YOU Beauty Box: The Cult Beauty Edit: May 2016

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'The Cult Beauty Edit' and the reason given for the title is that all the products chosen are favourites but less ordinary beauty products on the market. Im not too sure that fits with what I think a 'Cult Beauty' product is, but there are some fabulous brands to choose from. 

As always there are some treats inside this months box and the three this time is a sample size hair tie pack from Popband. Popband is a product ive used before and find quite handy to have. Made from stretchy Elastic, it is designed to leave your hair kink free after wearing. The second is a sachet of Verso Super Facial Serum which contains a high dose of Retinol 8 to encourage healing and strengthening of the skin. Finally there is a £15 Anne Semonin gift card.

This month I did dither a bit between choices, one I had definitely decided I wanted to try and then that left me wanting to try two others and I am still not sure I made the right choice. Anyway, the first choice was SHOW Beauty Pure Treatment Oil - This rejunventaing Pure Treatment elixir restores your hair's luster and shine, leaving it strengthened, deeply nourished and infinitely desirable. Often called ‘liquid gold’ by beauty experts, Argan Oil penetrates the cuticle to strengthen and enhance the elasticity of hair. It can be used daily and is designed to be used on freshly washed hair.

My second choice was between the Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick and the Rodial Stem Cell Cleaner. I chose the Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick and it came in shade Hibiscus - Break free of dull, muted shades and lace your lips in high-definition colour with NEW Revlon Ultra HD™ Lipstick. This advanced new lipstick formulated with Revlon’s wax-free high-definition gel technology allows for true colour clarity in one smooth coat. The secret is in the clear gel base that provides a weightless feel with a smooth, even application. Just one coat of the deliciously scented, silky, moisturising formula and lips are instantly enriched in weightless colour.  Now sadly, this is not a shade that I can pull off, it is too coral for me, beautiful though it is and I am determined to try more shades. RRP £7.99

So those are my selections for May and yet again, You Beauty offers great value for money at £6.95 per box including p&p and the contents of this box have a value of around £58.

Hugo Boss Bottled Unlimited

If you mention the words Hugo Boss and aftershave together I automatically get a shudder down my spine. Not in a good way! Since my first foray into Hugo Boss aftershaves (shudder) with Dark Blue which to be blunt was awful they have actually released a number of good scents for men such as Just Different and Man. Trying to put my prejudices to one side, Rachel (Beautyqueenuk) asked me to get my sniffing tackle around Bottled Unlimited by Hugo Boss.

At £60 for a 100ml bottle this bottle, the fragrance launched in 2014 sits in the medium bracket in terms of affordability so I was expecting good things from this in terms of not just fragrance but also staying power and evolution of the notes.

Without boring you with the marketing blurb I’m going to launch straight in. These are the notes for Hugo Boss Bottled Unlimited:

• Head: Iced Violet Leaves
• Heart: Pineapple
• Dry-down: Sandalwood, musk

From this I would have expected a light floral fragrance with the slight bite of the citrus from the pineapple. To be honest, I can’t recall another fragrance that I’ve tried over the last year with a citrus heart note - just seeing this made me more curious as to what it would smell like, and whether indeed it had the decent base on which to act as a hard-wearing aftershave.

So, on with the sniffing….

Spray one and you think wow, this is strong, and by spray three (I spray quickly) you are thinking “seriously, can an aftershave be this strong”. The strength of the fragrance as it leaves the bottle is like an unexpected slap to the face…..from Floyd Mayweather which makes it pretty hard to bring your senses to bear on it. It took thirty seconds until I had my senses back and could indeed detect a strong floral scent, it wasn’t as subtle as I had expected, this was much stronger and it wasn’t for a good fifteen minutes until this dried down a little and the light citrus from the pineapple came through. It is lovely as it's as though the fragrances melted into each other. 

It takes around an hour until this starts to lighten, it’s really noticeable to me as I move around but it loses some of it’s heavy top notes and becomes slightly lighter, yet with a warm finish on the nose. The sandalwood is light so not to overshadow the floral and citrus and the blend is simply amazing.

