Birchbox uk: October 2013 ♡

Hi everyone! This will be the last beauty box post for October - the #BBXBUZZ Birchbox! This box claims to celebrate the 'award-winning, celeb-favourite and all-round buzzy samples' and it really didn't disappoint! I was extremely impressed and this might be my favourite beauty box i've received yet.

This beauty subscription box costs £10 + £2.95 and you can sign up for the UK one here! Both of us will receive £5 in points to use in their online store if you use this link!

This box was the latest to be dispatched this month compared to Glossybox + Love Me Beauty but the delivery was good so it was okay! Instead of a magazine Birchbox issued little information cards which i think is better for the environment. I received a generous seven products this month (5 main products + lifestyle extra + beauty extra)!! They were all super-quality samples as well!

Birchbox uk: October 2013

Box value: £27.97

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Full size: 50ml for £28.00

Sample size: 14.7ml

Sample value: £8.24

"The perfect antidote to seeing your face slowly slide off as the day progresses, this formulation creates an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to the elements, so your make-up literally sits and stays where it should be. Apply before foundation and you’ll be set for the day. We love its lightweight creamy gel consistency."

A little bit embarrassing to admit but i could not for the life of me get the lid off this thing so i had to cut off the other end + wasted a bit of the product. ;___; Other than that this product works great, absorbs quickly + leaves your face super-soft. It has a more liquid-gel type consistency than other primers i've tried so it'll be good for dry + winter-worn skin.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant

Full size: 60g for £67.00

Sample size: 7.5g

Sample value: £8.38

"Imitating the professional microdermabrasion treatment, this skin exfoliant promises similar brightening and smoothing effects. Formulated with pharmaceutical-grade crystals and lactic acid, skin cells are polished and swept away to soften the skin’s texture. Watch as the appearance of fine lines, acne marks and skin discolorations diminish."

I've seen a lot of hype about this product + it really showed amazing results! It only takes 1-2 minutes every few days to use - much more convenient than going for a time-consuming treatment! It left my skin softer than it has ever been before - so baby soft + smooth! I've watched my skin clear up of most of my breakout spots + scars too! Also smells like citrus lemon - yummy!

KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray

Full size: 250ml for £15.00

Sample size: 75ml

Sample value: £4.50

"Choosing the KMS California product that’s right for you is easy. With the ‘Hair Play’ collection, the focus is on free form texture and pliability with the Makeover Spray's dry cleansing solution. Absorbing oil and bulking up limp or day-old styles this is your go-to product for styling between shampoos. It’s the ultimate split-second style refresher."

I've only ever tried Batiste dry shampoo spray which always makes me paranoid about having white streaks left in my hair so i was excited to find out this product hardly leaves any traces at all! It refreshes the hair and absorbs the oil while giving volume + texture in seconds. It doesn't smell as nice as Batiste but the performance definitely makes up for it!

theBalm Cosmetics Staniac in Beauty Queen

Full size: 8.5g for £10.00

Sample size: 1.2ml

Sample value: £1.41

"You wouldn't know it from the state of our make-up drawer, but we’re actually beauty minimalists. Our motto: why use two products when you can get the same effect with one? This two-in-one lip and cheek stain gives us a natural, understated flush and helps us get out the door faster! The gel formula looks dark in the tube but delivers a sheer tint. The tinted gel leaves a lasting stain on lips and cheeks. Since it’s water-based, it has a longer setting time than most quick-dry stains, which means it won’t leave any unsightly streaks behind as long as you take care to blend well. Use a single coat for a subtle look or layer it on for a more visible (yet still discreet) hue."

After receiving a really terrible lip-blush stain from the October Glossybox i wasn't that thrilled to see this stain at first. However, this one gave amazing results! It wasn't at all streaky + it didn't accentuate cracks in the lips either, giving a perfect just-bitten look. 

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips

Full size: 15ml for £11.50

Sample size: 3ml

Sample value: £2.30

"Discover the secret passed from nursing mothers to make-up artists. Originally created for new mothers facing sore nipples from breastfeeding, Dr. Lipp’s ultra hydrating, healing formula later gained a rep as the ultimate lip gloss, primer and multipurpose balm among savvy make-up artists."

