*Last Ever* She Said Beauty Box December 2012

I'm a little late posting this month's She Said Beauty Box but better late than never! I thought I would share what's inside this month's box and the news that this is to be the last She Said Beauty box as they have announced that they have stopped running the subscription service and are now concentrating on their social media site instead. This news does not come as a surprise to me as I felt in recent months the boxes have become a little boring and more focus has been on competitions and their website. Btw I absolutely LOVED the Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque from October's Box.

The box comes with a bright pink outer box, then a duck egg coloured inner box with a flip and all the products wrapped in straw and pink tissue paper. It seemed as if all the products had been literally thrown in with no thought as half the straw was missing and the products were all out of their packaging when I received it....but then that could be down to Yodel's poor Delivery! So onto what's inside this month's box: 

MesmerEyez Coloured Contacts (*full size* worth £6.99)

This is a strange item to include, I have never tried contacts before...but never say never! This is not something I would have ever considered buying but maybe I shall save these for a fancy dress party or halloween maybe? I received the purple ones and they apparently give a 'natural effect' not that I have ever heard of anyone having naturally purple coloured eyes before, have you?!

Jamela 24k Gold Under Eye Mask (worth £2.03)

These are gold infused collagen based anti ageing masks for underneath the eyes. I have heard so much about these so excited to try them out! 

Dr Duve Anti aging + Firming Eye Cream (worth £11.15)

I haven't heard of this brand before but its super expensive! This eye cream is suitable for sensitive eyes and works to visibly reduce puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles - keeping potential crows feet at bay.

Technic Nail Varnish in Tawny Port (#full size* worth £1.25)

This is a cheap brand of polish that reminds me of my childhood, i'll be interested to see if their formula has improved - the bottle design definitely has! 

Dr Duve Skin Boosting Cream (worth £7.74)

Again, this brand I'm unfamiliar with, but the products are super expensive I probably wouldn't repurchase but I will give them a go! This cream is perfect for environmentally damaged skin. 

*Bonus* Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask (*full size* worth £1.50)

I'm pretty sure this was in a previous She Said Beauty box? I still haven't tried the last one we got sent so will pass this onto a friend to try.

*Bonus* JING Whole Leaf Teabags (*full size* worth 72p)

These tea bags were included in the first She Said Beauty Box but are a welcome edition as I love th vitamins look interesting I love the simple packaging - they are quite large though!

This month's box contained a couple of interesting products that I am looking forward to trying such as the gold eye mask and the super expensive eye/face creams. This month's box works out at £31.38 when the subscription costs £9 it's good value for money but I felt the box was filled up with sachets and without the edition of the two bonus items the box would have been very sparse. 

What do you think to the last ever She Said Beauty box?

Review: Little BU Polish

I was kindly sent a selection of nail polishes from Little BU - a brand of nail polishes that are non-toxic, odourless, cruelty free and completely safe for children. My 3 year old niece Isobel has been into my makeup and all things beauty for some time and has been dying for me to paint her nails! She was super excited to get the chance with her very own nail polish set!

The Little BU range are perfect for mini fashionistas who are that age where they are getting into beauty and want to paint their nails like how mum or their aunty does ;) I was sent three colours - Cecilla (baby pink glitter); Riley (bright pink) and Emma (festive red). Isobel went for the pink of course, her favourite colour, and wanted some glitter on too!

I applied two coats of Riley and one coat of Cecilla over the top and was very impressed with the high pigmentation and quality given they are chemical free. I really liked the colour and I was surprised there was no odour at all. Isobel absolutely loved her grown-up bright pink glittery nails and couldn't wait to show them off to everyone! As you can see from the photo she has perfected the 'Beauty Blogger' nail pose! The only downside is as the polishes are water based they wash off - which is quite cool but this also caused some tears when Isobel's pink nails washed off in the bath later that evening!

That aside, I was really impressed with the quality and the whole concept of these polishes they make a great present for little ones that are beauty fans. They are not only great for kids but adults too - you can wear a top coat over the top to make the colour last longer. They are pricey for a tiny 9ml bottle at £9.95 but you are paying for quality, and the unique chemical-free, water based formula available from Harrods or iluvlittlebu.com

What do you think to this concept for child-friendly nail polish?

