Good Housekeeping x Showcase Beauty Box

I love a good beauty box and I was really excited to learn that Showcase Beauty had partnered with Good Housekeeping to launch an Independent Beauty Edit, a beauty box that is packed full of some incredible brands. Showcase Beauty the new home of independent beauty brands and this beauty box is a collection of nine independent brands which includes eight full-sized products worth over £170 and it costs just £49. All of the brands featured within this box are all cruelty-free and many fully organic, vegan and pregnancy safe.

Each hand-picked independent brand has an amazing background story to tell based on performance, ingredients, approach to sourcing and sustainability. Each product has been “stress-tested” by a team of independent stylists, influencers and industry experts who give further feedback on each product before they become part of the Showcase Beauty collective.  

The first product out of the box is the MEMI, Lash to Lash in Carbon Black. Described as being a mascara to define, curl and lengthen your lashes with ease, this carbon black vegan mascara coats every single lash to give you flawless, water-resistant and smudge-free lashes every single day.

What I have liked about using this mascara is the wand which is slightly curved to follow the shape of your eye, as the wand coats the lashes, it does so without clumping.  The formula is wet enough to coat the lashes without dragging them down and because I have fairly long lashes, it does manage to hold the curl.

The second product comes from Studio 10 and it is the Lip Perfecting Balm Gloss in the shade Bellini. Described as being a universally flattering shade, this Balm Gloss with its sheer peachy-gold colour is non-sticky and tacky when applied and once it has been applied, it doesn't transfer. 

Using a blend of Omega-3 rich Plankton Extract and Volulip™, this product works to leave your lips feeling nourished and hydrated.

The third product comes from Vita Liberata with the Beauty Blur Skin Tone Optimiser in shade Latte which is a medium shade.  Described as being a multitasking skin tone optimiser, nourishing makeup primer and lasting self-tan for your most radiant, always on face glow.  

For me, this is quite similar to a CC cream in how it can be used, though I would need the lightest shade if I was to use it in that way. 

The next product comes from Dr Lipp with the Red Radish Tint.  I am a huge fan of Dr Lipp as a brand and have featured the original balm on my blog a few times.  

This balm uses protective medical-grade Lanolin which gives it a 100% natural formula, so it is free from fragrance, preservatives and as it protects, hydrates and repairs your lips, it adds a tint which is achieved through 100% natural vegetable pigments.

From Grown Alchemist we have the Hydra-Repair Day Cream Camellia, Geranium Blossom. Described as being a deeply nourishing facial day cream which leaves the skin feeling hydrated without being greasy or leaving a shine on the skin.

This cream is suitable for all skin types and is described as being botanically rich it contains camellia seed to lock in moisture and geranium blossom to calm irritated skin.  I really like the velvety texture of this cream on my skin and it makes a really good primer before applying your makeup.

When it comes to supplements, I am pretty rubbish at remembering to take them.  Within this box, we have a 7 Day Supplement Pack from Lumity, an award-winning day and night supplement to support the body's natural repair processes and nourish the skin, hair and nails.

Formulated without binding agents, fillers, coating, preservatives and flavourings what you will find is a formulation of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and omegas.

Getting the perfect nights sleep is high up on my list of things to do, its something that has plagued me for well over a year.  Within this box from Neom, we have the Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist.

This Pillow Mist is blended with 14 essential oils to help you relax, the 100% natural and soothing scent of lavender paired with a touch of sweet basil and fresh jasmine which should help you prepare for a peaceful slumber. To use, all you have to do is spritz onto your pillow and inhale the calming fragrance to let your senses fully benefit from the wellbeing properties.

One of my favourite independent brands is Evolve Beauty, a brand I have featured on my blog many times.  Within this box, we have the Satin Body Gloss, a product I have fully reviewed on my blog here.

Described as being a lightweight multi-purpose silicone-free dry oil that is designed to nourish and deliver a satin-like finish. It can be used on the body, face and hair and thankfully, it comes packaged inside a brown glass bottle with a pump for easy distribution and on the skin, it leaves a lovely glossy, shiny finish.

The final product within this box comes from Jane Scrivner with Skinfoliate. This product is said to be a gentle exfoliator which is rich in natural AHA and BHA acids that naturally buff away dead skin cells to reveal brighter, softer and smoother skin.

