Birchbox | August 2015

This month's Birchbox theme is Beauty Junkie and blissfully contains not one but two make-up samples! Make-up samples are my favourite so I'm delighted with the August theme.

Birchbox August 2015 Contents:

Rituals Fortune Scrub | £10
Lord & Berry Blush in Lotus | £17
Huygens Exfoliating Cream | £17.90
Kebelo Clarifying Shampoo | £13.95
theBalm Cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer | £15
Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Spot Minimizing Patches | £2.95

Rituals Fortune Scrub
I love the smell of this! It's sweet orange and cedar wood scented so smells fresh but luxurious. It is a shower scrub combining body wash with exfoliator. The texture of the scrub itself is very fine grained so is gentle enough for daily use. This is the perfect everyday exfoliator to achieve smooth summer skin.

Lord & Berry Blush in Lotus
The first of this month's make-up samples is this blush from Lord & Berry. I loved the bronzer from Lord & Berry sent a few months back so I was excited to try this blush. They've tried to pick a shade that will be flattering for most skintones but this blush is highly pigmented so I'll definitely have to be light-handed with it. I loved how easily the formula blends though.

Huygens Exfoliating Cream
Another exfoliator in this month's box but this one is for my face. The formula is made with rice powder particles to leave a smooth complexion without irritating the skin - perfect if you've got sensitive skin. It smells like mint and citrus so it feels really fresh on the skin. I'm going to replace my usual daily scrub with this sample until it runs out and see what difference it can make to my skin.

Kebelo Clarifying Shampoo
This sample leaked a little bit so it was a little bit messy the first time I opened it. But the mess is worth it for the effect it has on my hair. I don't use a massive amount of product on my hair if I can help it but even occasional use of leave-in conditioner can leave hair feeling flat. This shampoo removes that product build-up and leaves your hair fresh and full of body again.

theBalm Cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer
The second of this months make-up samples is this bronzer from theBalm. I have always loved the samples Birchbox sends from theBalm and this one is no different. It's a gorgeous colour that I would happily use as both a contour or eyeshadow. It's a long-wearing formula so it should last all day.

Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Spot Minimizing Patches
I haven't been able to test these yet since it is (blissfully) very rare that I get a spot these days. I love the idea of these though and really hope they work. The pack contains 21 single-use patches so this full size sample should last a good while. At £2.95 for 21 patches, it would be a bargain to repurchase if it works too.

I liked this month's box and thought the addition of the emoji stickers was very cute. If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox for yourself, check out the Birchbox website for more information, Otherwise, I'll continue to un-box and review the contents here on the blog so be sure to follow by email at the top right of the page or on Bloglovin' :-)

Tabitha
Xx

Birchbox | July 2015

This month's Birchbox was for the first time ever a Birchbag. It is a celebration of summer creating a poolside splash-proof clutch full of what they deem to be 'summer essentials'. I loved this idea, even if I wish we'd been given a colour choice.

I've had this bag for a couple of weeks now (again, sorry for the delay in posts this month) so I've had the chance to try everything inside it a couple of times.

Birchbox July 2015 Contents:

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum | £16
Unani Aloe Vera Gel | £15
POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait | £15.50
Benefit Cosmetics Dream Screen | £25
Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Luminizer Gel (Full Size Sample) | £8.95
Spa to You Nail File | £2.99

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum
I've always kind of liked the product from this brand but I've never loved one until now. I'm always a fan of a good serum so when I tried this one and it not only smelled amazing but worked well too, I was hooked. I've been using it almost every day since I received it. My skin looks and feels fresh after applying this serum. It's made with chamomile, aloe vera and lavender so all my favourite scents in one little tube. I will definitely be purchasing the full size of this product.

Unani Aloe Vera Gel
I haven't burned yet this year so can't say I've tried this on sunburn. However, I've tested it out on my neck and arms after a hot day and can definitely attest to it's cooling powers. It has the added bonus of moisturising the skin too so will be particularly useful for the days following a sunburn where your skin feels dry and flakey.

POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait
I have been doing a peach themed eye since these shadows arrived. I love the quality of these! Highly pigmented with just the right amount of shimmer for summer days. I particularly like the lighter shadow which I've been doubling up as a brow-bone/inner-corner highlight. The shadows last all day with no fading or creasing. These are a definite winner for me.

Benefit Cosmetics Dream Screen
I'm always a bit nervous about sunscreen on my face because of how oily they tend to be. But this product is extremely lightweight and absorbs for a matte finish. It felt more like a really decent primer rather than a sunscreen and with an SPF of 45 I have to say I'm impressed. My skin felt smooth and was shine-free throughout the day. As a Benefit product, it was bound to be a little pricey but I'm already adding it to my list of holiday essentials for next year.

Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Luminizer Gel
After their last sample refused to open more than once because of really poor packaging, I wasn't too excited about this. I have sampled this a couple of times now and I have to say that Jelly Pong Pong have really redeemed themselves with this one. It is packed with shimmer so a few tiny dots of it go a long way. I tend to shy away from liquid highlighters where I use a powder base but this interacts really well with it. I dabbed a few dots along the top of my cheekbones after setting my foundation and it blended perfectly. I'll definitely be using this a lot across the summer.

Spa to You Nail File
There's not a lot to say on this one given that it is just a nail file, but I've tried it out and it does what it says on the tin. I prefer my nail files to have polish/buff sides to them so will probably be popping this in my handbag as a back-up.

All in all, a great month for Birchbox! There were a couple of standout winners this month and I loved the concept of the Birchbag. As always, if you're interested in them then check out the Birchbox website for more info or to subscribe!

I'm going to be posting tomorrow and Tuesday to make up for my lack of posts this month so definitely come back for that or subscribe using the options at the top right of this page to be notified whenever there's a new post :-)

Tabitha
Xx

My Little Box | June 2015

This month's My Little Box is themed around the French Riviera and it's contents are a perfect compliment to this. It's a rainy day as I write this and this box is making me crave a holiday on a sunny French beach so bad!

My Little Box June 2015 Contents:

Kerastase Ciment Thermique, Blow-Dry Care for Damaged Hair | £19.50

Loved By Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish | £6.50

My Little Beauty Sea Salt Fresh Scrub | £8.50

Sarah Lavoine x My Little Box Sunglasses | £18

My Little Box Planters Duo | £6.50

Kerastase Ciment Thermique, Blow-Dry Care for Damaged Hair

This stuff smells amazing! It's like a mango/papaya sweet scent that lasts all day. This is a leave-in conditioner that helps to repair damaged hair plus make your split ends seem sealed up and shiny. It doubles up as a heat protector too so ideal with the (occasionally) hot summer heat.

Loved By Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish

I have been looking for the perfect summer blue colour for ages and have finally found it. I can't wait to see how long this lasts. If it can make it a good few days without chipping, I'll be wearing this colour all summer.

My Little Beauty Sea Salt Fresh Scrub

The My Little Beauty products never let me down. The quality of this scrub is amazing. You only need the tiniest blob as it is packed with salt crystals. It doesn't have a very strong smell but I get a faint hint of cucumber which adds to the fresh feeling. The packaging is super cute too.

Sarah Lavoine x My Little Box Sunglasses 

My main reason for loving this box is the accessory aspect. A fresh pair of sunglasses are always a welcome addition and I love the style of these. I have the type of face/head that can't carry off most sunglasses styles well but these seem to really suit me. The frames aren't the most amazing quality in the world and are similar to what you'd find at Primark. That said, the lenses are lovely and do come with 400 UV protection.

My Little Box Planters Duo

These are so cute! I don't have any plants but they're perfect for putting my brush holders in for an added summer feel (and to hide the fact that I store my brushes in an old Primark candle jar). There's a smaller size tucked into the large one that you don't see pictured too.

I know I say this every month, but it's another great box from My Little Box this month. Definitely check out the My Little Box website if you're interested in subscribing to them. They also have an app with a daily surprise (search My Little App on the app store) and a really cute Instagram account (@my_little_box_uk) if you want to low-key creep on their brand first.

Tabitha
Xx

Birchbox | June 2015

The June 2015 Birchbox theme was all about ballet-pump brand French Sole and featured some gorgeous box designs inspired by the shoes. New subscribers even got to pick their box design. There were lots of great products this month plus one stand out favourite for me.

Birchbox June 2015 Contents:

English Laundry No. 7 For Her | £60
Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes | £4.99
Cowshed Body Lotion in Knackered Cow | £20
Beauty Protector Protect & Oil | £16
Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss | £17.50
STYLondon Temporary Metallic Tattoos | £7.99
Birchbox x French Sole Shoe Box | No Price Listed

English Laundry No. 7 For Her
I would love to review this now but unfortunately, my box arrived without the actual sample :-( I sent a tweet to Birchbox who came back really quickly with an apology and after providing my details, they have arranged for a new one to be sent. I can't wait for it to arrive since the description in the Birchbox booklet makes it sound amazing.