This lasts for well over ten hours and I think will appeal to those who light their fragrances light and citrus to those who prefer a heavier and warmer floral. With it being so strong a little really does go a long way with only three sprays needed at the start of the day. It’ll last for ages even when worn for day-wear, nights out or those special occasions. Go on, treat yourself to a bottle of Hugo Boss aftershave (no shudder anymore) and take a closer look at Bottled Unlimited by Hugo Boss.

This post is written by Beautykinguk who also happens to be my Hubby.

Precious Petals BBB Box

Anyone who reads my blog will know I am a huge huge fan of L'Occitane, Melvita and Erborian, whom, if you didn't know, are all from the same L'Occitane group. So when I was offered the chance to review Jane from British Beauty Blogger latest collaboration I was in there like a shot and it is just a fantastic beauty box.

Firstly the actual box is just stunning. If you like your floral designs, then this is perfect for you and it is one of those boxes you will keep for storage and not chuck in the bin! Inside you are greeted with a beautifully packaged box with the contents hidden behind tissue paper. One part of these boxes that Jane does do, that I love, is the little booklet. It is all well and good to throw products in a box, but I am nosey and want to know why it has been included because in my mind and in a draft post, I have made my own dream box filled with products I adore. Anyway, the products which have been chosen are referred to as being 'best petal-inspired' and this is what we have:

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30ml - If you have never used a L'Occitane Hand Cream before, then you are in for a real treat because this one is just divine and perfect for your handbag. It is Shea Butter infused making it the perfect moisturiser for those dry, dehydrated hands and it has a beautiful sweet flowery Cherry Blossom scent that I absolutely love. RRP £8

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 75ml - For me, this is the best ever shower gel, I am yet to try one I love more than this. A best seller for L'Occitane, you need just the smallest amount for the most amazing lather, once the scent hits warm water, the almond scent comes to life and it leaves your skin feeling super soft, hydrated, moisturised and smelling good enough to eat. RRP £7

L'Occitane Divine Cream 8ml - Again, another favourite of mine and one which is an absolute treat. A lovely luxurious feeling cream, it is not only hydrating as it contains hyaluronic acid, it smells as the name suggests 'divine' and is everything you need in a cream. RRP £14

Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water 28ml - This is one product from Melvita that I haven't tried, but right now, I am all over face mists and floral scented products. Using Damask Rose, the scent is truly stunning, like walking into a florist that only sells fresh roses, for me that is the scent. This is the perfect size for transporting in your handbag so that you can spritz it as and when you feel like it. Perfect for hydration and as a tip, on a really hot day or in the Summer, put it in the fridge for around half an hour before you need to use it - perfection! RRP £3

Melvita L'Or Bio 17ml - This body oil from Melvita is one I adore. Primarily a blend of Argan Oil, Kendi Oil and Buriti Oil, your skin is instantly soft and smooth to the touch but what wins it for me is the stunning scent - using lemon, orange, bergamot, fig, jasmine and a slight hint of vanilla it is the kind of fresh scent you expect in a perfume for the Spring and Summer, it is just so lovely. As an oil, you dont have to worry about it leaving your skin feeling greasy because it doesn't, the texture is really lightweight and it absorbs quickly. RRP £6.50

Erborian CC Cream £15ml - Erborian has become one of those brands that I cannot get enough off, it is simply brilliant. This CC cream isa really clever little thing because it adapts to your skintone to give a much more natural coverage. It contains Centella Asiatica which is a small green plant that helps to moisturise and soften the skin. If you have never tried a CC cream, then this is definitely worth picking up because it is amazing. RRP £17

Erborian Carmellia Essence 3ml - Again if you feel your skin is in need of hydration, products such as this from Erborian are the greatest ever finds and this bottle is a perfect introduction. I use mine at night when ive had a hectic week, have been travelling around London and feel that my skin needs a hydration shot. It has 73% content of Camllia Oil followed by flaxseed, coconut, argan and grapeseed oil so as you can imagine it is deeply nourishing and is said to accelerates cell renewal and improves elasticity, helps to fight skin ageing and protects the skin barrier. RRP £6

Once you have tried these amazing products and you find something you want to supersize and purchase the full size, inside the box is a £10 off voucher for each of the featured brands and as an extra, you will find a postcard that gives you the chance to share your thoughts on the box, send it back to Latest In Beauty, the postage is paid and you could be in with a chance of winning a £250. The Precious Petals box can be purchased at Latest In Beauty priced at £20 with free p+p. With the contents amounting to £61.50 if bought separately it really makes it excellent value for money.