Hehe, nipple balm for lips?! Some people got this balm in last month's Glossybox so i guess they're going on a little marketing round. The balm is multi-purpose so it can be used on lips, elbows, cracked heels... and of course, nipples! It has an extremely thick consistency that protects lips from the elements + helps to repair dry, sore and cracked lips. My lips feel moisturised for hours after using this.

The Chia Co. Chia Shots

Full size: 10x8g for £4.79

Sample size: 1x8g

Sample value: £0.48

"It’s not always easy, but it’s so important to use ingredients that benefit your health while cooking - it shows both inside and out. The humble chia seed might not look like much, but it’s the richest plant-based source of omega 3, dietary fibre and protein. They are beloved by celebs including Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow."

I do try to look after my health but i have a mega-sweet tooth + end up eating too many sweets. ;___; The chia shots are an easy way to get essential nutrients of omega 3, dietary fibre and protein. I sprinkled these over my ravioli sauce. They didn't taste of much but they added a little crunch. I would buy these but they are very expensive if you need to take one a day! These would be more helpful for vegetarians to get these nutrients in the diet.

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

Full size: 118ml for £34.90

Sample size: 3x3ml

Sample value: £2.66

"A cult skincare must-have, Egyptian Magic’s 20 year success story speaks for itself. Made of honey, beeswax, olive oil, Royal Jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis, it’s these six ingredients and nothing else that combine to create a super moisturising all-purpose skin cream. You won’t find any additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens."

The marketing seemed a little gimmicky to me so i wasn't expecting much from the cream. However, it was indeed the most moisturing cream i've ever tried! It was super-pleasant to use + the feeling it gives your skin afterwards is comforting. One 3ml sachet was enough to cover my whole body (although i am very small >w<). I swear it smells like delicious ramen noodles but my boyfriend doesn't think so, hehe.

What do you think of the October Birchbox?

Lots of love,

ami ♡ 

Glossybox uk: October 2013 ♡

Hello everyone! This month's Glossybox was really hyped up because it has a Dark Romance theme, perfect for the autumn season. Unfortunately the theme was really poorly executed and hardly followed the theme through at all. The box was underwhelming this month but there were a couple of products that i enjoyed.

Glossybox is a beauty / skincare subscription box where you receive a selection of around five products each month for £10 + £2.95 postage and packaging. Check out their UK site here.

I received my dispatch e-mail on the 11th October and the box was left outside my apartment door on the 14th October.

October 2013: Dark Romance

Box value: £29.49 + Unica cream

MeMeMe Cherub's Blush - Cheek & Lip Tint

Full size: 12ml for £5.50

Sample size: 12ml (full size)

Sample value: £5.50

"Go from day-to-night with MeMeMe's sultry rouge tint! Long-lasting and multi-functional,it also comes complete with a handy application brush, making it a perfect addition to your handbag for glamorous touch-ups on the go."

Honestly i really didn't like this product at all. It has a strong chemical smell to it and the application is streaky with poor pigmentation. When i opened the bottle i ended up staining my leg red + even when i closed it again the product dripped onto my table. This went straight into the bin after that. The best thing about it is the packaging...

Vita Liberata Latte Illuminating Skin Finish

Full size: 30ml for £29.95

Sample size: 2 x 3ml

Sample value: £5.99

"The multi-product offers perfect coverage and a flawless medium bronzing to the skin with added Broad Spectrum SPF 25, while also creating an iridescent optical illusion as it's subtle shimmering particles 'capture the light'."

I don't like using bronzing or tanning products anyway so i wasn't too happy to receive this. I gave it a go anyway but it made me look kind of dirty orange + greasy. Bleh.

Monu Illuminating Primer

Full size: 50ml for £22.50

Sample size: 20ml

Sample value: £9

"This primer is paraben free and has been formulated with light reflective Mica particles and soft focus technology to brighten the complexion, add instant sheen and enhance your natural radiance. Other active ingredients include Vitamin E to detoxify the skin and Cassia Alata Leaf Extract to protect and prevent skin against UV damage. Use either alone, under make-up or as a tinted moisturiser for a flawless, illuminating finish."

