Amarya Beauty Box Review - August 2013

This is the last Amarya Beauty Box before they re-launch as the Love Lula Beauty Box from next month.

I've used the Lavera and Inika products before.  The one I'm most excited about is Lucy Annabella Argan & Bergamot Treatment Oil.  It can be used for massage or as a body oil and smells wonderful.  I received a 10ml sample (full size 125ml retails at £38).

Also included is a full size Inika Brow Pencil in Brunette Beauty - I received this in my May Souk Souk box.  It is worth £13.50.

There are two Lavera minis - Basis Hand Cream (20ml) and Basis Moisturising Cream (7.5ml).  These will get used but I've received these in previous boxes.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - July 2013

My Amarya Beauty Box was waiting for me when I came home from work today.

Included this month is -

ZOYA Colour Cuties 7.5ml in a Shelby - a Limited Edition colour. These retail at £5.15 (I'm going to pop this in a birthday gift this month)

Neom Inspiration Hand Cream 50ml - I've got a bit of a stash of these.  My favourite Neom Hand Cream is the Complete Bliss scent but happy to stash this one away to use later.  Scented with Violet, Chamomile & Cedarwood this size retails at £12.50

Dr Hauschka Toned Day Cream 5g - a tinted moisturiser which is suitable for all skin types/ages.  Give a light summer glow and evens out the complexion - looking forward to trying this one.

Sachet of John Masters Linden Blossom Cleanser 5ml - a non-foaming cleansing milk which is suitable for dry/mature skin. My skin is quite oily at the moment so I'll put this away for now.

I'm quite pleased with my box this month - it's definitely good value - what are your thoughts?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - May 2013

I came home from work to my May Amarya box.  Here's what is included this month -

Madara Refreshing Body Soap 250ml (£9) - this is scented with peppermint essential oil and ideal for an energising shower.  I'm happy to see a full sized product back in the box.

Cowshed Slender Cow Extra-Firming Body Butter 50ml - I picked this up as a magazine freebie with InStyle recently. It's ok but I'm not too keen on the scent.  It is worth £10.

Finally the box is made up of 3 x 1.5ml sachets from Madara - Time Miracle Day Cream and Tinting Fluid in shades Golden Beige and Rose Beige.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts on the contents?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - April 2013

I received my Amarya beauty box this morning and I am pleased with the contents.  I have used the John Masters products before and am familiar with  the brand Essential Care (I love their creamy coconut cleanser & rose moisturiser).  You can see my review of the cleanser here.

Onto the contents -

Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo 30ml (£3.50) - "the first ever shampoo to be certified to Soil Association standards, this lightweight, delicately scented shampoo is ideal for those with dry and irritated scalps to soothe and nourish". Suitable for all hair types - looking forward to trying this out.

Essential Care Organic Avocado Replenishing Cream 15ml (£7.50) - "Organic avocados have been combined with olives and shea butter to create a wonderfully nourishing face cream".  This is suitable for dry/mature skin or if you spend time outdoors on a cold day.  I've received this before in an Amarya box and liked it.  (My favourite Essential Care Moisturiser is Rose Moisturiser) but happy to use this.

John Masters Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 30ml - used these two matching products before and really liked them so happy to see them in the box.  "A creamy and wonderfully scented body wash that creates a great lather whilst being sulphate free. Gentle enough for all skin types and safe to use on the face".

John Masters Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30ml - again used before.  "A perfect accompaniment to the body wash, this milk absorbs easily leaving you feeling silky smooth".  These are great for weekends away or try me sizes.

Blend Collective - this is a new brand for me and there are two 5ml samples included - Enlivening Hand & Body Lotion (Sicilian Lemon, May Chang, Myrtle, Lime) and Unwinding Hand Cream (Sandalwood, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Neroli).  Looking forward to testing these out.

Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts on the contents of this month's box?

Alison Claire Mango Body Butter 50ml

I received Alison Claire Mango Body Butter in my March Amarya Beauty Box. I have tried the coconut & vanilla scented butter before - I didn't like the scent but loved the texture and feel of it on my skin.  You can see that review here.

A 50ml pump bottle retails at £7.99 and a 200ml tub at £15.  Products are free from SLS, Parabens, PEGs etc.

Made with organic mango, cocoa butters, green tea, Vitamin E, white willow, aloe vera and comfrey.  It is dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin, made with natural fragrances and with no fillers or preservatives.

I'm simply in love with the light, fresh and fruity scent. A gorgeous butter which melts into the skin and leaves it lightly scented with mango as well as super moisturised.

Have you used this or any other Alison Claire products?

See the website here.

Follow on Twitter @AlisonClaireNB 

Amarya Beauty Box Review - March 2013

My Amarya beauty box arrived yesterday.  I'd kind of forgot it was due so it was a lovely surprise!

Onto the contents -

Zoya Nail Polish - from the "Lovely Collection" - I got shade "Julie" a lovely lilac metallic. Very pretty.  Free from formaldehyde, toluene, pthalates and camphor. Originally created as a custom runway shade for fashion designer Zang Toi.  Full size worth £10.50.