Spa & Massage - Massage Made Easy for The Busy

One treatment I have been looking forward too is a Swedish Massage, it has been a while now since I have been for a massage and it was perfectly timed. Based in Belsize Park here in London, right opposite the tube station, you will find Spa and Massage. Spa and Massage aim to make having a massage easy, especially for the busy. With a chain of five spas across central London - Belsize Park, Fitzrovia, Chiswick, Earls Court and Queensway and being open from 10am until 11pm seven days a week, they offer a walk-in, no appointment necessary service. 

Now I am already sold on what an amazing idea this is. Whenever I want a massage or feel the need for a massage, I want it at my convenience and sometimes, I might have a spare hour to fill and want a bit of pampering, with this service, you can absolutely do that, plus there is an offer on on-site consultations for physiotherapy.

Walking in to the parlour I was greeted with this amazing orange scent that was burning, a scent which is completely calming and it smells just divine. I was immediately welcomed and offered a drink before being introduced to Crissa my masseuse for the next hour. I had opted for a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage aims to relax the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.

Each massage uses one of their organic aromatherapy oils and they use essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits to naturally enhance well-being. Mine happened to be Lavender which I absolutely love the scent of and more so its description which is "This relaxing blend of English lavender promotes a sense of inner peace and harmony while easing nervousness, and irritability. Additionally lavender helps support the respiratory system, aid in natural detoxification, and promotes restful sleep".

Once I had time to sit back and relax whilst taking in my surroundings, I was led through to my treatment room, which had the lights nicely dimmed with mood music playing in the background, at a level that you noticed it, but not so that it took over the atmosphere of the room. Crissa showed me the treatment bed and where she would like me to lay for the treatment and them left me to get undressed.  It is worth noting that for most massages, you will be asked to remove all of your clothes except underwear - for some massages I have left my bra on and for others I have removed it, for this treatment it was removed.

Having got myself comfy on the treatment bed with my face through the specially designed hole, towel over my backside, my treatment began.  I was asked how much pressure I would like and what I was used too, so I opted for whatever Crissa felt was needed as she is the professional.  So starting with my shoulders, I had mentioned they had felt sore for the past two weeks and the same with the bottom of my back, but everything else was fine, other than sore feet from a lot of walking - we are talking 20k steps per day for the last week alone.  

Starting with my shoulders, which where rubbed with differing kinds of pressure being applied and even with the hardest of pressure, I could feel those knots and aches disappear and my shoulders become less tense and more relaxed. Moving from my shoulders, Crissa made her way massaging up and down my spine, paying particular attention to my lower back which always aches.  Then to my arms and again massaging my hands and fingers right to the tips - pure bliss.  Then my legs and feet.  I am usually not a fan of anyone going anywhere near my feet and anyone who reads my blog will know I detest it, but this was just heaven.  I think because my feet have been so tired and ached, it was just heaven, again I could feel all the stress and tension simply melt away and by this point I was pretty much on another planet drifting off to sleep I was so relaxed and at ease.  

Once the back part of my treatment was complete, I turned over onto my front and again my feet and my legs were given another once over from the front before Crissa worked her way up my arms, back to my shoulders and then to a head massage to finish off the treatment, by which point I am convinced I had drifted off and was well on my way to snoring.

The entire treatment was just heavenly. I was very comfortable and at ease with the massage and fully knew what to expect. The treatment bed was warm and comfortable and my aches, pains, tension and stress have all disappeared. For the first time in months I can shrug my shoulders without wincing and sit down without the need for 3-4 cushions behind my back for support, Crissa is clearly exceptionally amazing at her job.