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes
These smell a little too strongly of cucumber for me but they seem to do the job they're made for. I'm pretty happy with my Tesco's own cucumber wipes which performed exactly the same as these and have a nicer scent in my opinion. I doubt I'll be switching to these in future.

Cowshed Body Lotion in Knackered Cow
Love Cowshed products so I was happy to see this addition. It smells like sweet lavender and a little goes a long way so hopefully the sample will last me a while. My skin definitely feels hydrated and the scent really lasts.This is perfect for pre-bed moisturising.

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil
You all know I love hair products so I was happy to see not one but two bottles of this in my box. This is supposed to help hydrate your ends while giving your hair a lovely shine. At the same time, it's a heat protector so ideal for protecting your strands from the UV rays. It smells sweet and luxurious so definitely a little treat for pamper days.

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss
I was excited for a bit of makeup I could use this month's since the May samples weren't for me. This is a lip crayon that can be both high shine (just apply) or a satin/matte finish (apply and blot) or used on the cheeks. The colour is well pigmented and a gorgeous shade. I'm not quite sure it's a good shade for my skin tone now it's summer, but come autumn I think this will be perfect paired with a brown matte lid and thick winged liner.

STYLondon Temporary Metallic Tattoos
This was by far my favourite addition. I've been wanting some of these for ages but haven't seen any designs I've liked yet. I used to love temporary tattoos as a kid so seeing them in these bright metallic styles like a new accessory is exciting. I can't wait to try these out! I can see myself buying these again already.

I don't see myself using the shoe bag for shoes any time soon. More likely it will be used for toiletries or jewellery but it was a nice addition to the box. Definite favourite are the temporary tattoos this month.

I hope you're all enjoying June so far. I'll be back with a new post in a couple of days on this month's My Little Box contents so be sure to check back then. Also, remember to check out the Birchbox Website if you're interested in subscribing to these yourself.

Tabitha
Xx

Budget Beauty | Makeup Brushes

It's not always possible to splurge massive amounts of money on beauty products when you're on a budget like me. That said, I do come across some good finds from time to time and I thought I'd share some with you.

I would love an entire set of Real Techniques brushes on my beauty shelves but I don't always have the cash to splash on brand names. Instead, I've built up an arsenal of loyal, sturdy brushes from all over the place. They all work well and have lasted brilliantly, but when I saw this set on eBay I couldn't help but purchase it.

This entire set cost me less than £7 with free postage from eBay. The one I've purchased has gone now but a new 32pc set for £6.89 is live on eBay now - link here.

It comes in a purpose built case that folds neatly away so perfect for travelling. It's got every brush you could possible ever need and the quality of these is decent too. Soft but strudy bristles and a solid wooden handle

I'll admit that the big fan applicator brush did come loose from it's wooden handle after I dropped it but it's nothing a bit of glue can't fix.

I've been recommending this set to a lot of people. I'd recommend eBay in general for some budget beauty finds. There's a huge range of makeup and makeup tools on there for decent quality and low prices. I even picked up some clear storage drawers for makeup from there and got them within two days.

I love these brushes and can't wait to finish trying them all out!

Let me know where you find your favourite beauty items on a budget in the comments below :-)

Tabitha
Xx

My Little Box | May 2015

This month's theme is Provence and the box design is just gorgeous! Once again, it took a little longer for me to get My Little Box in the post this month. A colleague of mine who signed up for them too got hers a week and a half before mine arrived. It's worth the wait though.

My Little Box May 2015 Contents:

L'Occitane Mer & Mistral Shower Gel | £12

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Hand and Nail Cream | £14

L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion | £20

L'Occitane Verbena Leaf Soap | £4.50

My Little Beauty Eyeshadow Crayon | £9

My Little Box My Little Doll Magnets | £6

My Little Box Embroidery Cuff | £15

L'Occitane Mer & Mistral Shower Gel

This stuff smells so amazing. It's a fresh scent that just invokes the ocean in my mind. I'm really pleased with the size of the sample too. Definitely 4 or 5 showers worth in this bottle.

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Hand and Nail Cream

I've just finished the Caudalie Hand Cream sample I was working on so I was excited to see this. However, I really don't like the scent. There's something distinctly 'Grandma's Yardley' about it. The texture of the product is very thin so a little goes a long way. It definitely made my skin feel soft and nourished but I couldn't put up with the scent. 

L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion

Now this is lovely. I'm pretty sure I've seen this before but I don't remember it smelling so good. It's like a peppery lemongrass and a wonderful quality. It is thin textured again so a little goes a long way. It sinks into my skin so I don't have to deal with that awful sticky feeling. Definitely a winner for me.

L'Occitane Verbena Leaf Soap

When I read the description on this from My Little Box, I was a bit skeptical. I've always associated soaps with drying and felt the last place I would put soap is my face. However, I can admit I was wrong. Not only does this soap have the incredible lemon scent of the body lotion, but it also exfoliates as well as moisturises. My skin felt smooth and hydrated afterwards. Who doesn't want that?

My Little Beauty Eyeshadow Crayon

I love this eyeshadow crayon! I swatched it as soon as I opened the box and have been impressed with it ever since. The colour is a metallic dark brown with a hint of gold shimmer. It goes on really creamy and blends effortlessly. Once it 'dries' it stays put. The swatch on my hand took 5 minutes to scrub off under a tap so this is definitely a long lasting product. The colour is perfect for my ghostly skin and blue eyes so I'm pleased.

My Little Box My Little Doll Magnets

This was a really cute idea but mine wasn't pre-cut well enough so when I tried to press out the dolly, I ended up taking off her legs. Still, it was a really cute bonus and just another added touch which sets My Little Box apart from the rest to me.

My Little Box Embroidery Cuff

Again, a really cute bonus touch. I'm loving the creative vibe of the beauty boxes this month. I don't wear cuffs myself as they fall off my deceptively un-chubby wrists too easily. That said, decorating it is a fun project and it would make a great gift for someone.

So once again, a really lovely box from My Little Box. It could still be my biased love for all things French but I genuinely adore receiving these boxes every month and have been recommending them to everyone. As always, if you're interested, check out the My Little Box website for more information and to subscribe to them. 

On a personal note, I've got a brand new camera so I'm hoping the images will be a better quality moving forward! I tested it out with this post so let me know what you guys think :-)

Tabitha 

Xx

My Little Box | February 2015

I honestly don't know how My Little Box manage to consistently better themselves every month! Just as I think nothing can top the last box, they deliver another incredible theme and beyond-words-amazing products. I'm so in love with this company (if my gushing wasn't clear) because they always get it so right!

This month's theme is "My Little Frenchie Box" and collaborates with French style icon Ines de la Fressange. It is chock full of adorable little treats including a feature from my favourite brand L'Oreal which I've already tried and already love.

Along with the usual glossy magazine full of amazing articles, this month's box included:

DHC Blotting Paper | £4 for 100 sheets
L'Oreal Super Liner Brow Artist Plumper | £5.99
By Terry Terrybly Khol Pencil | £23
My Little Beauty Teint de Peche Complexion Enhancer | £9.50
My Little Box Smartphone Case designed with Ines de la Fressange | £16
My Little Box Pot of Messages | £6.50

Firstly, lets talk about the blotting paper. I've wanted some of this for ages but I've never been able to find any brands doing these in the high street stores. I could have ordered online but I wanted something that I know would work. I've got beyond oily skin and it doesn't matter how much powder I put on or moisturiser I use, I still end up as Shine-zilla by the end of the day. These blotting papers are perfect! I waited until the end of a day of wearing a full face of makeup and tried these out. Not only did they pick up all the oil, but they left my makeup perfectly intact. It only took one paper to make my face look as fresh as it had when I'd first applied the makeup. So impressed!!

The Brow Artist Plumper by L'Oreal also exceeded my expectations. It looks like a mini mascara wand with a slightly tinted formula. I just brushed it onto my lashes and it helped them appear fuller AND stay in place all day - bonus! Right now, my brows are freshly dyed so I'm not looking too sparse, but in a few weeks I can see this product being used on a daily basis for sure!

It will be a while before I use the eyeliner pencil so I don't often use pencils anywhere but my waterline and it's rare that I do that too. In any case, I did test this one on the back of my hand and it's just as soft as you'd expect a kohl liner to be but it's got tiny silver sparkles in it which I am loving. It's like a black glittery liner and I can see me loving this on a girl's night out. It's waterproof so hopefully it has some good staying power and will keep your eyes looking bright and shiny all night.

The monthly addition of a My Little Beauty product hasn't disappointed in February either. When I first tested this, I was worried that it wouldn't blend with my skin as it does come out in a peach colour. However, it rubs in like a moisturiser and leaves my skin with nothing but a gentle glow. It will be perfect for any dull skin days or across my decolletage on a night out.

The smartphone case included in this month's box is impressive quality and (miraculously!) fits my iPhone 6. It will be perfect for trips or when my phone is in my bag/pocket for long periods of time as it will protect the screen as well as the back. Plus there's a little pocket at the front just the right size for a train ticket.