Selfridges Beauty Workshop Lucky Bag

I am aware I am really late posting this but thought I would share what I got inside Selfridges Lucky Bag from last month! These limited edition lucky bags, only 1000 made, were brought out to celebrate the launch of the new Selfridges Beauty Workshop and sold out almost immediately! A surprise bag costing £15 that contained a lucky mix of beauty products from make up, hair, body or skincare brands. There was a minimum of 5 products per bag, some of which could be travel size and several bags contained pampering experience vouchers or Selfridges Gift Card worth upto £150  - which you are very lucky indeed if you blagged one of these! My lucky bag contained....

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash (50ml)
James Reed Wash off Tan (30ml)
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (13g)
OCC Lip Tar in Demure 
Nails Inc mini polish (no name) 
Anatomicals snog me senseless mints 
Disco duck lip balm in creme brulee
and....a £25 Selfridges Gift Card!

I know from reading on Twitter many fellow beauty addicts were happy with what they got in their bags, and others weren't so happy - but that's how the lucky 'dip' works! I really like this concept and I hope they bring out more lucky bags in the future. The OCC Lip tars have been on my wishlist for some time and I can tell you they totally live up to the hype - they are super pigmented and have a lovely texture. I adore the shade of the OCC Lip Tar it's perfect and I look forward to trying the James Reed tan. I'm already a huge REN fan so this travel size body wash will come in handy when travelling, mints always come in handy and the disco duck lip balm is cute! Of course I can't wait to go and spend the Selfridges Gift Card when I return to London! The only thing I'm not fussed about is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant as this is something I already have but over I'm very happy with the contents of my bag!

Did you get one of these lucky bags? What was inside yours?

Review: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

It's been a while since I posted any product reviews - I promise that my blogging mojo will be returning back to normal in the New Year! I have tried a few Murad products over the past year or so, some I have liked, others that I haven't so much, I'm pleased to say these Pomegranate Exfoliating Masks I liked! 

Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask have been 'formulated to provide an instant, intensive smoothing and hydrating benefit with each single-dose treatment dissolving dull and dry skin creating a complexion that is fresh, clear, smooth, and bright.' I like that these masks are formulated without parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, Synthetic Dyes which gets the thumbs up from me as I like to steer clear of cheap and nasty ingredients. My skin has been looking a little dull recently with the change of season and these antioxidant-rich, weekly treatments promise to restore, revitalize, and balance combination skin. The pomegranate and Ginkgo Biloba extracts fight free radicals and inflammation and the natural fruit enzymes and AHAs dissolve tired cells and free skin's surface of trapped impurities. 

The box comes with 6 individual sachets in for 6 treatment masks which is handy for travelling. My only gripe is there is way too much product in one sachet, enough for 2 treatments so if you don't want to waste money you can scope out the remaining mask into a plastic container to use for the next time! I used this mask last night after cleansing and massaged half the packet into my face and left on for 20 minutes. The mask was very cooling and did sting a little but wasn't at all painful. After rinsing my skin was soft, brighter and the dry patches on my cheeks and forehead had disappeared - I shall definitely be keeping this treatment up once a week.    

Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask costs £25 for 6 treatments and is available from Marks and Spencer and lookfantastic.com. Have you tried this mask? Are you a Murad fan?

December 2012 GLOSSYBOX

When I arrived home yesterday I was greeted with December GLOSSYBOX. This month's theme is Bejewelled Christmas' and as usual the products come beautifully packaged in a limited edition silver box with star print tissue, silver shredded tissue and sticker to fit with the theme. If you are looking for a last minute Christmas Present or a treat for yourself then GLOSSYBOX are offering 30% off their subscription until 24th Dec 2012. To take advantage of this fab offer then simply visit GLOSSYBOX and enter the code XMAS30 at the checkout.

What's in this month's box.....

SECHE Nail Lacquer in Elegant (*full size* worth £14)
I did used to like the Seche Vite Top Coat, but found it goes gloopy after a few months, so didn't bother to re-purchase. This new line of coloured polishes from Seche promise highly pigmented colour for one coat coverage and a satin smooth finish. I received the shade 'Elegant' which on first glance looks dated and a bit of a blah colour in the bottle - but you should never judge before trying I guess! It also smells so strongly of chemicals which is quite off-putting :(

Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick (*Full Size* £4.99)
I am so happy to receive this in my box as haven't tried Sleek lipsticks before and these shades promise to brighten and flatter your skin tone for a bold statement lip! Including Make Up in beauty boxes is always difficult as it's not going to suit everyone. I love the packaging and I received the shade 'coral reef' which is perfect for me and can't wait to try this out over the weekend.

