You Beauty Box - The Global Edit

It is beauty box time again and You Beauty has arrived much quicker than I had expected it to. Titled the 'Global Edit' the May box offers a shortlist of beauty and skincare products from around the world but there is something else, they are all previously unfeatured brands and even for me, this month I had a choice of choosing which brands and which products I really wanted to try.

This month the treats come from Gazelli Skincare, a brand I have, until now, never come across. The treat includes three sachets of three different products from the brand. Launching in Urban Retreat which is based inHarrods in 2011 they have a disclaimer which states that their honest, authentic and effective skincare is backed by 40 years of scientific research. A brand such as this should really have more than a few sachets in a beauty box if it wants to reach out because I did find the sachet samples quite pointless.

The first sachet is the Skin Balancing Cleanser which comes with the following description "removes make-up, excess oil and impurities, while thoroughly hydrating with soothing Gazelli White Oil™ to provide immediate relief from tightness and sensitivity. This refreshing and uplifting formula soothes and calms the skin with natural anti-inflammatories and works to promote a brighter complexion and even skin tone". 

The Second Sachet is the Intensive Age Repair Cream claims to have been clinically proven to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s texture. Using powerful hydrating and rich in protective anti-oxidants, this skin-brightening formulation leaves the skin glowing with optimal health, strength and improved elasticity.

The final sachet is the reviving eye cream is formulated with the regenerative Gazelli White Oil™ which is said to accelerate cell renewal and revive the eye contour area, reducing dark circles and targeting puffiness. Adding to that, fine lines are diminished with improved elasticity and skin is left looking firm, bright and youthful.

So having been unimpressed by the 'treats' I had my three chosen products to contend with. One item I have had my eye on (no pun intended) for some time are the Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels which are incredibly cooling on the eye area when applied, so much so it is a real treat to lie back and relax with them on. 

It is claimed that these Eye gels work intensively to help firm, de-puff and reduce the premature wrinkling that accompanies a high-adrenaline lifestyle. Well, my lifestyle is hardly high-adrenaline themed, but I am incredibly busy right now with work (outside of blogging) and my eyes are plagued with puffiness and bags through lack of sleep, so I am up for slapping on anything I can right now to sort the issue out.

Next up comes the Skin Yoga Coffee Body Scrub and I hold my hands up and admit to being a huge fan of coffee scrubs and whilst I did give up caffeine 2 years ago, I do still love the smell of it and I now get my fix through using scrubs like this. 

I loved this as soon as I used it and not only does it smell just incredible, but after using my skin was so silky soft and smooth and I am really impressed. The sachet is enough for one use and perfect if you are unsure as to whether or not a coffee scrub is for you, if you are not a fan of the smell of coffee then this definitely won't be for you, but both Stephen and I do love them.

The final item in my box is from Indeed Labs and it is the 10balm Soothing Cream - Said to be ideal for irritated and sensitive skin types, the Indeed Labs 10 Balm Soothing Cream combines ground-breaking science and nature to help restore long-lasting comfort. 

Described as being powered by ten effective healing ingredients which include Arnica, Bee Pollen and antioxidant Vitamin E, the cream, which my skin literally drinks, is not only fast-absorbing but it also works to repair and protect. It also delivers intense moisture and hydration to stressed skin to leave you with a soft, calm and deeply nourished complexion.

So despite the treats being a real let down this month, I do have three amazing brands with amazing products that I have wanted to try and now am and have.  The You Beauty Box is one of the best around and for just £8.95 which includes P&P you get to make a choice as to which products you want each month and that way you won't be disappointed. More information can be found here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Look Fantastic Beauty Box | Get the Glow Edit

The month the Lookfantastic Beauty Box has the theme 'Get The Glow' and it is all about celebrating getting your glow back ready for those warmer months. As always with the box, you get the latest copy of Elle Magazine, which I really enjoying receiving and there are also 7 products.

The first product from the box comes from James Read and it is the Gradual Tan H20 Tan Mist. This product is quite different to many I have seen and whilst I am not a fan of fake tan, there is something about this mist that draws me to it and it definitely pricks my interest.