Usually i prefer matte finishes but this illuminating primer was a pleasant surprise! It made my skin radiant and glowing without making it greasy. A lot of customers were complaining that they had received so many Monu products before, but this was my first + i would be happy to try other products in their range!

Premae Multi-Vit Smoothie Serum

Full size: 50ml for £22.50

Sample size: 20ml

Sample value: £9

"Premae is the world's first allergen-free brand, meaning that anything they produce is more than kind to the skin. This Serum is the ultimate skin saviour for combination skin: blended with grapeseed, the unique formula helps to soothe redness and hydrate the skin, whilst keeping it matte and shine free."

This serum does a great job at keeping my combination skin under control with a perfectly matte finish! I super-love the lemongrass smell - it's so relaxing! The only thing i didn't like was the cheap packaging.

Unica Kiss It Better Cream

Full size: 50ml for £12.95

Sample size: Unknown

Sample value: Unknown

"This organic cream with Prebiotics, for very sensitive & eczema prone skin, is light and silky with highly soothing oils and intensely moisturising butters. It will calm, hydrate and protect extremely sensitive and inflamed skin."

I cannot believe Glossy would actually send this to their customers. It's a tiny little pot of cream with the worst packaging i have ever seen. It looks like they had leftover scrap pots left, picked the sticker off and stuck a new one on the top. The sticky residue picked up black bits from the box and the sticker is falling off... The product itself is very moisturising and gentle, but it smells yucky.

What do you think about this month's Glossy?

Lots of love,

ami ♡

Love me beauty uk: October 2013 ♡

This is the second month of the re-branding of Beautecobox to Love Me Beauty and i've been pretty impressed so far! They've changed the boxes to this pretty cool dressing table silhouette design and also the logo but the inside packaging and quality of the products are still of the same standard. If you haven't heard of this subscription box, essentially you pay £10 + £2.95 postage + packaging a month and you receive a box full of four or five beauty or lifestyle goodies in the mail! With this particular box, you get to choose between three 'menus' in their boutique (although this month they also had a special Wowcher menu and one from September). Check out their website here!

As with last month, i received the dispatch e-mail on the 9th + the box arrived at my local depot on the 12th. This month i had a problem with my PayPal subscription with them but they offered me an extra sample in my next box for re-subscribing! They also showed everyone how great their customer service is once again, which i'll explain more about later!

This month i chose Menu 3 because i needed a new eye make-up remover! Mixed reviews for this box but overall quite pleased! I received four full-sized items + one sample sized item.

Love Me Beauty UK: October 2013

Box value: £31.30

Lord & Berry (Full Size) Smudge Proof Eyeliner RRP £7.50

"In one stroke, SMUDGEPROOF Eyeliner outlines the eyes from morning until night. Its run-proof formula is also suitable to create graphic style eye shadow."

Overall, a pretty good eyeliner which stays put all day and offers a creamy formula so you don't have to tug around your eyes. It definitely didn't smudge throughout the day! I got the colour 'Smoke' which is a sultry dark brown, perfect on days where black lines are too dramatic.

Lord & Berry (Full Size) Scuba Mascara RRP £12

"Waterproof. Thickens and lengthens. Made for sports and high emotions. Delivers natural-looking definition in one coat. Keeps lashes silky, soft and flexible. Brush tapers to evenly coat each lash, even at the inner corner of the eye. Smudge resistant."

This mascara was really bad to be honest. It was dry and there was hardly any product in it at all. I saw that a lot of other subscribers complained about this product and Love Me Beauty responded by talking to Lord & Berry, who will be providing a free lipstick to replace this product next month! Definitely shows how great consumer power can be, huh? They also replaced this product with Anatomicals body scrub / hand cream in their remaining boxes. Great customer service from Love Me Beauty!

Balm Balm (Full Size) Indulge Bath & Shower - 5ml RRP £6

"This expertly blended aromatherapy oil is enough for two to three baths or showers & comes in a little drawstring bag. INDULGE pampers & luxuriates."