Milk Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream (worth £7.40)
This is a new brand that I have just been introduced to but not yet had chance to try out but this product looks interesting! Firstly I love that it's in a tin can similar to squirty cream and it smells good enough to eat! This is a no rinse conditioner and protective creamy foam to use on damp hair before styling to condition and preserve hair colour - excited to try this!

LEMON by Mary Greenwell (worth £2.70)
Perfume sample....I've said many times now perfume samples shouldn't count as a luxury item unless its a miniature sized bottle! I'm quite fussy about perfume but this perfume is not bad - I love the bold packaging to this brand and the citrus scent, though the full size bottle is pricey.

Sebmed Hydrating Body Lotion (worth 52p)
This is not a brand I'm familiar with and after looking on the ingredients list this body lotion contains alcohol and other cheap ingredients so this is one item I won't be trying unfortunately!

GLOSSYBOX Blusher in 'Glossy Pink'
It's a nice touch adding a bonus item, this is a dusky pink blush made by KRYOLAN and seems good quality.

This month's box contained a good mix of products, two of which were full size and a bonus item, although I feel without the addition of the bonus item this box would have felt sparse. I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £29.61 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is not bad! I am most pleased and excited about the Lipstick and Conditioning Hair Cream! You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here.

What do you think of this month's GLOSSYBOX? Did you receive anything different to mine? Are you a GLOSSYBOX subscriber?

Save 30% on GLOSSYBOX

If you are looking for a last minute Christmas Present or a treat for yourself then GLOSSYBOX are offering 30% off their subscription until 24th Dec 2012. To take advantage of this fab offer then simply visit GLOSSYBOX and enter the code XMAS30 at the checkout.

Are you a GLOSSYBOX subscriber?

New Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Debenhams has recently launched exclusively online the latest palette from Urban Decay, ‘Naked’ Basics. This simplified palette from the original Naked Palette features five matte shades and one demi-matte shade - four of which are new and exclusive to this palette and are all simple basic shades that everyone needs! I must admit I didn't buy into the hype of the original Naked palette as the colours looked 'muddy' on me but these simple shades are more wearable and the case is more of a travel-friendly size.


It will be exclusive to Debenhams until the 23rd December and you can also get 10% off until 16th December in their Ultimate Christmas Event was £20 now £18. Would make the perfect Christmas present! What do you think to the new Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette?

Black Friday Sigma Offer FREE Delivery!

Tomorrow is Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the USA! I thought I would let you know that Sigma is offering a special deal for 48 hours only - they are offering FREE standard WORLDWIDE shipping!

International shipping from the USA to UK can be quite pricey, so it's a perfect time to save money and order your Christmas gifts or presents to yourself ;) especially as the dollar to pound rate is pretty good at the moment! I would definitely recommend Sigma Brushes they are excellent quality and great value for money! I shall warn you now last year, this offer was so popular that many people, including myself, couldn't get on to the site or it was loading very slowly - so I would advise you make a list beforehand of what you would like to purchase as to not miss out!

The offer is valid from 9:00 am Central Standard Time (CST) on Thurs Nov 22nd 2012 to Midnight on Fri Nov 23rd only. To take advantage of FREE shipping visit the Sigma Site and enter the code "BF2012" at the checkout.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Let me know what Sigma brushes you order!

Boots Triple Advantage Card Points Event

Starting today Friday 9th Nov until Sunday 11th Nov take full advantage of Boots.com fantastic Triple Advantage Card points event whereby they are giving a massive 12 Advantage Card Points for every £1 when you spend £60 or more Boots.com.

Perfect time for online Christmas Shopping!

CIATE Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar

Although I'm a chocoholic, I love this cute beauty advent calender Christmas offering from Ciate. The Ciate Mini Mani Month Advent Calender contains seventeen mini Ciate Paint Pots, four mini caviar blends and three brand new Paint Pot shades in exclusive colours that you can only get in this calendar - one of each day of the Christmas Count Down in December! So, if your like me and you like to change your nail colour most days then this is for you!

Ciate Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar is available now exclusive to Selfridges priced at £38 but it will sell out so hurry if your thinking of buying! What do you think to this calender? Are you a fan of Beauty Advent Calendars?

GLOSSYBOX Supports Breast Cancer Care

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, GLOSSYBOX is donating 10p from each beauty box sold, to Breast Cancer Care. Customers will be supporting a fantastic charity at the same time as being rewarded with a gorgeous box of the hottest beauty products. This month's GLOSSYBOX features top-notch brands such as Dr.Jart+, Organic Pharmarcy, Green People or Dermalogica. Dr.Jart BB Cream is fantastic - my favourite BB Cream at the moment - See what I got in mine this month.

