Look Fantastic Beauty Box January 2015

I have been getting the Look Fantastic box for the last few months and it has all been detailed on my blog if you would like to see previous boxes.  For just £15 a month you get such great quality products that for me, this is one of the best subscription boxes that there is out there.  Sadly I wasn't a lucky winner of the 20 included GHDs..had hoped to win one of them, but I still love the box!

Now we are in a new year and I am hoping this box continues because I am so impressed with it and the January Box is amazing, there is nothing I dislike or wouldn't use and this is what was inside.

Firstly the box, it is always so well designed and strong, not at all flimsy and you can see the 'Look Fantastic' logo clearly visible on the front and inside, there is nothing to spoil the surprise as to what might be inside (unless you have looked for spoilers) because the card which details the contents is hidden inside.  

So this month I have been treated to:

Michael Van Clarke is a hair brand I am quite familiar with and have me the great man himself at a blogger event he hosted in his West End salon.  The Life Extending Haircare pre-wash Treatment is something I am a fan of as well as the '3 more inches' idea, which I wrote about HERE.  Essentially it isn't about adding or encouraging your hair to grow 3 more inches, it is about the unique formulation which naturally slows down the ageing process allowing the hair to stay stronger and healthier during its lifetime, so it can grow naturally thicker, longer and more lustrous.

Molton Brown is comes next and as a brand, it is one I don't feel I have tried too much of. I have had the odd sample here and there, but have never exhausted the products out there. This box has given me the Templetree Bodywash Which is described as being "A blissful bath and shower gel blended with moisturising algae extract and purifying templetree flower extract". It also includes Jasmine, Fruity Rose and Sandalwood and it smells absolutely amazing, I cannot wait to give this a try!

Another haircare product next with Philip Kingsley, whom for many is synonymous for his elasticizer. This box however brings me a product I have never tried before with the Daily Damage Defence. This is a leave-in protective conditioning spray which adds elasticity and provides defence from daily heat styling, breakage and environmental effects whilst adding shine and manageability for all hair types.

Nuxe comes next with a product I have tried before but really like. The Creme Fraiche masque is said to quench the thirst of the driest skin types to leave your face feeling smooth and moisturised not to mention radiant.

Gatineau Collagen Expert is the final skincare item within this box and it is a sachet sample.  Designed to revive and rejuvenate your eyes with clever eye compresses which are drenched in soothing marine-based collagen solution. They are also said to help reduce dark shadows, plum out wrinkles and relax the eye contour.

The final item in this box is not skincare or bodycare and nor is it for your hair. Instead what we have is a tube of MyVitamins which are dissolvable in water and are said to make a great tasting drink. Effervescent tablets are ideal for anyone looking to increase their intake of vitamins for a healthier lifestyle.

I have to admit, I am not the best at remembering to take vitamins or indeed any tablet, I always need to set a reminder in my phone which literally shouts at me to get on with it. So I will attempt to give these a go and see how it goes. The tube has 20 tablets in it which is an odd number as it isn't enough for a month.

So that is my January box and it is worth over £44 in total, which is pretty amazing value for money when I paid just £15 including delivery.

What do you think to the January Box?

Artistry Intensive Skincare - Advanced Skin Refinisher

I don't usually get too excited over skincare with fancy names, to me it is all about what it does as opposed to what it is meant to do... Sometimes those notions are few and far between.  When Artisty came into my life, I will admit, I wasn't all that enthused about it, but them I opened the box and my fascination was pricked.  You see the bottle within which the Advanced Skin Refinisher sits, is just stunning, it is something to coo over and ooh and aah it every time you see it.  So it is true, first impressions do count and that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover!

Artistry is a new brand for me, this is the first product I have used from the range and have no previous experience of using it or anything else, so actually it is a little bit more exciting than I have it credit for because this product, titled the Advanced Skin Refinisher is described as being an intensive “Smart Pore Eraser” for instantly softer, more even-textured skin and a progressively more refined look and feel, wow some claim!  