The service I received at Spa and Massage was exceptional. It was welcoming, informative and the best Swedish Massage I have ever had. What's more is the pricing is just amazing;

• 30 minutes - £39
• 60 minutes - £59
• 90 minutes - £79
• 120 minutes - £99

Add to that there is a choice of massage - Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, Reflexology Massage and a Foot Massage not forgetting pregnancy massages and even a signature 4 handed massage which sounds more divine than I can imagine.

So as you can see, this really is amazing value for money and for me it offers something that little bit different, especially for Londoners and those of us who reside here, being able to pop in unannounced for a massage and not have to pay an exorbitant amount of money is really something special and the service you get is just as good as a high end spa, if not better because everything is tailored to you.  For me, Spa and Massage is a service well worth looking into and trying, especially for a last minute or unexpected treat.

Does this sound like something for you?

This treatment was offered to me in return for a review, but all opinions are my own.

Caudalie Vinosource

I recently attending the launch of the new Vinosource Caudalie** line which features four new soothing, hydrating & plant-based skincare products powered by the grape. I am a big fan of Caudalie and love the Divine range, so couldn't wait to give these a try. Each designed to soothe, moisturise, nourish and re-balance the skin in their own little way and they all use the power of soothing organic grape water.

First up we have the Moisturising Sorbet and this is perfect for sensitive skin. It is really light in texture and once on the skin it soothes and absorbs without little helps. It is rich in antioxidents and is more gel-cream than a cream and turns into a watery texture which adds to the feeling of your skin being quenched, soothed and moisturised. Using notes of mandarin blossom, lemon leaf tree, cucumber water and fresh mint, again there is a subtle scent to the cream and the added use of chamomile does leave your skin feeling just amazing.

If your skin is on the more oily side, then the product for you is the Moisturising Mattifying Fluid. Again it has a really lightweight almost fluid like texture which has an instant matifying effect which helps reduce excess sebum instantly, all without stripping the skin but restoring moisture levels. Using organic Grape Water, Java Leaf Tree and Flax Powder you are left with skin which is matte and velvety soft.

The third product is called The Moisture Recovery Cream. If you have dry skin and are in need of hydration, then this is one to try. It is a thicker texture than the previous two but doesn't cling to the skin, it absorbs with a little massage and smells just amazing. Using Organic Grape Water and Borage Oils to maximise that hydration your skin needs.

The final product in this quartet is called the Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream and as the name suggests, the richest of them all. Referred to as First-Aid Skin Care, this intense Moisture Rescue Cream nourishes skin deeply and protects it from drying out. Using Organic Grape Water, Chestnut Extract and Shea Butter, your skin is transformed from lizard to lush as soon as it is absorbed. I keep this one in the fridge and use on days when my skin feels just awful. With the change in the weather and the need to slather on more cream than I usually do, my skin often feels tight, clogged and in need of moisture and quick, so for me, this is perfect and it also works really well as a night cream too.

All four of these Vinosource creams are available now and retail at £23 each which for a 40ml tube is an absolute bargain.  If your skin is in need of some TLC and a bit of a pick me up, these are more than worth buying.

LOOKFANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX MAY 2016

This months LookFantastic box**, Beautiful, is designed to celebrate a beautiful you and it is packed full of beauty treats which have been specially chosen to show off and grow the beauty you were born with.  With contents worth over £50 and a free copy of the June edition of the Elle magazine in every box, it is well worthy of its £11.25 price tag.

Aptly titled the #LFHelloBeautiful box there are some amazing brands to get to know, rediscover and try out. In total there are 7 different products which aim to take care of your every beauty need from hair care to skin care.

The first item that caught my attention is the Wet Brush. I have a Wet Brush in my drawer at work, so I am always happy to see another that can be used at home. The Wet Brush is designed to be used on wet hair and when using it, it doesnt snap or snag your hair and it works to prevent split ends. Easy to hold with a nice big handles, the bristles move freely with your hair and do not scrape your scalp. What I love about this brush is the bright orange colour which you will notice in a flash.