Are you supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October?

She Said Beauty October 2012

I'm a little late posting this month's She Said Beauty Box but better late than never! I thought I would share what's inside this month's box. She Said Beauty is a monthly beauty box subscription, that you can cancel at any time  whereby you get 5 deluxe samples (and normally a bonus item or two thrown in for good measure!) packaged beautifully and delivered to your door to try at home for £9 per month plus £2.95 postage & packaging. Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and order your own box! 

The box comes with a bright pink outer box, then a duck egg coloured inner box with a flip and all the products wrapped in straw and pink tissue paper. So onto what's inside this month's box: 

Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque (worth £1.90)

This unparalleled scrub masque is formulated with a complex of fresh fruit enzymes and acids. It effectively works in exfoliating dead skin cells, optimizing the cellular renewal performance and deeply cleanses the pores, thus revealing a softer, fresher and healthier skin. This is a tiny sample but look forward to trying, it smells delicious - reminds me of strawberry calpol medicine.

B.liv Off with those Heads (worth £1.80)

I haven't tried this product before but it looks interesting to see if it does get rid of blackheads! I'm always on the look out for blackhead removing products that work!

Herbacin Wuta Kamille Hand Cream (#full size* worth 99p)

This is a cute little tin of hand cream which is a great size to pop in your handbag. It contains a wealth of natural ingredients to protect hands from all weather conditions.   

Biao Beauty Rejuvenating Night Creme (worth 51p)

Pamper your skin with triple-action properties that smooth, moisturise and protect against premature aging. Look forward to trying these little sachets as it's not a brand I've heard of.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Travel Size (*full size* worth £1.19)

I only use this when I'm on holiday as it's really good to use after being the sun, but I find the scent sickly.

*Bonus* Myvitamins Total Acai Berry (*full size* worth £2.49)

These vitamins look interesting I love the simple packaging - they are quite large though!

This month's box contained a couple of interesting products that I am looking forward to trying such as the myvitamins, blackhead treatment and the masque. This month's box works out at £8.88 when the subscription costs £9 plus £2.95 p&p so this month's box doesn't add up to it's value. Let's hope that next month's value improves! Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and subscribe for your own box!

Have you subscribed to She Said Beauty? What did you think to this month's box?

Review: Area H20 Haircare

As you may already know, I moved to London 6 weeks ago and have been very sad not to be able to have a proper cup of tea without a layer of slime on the top and a strange taste bleuurgh :( I didn't think I would consider being able to drink water out of the tap a luxury before now...the hard water also has made my hair frizzy, dry and doesn't feel clean after I have washed it! 

At the Live Bloggers event last month, I received Area H20 Haircare products formulated for Hard Water which is ideal for me - I didn't even know such a thing existed!

New AreaH20 is scientifically formulated by biochemists to combat the effects of mineral deposits and work with your water type. By acting as a magnet, AreaH20 attracts the metal ions that are present in every water type allowing you to wash them away more easily before they react with your shampoo to form deposits. This means your hair will feel noticeably cleaner, smoother and shinier.

The products come packaged in a duo set and the first time I used them my hair felt extremely clean - in fact cleaner, shiny and healthier than ever before! Apparently this is normal as the product removes all the mineral deposits, lime scale and ions that will have built up over time. I did find that my hair became a little lank after using a few times in a go, so now I tend to use these products once a week as a 'detox' treatment. I love the smell of the products and my hair is definitely less fly away and shiny when I used these products, however I don't find the conditioner moisturising enough to use but I normally use a weekly treatment.

The benefits of this scientifically formulated, breakthrough range of shampoos and conditioners are numerous:

• AreaH20 is scientifically tailored to work with your water type and gives a more thorough and effective cleansing of the hair.
• AreaH20 gives an improved lather using less water.
• Metal ions, present in water which can react with shampoo to form mineral deposits, are washed away.
• No known scum is formed.
• Hair is less flyaway and has a noticeably smoother texture.
• Both Shampoo and Conditioner contain a PH of 5.5 – the body’s natural PH.

Area H20 Duo Pack of Shampoo & Conditioner for Hard Water are priced at £17.50 and are available from Look Fantastic

Glossybox: October 2012

I came home last night to my October GLOSSYBOX. This month's theme is a selection of products for an indulgent and cosy night in to brave the gloomy October weather. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and so GLOSSYBOX are supporting the cause and donating to Breast Cancer Care Charity. The products always come beautifully packaged as normal using a pale pink box with black tissue paper, pink ribbon and this month a breast cancer sticker to fit with the theme.