Infused with pure rosewater it works to gradually build a natural radiance and glow, day by day. It can also be used as a makeup primer and setter. 

Next up comes the Mellow Baked Eyeshadow. A brand I have never come across until now, this eyeshadow is really pretty. 

I have shade Peach and whilst it is much more pigmented than I was expecting to be, for me it is just not a shade I would use as an eyeshadow, it gives me the highlighter vibe. That said, it applies incredibly smoothly and is not only easy to blend but it is really long-lasting. It can also be used wet or dry.

Then we have Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel. I kind of feel as though the term 'Peel' isn't quite right for this product because it is instead an exfoliator. 

On the skin it applies as a gel and then as it is massaged into and onto the skin, it solidifies to remove the dead and dry skin without causing any irritation in a process which is designed to last for just three minutes.

The System Professional Solar Sun Oil is described as being a protective mist that restores life to hair exposed to sun, salt and chlorine.

The rich sun oil combines UV Filters and a blend of luxurious oils, which protect and deeply condition alongside a generous dose of Keratin which promotes long-lasting smoothness.

My favourite product from the box has to be the 100% natural Scrub Love Hydrating Coconut Oil Body Scrub. I have had a few different types of scrubs from Scrub Love now and I don't think I will ever get bored of them. 

Using 100% Organic and Roasted Coffee as well as Coconut Oil, this scrub not only hydrates the skin whilst removing dead and dry skin it also softens, nourishes and polishes your skin all at the same time. I also love how it feels on the skin, not at all grainy or harsh, there is the use of contains coconut flakes, coconut oil, vitamin E plus the addition of both cranberry oil and fruit powder to make it smell just absolutely incredible.

The final two products in this month's box are sachets and whilst I am not too disappointed to see them because it is an introduction to two new brands I have never come across before, I kind of wish they were added in as an extra treat.  

So the first of the two sachets is the NUFACE Prep-n-Glow Dual Sided Cloth and it is described as having a triple action process to remove makeup and leave skin feeling smooth and supple. The cloths are made from soft cotton lace with one side being smooth to dissolve dirt, grime and impurities, whilst the other side uses what are referred to as micro-dots which exfoliate and buff away the dull and dead skin. 

Each Cloth is individually wrapped and is saturated with a blend of Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants and minerals, which help protect and moisturise skin for a refreshed, radiant and purified complexion.  

The Second item is the Glov Hydro Dermaquillage Quick Treat and it is a cloth which is reusable for up to 3 months. Suitable for all skin types it is made from hypoallergenic fibres which gently remove makeup and impurities to leave your skin feeling healthy and glowing.

I use Muslin cloths a lot to cleanse and admittedly I do prefer those cloths to this, but it does do a good job at removing makeup, especially waterproof mascara.

So there you have this months box which has been in keeping with the theme 'Get the Glow' without being too over the top with fake tan and bronzer which pleases me no end.  This month's box has a value of over £50 and it can be yours for as little as £13. To find out more about the Look Fantastic Beauty Box click here.

*this post contains PR samples/Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

Cult Beauty Wishlist

I have read quite a few posts with the title 'The Blogger made me buy it' and I really enjoy reading the posts. To that end, I have a wishlist on Cult Beauty which is essentially a list of products that I have seen other bloggers rave about, post about, say they want and this list of mine grows by the day, so rather than share all 30+ items (oops) I have picked the 6 I have looked at the most to see what you think.

Becca Sunlit Bronzer - To date my stash is Becca-less, shocking I know but whilst I would like to have everything, I want to choose something I really want. I really like the look of the shade Bali Sands which is the lightest of the five shades on offer. Described as being a bronzer which 'gives the natural glow of one who’s just spent the day in the gentle, dappled rays of the sun. Imparting healthy, natural warmth that steers well clear of orange-tinged territory, this neutral bronzer consists of a creamy, matte powder with just a hint of shimmer'. Priced at £32 here

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette - I spend a lot of my life 'on-the-go' and the need streamline what I carry around with me in my handbag is becoming something I need to sort. A palette such as this one which claims to be a five-minute shortcut to effortless, natural-looking makeup features everything I need and use and it is just so pretty. Priced at just £49 here.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask - I love a good face mask and Peter Thomas Roth is a brand I am seeing across the Blogosphere more and more right now. This mask has caught my attention purely because of the ingredient list and it includes purifying Irish moor mud which draws out embedded impurities, black hijiki seaweed and volcanic ash which hydrate and detoxify, this mask banishes blackheads without over-drying blemish-prone complexions. Use twice a week to maintain clear and glowing skin. Priced at £39 here.

