Birchbox May 2013

The new Birchbox landed on my doorstep last week, and with the Baftas and Cannes both happening this month, Birchbox have been inspired to go for a 'red carpet ready' theme for May 2013:

 Birchbox May 2013*

 Elemental herbalogy cell plumping facial hydrator

MakeBelieve enhance sunbeam bronzer and brush

OPI mini nail lacquer

Doctor Duve anti-ageing & firming eye cream

B/Attitude body souffle

Kusmi detox tea

So as you can see, there's a good variety of products in this month's box. I found the Elemental herbalogy moisturiser to be light and refreshing, and given that I've just finished my Origins day cream, it really couldn't have come at a better time. The OPI mini nail lacquer is lovely too (a really pretty mix of dark purple and golden shimmer) although I do wish they'd labelled the sample so we don't have to guess what the name is.

As always with beauty boxes, there are 1 or 2 products that I don't like, and this month it's the B/Attitude body souffle, which was just too sweet and incense smelling for my taste. For their lifestyle element this month, they've gone for a Kusmi detox tea, which I'm really looking forward to trying, and like the February box, their monthly magazine features a good mix of beauty, fashion and travel advice.

Products aside, Birchbox are also supporting Fashion targets breast cancer this month. There's a mini TLC guide inside every box and throughout May, they'll be donating 30% of all e-sales and £5 per referal to help fund vital research into the condition. A great cause as I'm sure you'll agree and the perfect opportunity for some guilt free shopping too!

Are you a Birchbox subscriber? What do you think about this month's box?

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Spring/Summer perfumes (part one)

It may still be cold and grey outside, but seeing as we are well into May, I thought it was about time I shared a few of my favourite Spring/Summer perfumes:

L'occitane spring cherry, The Body Shop pink grapefruit EDT, L'artisan Caligna

Starting with L'occitane spring cherry, and I must admit it was the pretty pink bottle which first attracted me to this perfume. Scent wise, the perfume starts off with light notes of mandarin, blackcurrent and cherry, before revealing it's smokier base notes of wood and musk. For me, this perfume brings back memories of the first few days of spring, and I think it's a good choice of you want something that's not too sweet, but still light and fresh enough for the hot summer months.

Next up is the new Pink grapefruit EDT from The body shop. Now The body shop are famous for their fruity scents and I think this perfume compliments the existing range beautifully. As you'd expect, it's very zesty and fresh, with just a touch of citrus throw in for good measure too. Being an EDT, it's not the most long lasting of perfumes, but at £8.50, I think it's a real bargain, and the small compact bottle means it's perfect for throwing into my handbag and freshing up during the day.

Finally, something a little different with L'artisan Caligna, which contains notes of sage, rose bud, mandarin tree leaves, pine needles and oak chips. Compared to the other 2 scents, it's got more of a luxe feel, and with such green notes, it really does evoke memories of countryside walks and gentle summer breezes. Definitely one to consider if you want something that's clean, fresh and easy to wear during the day.

So there you have it, 3 of my favourite Spring/Summer perfumes. Don't forget to check back for part 2, which will be up later this week.

Have you tried any of the perfumes above? What's your favourite Spring/Summer scent?

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Illamasqua Paranormal collection

As a make up addict, I love seeing what Illamasqua have come up with, and season after season, they've continued to surprise and shock with their innovative new collections. For summer 2013, they've once again bucked the trend and gone for a surprisingly spooky Paranormal collection:

 Illamasqua paranormal - UV glow nail varnish

Starting with my favourite products from the new collection. In the bottle, they look like any other brand of nail varnish (albeit very pretty ones), but shine a UV light on them, and they suddenly transform into super bright florescent neons. There's also a 'clear' topcoat, which when in the presence of UV light, allows you to experiment and create a whole host of nail patterns. 

Illamasqua paranormal - hydra veil

This definitely gets the prize for most innovative new product. It's a hybrid skincare-make up primer, which when applied, lightly hydrates the skin and smoothes over any pores, giving you a flawless base. The coolest thing though is that it self smoothes, and at the event I had no end of fun stirring it up, then watching as it seemingly magically restored itself to perfection.

Illamasqua paranormal palette

It wouldn't be an Illamasqua collection without a palette or two, and for summer 2013, they've gone for a really interesting texture. Described as a cross between a cream and a powder, the product feels almost moussy to the touch, blended really easily, and once dried, was nice and long lasting on the skin.

Illamasqua paranormal - Gleam highlighter in supernatural 

Illamasqua paranormal - lipstick in Posture and Esp

Finally, to complete the collection, there's a golden shimmered cream highlighter, a precision gel eyeliner, as well as 2 eyecatching lipsticks. And if (like myself), purple lipstick's not for you, then check out Jayne's blog post on how it can be used as the perfect mixing medium for other lipsticks.

Illamasqua paranormal, available now instores and online at Selfridges.com

What do you think about the new Paranormal collection? Will you be treating yourself to any of the products?

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Glossybox May 2013, 2nd anniversary edition

Can you believe that it's been 2 years since Glossybox first launched in the UK? It really doesn't feel like that long ago, and even now I can still remember sitting at my desk, reading that email and being super excited about the prospect of a monthly box of beauty treats being delivered straight to my front door. Here's what's inside their 2nd anniversary May 2013 box:

 Glossybox May 2013*

Like all new start up companies, Glossybox has had it's ups and downs, but I would say that it's now better than ever. The last few boxes have really impressed me, and even though this isn't my favourite box (that accolade goes to the November box) I do like most of the products that they've choosen.

Caudalie divine oil

Beautiful movements cosmetics prime & create mixing medium

My trusty little sunflower cream

Headline colors poolside nail polish

Glossybox mini nail files

Givenchy dahlia noir l'eau

I'm already a big fan of the Caudalie divine oil, and as often is the case with Glossybox samples, it'll come in so handy for weekend breaks and short trips abroad. My trusty little sunflower cream is rich and moisturising, and I'm really liking the Givenchy dahlia noir sample. There's also a bonus pack of mini Glossybox nail files.

The only product that didn't impress me was the Beautiful movements prime & create mixing balm. I don't usually bother with primer, and because it's such a small sample I doubt I'd be able to test it out properly anyway.

Overall though, there's a good mix of skincare, bodycare and make up samples. Bar the Beautiful movements primer, all 4 products were generously sized, and I thought the addition of Glossybox mini nail files was a really nice touch.

Glossybox retails for £10, plus £2.95 P&P, available online at Glossybox.co.uk

Are you a Glossybox subscriber? What do you think about the May 2013 box?

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BeauteCo box, a new beauty subscription service

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that beauty boxes are here to stay, and this month sees the launch of BeauteCo, a new monthly subscription service with a difference:

 BeauteCo May 2013*

Compared to other beauty boxes, BeauteCo has more of a natural slant. To make it more environmentally friendly, there's no fancy pink box or drawstring bag, instead the products are packed straight into the delivery box. Because of what I was used to, this was quite a surprise at first. However like most people, I really don't need any more beauty boxes, and the printed design, green tissue paper and pink bow still gives it that nice girly present feel.

BeauteCo May 2013:

Anatomicals body scrub

Anatomicals hand cream

Dr Bragi age management moisturiser

Mitchell & Peach body cream

Melvita cleansing oil rose

What really sets BeauteCo apart though, is the fact that you can see before purchasing and choose from 3 boxes each month. With other subscription services, it's always a bit of a risk, but because I choose this box myself, I knew exactly what I'd be getting and it's nice to be able to use all 5 samples. So far I'm really liking the Melvita cleansing oil and Anatomicals body scrub.

Product wise, I thought the samples were all really generous, and even though Anatomicals isn't a luxury brand, it's nice that they've included one or two full sized products too. This month the boxes were fairly similar (there were one or two star items that were in every box), however I think it's great that we finally get a choice, and hopefully over time, as the company expands, the boxes will become more varied too.

BeauteCo retails for £10 plus £2.95 P&P, available from beautecobox.co.uk

What do you think about choosing your own beauty box? Will you be subscribing to this new service?

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