Described as being step 2 of your skincare routine, Skinfoliate uses Malic, Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic and Citric acids in a unique 'staggered penetration' blend to work on every level of skin exfoliation and stimulation, Skinfoliate works deep to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis and cell renewal.

I am really impressed with the brands which feature in this box and cannot believe it costs just £49 with free postage and packaging, but you'll have to be quick as it is Limited Edition and will sell out pretty quickly.  

I would love to know what you think of this box and whether any particular product stands out to you?

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

Celebrating 25 Years of Alpha-H Skincare

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Alpha-H and have featured them many times as a brand. This year Alpha-H is celebrating their 25th Anniversary which is just incredible and as part of the celebration, they have teamed up with QVC UK for the global exclusive launch of a brand new product and to give you the chance to get your hands on the 25th Anniversary Rose Gold Collection.

The anniversary release sees the introduction of Liquid Gold Rose Perfect and Plump which features the latest in biomimetic technology, working to instantly give a natural fuller and firmer look by plumping and repairing the delicate lip tissue.  If you are familiar with the Alpha-H brand then you will know all about the importance of Liquid Gold and how amazing it can be for your skin.  Using natural fruit enzymes, this subtle tinted balm increases cellular renewal which helps rejuvenate and minimise the appearance of fine lines. It also has what is referred to as a new generation plumping ingredient called Plump Oleoactif which provides both immediate and long-term increase to lip volume, whilst a natural peptide stimulates collagen production and Hyaluronic Acid delivers hydration deep into the dermis.

On the lips, this balm isn't tacky or greasy when applied, it glides on smoothly and it does produce a slight tingle, as you get when you use a product with Peppermint as an ingredient for your lips.  I like how my lips feel when this has been applied.

The second product within this trio is the incredible Liquid Gold Rose Gold which I have featured before.  If you are an Alphaholic and love Liquid Gold, then you need to try this Limited Edition.

This special release Rose formulation contains a wealth of aromatic botanicals including Damask Rose, Sacred Lotus, Orchid Petal, Dead Sea Salts, Marine Algae, Liquorice and Silk Proteins. If you have never used it before, Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a powerful resurfacing and revitalising lotion which refines the appearance of the complexion. When used, it instantly improves the skin’s texture and tone, it tightens the pores, whilst reducing signs of ageing by gently exfoliating and plumping the skin whilst you sleep.

The final product within this trio is the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser Rose. This is one of my favourite cleansers and I have been lucky enough to use it for quite some time now. A cream cleanser which is free from dying detergents and SLS's and what I absolutely love is that it removes all traces of makeup from your face because it acts like a makeup remover, cleanser and toner all in one. This formulation is enriched with Damask Rose Oil for its anti-inflammatory benefits. 

What I have always loved about this cleanser is how it leaves my skin after using, rather than being dry and taut to the touch and in need of a lot of oil or moisturiser, my skin is instead smooth and clean.

This trio of Alpha-H goodness forms part of a QVC TSV, item number 240383 and it goes on sale on QVC on today right now for a pre-sale.

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

A Trio of Bioderma Skincare

Bioderma is a brand I know very little about, other than a name synonymous with innovation and Micellar water which I constantly see on my social media feed. Since the creation of its laboratory over 20 years ago, Bioderma is said to have maintained its fundamental values of expertise, education and safety in all aspects of skincare.  I was very kindly gifted a trio of products from Bioderma to try.

I have made it known that I am not a huge fan of Micellar water, I've never quite found the point of it within my skincare routine, I love to double cleanse in an evening and I cleanse in a morning too. This Bioderma Hydrabio H20 Micellar Water is described as being the perfect alternative to make up wipes.

Now I haven't used makeup wipes in years and I have switched to reusable bamboo cleansing pads, so the combination of this Micellar Water with the pads is quite a pleasant one and I've found the water isn't drying on the skin, it doesn't irritate my skin and I've found myself using it more than I had expected. 

Soothe, cleanse and moisturise dehydrated skin with the Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution, an ultra-mild non-rinse micellar water that will thoroughly cleanse and remove makeup.