Finally, my absolute favourite part of this month's box was the pot of messages. I think this is the cutest thing I've ever seen and I almost don't want to open any of the notes so that it can sit on my bookcase looking effortlessly adorable year-round! 

As always, I am beyond impressed with My Little Box's continued ability to surpass themselves each month. Seriously consider signing up to them if you haven't already, I get a monthly pick-up every time these are delivered :-)

On top of that, My Little Box are running a competition next week. There's a chance to win a gift by Ines De La Fressange every day next week. I follow them on Instagram and can't wait to see what's up for grabs on Monday! Check out: http://instagram.com/my_little_box_uk‪ for more about their competitions.

Or don't, because that might actually decrease my own chances of winning :-P I hope you've all had a lovely weekend and are ready for a new week tomorrow. Plenty more blog posts coming up next week to make up for my radio silence the first two weeks of this month - I was just a very poorly girl I'm afraid.

Tabitha 

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This post not sponsored by My Little Box in any way - I just love their product and wanted to share. Well, I share pretty much every month so I think you've got the drill by now :-) 

Valentines Day Makeup

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Or if you're anti-Valentines, happy Saturday! I hope you're all having a good day so far and have some exciting plans today to look forward to. Myself and my Valentine won't be celebrating until tomorrow when we'll be having a delicious home-cooked meal by candlelight.

That said, I had some time this afternoon and a few new products to try so I thought I'd do a makeup look for Valentines in case anyone is looking for last-minute inspiration. I've kept it fairly natural with some gold shimmer eyeshadows and highlighters that I think will look perfect by candlelight. I'll list all the products used below.

Base:

Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer

Rimmel - Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

Collection - Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Collection - Pressed Powder in 18 Ivory

Blush/Contour:

Sleek - Contour & Highlight Palette in 884 Light

Chit Chat - Blusher 

Sleek - Precious Metals Highlighter Palette in Royal Gold & Platinum

Seventeen - Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Broze

Eyes:

Soap & Glory - Trick & Treatment in Bright On

Sleek - iDivine Eye Shadow Palette in 141 Vintage Romance

L'Oreal - Brow Artist Plumper in Light/Medium

Revlon - ColourStay Liquid Eye Pen in 01 Blackest Black

Jane Iredale - PureLash Extender & Conditioner

Maybelline - Colossal Mascara in Go Extreme! Volume

Lips:

L'Oreal - Infallible Lip Liner in 701 Stay Ultraviolet 

Laqa & Co - Lil' Lip in Wolfman

I am loving the Sleek eyeshadow palettes so much! I had a bit of a Sleek Haul which I'll blog more about once I've had a chance to try all the products I got. The Vintage Romance palette in particular has gorgeous plum shades that I wore today:

It sits next to a couple of gold shimmery shades that are so pretty! I'm going to enjoy experimenting with these palettes in the near future. There's a huge range in my local Boots which is pretty big but they're also online here.

I hope you all have an amazing Valentines day, single or not! I'll see you all again soon with a new post <3

Tabitha 

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My Little Box | October 2014

If you haven't heard already, there's a new kid on the block in the beauty box market. My Little Box has been a huge success in it's home country of France, and just this September it launched on the UK market.

I got the first box last month and was so impressed with it! My sister did a post on the first box which you can view here if you're interested. Today, I want to talk about the second box because if I thought the first one was incredible, the second one blew my mind!

Maybe I'm a label-fiend or maybe I just love all things French so I'm biased, but look at this beauty!

Soooo gorgeous!

Not only is the outside designed to perfection, but the inside was a little treat as well. I photographed as I unboxed it so come on the journey with me:

The first thing you see when you open it. I personally love the tied ribbon - it featured in the first one too and makes it really feel like a gift!

It comes with an inspirational card with a cute illustration

Ooh, an envelope from Diane  Von Ferstenberg! 

This is when I audibly gasped with delight! It's the most gorgeous scarf I've ever seen! #labelfiend

Underneath the envelope is the My Little World magazine full of tips, tricks and fashion

And underneath that, the treat bag!

The Contents: Cleansing Water from My Little Box's own brand | Keraste Laque Noir Anti-Humidity Hair Spray | L'Occitane Hand Cream | A Kiss From Diane pin

I would highly recommend taking a look at their website: http://www.mylittlebox.co.uk/ and giving them a go. Price point is £11 a month + postage & packaging. You get a discount on P&P if you have it delivered to your workplace which is handy too.

As with last month, I'm already excited for my next box! :-) Let me know what you think if you've given them a try.

Tabitha 

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