Definitely the best item in the box this month! It makes bath time so much more relaxing and enjoyable. It leaves the skin feeling lovely and soft and can also be used as a rub-in perfume. It's a little bit expensive to buy regularly but i think it makes a lovely treat for yourself or stocking filler for someone special! 

Weleda (Sample Size) 18ml Millet Nourishing Shampoo RRP £8.95 (190ml)

Sample value: £0.85

"Millet nourishing shampoo for normal hair contains organic macadamia nut oil and extracts of organic millet husks and sage to provide gentle cleansing to nourish and maintain the hair's natural suppleness."

This shampoo is a lot kinder to your hair because it doesn't lather much, which means it doesn't cause as much damage! After a few washes i didn't really see a noticeable difference to my hair though.

Amie Skincare (Full Size) Bright Eyes RRP £4.95

"Bright Eyes removes make-up effortlessly and gently without stinging or irritating the delicate eye area.

Eye make-up remover is an essential product for most girls who wear mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner regularly and who find that they need a specialist cleanser that really removes all traces of eye make-up easily, as the last thing you want to do is rub away at the delicate eye area trying to get your make-up off!"

I super-love the packaging of this brand - it's so fun + refreshing! However, the cleanser itself doesn't do its job well in my opinion. You have to rub to get anything off and even so i always find myself with panda eyes. :{

What do you think of the contents of my box? ♡

Lot of love,

ami ♡

Deary rose co-q10 whitening body lotion ♡

 

"Deary is a brand launched by Uni-President Biotech Co., a subsidiary of the prestigious Taiwan-based Uni-President Group. It boasts a professional R&D center, where the products are examined using skin texture testing equipment on a cosmetic testing platform to ensure safety and efficacy.

Deary therefore is a frequent recipient of the National Quality Assurance Golden Award and

Silver Medal, a sign of endorsement by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Deary has launched

an array of body moisturizers, bathing and facial."

Hello cuties, today i'll be writing about a brand i don't see too often, but i think the design is just too cute + the quality is great too. Deary is a taiwanese beauty brand who specialise in body moisturisers, bathing + skincare products. I bought the Rose Co-Q10 Whitening Lotion in 150ml + i've been using it everyday after my bath for a few weeks now. Here are my thoughts! 

Firstly, the packaging is really lovely - even though it's made out of plastic it's very sturdy and looks cute on the dressing table. The bottle is squeezy + the product comes out of a little hole in the top so it's hygienic + dust and dirt won't get into it. The lotion itself is the perfect consistency - not too runny, and not too thick. It also has a prominent rosewater smell that is perfect to layer up with a floral-based perfume. The moisturising qualities are excellent + it helps to lock in water after bathing. As for the whitening effect, i've noticed that it gives a temporary whitening effect immediately after every use. Overall my skin has lightened very slightly. I would definitely recommend this lotion for those who love a floral perfumed scent + aren't too bothered about the whitening effect as it moisturises really well.

Where to buy ♡
YesStyle ~ $11.64

Summary

What i liked ♡
Inexpensive
Lovely packaging
Hygienic bottle
Perfect consistency
Nice floral smell
Moisturises well

What i didn't like ♡
Didn't whiten as much as i'd like

Thank you for reading!

ami ♡

Birchbox uk: September 2013 ♡

Hello lovelies! Okay, maybe I'm becoming really addicted to these beauty boxes but I decided to try the Birchbox next! It was very tempting as they were offering a lovely free postage offer for the first box with the code 'summerbonus' (not sure if the code still works!). Usually shipping costs £2.95 and like Glossybox + Love me beauty, the box itself costs £10. You can sign up to Birchbox here!

Birchbox stock all the products they offer in their boxes in their online shop. It's super-convenient, especially if you love a product you receive, but sometimes it might be a little more expensive than buying them elsewhere so it's best to shop around!