Anatomicals Don't just clean it woman, scrub it body scrub (worth £1.30) I love the packaging and product names of this quirky brand, however I feel this contains cheap ingredients and I prefer using natural products on my body so will be passing this onto someone else to try. 

Yves Rocher Instant Anti-wrinkle moisturiser Hydra Vegetal (*Full Size* £18)

This cream provides deep and lasting moisture and immediately smoothes wrinkles enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for greater effectiveness. This is a product I was unaware of but shall be passing this onto my mum to try.

Skinetica Anti-blemish (worth 69p)

This is a solution for clearing skin blemishes, showing results in 2-3 days, kind to skin and with no side effects. I look forward to trying this out as I usually trust Sudacream for treating spots.

Green People Organic Self Tan (worth £1.89)

I have quite a few Green People products now from various beauty boxes and here is another to add to the collection! Looking forward to trying this organic natural tan, as I would imagine the result would be quite natural which is ideal during winter.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (*Full Size* worth £6.99)

I received the shade 'Black Platinum' which is a dark grey/black polish with silver shimmer running through. I haven't tried Sally Hansen polishes for a while, but have heard good things recently so looking forward to trying this, plus its a great dark shade for A/W. 

This month's box contained a good selection of products however I wouldn't say they fitted in with a 'at home spa' kit - I would of liked to have seen a hair treatment, luxury bath product or face mask. I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £28.87 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is not bad but this month I wasn't over whelmed by any of the products, although I'm interested to see how the tan works and the spot treatment! That is the point of beauty boxes but the last couple of Glossyboxes have been a little disappointing in terms of the product selection - Let's hope that next month's box is a better one! You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here.

What do you think of this month's GLOSSYBOX? Did you receive anything different to mine?

FREE Ojon Hair Products worth £41.50!

Ojon are offering customers the chance to take home a full size Damage Reverse Shampoo and full size Damage Reverse Conditioner by simply trading in any empty shampoo or conditioner bottle, no purchase necessary! You can read my review of the Damage Reverse Shampoo & Conditioner and also the Damage Reserve Treatment.

Customers are invited to visit their nearest John Lewis, selected Boots stores, & House of Fraser on November 8th 2012 to take part in this one day only event. Customers will receive the Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner, worth £41.50 in exchange for an empty shampoo or conditioner bottle from any brand. This offer is on a first come, first served basis and the offer will only stand until stocks last. My tip would be to get there early as this is such a great offer!

In line with Ojon’s commitment to ‘protecting the welfare of the land and peoples of the region’, all returned packaging will be sent to our recycling partner, Wastecare, where the packaging will be recycled or used for energy recovery.

Dermaviduals: Bespoke Skin Cream exclusive at John Bell & Croyden

John Bell & Croyden, holders of the Royal Warrant as Pharmacists to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since 1958, is one of London’s oldest and largest pharmacies, located on Wigmore Street for over 100 years. With over 12,000 health & beauty products, from well-known brands to a wonderful selection of hard to find, exclusive brands, this unique pharmacy combines 200 years of expertise in holistic skin care, pharmaceutical and complementary knowledge.

John Bell believe that beauty concerns can not be resolved by a “one-fits-all quick fix”, but instead require professional holistic health advise prescribing the best products from across the globe to address a specific problem from the inside out. This week they launched 16 new skincare and health brands, one of which is an exclusive to John Bell: Dermaviduals.

Dermaviduals specialise in futuristic, bespoke dermatological skin care, with a formulation free from emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes, and amines. They effectively penetrate skin more effectively than traditional creams. During my skin consultation I disucssed my current skin routine and my skin concerns which are: dry skin on my cheeks (since moving to London), dark circles and was prescribed a cream to fix the problems, that can be used around the eyes too. At The Blending Bar, my therapist mixed together Laminaria Digitate Liposome, Butcher's Broom and Vitamin A serums to a base cream to create my own personlised face cream. The packaging is very basic, but the wow factor is that is it specially prepared specifically for your skin needs in front of you!

I shall report back once I have had chance to test out my bespoke cream and let you know if I notice any improvements in my skin. I am also looking forward to trying out some of the other new brands: Inner Me, Kera Brazil, Bioeffect, thisworks, REN, Gold Collagen, and Together drinks.