It uses a series of patented non-acid exfoliating ingredients which gently resurface skin’s texture, instantly transforming rough, dull skin into smooth, shine-free perfection. Intensely concentrated botanical extracts penetrate deep within the surface layers of skin, strengthening its natural support, making pores appear significantly diminished. Over 4 weeks of daily usage is said to reduce the size of pores by as much as 62%. Those ingredients are:

• Patented* Oat Extract and NMF Sugars exfoliate the skin’s surface area to unclog pores and smooth away roughness. 
• Anti-oxidant rich Lentil Seed Extract counters the hollowing effect in the wall lining of the pore for a reduced appearance of pores. 
• Java Tea Extract suppresses excess sebum production, down to the core of the pore. 
• Star Fruit Extract reinforces the outside area of the pore’s structure to help reduce slackening, visibly tightening pores for an even texture.

I have used this product for almost 6 weeks now and whilst I haven't as yet seen any dramatic reduction in the size of my pores, because they aren't that visible to begin with, what I have noticed is that my skin feels velvety smooth as soon as it is moisturised into the skin and that effect lasts for an entire day, whether I am wearing make-up or not and let's face it, I've been having a lot of duvet days and make up has not been required, so my skin has really been treated and cared for. As the cream touches the face, it feels every bit as luxurious as you would expect it too, quickly absorbing itself and leaving no trace that it was ever there behind.

The downside however is that a product as that is this good comes with a fairly hefty price tag of £53 which you can find here but it has definitely made a difference and it is something I am going to continue to use.

This product has been both allergy and dermatologist tested. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

NARS Sin Blusher

I only own one product from NARS, yes I know, but it is this amazing blush called Sin* and it is one I mentioned very briefly on my blog once.  I know NARS is an extremely popular brand with many bloggers and it is one I really have a long list of 'want to try' items.

When given the chance by Cosme-de to choose some items from their website, I chose Sin because it isn't the kind of product I would usually opt for, I would usually want to try light pinks and neutrals and Sin is not one of those at all.

As you can see, the packaging is very much what you expect it to be from NARS, with the sleek and luxurious black casing to keep the blush securely in is place and with the added inclusion of a mirror, one which is a decent size, it is a handy little compact to have. 

I know that NARS blushes are known for being very pigmented and that some are very OTT with the glitter which has always put me off wanting to pick one up, the thought I might end up looking like Edward Cullen as he shows Bella what he looks like in the daylight, is alittle too much for me.  Sin, on the otherhand whilst being very pigmented, is a stunning berry shade which has a slight gold shimmer to it.  When it arrived, I thoought I had made a huge mistake, especially as I have such pale skin, but it actually works really well, because the golden shimmer adds a bit of warmth to the colour to leave it looking less plum and quite similar to Orgasm, just a tad darker. As for the glitter, well thankfully it isn't over the top and it is an absolute delight to apply using my Real Techniques Blush Brush. Once it has been applied, what really does it for me is the lastability, it lasts all day, doesn't need a touch up or re-applying, it is a good solid 8-9 hours.

 

As a first NARS product, I am a big fan of this and it has definitely made me more determind to get my hands on more products from the range. The blushers are a lot more expensive than your Highstreet versions at around £20, though if you shop around, you can often find them much better priced, especially on sites like  Cosme-de.com who have amazing offers on all the time and are really quick to deliver to you.

Have you tried this blush? What did you think of it?

Smashbox new releases!

I am no stranger to Smashbox, infact I adore their Primer and always have a spare tube of it in my make-up drawer in case I run out.  But I have recently been luck enough to play with some of the new releases which will hit the shelves and stores in January and I thought I would share them with you!

Starting with the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette which is just absolutely stunning.  Described as being the palette of possibilities, each of the 14 featured eyeshadows transform when mixed with water, this palette is all about mixing it up.  Unlike gremlins, you can add water and your shade will either amp up the vibrancy, becomes deeper, turns metallic or finds it sparkle meaning there is something for everyone and these shades are as I have said, stunning. 