The communication + shipping from Birchbox were fantastic! All of the e-mails I sent them were replied to from a really lovely and polite staff member called Joyce + she always made me feel very re-assured. She let me know that the boxes were being dispatched a little late this month. I paid for the box on the 17th September and it got dispatched on the 23rd. It got sent by Citipost through the Royal Mail network... So basically, Royal Mail service. It arrived on the 25th and I  picked it up on the same day from the depot. One of the workers recognises me so he's always friendly + doesn't ask for id when i pick up parcels which is nice. xD

I received five beauty products (two full-size + three samples) plus one lifestyle extra. The box is really nice quality so good enough to keep for storage but the bag i got was a little cheap. Also get a little magazine and info + welcome cards.

Birchbox uk: September 2013

Box value: £30.67 + mini chocolate

Révérence de Bastien Nail Polish No. 14

Full size: 12ml for £16

Sample size: 12ml (full size)

Sample value: £16

"Both professional and fun, it’s brought to you by noted foot specialist Bastien Gonzalez, who puts his products to the test with a long line of luxury clients before giving them the seal of approval. Apply safe in the knowledge it has been dermatologically tested and is free of Camphor, Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP."

Wow, this colour is absolutely beautiful! It's the first nail product I've received from a beauty box that I've actually liked for myself. The colour is a lovely dark berry-red colour that is perfect for the autumn + matches all my new clothes! Very lovely quality. It says you should use two coats but if you're in the real rush i think you could get away with one! Just wish the brush was a little wider + it's also pretty expensive.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O

Full size: 250ml for £9.99

Sample size: 20ml

Sample value: £0.80

"This ultra mild cleansing formula by dermatological experts Bioderma is a skincare wonder that ticks all the boxes – just ask the following questions. Can you use it both morning and evening? Yes. Does it cleanse as well as remove make-up? Yes. And is it gentle on your skin? Yes – tested under ophthalmological supervision your eyes won't smart at all. It even removes waterproof make-up."

Lots of beauty bloggers have been raving about this brand + now i can see for myself what all the fuss is about! The is the perfect multi-tasker for removing make-up + cleansing so you can make space instead of buying all different products for your skincare routine. Perfect for sensitive skin + the most gentle product i've used for cleansing eye make-up. Super! Just wished they gave out bigger samples, especially as this one is worth less than a pound.

ModelCo. Party Proof Lipstick: Kitty

Full size: £15.50 for set of 3

Sample size: One lipstick

Sample value: £5.17

"One thing's for certain: Parties are for catching up with friends and cocktails – not worrying about smudged lipstick. Luckily, this hydrating, semi-matte lip colour lives up to its cheeky moniker. Whether you’re heading to a BBQ or a wedding, it’s guaranteed to stay put through burgers and ribs, champagne toasts and beyond. Plus, this fab set is exclusive to Birchbox! The concentrated, vitamin-rich formula heals dryness while coating lips in long-lasting colour. There are two trio options to choose from: the Neutrals trio features Get Naked, a classic nude; Kitty, a soft baby pink; and Dusk Till Dawn, a deep nude with beige undertones. Looking for something brighter? The Classics collection is also available."

Super-moisturising nude colour with a slight shimmer. It lasts a really long time too, and the packaging is cool because it's clear so you can see the colour inside. I'm really fussy with my lip stuff though so i won't be using it - i prefer my matte colours!

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel

Full size: 200ml for £31

Sample size: 40ml

Sample value: £6.20

"When you need an added burst of energy – and coffee is just not enough – use Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel to feel more awake and ready to go. This refreshing gel increases circulation and eliminates toxins from the system. The mix of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper berry essential oils has cleansing and skin toning properties, leaving skin looking healthy, smooth and radiant. Aromatherapy Associates pride themselves on using only the best quality ingredients – nothing harmful or artificial – and ensure every ingredient plays a positive role in the product."

A lovely moisturiser with a spicy scent - makes skin super-smooth. Very refreshing + wakes up the skin a little. A bit overpriced for what it is, but the sample is very generous + the fact that it contains quality ingredients is good too.

Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Nourishing Body Lotion

Full size: 300ml for £25

Sample size: 30ml

Sample value: £2.50

"Like afternoon tea at the Ritz, strawberries at Wimbledon and fish and chips by the sea, Molton Brown has become a British Institution. With their renowned signature scents and iconic packaging, we’re big fans of Molton Brown here at BBx HQ. The Ylang-Ylang Body Lotion mixes yuan zhi root with vanilla and ylang ylang, and the energising scent is perfect for those with busy lives."