Tata Harper, Tata's Daily Essentials - This is another brand that has grabbed my attention because of other blogs and the bright green coloured bottles.  Expensive though it is, before branching out and buying something, I would want a tester set to try and thankfully the Daily Essentials Kit (here at £63) does give a nice introduction to the brand and the set includes: the Regenerating Cleanser (15ml), Hydrating Floral Essence (15ml), Rejuvenating Serum (10ml), Repairative Moisturizer (10ml), Resurfacing Mask (7.5ml), Replenishing Nutrient Complex (3ml) and Restorative Eye Crème (1ml) all at really nice sizes.

Jouer Cosmetics Best of Nudes Mini Lip Crème Set - I am seeing this brand everywhere right now and I like everything I have seen to the point that I would trolly dash and grab everything. Having never tried the brand, this cute mini Lip Creme Set caught my eye because not only are there 8 mini's (I love mini sizes) but it is a good introduction to the brand. At £34 for the set (here) I think they sound amazing.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar, Creme Eyeshadow Crayon - Ever since I saw these swatched on a blog I have wanted to try them. I love eyeshadow crayons because they are easy to use, blend and perfect for on the go.  I am also a huge fan of By Terry and with the range of shades available within this range, I have my eye on at least 3 of them and if they are anything like their description which reads " The beautiful, satin-smooth consistency glides over eyelids to create instant, crease-free definition – enhancing and illuminating thanks to Tahitian black pearl extract (rich in ultra-smoothing proteins) and ‘radiance-trapping prisms’ which lend lids a subtle, light-reflective lustre" then they sound even more amazing then I am expecting.. Priced at £29 here.

So there you have my list of six. Do any of them appear on your want list or have you tried any of them?

*this post contains PR samples/Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

Bring Back the Bees with Burt's Bees

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a huge fan of Burt's Bees, amazing products at affordable prices and have bee around for over 30 years. Their new campaign to #BringBackTheBees highlights the plight of not only how important these amazing creatures are but also that they are disappearing and we all need to do something about it.

Many people I know will see a bee and run a mile, fearful that this little creature will sting them. Did you know that Bee's pollinate about a third of the food we eat and this amazing graphic (here) from Burt's Bees drives home just how important they are to us and the planets eco system and if they begin to struggle and do disappear, there is big trouble on the horizon.

So what can you do to help?  The wonderful people over at Burt's Bees have launched their #BringBackTheBees campaign and for just £3.99 you can purchase the fantastic Coconut & Pear Lip Balm which has had a spring makeover and has been repackaged in this beautiful lime green box.  For every one sold 5000 bee-friendly wildflower seeds will be planted, in partnership with the British Beekeepers Association, through its adopt a Beehive scheme in selected areas around the UK. Plus you can also take to social media by sharing a selfie and adding some flowers to it and then head to this site (here) and share it across Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat using the hashtags #SelflessSelfie and #BringBackTheBees and a further 5000 bee-friendly wildflower seeds will be sown.

You can also do your bit at home too by planting a good selection of wildflowers in your garden, on your balcony or as I have done in pots which are on my terrace top help keep bees busy.

The lip balm itself is really moisturising and it combines the juicy extract of vitamin-rich pear with creamy, hydrating coconut oil. The formula, which also contains shea butter leaves your lips feeling soft and moisturised. It is also 100% natural and contains no phthalates, parabens, petrolatum or SLS. The Burt's Bees Limited Edition Coconut & Pear Lip Balm retails for just £3.99 and is available from Boots, Amazon and Burt's bees.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise