Beauty Box: My Little Energy Box

If you've read my last post you'll know that I, like many people, am trying to have a bit of a health kick this January. So far I'm doing ok. Lost a few pounds and been exercising more regularly. I am having a pizza tonight though - but balance is important right? Have you made a change this year? How's it going?

Anyway, the lovely people over at My Little Box are obviously having a health overhaul too because their first 2015 box seems perfect for anyone looking to have a little life refresh. I was really pleased to receive a full-size tube of Talik day cream worth a whopping £43.50. The photo-hyrda moisturiser is meant to "use energy from natural light to delve deep into the skin and moisturise it." I'm not really quite sure what that means but its non-greasy formula and illuminating effect were pretty great. I also got a Nails Inc nail varnish which I was pleased with because I love the brand. I was intrigued by My Little Box's own brand energising face mist too. It is meant to contain all sort of goodies for the skin and revive the appearance of a dull, tired complexion. While I'm not sure it'll fully makeover my face, it does smell pretty amazing and facial sprays are great for giving foundation a more dewy, natural look. I'm going to try and get in the habit of giving myself a quick spritz before heading out in the morning.

I was so excited to get a gym bag in my box too. Although I haven't really pictured it all that well, it's really cool. I like the pattern on it and it's a good size to bung my towel and swimming costume into, when I head out at home or for beach holidays. And the calendar was a great little extra because I forgot to buy one and kind of resented paying lots of money for a pretty one. I really like the My Little Box illustrations so the calendar will do me just fine.

I know I probably say it every month, but I really think that My Little Box is the most thoughtful, innovative subscription box currently on the market. It always has a great mix of high quality cosmetics, and the lifestyle extra, although sometimes not exactly my taste, is consistently well-designed and good quality. It's definitely my favourite box and the most exciting to delve into. I'm excited for next month already. Anyway, I'm off to order my pizza and gaze guiltily at my new gym bag. Oh, it is a Saturday, hey?

Are you a My Little Box Subscriber? Were you pleased this month?

Beauty Box: Birchbox January 2015

I accidentally took a bit of a blogging hiatus over the holidays. I took a trip to New York (expect to hear about it soon), and what with all the festive cheer, and some other (less cheerful) things that happened, the entire month just escaped. I hope you didn't miss me too much.

Birchbox decided to kick-off the new year with a collaboration box featuring Women's Health magazine. I suppose January is a great opportunity to start new habits, and get rid of some old ones too. I definitely want to change a few things this year. I am determined to be a bit healthier - to eat cleaner and take more exercise. It's so easy to forget to keep healthy. And the idea of it often doesn't quite fit with our hectic modern life schedules. But I am going to claim back some time to do something good for myself, I think. If I can find time to watch Netflix, I can find time to exercise. GO!

Birchbox have been very helpful in supporting my aspirations this month. I received a tube of activbod cooling lotion to soothe any sore bits from too many squats (worst pain ever, and if squats was a person, I would punch them). And I got a sachet of Embrace Matcha green tea which I immediately drank. It was really good. Apparently it has more antioxidants than regular green tea, so I would definitely consider repurchasing. And because of course, I want to look good on the outside, as well as feel good on the inside, Birchbox sorted me out with a few new beauty bits to try too. I've been researching new shampoos and conditioners to try on my often troublesome hair so it'll be interesting to see if Philip Kingsley's conditioner is up to the job, it contains wheat-protein which is meant to be great for injecting a bit of body into limp locks. And I also got a REN face mask, and a tube of HealGel, to deal with any skin complaints. I'm particularly excited about the face mask because I've always really liked REN and this product seems great for having a little instant face makeover, a faceover, if you will. Finally, Birchbox treated all their subscribers to a stila lip glaze. The colour of mine seems a bit insipid for my tastes but I'm sure I can find a home for it if it doesn't grow on me. And we also all got a pilates exercise band which will hopefully be a useful incorporation to my new lifestyle. I'm going to get on YouTube and find a few exercises I could try with it.

Although this box didn't particularly wow me, it does contain some useful products. And it'll certainly help me refresh myself after a long year - ready for the challenges of a new one. Let's make it a good one.

What did you think of this month's box? Have you started something new this January?

Beauty Box: My Little Cosy Box

Bleurgh. I'm feeling a little bit delicate today. I was out and about with some university friends last night and ended up having to get the night bus home because I missed the last train. If you want to see London at its finest/most bizarre, take a night bus. Amazing.

There probably couldn't be a more apt box than My Little Box's cosy edition for how I'm feeling right now. Like Birchbox, the French export decided to go for a snuggly, autumnal-esque theme this month and I actually think they pull it off better. I am always incredibly surprised by the amount of love and attention to detail that is given to every My Little Box beauty box. And this month is no different. I immediately fell in love with the dinky little mug, which has now joined my shelf of pretty crockery. Yes, I have a shelf of pretty crockery. And the microwavable pillow is perfect for keeping cold feet warm in bed. I tried out the Yves Rocher eye shadow last night and managed to create quite a good smoky eye. The shape of the applicator really helps the process. It can be used either like an eyeliner for a thinner line, or to cover the whole lid. I'll keep the Star Liner black kolh eyeliner for when my current one runs out but it passed the try-it-out-on-my-hand test and seemed pretty soft and smudgeable. I just bought a new mascara so I don't currently need one but I'll probably stockpile the My Little Beauty mascara too. I've read in a few places that it's not the best, but I'll try and save judgement until I give it a whirl. It does make a satisfying pop sound when you pull the brush out of the tube. I'm pretty sure that is not the mark of a good mascara but hey, I like it.

My Little Box just seem to always get it right. I love the mix of lifestyle products and full-size beauty bits and everything just looks so pretty. I think we can all look forward to something special for their Christmas box - I reckon it'll be a good-un.

Are you in need of a cosy weekend? Which beauty box brand is your favourite?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #69 Banila Co.

Phew. If you've seen my slightly pathetic attempt at blogging during the week, you might have gathered I was stuck in an essay blur. I had had to be very stern with myself and say that I wouldn't write a blog until I had finished said essay. Of course, I just started looking at poems about procrastination and time instead - perhaps the definition of procrastination? Anyway, my latest MEMEBOX was like a little ray of sunshine that arrived on my doorstep during a long week, and now that I've finished my essay (albeit a bit of editing) I think it's time that I shared its contents. Yay!

Banila Co. is apparently a bit of a big deal in China and South Korea. I hadn't actually heard of it but when I saw that MEMEBOX was releasing a box dedicated to the cosmetics brand, I decided it was time I had an introduction. It was pretty exciting to get a box filled with goodies for my face. It practically had an entire routine covered. The make-up removal balm and peeling clay face scrub are both really interesting. Don't you just love the name Claypatra? Amazing. The balm is described as having a sherbet like texture. Not sure about that. But it made my skin feel really soft.

And I also got some make-up goodies. The gel eyeliner arrived at a great time as I'd just lost mine. I'm pretty sure I have a make-up eating monster, as well as a sock eating monster, living under my bed. I also got a primer, which I'm not so keen on because it has quite a greasy texture, and a bright red lipstick which I'll probably add to my stash or re-home. I might have mentioned before that I only wear lipstick very rarely. I just haven't managed to find the one for some reason. My favourite product is the tint balm. It's a bit magic. It is very transparent in colour in the pot but when you add it to your lips it gives a really natural pink blush. What is this witch craft? It'll be a great addition to my handbag to give my everyday look a bit more polish and colour. I have to actually leave the house tomorrow and submit my essay so maybe I'll take it for a spin. Wish me luck.

What do you think of my latest MEMEBOX? What's your favourite handbag product?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX Global #16

If you regularly read my blog you'll already know that I'm a big fan of Korean beauty box brand MEMEBOX. I have yet to receive a disappointing box, and they are always packed to the brim with exciting, full size products. MEMEBOX's latest Global box is no exception. Advertised as providing all your beauty essentials, I certainly found a few new things to incorporate in to my beauty routine. The box contained 6 full size products with a joint value of over $100. Not bad considering I bought it for $23.

I had quite a long day out in London last weekend. I went with friends to a food market at Southbank and then on to fireworks in Hackney. It ended up being a lot of fun but a lot of travelling around and time spent on my feet. I certainly could have done with my new Elizavecca leg cream which apparently shrinks and soothes swollen calves after a long and stressful day. Regardless of what the cream's like, I'm smitten just because of the cute pig on the packaging. I think I'm becoming immune to the surprise of discovering snail mucus in products too. The Mizon gel recovery cream contains 74% snail mucus and I actually put it on my face. It smells pretty good and is meant to provide non-irritating blemish and wrinkle care. This is right up my street because being in my twenties I guess a small part of me somewhere is thinking about wrinkles, yet I still have to deal with teenage style breakouts. A confusing time indeed.

My favourite product was the RiRe skincare system. It included a blackhead brush cleanser and a pore refining cream to use afterwards. It is designed specifically for the nose area, which is a problem area for most people, but I imagine it could be used to target other areas too. I tried it on my nose and my skin felt really cleansed and soft afterwards. I also really liked the Hair + nutri-injection which is designed to be left in hair after washing and conditioning. I did give it a little try. I washed my hair as normal and then put the cream through the ends before drying and styling. My hair was a bit heavier and limper than usual but I just wore it in a ponytail. When I next washed my hair I was delighted by how soft and shiny it was. Really great little find.

I went to see Lykke Li at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith last night which was ruddy amazing, and I think I'm off out again today and tomorrow - despite my best intentions to have a quiet week. I am rubbish at lying in so feeling a little tired today. I could definitely do with a spritz of my new Unni Recipe vitamin re-charger mist to liven up my face for the day. Or a power nap.

What have you been up to this week? What do you think of my latest MEMEBOX?

Beauty Box: Birchbox November 2014

I recently realised that I actually completely forgot to blog about my October Birchbox. Naughty. That probably gives you some idea of how impressed I was with it.

Luckily Birchbox is back on form this month with its Cosy at Home box. November is definitely a month for snuggling. After the excitement of Halloween and Fireworks Night it seems only right to get under a blanket, warm drink of choice in hand, and watch the dark nights roll in. It makes me feel all warm and content just thinking about it.

I can't quite figure out why this box is particularly cosy but it's a good'un all the same. I was really pleased with the Dr Jart + face serum which is meant to give the skin a moisture boost and encourage a youthful complexion. I guess if I'm getting lots of early nights I'll have lots of skin pampering time. I really do try not to focus on the cost of items in my beauty boxes but I can't believe that this alone is worth a whopping £32. Thanks Birchbox. I was also happy with the OPI nail varnish in Turn on the Haute Light. Another full size product. The shade really reminds me of snowflakes and will look great at Christmas parties. I also got a Beauty Protector leave-in conditioner which promises to detangle too. I think this is something I'll keep hold of for holidays and weekends away as it's a pretty convenient size. I don't really get tangly hair very often so it will be perfect for using when I venture into swimming pools - something that only really happens when I'm off exploring somewhere! I wasn't as impressed with the Lord & Berry bronzer or the English Laundry perfume because the samples were tiny. I really do hate getting perfume samples in beauty boxes, they just take up valuable room. I can't deny the dinky vial smells good though. The award for random inclusion goes to the Drinkwel vitamin capsules which are meant to help relieve unwanted hangovers. These will definitely come in handy and, if they work, I'll tell all my friends so we spend less time crying on sofas with a biscuit tin but in a box all about staying in, they're a bit of a strange choice.

I'm not really going out much at all this week because I have lots of work to be getting on with and a bit of a cold I'd rather cultivate in bed so hopefully I'll have some spare time to test out my goodies. I can't believe it's December soon. I can't ruddy wait for the Christmas boxes!

Did you get a Birchbox this month? Will you be staying cosy at home?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX Special #43

I get so excited when a MEMEBOX beauty box arrives. I always know that there will be at least one exciting, bizarre, or useful product nestled amidst the best of what the K-beauty scene has to offer. This box was a K-style special, which means it is based on all the latest beauty trends in Korea.

I'm in a bit of a make-up rut. I always go for the same daytime look and rarely mix-up my evening look. I guess I'm not all that adventurous with make-up, or at least have been less so since I grew out of my grungy teenage phase. It was really exciting to see this MEMEBOX filled with make-up goodies, and I received six full-size products. It gives me the perfect excuse to try out a couple of new looks, and sample some Korean make-up at the same time. I was particularly excited to find a Tonymoly tattoo eyebrow pen in my box as it's exactly the right shade for me, and promises to keep eyebrows in order for up to seven days. I don't have a lot of eyebrow so I tend to give them a little bit of definition, and it'd be great if this stayed put for a few days - one less thing to remember in the morning. I'll have to be really careful when applying it though, I don't want wonky eyebrows for the best part of a week! I also liked the look of the Vella BB cream. BB creams are everywhere now but this one is filled with flower extracts and smells really nice. MEMEBOX suggest using it in collaboration with another product in the box, Secret Kiss' make-up base. The light-weight, silky primer also contains flower extracts and can be used as a highlighter too. MEMEBOX suggest mixing it with the BB cream for a natural glow. My face is going to smell so pretty. I am going through a bit of a floral phase at the moment, as there isn't much much in the way of flowers left outside, so these two products will hopefully help to brighten my day.

MEMEBOX also included some colour adding items to include in my make-up routine. I'm particularly fond of Style Y's lip and cheek tint. The pink shade looks pretty garish but actually leaves a nice glow. It reminds me of spring time and meadows and lots of other romantic clichés. But I think two is probably enough.

I really liked this beauty box, and I think MEMEBOX are consistently good at providing an innovative and exciting range of contents. Of course, their concept won't appeal to everyone as some of the stuff can be pretty novel and unfamiliar. But if you don't mind the unusual, it sure beats a box full of body creams and nail varnishes.

Have you tried MEMEBOX yet? What new make-up trends are you going to try this winter?

Product: Mane 'n Tail Deep Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner

I couldn't help but compliment my friend's hair the other day. It just looked so glossy and smooth. "I've been using a horse shampoo," she said. I'd heard of people using horse shampoo and conditioner before, and I'm pretty sure the heroine of one of my favourite Meg Cabot stories is forced to use horse shampoo on her frizzy hair too. I've been quite unhappy with the quality of my hair recently. It seems to have become wavier and fluffier as I've got older, and highlights have caused me to lose some of the shine I used to have. I'm also trying to grow out a bob, so it's at that awkward shoulder length which probably doesn't help the overall look. My friend colours her hair, and she straightens it regularly, but I'd never seen it look so healthy. Can you guess what I did?

I bought horse shampoo and horse conditioner. Of course. After some research I decided to choose Mane 'n Tail. Mane 'n Tail seems to be the first horse product that has made the transition to becoming a cult favourite for human hair too. I chose the deep conditioning series, which are a newer range I think. They weren't expensive, but I recommend having a look online and finding the cheapest retailer. The brand is actually sold in Liberty London, which just proves its trendy status, but the products would probably cost a bit more if you actually bought them from there.

I really like the authenticity of the bottles, and I'm glad they haven't been adapted for a human audience. The product inside both bottles is blue and scentless. This doesn't really bother me but I know that some people prefer scented haircare. I would just choose a styling product with a nice scent instead. The shampoo lathers up really well and creates lots of foamy bubbles. And the conditioner is quite light-weight and easy to rinse out. After washing and conditioning I towel-dried my hair and put my usual serum on the ends before letting it dry naturally. And I honestly saw a difference. The fluff was gone, and my locks, even the bleached ones, seemed glossier. I didn't have to straighten all my hair or tie it up to feel half-presentable for the first time in ages. And it feels great. I genuinely hadn't expected to have such a good result from a relatively cheap brand designed for our animal pals. But I suppose it makes sense that it works, as horse hair is naturally drier and coarser than ours, so it probably has more of the good stuff in it. Whatever the good stuff is.