Staying with hair products, the next item is UNIQ One All in One Hair Treatment Coconut. A unique concept in hair care, this spray-in treatment provides 10 benefits to all hair types, from shine and frizz control to heat protection and UVA/UVB protection against colour fading. The one hair solution you have always dreamt of, All In One Hair Treatment Coconut adds shine to the hair and controls frizz whilst adding silky smoothness and enviable body and volume.

Enriched with a fresh Coconut fragrance enhanced with notes of Vanilla and Toasted Hazelnuts, All In One Hair Treatment Coconut is a great detangling spray and improves manageability and styling potential. Perfect for repairing dry and damaged hair, this exceptional treatment spray also works to prevent split ends.

A beauty box isn't quite the same without featuring REN, a brand of which i am a huge fan. This months box features the REN Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial. .Rejuvenate skin whilst you sleep with the Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial from REN. 

It makes up a unique three-phase complex facial which transforms your skin overnight. Suitable to be used alone, over serum or under moisturiser, the facial is a leave-on treatment so there is no need to rinse it off. It uses tropical fruit acids exfoliate skin to remove dead skin cells, revealing smooth, radiant skin. Minerals and sugars energise cells and omega oils repair and soothe skin, whilst improving the natural healing process. I love a good overnight mask and this one is exceptionally good.

It has been years since I have used anything by Decléor and I had almost forgotten they existed until this product appeared hidden in my box.

You will get one of three different Decléor products and I got the Intense Nutrition Cream which contains cranberry plant oils alongside Argan and Avocado to nourish and protect the skin. Designed to perk up tired and dull looking (i.e mine) skin.

I am a huge fan of Vichy, some of their products are definite go to in times of need. In this months LookFantastic Box we have the Vichy Liftactive Supreme Moisturiser in this exceptionally cute 15ml pot. Said to target the signs of ageing as they appear. Smoothing and firming, day after day.

For those concerned with the onset of wrinkles and a lack of firmness. The look of tiredness and fatigue can set in by the end of the day, accentuating their appearance.

A cult classic comes next from Eve Lom with this amazing cleanser. It is just a sachet this time rather than a pot, but you do get a muslin cloth too. This pioneering beauty balm was apparently first introduced to the beauty industry almost 30 years ago. 

It is suitable for all skin types, that decongests, softens and leaves a highly receptive base for your beauty products to work with.

The final item in my box is from a brand I have never come across and it is the most intriguing of packaging. IOMA Optimum Moisture Cream gives you a 7 day supply of individually packaged samples for you to put to the test (they are also perfect for travelling with). Designed to be both a day and night cream, it works to reinforce the skin's protective barrier and restore a comfortable complexion. 

Infused with osmhydran to retain water for long-lasting hydration alongside myrothamnus flabellifolia leaf extract which defends against climate change and environmental aggressors. The cream is incredibly fast-absorbing and lightweight and it leaves the skin feeling hydrated, moisturised, rejuvenated and soft to the touch. ioma is now a brand I am now intrigued with and definitely want to know more about.

I think this is a fantastic box and one which is more than worth its price tag. These boxes always sell out super quickly so if you want this months #LFHelloBeautiful Box then you best be quick - LookFantastic Beauty Box £15

Magazine Freebies | June 2016

Who doesn't love a good freebie with a Magazine? This year there have been only a handful of products that I have considered buying a magazine for. The June releases seem to be well worthy of parting with your money and this is what is on offer. 

Marie Claire are giving away a FREE San Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion in a 50ml with the June 2016 issue and some magazines also come with a free copy of Instyle Magazine too.

The New Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion gives an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin, whilst gradually building a healthy sunkissed glow. This lightweight, ultra-hydrating body lotion is easy to apply, quick-drying and suitable for all skin tones.  It has no fake tan soggy biscuit scent to it and is said to deliver an instant hint of bronze with a streak-free finish.