Dermaviduals Prescriptive High Classic costs £50 and is available in store at John Bell & Croyden. All other products mentioned are available in store on online at www.johnbellcroyden.co.uk Have you visited John Bell & Croyden before?

Glossybox: September 2012 Rising Stars & Maggie Li

This month's limited edition  GLOSSYBOX came just in time for Fashion Week and has been designed by London-based illustrator Maggie Li. This month's theme is an introduction to rising stars across fashion, design and beauty - granting an exclusive preview of Lady Gaga's new fragrance 'Fame' and Vichy's new Idealia range. I adore the limited edition illustrated box this month however I found the contents a little sparse...

Lady Gaga's Fame Fragrance (worth £1.44) 

I have already voiced my opinions on receiving perfume samples in boxes...I'm quite fussy when it comes to perfume and unless its a 'luxury' size sample mini bottle rather than a tiny vital then I don't think it should count as one of your five as these can easily be picked up on many beauty counters for free. I was intrigued to smell this new Lady Gaga perfume but I'm not a fan it smells like the typical sickly sweet celebrity fragrance.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum and 5 Minute Facial (worth £5.78)

I have heard of these products before but not tried them as they had such a high-price tag and no samples on beauty counters. I'm pleased to receive these as I have heard mixed reviews both good and bad so look forward to trying to see if they do what they promise!

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (worth £9.33)

This is a natural triple action eye cream designed to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Vichy Idealia Day Care Cream (worth £7.50)

This is a new launch - a smoothing and illuminating day cream that smoothens skin's texture and improves complexion radiance. I think this cream would probably be more suited to a drier skin so will pass this on to my mum to try as my skin is normal at the moment.

Maghrabian Hair Oil Treatment (worth £2.40)

I love Argan hair oil and not heard of this brand before so look forward to trying it out, although the full size seems a little pricey.

This month's box contained quite small size samples so it seemed very sparse and I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £26.24 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is not bad but this month I wasn't over whelmed by any of the products! But thats the point of beauty boxes - you discover new products and find out the products you like (and don't like!) before buying full size. Let's hope that next month's box is a better one! You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here. 

What do you think of this month's GLOSSYBOX? Did you receive anything different to mine? 

Review: REN Body Contouring Anti-Cellulite Gel

I have recently been trying the new REN Body Contouring Anti‐Cellulite Gel formulated to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite and orange peel skin.

Deep penetrating liposomes deliver actives that target the causes of cellulite by increasing microcirculation and drainage, stimulating elastin production and encouraging lipolysis which helps reduce the formation of fat lobules below the skin. The leg contour appears smoother, firmer; swelling is reduced and discomfort is cooled and soothed. The gel contains natural bio extracts of pink pepper seed, caffeine, red microlage and horse chestnut.

The gel is very cooling and smoothing and I have been applying this morning and evening to my legs, lower body and any areas prone to cellulite, however it has a pretty strong herbal scent. I found it has reduced the appearance of cellulite and has toned up the tops of my legs and it is lovely to use in the summer months as it is so refreshing. I have been using this gel as well as body brushing to get my circulation going - which I think both work well together in combating the dreaded cellulite.

REN Body Contouring Anti‐Cellulite Gel is priced at £32 for 150ml available from Liberty, Selfridges, John Lewis & Look Fantastic. Have you tried any cellulite treatments that have been effective?

Kelly Brook Lingerie Exclusively at New Look

Following the fantastic success of her swimwear, clothing and lingerie collections, Kelly Brook has launched her second lingerie line exclusively for New Look!

Vintage lingerie and prints played a key role in the inspiration for this collection. Focusing on acute details such as delicate lace ups, trims and pleated satin, the sets are designed to flatter and highlight women’s natural curves. Polka dots are fun and flirty and the high waisted briefs ooze 1950’s glamour. Black lace is overlayed on nude satin and is the finishing trim to the animal print cami and shorts. The romantic cream satin bra features New Looks signature cored eyelash lace and the matching briefs finish this classic look. Contrasting bows and gorgeous rose gold branding are placed on every set with blacks and purples sitting against creams and nudes. Classic lingerie spots and leopard print bring fun to the collection, while the vintage baroque rose print set screams sexy with its matching suspender belt.

This range caters for everyone with sizes available from 32B – 36F and prices starting from just £5.99 and you can view the full range here.