Disclaimer: I'm pleased to report that I have experienced no instances of inexplicable neighing, galloping, or cravings for sugar lumps.

Have you tried Mane 'n Tail? Do you have any unconventional beauty secrets?

Beauty Box: My Little Box x DVF

I am always just a little bit late when it comes to trends. And I like to think that I was fashionably late again in discovering the amazing new monthly beauty box, My Little Box. I'd seen some incredible reviews popping up on the internet and finally decided it was about time I got a slice of the action.

The October box is a collaboration with fashion designer, and all-round lover of pattern and colour, Diane von Furstenberg. Birchbox did a collaboration with Lulu Guinness a while ago and I'd found it disappointing. I didn't really feel as though much of Lulu was in the box (other than a boring striped stick of rock). I think that My Little Box did a much better job. The design is thoughtful, interesting and inspiring. It has quite a fashion edge and is full of pattern, texture and colour. I love my DVF scarf, it'll definitely feature on the handles of my bags this winter, which I'll use to carry my little tube of L'Occitane hand cream - perfect for on the go dry skin related emergencies (I don't know if those actually happen all that often, but it felt fun to type).

My box also included a cute little DVF badge, a Kerastase hairspray (great for holding together any complicated hairstyles I attempt this party season) and a bottle of micellar water by My Little Box's own beauty brand, My Little Beauty. I've never tried a micellar water based product before but I know there has been some hype around them so it'll be interesting to see how this one works.

I'm really pleased with my first My Little Box experience. The contents were obviously chosen with some love and the attention to detail has really paid off. It's definitely the most stylish box I've ever received.

Have you tried My Little Box? What do you think of their collaboration with Diane von Furstenberg?

Beauty Box: Love Me Beauty September 2014

 “Don’t fix what isn’t broken,” is one of those sayings that I don’t always necessarily agree with. While I can accept that change for the sake of change is pretty pointless (and a bit of a mouthful to say), I also think that freshening up a tired brand or concept can really help companies reach a new audience, and make things more interesting for loyal customers. That’s why, when I heard about Love Me Beauty’s revamp, I was quite excited. Love Me Beauty has always been my favourite beauty box because I think they choose consistently good products and give generous samples. And I also really liked the way you chose your box from three beauty menus, so although you weren't getting surprises, you always got something you actually liked the look of. But, forget that, things are a little different now.

My Love Me Beauty September box was the first after their makeover. The principle remains quite similar, except we are all now given six credits and can choose our products from an online beauty boutique. Full-size products are worth two credits and for one credit you can get a sample size to try. This new way of doing things really puts the customer in control. Essentially, you can use your credits to get things you actually really need. That’s why I chose three full-size items. Swedish Spa’s cooling shower mousse sounds really refreshing and it felt like a nice treat to choose a more luxurious brand, rather than whatever-I-could-find-in-the-poundshop-gel. The same could be said for the reason I chose an Oriflame all-purpose balm for my lips and extra dry bits. I am a sucker for good branding and I love the shape of the tub. Finally, I am on the last dregs of my hair mask so I thought that a Percy & Reed foaming hair mask would make the perfect addition to my beauty box. And that was it. I’d run out of credits. Love Me Beauty does allow you to add more to your order and pay the extra but I didn’t really want to spend more than the subscription price. 