Swatches from L-R = Silver, Mauve, Peony, Blanc, Quartz, Flushed and Veiled

When water is added to these shades Silver, Mauve, Peony and Blanc turn Metallic.  Quartz and Veiled amp up their vibrancy and Flushed becomes a deeper shade.

Swatches top - Midnight, Temper, Haze and Noir.  Swatches Bottom - Copper, Fig and Espresso.

When water is added to these shades, Midnight and Temper become Sparkly. Haze, Noir, Fig and Espresso become deeper. Copper turns metallic.

What I also love is that this palette comes with its own double ended brush which is domed on one side to absorb just the right amount of water for impactful colour and the other end is angled which allows you to create a precise line when wet or a diffused line when dry.  If that isn't enough, there is also a little how to use guide, which is really helpful and something I am glad to have.

If this sounds like a palette you would love, it will be priced at £37 and is available from 7th January

The Smashbox Step-by-step Contour Kit is a product I was really excited to get my hands on because I am not good at the Kardashian contouring, no matter how many easy guides I want and follow!  This little kit comes encompassed in this sleek black palette and includes shades to help you highlight, contour and bronze plus a specially designed contour brush and a how to guide. I have used my palette a few times, when ive been home alone and I am slowly getting the hang of it.

Swatches L-- Contour, Bronze and Highlight

This palette is available now and costs £35

The next products I absolutely love, I wasn't too sure about them at first, but boy have they grown on me and they are Always Sharp Lip Liner.  Why do I love them? Well they self sharpen for one and I got quite excited when I was first given a demonstration as to how they did just that, it is all about the twist!  Seriously, there is a hidden sharpener within the lid of the liner which re-sharpens the lip liner everytime you need to use it, one twist, no mess and a sharpe liner awaits you! 

From top to bottom - Melon, Rosebud and Violet

Now I am not the best person at remembering to line my lips, infact I tend to remember once I have already applied my lippie and am on my way out, you know when you have that one last look in the mirror? Yeah then.  These lip liners come in 12 different shades ranging from Nude Fair to Shocking Pink.  I have Rosebud, Melon and Violet and as you can see from the swatches, the colours are absolutely stunning ad you can actually wear them on their own!  Costing just £15 each, they are available now to buy.

The final products I have been playing with are the Be Legendary long-Wear Lip Lacquers.  They are described as being the new boundary-pushing formula which delivers maximum high-lacquered color with major comfort—all day long. They use what is referred to as a proprietary triplex of 1) vibrant staining pigments, 2) glossy-finish pearls and 3) conditioning vitamin E. What this means is that working together, all three of those leave you with a lovely vibrant, but lip conditioned finish, not at all like those horrid Apocalips but much better than the offerings from Revlon, infact, even if your lips feel a tad dry before applying these lacquers, once applied, there is no hint of dry skin or flaky looking lips and nor does it, when applied, leave your lips feeling sticky and tacky, instead, as the colour fades throughout your day, there will be a hint of colour left behind.

Top Swatch is Beet It and Bottom is Orange Crush

The Lip Lacquers come in 20 different shades and I have two of them in Orange Crush and Beet It, possibly neither shade I would ever wear, but from the shades available, there is something for everyone and I have my eye on Warm Rose and Rosewater which I've swatched and really like the look of.  These Lacquers are available now for £19 each.

So there you have a little insight into the new products I have been lucky enough to play with from Smashbox and seriously, if there is one palette you are yet to decide upon, give the Double Exposure one a little look, it is amazing!

What do you think to these new products? 

Have you tried any of them yet?

Pink Parcel

When I was asked if I would like to review the Pink Parcel and Teen Parcel, I jumped at the chance.  Both items are subscription boxes that are specifically designed for woman and teens during their monthly cycle. The idea being that your box arrives before your period is due and inside it will be tampons and sanitary towels that are obviously essential items and as an added extra there are some products which aim to put a smile on your face, almost like a hug in a box.