Phillip Treacy LFW Slendertone Face

Milliner Philip Treacy will be showing his Spring/Summer 2013 collection at London Fashion Week this month and marks his first return to the London catwalk after a 12 year hiatus. Philip Treacy fans include the Royal Family as well as Lady Gaga and Sarah-Jessica Parker.

Philip Treacy has also created a special edition Slendertone Face to give users a natural facelift from the inside (and look even better when wearing a hat). Both the ‘original’ Slendertone Face and the special edition version harness pioneering electronic muscle stimulating (EMS) technology which stimulates the facial nerves to activate natural muscle contractions and therefore exercise the face.

This lifting and anti-ageing device targets a key contributor to the ageing process – muscle wastage - which starts from the age of thirty. As the facial muscles are directly attached to skin, when they lose mass the attached skin sags and hollows and causes ageing of the face. Slendertone Face is able to restore the youthful shape of the face by toning and lifting the muscles naturally. It also increases the blood flow to the face and within two weeks users report an improvement in their circulation and the boost of a healthy glow.

Philip Treacy’s design for Slendertone Face involved reworking the headset to enlarge the contact pads so that they resemble headphones and which are worn rather like a music headset. He also coloured them a flamboyant and unashamed shade of fusica pink. However it is not just the look of the special edition Slendertone Face which has been enhanced, it now features five different modes; two more than the traditional Slendertone Face device, allowing users to opt for radiance, lift, massage, advanced lift and complexion settings.

Both versions of the Slendertone Face have been specifically created for people who don’t want to have invasive anti-ageing treatments but want to restore the underlying architecture of the face providing a visible and natural face-lift without the need for surgery. Unlike facial freezing (Botox) which actually fosters the atrophication of the muscles and therefore increases the maturing look of the face, this device is designed to help people to ‘use it rather than lose it’!

Slendertone Face by Philip Treacy costs £400 and is available from Slendertone for a limited time, whilst the standard Slendertone Face costs £250 and is also available from Boots.com, Slendertone, and very.co.uk. Have you ever thought about trying the Slendertone Face?

September She Said Beauty

My She Said Beauty Box arrived today and my dad found it under the patio table in our back garden - thanks Yodel! I thought I would share what's inside this month's box. She Said Beauty is a monthly beauty box subscription, that you can cancel at anytime, whereby you get 5 deluxe samples (and normally a bonus item or two thrown in for good measure!) packaged beautifully and delivered to your door to try at home for £9 per month plus £2.95 postage & packaging. Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and order your own box!

The box comes with a bright pink outer box, and I noticed the packaging is slightly different this month - the duck egg coloured inner box with a flip lid seems sturdier and all the products wrapped in straw and pink tissue paper. So onto what's inside this month's box:

Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel (worth £3.66)
I have already tried this product out and I was impressed, although it didn't shift all my blackheads it did a pretty good job. This is a gentle exfoliating gel helps to remove blackheads and remove deep layers of dead skin. It's handy to have a travel size.

COLLECTION Primed & Ready Smoothing Make-up Primer (*full size* worth £5.99)
This does what it says on the tin but seems to contain a lot of silicone which I'm not a huge fan of using on my face and I don't really need a primer so will donate this to a friend to try out!

COLLECTION Fix Me Up Long Lasting Make-up Fixer (*full size* worth £5.99)

This is another product that I don't really need as I don't have a problem with my make up not lasting all day so will be donating this to a friend to try out too!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (*full size* worth £3.50)
I received this in last month's Glossybox and I really enjoyed using it so I am happy to have another. This oil cleanser is from Japan and thoroughly dissolves dirt, excess oil and make up - even waterproof mascara. This antioxidant rich olive oil formula nourishes and hydrates skin and rinses away completely with no greasy residue left behind. 

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask (*full size* worth £1.50)

This is a brand I haven't heard of before, so looking forward to trying out this cooling clay mask that promises to draw out deep-seated dirt and impurities.

**SSB Treat** Popchips
This is a bit of a random extra treat but looking forward to sampling these!

I have to admit this month's box didn't overwhelm me mainly because it contained products that I have already tried in other boxes previously. I am pleased to receive another cleansing oil and another whitening gel and looking forward to trying the face mask. This month's box works out at £20.64 which is pretty good value considering the subscription only costs £9 plus £2.95 p&p so you are really getting your money's worth with six samples - four of which being full size and an added bonus gift. Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and subscribe for your own box!

Have you subscribed to She Said Beauty? What did you think to this month's box?

