calm when in or near to water, I can be moody, I hold a grudge and I can be very indecisive.  All of that aside, one thing I can make my mind up over are beauty products and there are some absolutely stunning products which have caught my attention recently and here they are.

Hello Jo - This is a new brand who are featured on FeelUnique and whom I came across when I was browsing for another product as a gift for a friend. Hello Jo is a new Korean developed caffeine-active beauty brand and I love everything I have read so far, I mean I love everything KBeauty, so this might not be such a surprise.  The one item which has stood out to me is this Speak Up! Bubble Lip Mask (£12.50). 

Introducing what is referred to as a worldwide, first to market exclusive, Hello Jo’s enzyme and caffeine fuelled exfoliating lip mask, it is described as being a gel-to-foam formula which is full of bubbly enzymes, antioxidants and Vitamins A and C which break down dead skin cells gently leaving lips renewed and resurfaced. To use, you simply rub it on to your lips and watch the active caffeine and fruit enzymes bubble up to remove dead skin and reveal smooth, renewed lips that are left feeling plumped, nourished and firm. Now I love this idea and am adding it to my basket!

BECCA x Chrissy Teigen Endless Bronze & Glow - I mean just look at how absolutely beautiful it is? I don't know if I would ever bring myself to use it because it is just so stunning.

Created in collaboration with the gorgeous Chrissy Teigen, this is a limited edition silver compact features two Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed highlighters (in classic ‘Moonstone’ and Chrissy’s iconic ‘Beach Nectar’ shades) and one Sunlit Bronzer (in a brand new ‘Aloha Bronze’ hue). This beauty can be found HERE at Cult Beauty priced at £30.

Lixir - An instagram worthy brand with whom I have been impressed with since discovering them some time ago with Vitamin C Paste and Universal Emulsion.  Today however, it is Soft Clay Rubber which has got my attention.

What fascinates me the most is the description which described the products as being both a mask and exfoliant in one. A rub-off formula which combines enzymatic and mechanical exfoliation to leave your skin impeccably clear. It has been developed in the tradition of French facials that include extraction to help with clearing congestion, drawing out impurities and reducing excess sebum to leave skin clear, purified and smooth. I love the idea that for a double hit use for heavily congested skin you apply first as a rub off exfoliant then reapply as a mask. This product from Lixir can be found HERE and it is priced at £28.

Finally we have a product which seems to dominate my Instagram feed from Glow Recipe and that is the Watermelon Sleep Mask. Unsurprisingly, being K-Beauty I am drawn to it and it is pink, so it essentially ticking two boxes, it is described as being a luxuriously ‘bouncy’, lightweight, gel-like sleeping mask which can also be used as a ten-minute mask in daylight hours.

It is said that in Korea Watermelon extract is used to soothe irritated and inflamed skin as it floods the complexion with restoring vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. It also features  hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating, pore-refining alpha-hydroxy acids that get to work whilst you sleep, so when you wake up, not only is your skin soft and smooth, it is also glowing. Priced at £40, this mask can be found HERE at Cult Beauty.

So there you have it, four products that are currently on my radar or in various baskets across the internet waiting to be bought. What has caught your eye recently?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here