This body lotion smells lovely - a classy but light, wearable fragrance. It also moisturises well + the packaging is gorgeous. Leaves the skin feeling beautiful + smooth.

Green & Black's White Chocolate

"The recipe for the white bar melds cocoa butter and organic whole milk with Madagascan vanilla for the deepest of flavours."

Green & Black's is a classic and i really like white chocolate so i think i would have enjoyed it but it was contaminated with perfume smell from the box so it tasted yucky. :{

Bonus: Bunny in a bag :B

Lots of love! :B

ami ♡

Glossybox uk: September 2013 ♡

Hello! So this my third Glossybox so far + this box has a really cool London theme for London Fashion Week! They also included a small info card + mini magazine with lots of interesting info about trends, hair + models. I know a lot of girls were really impressed by the contents of this box.

Glossybox is a beauty / skincare subscription box where you receive a selection of around five products each month for £10 + £2.95 postage and packaging! Check out their UK site here.

I'm a little bit disappointed with their shipping this time. I received a dispatch e-mail on Monday 9th September but according to my tracking page, the box wasn't picked up until Thursday 12th by Hermes. The courier tried to deliver to my apartment on both Friday + Saturday without leaving any note, even though i was at home. Fair enough the intercom isn't connected to my apartment, but there is a note on the main door specifying that this is the case with some of the apartments. The courier wasn't given my phone number, so i contacted Glossybox about this, but of course their customer service isn't open on the weekends. I ended up resorting to sticking a note on the main door to the courier with my phone number on Monday. When he arrived, he shoved the package at me + left. o__o

Rant over, here's the stuff i got!

 September 2013: The London Edition
Box value: £30.24

Elizabeth Arden: Untold 

Full size: 50ml for £48 / 100ml for £69

Sample size: 5ml

Sample value: £4.80

This perfume really is the definition of elegance + smells predominately floral. It is a little bit of a mature smell but still wearable. My boyfriend thinks it would suit 20+ ladies. The mini bottle is a nice touch and it looks great on the dressing table.The sample will last a long time.

 Eylure: Pre-glued Lashes

Full size: One set for £5.06

Sample size: One set (full size)

Sample value: £5.06

Everyone knows i love my false lashes! I used to wear Eylure all the time so i was really excited to get these in the box. I don't like pre-glued lashes lashes though because they don't last as long but i was willing to give these a try. I was super disappointed though because they aren't nearly as dramatic as i'd like them to be. :{ I will probably give these to my mum. 

 Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe: Classic Shine & Gloss Serum

Full size: 30ml for £7.19

Sample size: 30ml (full size)

Sample value: £7.19

Definitely the best item in the box in my opinion! I enjoy receiving hair stuff in my boxes because i'm very limited in my experience in the hair department + never know what to buy. On an average day, i will use dry shampoo for volume on yesterday's blow-dried hair + i won't use heat appliances except for bad hair days. This product is perfect for me because it controls frizz + gives the hair a healthy shine. It doesn't make my hair greasy - in fact, it feels like i've got no product in my hair at all, which i love!

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics: Onyx Eye Liner

Full size: 3ml for $14

Sample size: 3ml (full size)

Sample value: $14 (approx. £8.70)

I've never heard of this brand before - what do you lovely American readers think about them? I'm really not a fan of felt-tip eyeliners at all and this one hasn't changed my mind about them. However, it does have a strong black colour + it's easy to do a thick or thin line with this one. I'll use this over my false eyelashes to cover the band.

Rimmel: Stay Blushed Blusher 004 Sunkissed Cherry

Full size: 14ml for £4.49

Sample size: 14ml (full size)

Sample value: £4.49

I've never tried liquid blushers before so this was a good product to experiment with. It's a really lovely buildable orange-red colour that will suit a lot of different skin tones. It also gives a natural finish because it's not all powdery. I found it quite hard to apply precisely with my fingers though - I'll have to experiment a bit more!

What do you think about this month's Glossybox? <3

Thank you for reading!

ami ♡