Elle UK are giving you Percy & Reed Wonder Overnight Recovery in a 75ml tube and this is a new launch which hits stores in June.  

The product works to transform hair while sleeping and it is formulated with natural protein that penetrates the hair and boosts its ability to retain moisture, as well as potent conditioning agents to protect against humidity, combat frizz and boost shine. 

This month InStyle Magazine are giving away 1 OF 4 Exclusive New Nails Inc Nail Polishes worth £11 each in the June 2016 Issue.

The exclusive colours are:

• Texas Talking
• California Dream 
• Ohio Desire 
• Oregons Out 

I absolutely love the look of Ohio Desire and all of these are worth looking out for because they are exclusive to Instyle Magazine.

These are the freebies for this month that I have come across. Have any of them grabbed your attention?

The Libbie Club May Beauty Box

This month I am back with The Libbie Club and the May Beauty Box has arrived and is full of treats to try. Each month as a Libbie Club Member, the box has three specially chosen products to try and then once I have reviewed them, I can share with you amazing offers for you to purchase the products and try them for yourself.

This month those three products are a nice mix of brands and May is described as exciting and innovative.  So this is what I have:

ChinUp Mask – Trial Pack

I have used ChinUp Mask before which you can see here and it is a product I was impressed with when I first used it. With Cosmetic Surgery still being one of those subjects that everyone has an opinion on and it can be quite controversial, products which use no surgery but promise results are becoming more and more common place. Marketed as being a 30 minute non-surgical facelift, this mask is a solution for double chins, saggy jowls and loose skin around the chin and jawline. Inside the pack you are given 2 masks, a Chinup Strap and a Tape Measure.

James Read Tan H20 Tan Mist

James Read is a name I always associate with tanning and it is a category which is totally out of my comfort zone. I rarely ever use fake tan, the fear of turning into an OOmpa Loompa is something which always puts me off. This product is a lightweight mist which is infused with pure rose water and I am informed that each application will gradually build a deeper tan, allowing you to control your depth of colour. It is stain free and can also be used as a make up primer or for setting your make up.

Girl Meets Brush

This brush company was started by celebrity makeup artist Lynne Mills and she has used her expertise to create the optimal make up brushes. I have to admit that I have never heard of the brand until now and within my box I have the The Blending Contour Brush. This brush has an angled shaped head, the fibres are dense but have soft bristles, it is used to buff & blend products together, great for blending blusher, bronzer & highlighter. The bristles are really soft and because the brush hosts a thick chunky handle, it is easy to grip to use.

What I love about the Libbie Club is that I am sent these products to review and then if you like the sound of them, I will always have an amazing offer for you, as my reader.  The offers can be found HERE and they are available on every single product The Libbie Club has ever had plus if you use the code FLASH530 you get an extra £5 off a £30 spend!

So, let me know what you think of these products and whether or not you have ever tried them.

Freedom Makeup Competition with a prize of £20,000

Freedom Makeup is a brand you probably have heard of, it is a sister brand of Makeup Revolution and is Professional Makeup Brand giving you products at an affordable price and I have featured quite a few of them here. Right now, they are running this absolutely amazing competition which could not only see you win a prize of £20,000 but a years supply of make up and the chance to be assigned to Freedom for an entire year.   

This makeup competition is opened WORLDWIDE and all you simply have to film your 'Signature Look' to enter the competition & upload it to YouTube. You don't have to be professionally trained, nor a current make up artist, the competition is open to everyone. Once you have uploaded your video, you then must ensure you fill in the entry form which you can find right HERE and that's it, you are entered. 

Once the competition closes, a total of 30 finalists will be shortlisted and they will then go through another 3 rounds. After those 3 rounds, the 5 remaining contestants will appear in the live final, hosted in London on 27th October 2016 to battle it out in a surprise live challenge before someone is crowned the winner. The winner will take home an amazing prize of £20,000, a year's supply of Freedom Makeup and assigned to the brand for a year. Plus the 4 runners up will each receive a prize of £1000 each.

You can enter anytime NOW until the 27th May!  Will you be entering or have you already entered?