I am pleased with the three products I received because I will definitely use them but I do think this might have been one of those occasions where change really was a bit unnecessary. I like that we are now given the freedom to choose exactly what we want but I also think that it has taken some of the fun out of the beauty box, or should I say bag? Getting a subscription beauty box is always going to be a gamble but it’s a great way of discovering new brands and trying products we might have otherwise missed. Shopping in Love Me Beauty’s boutique and spending my credits didn’t feel much different from having a browse on any other cosmetic website and I was particularly disappointed my order didn’t include any extras or freebies. I have had boxes in the past that have included three large products plus more so the six credits do seem a bit measly. I think it'll be hard for bloggers to review the boxes now as there isn't really a theme or any uniformity - it's essentially just buying things with pre-paid credit. I was also unimpressed with the general presentation. It all felt a bit unfinished and stripped back. I received an e-mail today to inform me that Love Me Beauty’s new box packaging would be unveiled in October so maybe things will get more exciting then. But for now I’m undecided. And, like the grey clouds outside, feeling just a little bit blaahh.

Are you a Love Me Beauty subscriber? What do you think of their new concept?

Beauty Box: Birchbox September 2014

I can’t believe it is mid-September already. I really can’t explain where this year has gone. Anyone else having similar problems?

The September 2014 Birchbox is named Happy Days. I think that September is quite a happy month. I don’t know whether it’s the first signs of autumn in the leaves, the fresh air and sunny days, or the start of new challenges for many of us, but everything does indeed feel quite joyful and exciting. 

I have my own new challenge approaching as I am about to go back to university to train as a social worker. I haven’t been in education for two years now and I feel so excited and nervous. It feels good to finally be putting all my work experience to use, as long as I don’t drown in paperwork, essays and books. I think the contents of my September Birchbox will be super useful for my newly acquired student lifestyle. I reckon that my BeautyBlender will speed up make-up application in the mornings. I have been wanting to try this little make-up sponge for ages and I literally squealed when I found one in my box. I love that every blender comes with a solid soap – it’ll make keeping it clean so much more hassle-free. Skin & Co.’s day serum will hopefully help disguise any late nights I have cramming and/or drinking, and the shock of getting used to early morning starts after a long summer holiday. I can team it with my Benefit eye cream and pretend to be fresh-faced every single day. I think I'll tuck my ModelCo mascara in my bag for a little mid-day pick me up.

I was really impressed with this month’s Birchbox. I think I’ll be able to make use of all the products I was given, and the box had a good variety. I was especially impressed with the selection of brands I was given. Happy days.

What did you get in this month’s box? Are you starting something new this September?

Beauty Box: MEMEBOX X Coffee with Dani

I’m late to the party. Again. But I have finally caught the MEMEBOX bug. The beauty box company is the leading Korean beauty retailer and it provides innovative and exciting boxes with products sourced directly from Korea. I am officially hooked.

I chose a collaboration box by Coffee Break with Dani because I always enjoy testing out products chosen by beauty bloggers with more experience and knowledge than me. Apparently Dani was one of the first bloggers to start reviewing MEMEBOX.

I have always wanted to go to East Asia. And visting South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is high up on my bucket list - especially now that I know how interesting the K-Beauty scene is. I think the area really appeals to me because the culture and lifestyle is just so different. It would be refreshing to visit somewhere that is really quite untouched by Western culture. A close friend of mine is currently living in Hong Kong and I am desperate to get over there for a visit before she heads home. 

Anyhoo.

Although a beauty box is a rather small, insignificant thing, I think it shows, on a fairly shallow level, just how different other parts of the world are. The Korean take on design and ingredients would definitely be considered unusual around here. I think it's great. I absolutely loved the small bottle of Hanskin Bio Origin Royal Ampoule BB Cream complete with a small pipette to release the small drop of cream that is apparently all that's required. I’ve also been intending to buy a new eye cream for ages, having reached an age where I feel preventative aging measures are necessary, and the tube of Chamos Acaci Snail Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream will last me ages – if I can get used to applying snail slime to my face.

I really couldn’t fault this box. It was an absolute pleasure to explore all the goodies I received. I can’t wait to try out the tiny nail masks by Kocosar and to give myself a thoroughly good scrub with the Golden Glove Exfoliating Gloves. I definitely think that beauty boxes this side of the world could learn a thing or two from MEMEBOX – I can’t remember ever getting EIGHT full-size products in a box before.

Have you tried MEMEBOX? What unusual items did you discover?