With Pink Parcel you subscribe at £5.95 for your first box and then subsequent boxes are £9.99 which includes delivery.  Once signed up you firstly pick the products you want, either tampons or sanitary towels and then which brand and absorbency you need and there is quite a selection to choose from.  Once that has been decided, you type in the date your period is due each month and then how long it lasts.  Once that is all done your box will arrive 3-5 days before the start of your period which means you have your products in plenty of time.

Once it does arrive, the box is really discreetly packaged and the Postie will have no idea what it is and it fits perfectly through my letterbox.  Once inside the box you will find three smaller boxes which are categorised as: for now, for later and for you.

• For now is a small drawstring bag which contains some hygiene products, in my case tampons. You can use this to put in your handbag and carry around the products discretely. I have the bag already in my handbag and because of its size, it is really handy for putting into one of the inner pockets that usually just has a spare lip balm or perfume sample in it. 

• For later contains more sanitary products. I received 25 tampons which is more than enough. If you need more tampons/ towels you can email pink parcel and they will send out extra for you next month.

• For you contains some really thoughtful items and I was really chuffed with the contents of mine:

As you can see from the photo there is quite a variety of products to be had - Tea Pigs chocolate flake tea, two pairs of false eyelashes, Doisy and Dam Goji and Orange organis dark chocolate bar, Gluco Tabs in Juicy Raspberry flavour and then two beauty products which are - 30ml Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream and a 15ml tube of ROC Multi Correction Anti-ageing cream.

Then we have Teen Parcel which I loved as soon as I opened it and I think it would make a great gift for mother to daughter or even big sister to little sister, I know that for some the whole issue of menstruation is an embarrassing subject so this is perfect.

The Teen Parcel box is lovely and pink in colour and again discreetly packaged so that no one will have a clue what it is. Again as with Pink parcel you  subscribe or subscribe as a gift at £5.95 for your first box and then subsequent boxes are £9.99 and this includes delivery.  Then you pick the products you want and again it is a choice of either tampons or sanitary towels along with which brand and absorbency you think is needed.  What I love is that there is a big selection to choose from and there is something for everyone. Once all your selections have been made, your box will arrive 3-5 days before the start of your period which means you have your products in plenty of time.

Once the box arrives inside are three different stages to the box which again are - For You, For Now and For Later.  

• For now - Again there is a beautifully designed grey and white spotted pouch which has a few tampons in for now and again the pouch is designed to be kept in your bag.

• For later - There are two boxes which contains more tampons, or sanitary towels if that was your option, there should be enough to see you through your period for that month, this is calculated based on the dates given during the sign up process.

• For you - perhaps the most exciting part of the box and the one I couldn't wait to open, this is the content:

Firstly how fabulous are the contents? I was really happy to see that they are perfect for a teen to have and want to use and my friends daughter has already claimed the entire box and it's content because she was so pleased with it.  But as you can see there is

• Tea Pigs Chocolate Flake Tea Sachet
• A Mini Packet of Haribo
• A Binky  London nail polish in shade Blue a Stargazer plus a 10% discount code for a future purchase of products from Binky London
• Three Clean and Clear products from the advantage range which includes - Spot Control Cleasner in a 125ml tube, Spot Control Moisturiser in a 40ml tube and a 10ml tube of Fast Clearing Spot Treatment

The final item inside a pink drawstring bag is a rope bracelet in pink which has a bow charm on it and is a really nice addition to the box.

Both of these boxes are absolutely fantastic and I just love the concept it is brilliant. I love how refreshing it is not to have to think about your period and that there is a little something too make you smile inside too, of course the content of the 'for you' box changes every month to add a little more excitement to the whole concept. Teen Parcel again is just a lovely concept and one I have enjoyed sharing with both my god daughter and friends little girl, both of whom are a little too embarrassed by their monthly cycles, which is quite sad in many ways, but thankfully, this is discreet enough for them to not to have to feel it is a subject they need to mention too often.

Recent Beauty Discoveries

I thought I would kick my blog off in 2015 with something a little different.  It is about three products which I have started using within the last 6 weeks which have made a huge impact.  It is very rare that I use a product just a few times before I want to rave about them, but with these three, I just can't help it.