This particular Micellar water has been designed for those who experience skin sensitivity and dehydration, the alcohol-free Hydrabio H2O is made with patented Aquagenium which Bioderma describes as being a biological complex that locks essential moisture in on the surface of the skin. The formula stimulates the skin’s ability to retain moisture and helps it to maintain balance throughout the cleansing process. After using, my skin feels incredibly refreshed and clean.  Currently, I use this micellar water to take the day off once I am home from work

The second product within my trio is the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum Moisturising Concentrate. Said to be perfect for dehydrated and sensitive skin, this serum gives an instant and lasting moisturising effect, soothes the skin and restores radiance, tailored to all skin types

As with the other products within this range, this serum harnesses the innovative Aquagenium® patent which restimulates the skin’s ability to moisturise itself effectively, the skin appears brighter and is comforted, it is also enriched with 15% glycerine and plumping hyaluronic acid.  I have been using this serum mainly as part of my evening routine, though it can be used in a morning too, and I love how this serum feels on the skin, it is cooling, it is moisturising and it is calming. 

The final product within my trio is the Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care which is described as being a moisturiser that biologically eliminates pimples and blackheads, while limiting scarring, clearing up the skin but instantly soothing.

This product uses a patented Fluidactiv® formula which works to treat the causes of blemishes. The active ingredients come together to rebuild sebum similar to that of healthy skin and stops the physiological process that causes lesions to form and maintains the acne state. Zinc gluconate and enoxolone reduce redness and inflammation and leave skin looking clear and feeling soft.

This cream has a really light texture to it and it works really well when paired with the serum shown above and whilst there is a slight fragrance, it isn't overwhelming, it is more of a clean scent. On the skin, it rapid absorbs and leaves no trace behind. I am lucky enough not to be acne-prone or suffer too much from spots, but I do suffer from redness which flares up occasionally, so I am looking forward to seeing whether or not this cream lives up to its claims of reducing redness and inflammation owing to a combination of AHA esters and dermatological agents eliminate blemishes and promote clear skin, while zinc gluconate and enoxolone reduce redness and inflammation both immediately and over time. 

This has been a really good introduction to the Bioderma brand for me, especially with 

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

Glossybox Sleep and Refresh Edition

The festive season is now over and the majority of us will be back to work, back into Education or kids back to school, the rush, excitement and buzz of Christmas can leave you feeling absolutely worn out and ready for one long nap - if only we could hibernate!  The lovely team over at Glossybox have put together the January edition of their beauty box and it is aptly named Sleep and Refresh.

This edit is filled with 5 full-size products which includes everything you need to create a revitalising ritual to get up and take on the year ahead.  Inside the box, there is a mixture of skincare, makeup and there is also a beauty tool too.

The first item out of the box is by a lovely brand known as ByBi, a brand I have featured on my blog a few times (here and here) and today sees the turn of Strawberry Booster which is made from upcycled seeds from the juice industry.  

This booster is designed to be used as part of your existing day time routine and is described as being a great skin-softener, which works to improve moisture levels for complexions that are feeling a little dry, flakey or sensitive.

The second item out of the box is something you can never have too many pairs of and that is the Basic Beauty Tweezers. 

These tweezers have the classic slanted tip which makes grabbing the smallest of hairs and plucking effortless.  Like Bobby Pins, I am forever losing my Tweezers, so was delighted to see these in my box

Staying with the brows, for now, we have a Clear Brow Gel from Model Co.  Described as being Vegan and cruelty-free, this clear eyebrow gel can be used to hold your groomed brows in their place or to shape your brows.  

What I like about this gel is its lightweight formula, rather than being quick thick in texture, it is quite light and easy to use whether your brows are groomed or are product free.

From BeautyPro we have a CBD Oil infused sheet mask which comes from their plant range of masks. Described as being something which helps to restore, calm and heal the skin from; Uneven skin tone, pollution damage, redness and blemish breakouts. 

Made from a biodegradable bamboo sheet mask, it should be applied onto cleansed skin and then left for up to 20 minutes to work its magic.

The final product within this box is from Kueshi with the Double Effect Makeup Remover. It is formulated to remove waterproof and long-lasting makeup and because it a bi-phase solution, it uses the clear oily side to remove makeup whereas the blue lotion freshes and cleanses.  

To use you simply shake the bottle to mix the two solutions together and apply to a cotton pad before sweeping over your face.  What I like about this is the fact it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy after using and whilst it doesn't remove every single trace of waterproof mascara, for which I use eye makeup remover anyway, it does a pretty good job.

I think this is a really good box from Glossybox and one which is a great way to kick off 2020 with a mixture of brands and products.

As always you can subscribe to Glossybox right here and if you use the code BQUEEN20 you can get yourself 20% off that first box!  

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