Review: Beauty Angel Energising Light Technology

A few weeks ago, I visited Cucumba Salon in Soho to try out the brand new treatment: Beauty Angel ELT (Energising Light Technology). Once I arrived at the salon, I was led downstairs to the treatment area and was left to undress, take off all my jewelry and lie on the bed - my modesty was covered with a towel. The ELT can be applied anywhere on the body, but I opted for the treatment to focus on my face, neck and decolletage areas. The treatment began with a cleanse, scrub and vitamin mask applied to my face, neck and decolletage all from the Dermalogica range. The Beauty Angel light enhances the skin's ability to absorb all beauty products and optimises their effectiveness. The therapist then put on a hair net and goggles to protect my eyes from the light and some cotton pads underneath for extra protection and then switched on the light!

With results achieved after just one session, optimum results are achieved with three sessions per week over a 5-10 week period dependent upon the age and condition of the skin, as long as you wait 48 hours in between treatments. Beauty Angel rejuvenates and revitalises your skin and is a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses no lasers, UV, injections or surgery to boost the production of collagen naturally and suitable for all skin types. The Beauty Angel light stimulates the body's own production of collagen, elastic and hyaluron. Unlike any other light therapy product, the Beauty Angel ELT uses a broad active light spectrum of 570 – 850 nanometres, instead of selective wavelengths. Light induced skin rejuvenation is more effective when several spectral ranges are applied at the same time.

The light treatment lasts 20 minutes and I will warn you the light is VERY BRIGHT almost unbearable at first but you do get used to it after a couple of minutes and then you relax and it feels almost as if your lying on a beach in the sun. After just the one session, my complexion was refreshed, brighter and I experienced an after-glow. I felt relaxed, especially the muscles in my neck and back felt less tense and I felt as if I had been in the sun for the day. Longer term, clients can see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, age and pigment spots fade, wound healing and can have a positive influence on hair and nail growth, bones, muscles and tendons.

Have you ever tried Beauty Angel ELT? What were your thoughts?

StraightWear™ - A New Discovery In Hair Straightening from Macadamia Hair Oil

Thought I would share some information for a new at home straightening kit from the makers of Macadmia Oil that promises 100% safe and chemical-free formulation that transforms curls and frizz into smooth, silky hair in a single product application for a perfectly smooth, beautiful finish that lasts for 4-months and delivers the following key benefits to hair:

• Up to 4 months of unparalleled straightening
• Hair reverts to natural texture with no re-growth issues
• Intensifies colour with brilliant shine
• Reduces styling time to minutes
• Infuses touchable softness
• Safeguards hair against heat damage, breakage and split ends
• Use after chemical services with confidence

StraightWear™ is a new simple two-stage system for effective long-lasting results: Purify shampoo clarifies and preps the hair by removing build-up with its infusion of botanicals and citrus extracts, paving the way for Smoother; a single product that smoothes and straightens hair in one simple application. Enriched with Macadamia Oil and Quinoa Seed Oil, amplifies the hair's moisture as it simultaneously strengthens and intensifies colour and shine. And unlike any other smoothing system on the market, StraightWear™ delivers up to 4 months of hair straightening with no formaldehyde, no thioglycolic acid, no lye or other harsh chemicals used in the process.

The new range starts at £10.50 and will be available on Beauty Bay, CheapSmells.com, feelunique.com and Fragrance direct. Have you tried the original Macadamia Oil treatment? What do you think to the new StraightWear?

HOUSE by John Lewis

As you will be aware I am in the middle of moving house so have been buying some house-related bits and pieces for my new flat! I was excited to hear that John Lewis have just launched HOUSE by John Lewis - a new contemporary home ware range that is well thought out, well-made and affordable. The 600 piece range features affordable products including furniture, lighting, textiles, and cooking and dining accessories, all designed to complement the contemporary urban home. 

The look and feel is contemporary, with an evolving colour palette, anchored with combinations of neutrals which will remain the foundation. A playful set of solid colours and patterns will be introduced for different seasons. Core materials include wood finishes, glass, metal, and white ceramic that come together to create a relaxed, informal look. Here are a few of my top picks from the new collection:

House by John Lewis Georgie Floor Lamp £60

House by John Lewis Glass and Oak Storage Jars £8-£16

Home by John Lewis Alex Sofa £299-£799

House by John Lewis Towels in Mocha £1.50- £15

House by John Lewis Ceramic Casserole in Steel £20 

House by John Lewis Bento Porcelain Bathroom Accessories £6 - £25

House by John Lewis Jersey Marl Duvet Cover in Grey £30

What do you think to the new collection?