The first product from REN and it is a sample I was lucky to get my hands on when I spotted a chance online to sign up and 100 people would be chose.  The Instant Firming Beauty Shot is a liquid matrix of hyaluronans and phycocolloids which instantly life and firm leaving your skin looking dramatically smoother, lighter and more youthful. 

The serum is gel like, only it is a little runnier than your average gel, so you only need a small amount on the top of your finger to cover your entire face. When I used it for the first time, I was quite surprised to find that within half an hour of applying it, my face felt slightly tight and much firmer than usual and these effects lasted all day, 7 hours.

Whenever I get a new product, for the first few uses, I apply them when I am going nowhere, just incase I have a reaction of some kind, but to use it you simply apply it morning and evening under your usual moisturiser and you are good to go.  So both times I trialled it was whilst I was at home and used this product I got the same result, a much smoother and firmer feeling face, which isn't uncomfortable but it does leave your skin feeling amazing, something which I've struggled to photograph for the time being, the sort of before and after shots not quite working how I want them too.  Since using it at home, I have continued to use it and go about my daily routine I would normally and I have had no reaction, but my skin does continue to work with it really really well.

If you haven't guessed, I absolutely love this product, it has wowed me in just a few short weeks and it is on my list if products to buy though 30ml costs £36 but if used on special occasions and when you need a bit of a boost, this would last a very long time.

The second product is one most of you will be well aware of and probably use but Liz Earle is new to me and it is the Hot Cloth Cleanser.  Now I know many of you already rate this product, some swear by it and even give it that HG status, for me it just brilliant. 

I got my first bottle during a swap and as soon as I opened it , I started using it.  As i've said many times before, London is quite a polluted place to live and my skin needs all the help it can get to rid it of dirt and grime from going about my daily routine to and from work or just being out and about.  What I loved about this as soon as I tried it was the scent of the cleanser which you just know which make your skin feel incredibly clean.  After applying just two pumps to my face and then using the accompanying muslin cloth to remove all the dislodged dirt and grime, you can almost hear your skin breathe a sigh of relief as you wipe the cloth around your face.  What I love is that this cleanser is so gentle, you can open your eyes whilst using it to make sure you have removed all trace and when you have finished, oh my is your skin soft! Mine was a smooth as smooth can be.  It also has an impressed list of ingredients which includes Chamomile, Rosemary, Cocoa butter and Eucalyptus Essential Oils along with Cocoa Butter and Beeswax all of which are just amazing to the skin.

As a first time user to Liz Earle, this won't be my last because I adore this cleanser.

The final product comes from Jurlique and it is the Rosewater Balancing mist, which has found its way into my heart. 
 

"A daily hydrating mist featuring the relaxing scent of rose that restores and hydrates the complexion and is ideal for normal/combination skin types."

 

 

The mist is the only mist that rebalances and rejuvenates the skin in one fresh friendly sensation that soothes and smooth's.  It uses a combination of Aloe Vera and Rose to not only give this wonderfully relaxing scent but to also cool and calm the skin.  Add to that  Glycerin and Marshmallow which provide a refreshing boost to the skins natural hydration system, this mist is one which I have in my handbag and on my desk at work. 

When you hit that mid afternoon slump, a spritz of this on your face not only wakes you up, but it also gives your skin a bit of a kick too.  Going from a cold climate outside, to a hot heated one indoors plays havoc with my skin, so anything I can use to add extra moisture is always going to win favours with me and this product is a big hitter. It doesn't leave your face feeling oily but it does leave it feeling soft, smooth and hydrated, which is what it promises to do and it is perfect for my skin type which is combination leading towards the oily side. A 50ml bottle will cost around £17 for this mist.

So these three products are my new discoveries and ones which I love using right now and whilst each one of them is very different to the other, I like how they all do different things to make my skin look and feel good.

Have you made any recent discoveries like this? Do you use any of these regularly?