Alison Claire Mango Body Butter 50ml (full size of 200ml retails at £12). This is lovely, a real fruity scent.  It soaks into the skin really quickly leaving it nicely moisturised.  I tried the Coconut & Vanilla scented body butter before and you can read my thoughts here.

Green People Gentle Cleanse and Make up Remover 25ml (50ml retails at £9.95). Suitable for all skin types.  Really like Green People as a brand so happy to try this.

Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Oxygen Purifying Honey Masque

I received a sample tube of Oxygen Purifying Honey Masque in my January Amarya Beauty Box.  I'd never heard of this brand before receiving it in my box. I'll definitely be looking into trying some more of the products at some point.  The masque is suitable for all skin types.

Oxygen is a natural skincare brand which is based in New Zealand and was set up by Alana Riley and her husband Colin Oldham.  The products are free from parabens, SLS, mineral oils, artificial fragrances and colours etc.

Oxygen skincare is made of natural ingredients and essential oils.  This masque contains Manuka honey and it smells good enough to eat.

Apply to the skin after cleansing and leave on for 10 minutes before removing with a damp muslin cloth.  The product is a runny gel and it smells heavenly.  It hardens on the skin (like a peel off mask does) but is easy to wipe from your skin after the 10 minutes is up.  It leaves my skin, soft, smooth and radiant.

You can buy it at Amarya - £19.95 for 200ml.

See Oxygen website here

Follow Oxygen on Twitter @OxygenSkincare

Have you used this face masque before? Or any other product from Oxygen?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - February 2013

My February Amarya box arrived this morning.  It contained a limited edition Dr Hauschka Rose Garden Cosmetics Kit.  We received a facial kit in September.

The set is worth £19.95 and is exclusive to Amarya.  Included in the set is the cult rose day cream (5g), Hand Cream (10g), Rose Body Moisturiser (10ml), Rose Body Oil (10ml) and Firming Mask (5g).  The set comes in a branded cosmetic bag.

"This luscious Rose-scented collection plumps, soothes and smoothes skin, leaving it looking fresh and youthful.  With its soft, subtle scent the Rose brings calm to both skin and senses".

I am looking forward to having a pampering session!  Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Beauty Box Review - January 2013

Oh WOW super excited by my Amarya box this month!  Items I already love and one from a brand I've not heard of before.  A really brilliant box to chase away the January blues!

Three Gielly Green products - all 50ml - Classic Shampoo, Classic Conditioner and Hand & Body Wash.  These luxury travel sizes retail at £5 each.  You can see my thoughts on the Repair Travel Kit here.

Also included is a 10ml mini of one of my favourite bath oils ever - REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil.  I actually included it in my bath oils post on Monday and you can see it here.

The fourth item is from a brand I've not heard of before - Oxygen - Purifying Honey Masque which helps to repair and calm winter damaged skin. It smells gorgeous and comes in a travel size tube.

I just love my January Amarya box.  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Review - December

The December Amarya box contains NEOM bath oil (5ml) in Complete Bliss (my favourite NEOM scent with Moroccan Rose, lime and black pepper.

There are also three Sophyto skincare trial sizes included.  I've only tried the toner from this range so looking forward to testing them out - although there are two moisturisers included (both 15ml) and an Exfoliator (10ml).  This is quite an expensive range and the products do sound nice.

Included is Dual Action Exfoliating Treatment with Barbados Cherry Fruit and Amethyst Powder, Balancing Daily Moisturizer with Magnolia Fruit and Yellow Pea Flower Root and Omega Daily Moisturizer with Evening Primrose Oil, Karite Fruit and White Peony Flower.

There is a sample vial of Undergreen White - a fresh scent with mint, orange blossom and jasmine.

I'm happy to try all these products out (already love the NEOM) but I did think it wasn't as Christmassy/luxurious as last year's box and I'm missing the uniqueness of this box when it offered one full size item and a couple of samples.  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Review - November

I received my November Amarya Beauty Box yesterday.  After a disappointing box last month I was pleased with what was included this month.

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser 30ml - which retails at £6.00.  I'm happy to try this as I love the Rose Moisturiser (2 x 1.5ml sachets included in this box).  I received a sachet sample of this in my February Amarya box.  I also reviewed it here.  A 15ml size also came in May's Joliebox.  The cleanser is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skins.  I am more combination but I'll still test it out.  It is more herbal smelling than I expected.

Cowshed Cow Pat Hand Cream 50ml with Grapefruit and Coriander essential oils. I picked one of these up recently with Easy Living Magazine and its worth £8.  I am enjoying using this moisturising and deliciously scented hand cream so I'll stash this one to use later.

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash 20ml - really rate Weleda and happy to try this out.  I especially love using lavender scented products before bed.

Essential Care Rose Moisturiser - 2 x 1.5ml sachets - as you can see from my comments above I already love this multi-purpose product - you can also use it as an eye cream.  Happy to put these in my travel bag.

Weleda Skin Food 1.5ml sachet - a cult product I've not tried yet!  Great for dry areas of skin over the body like elbows, knees and feet.

Weleda Pomegranate Body Lotion 4ml sachet - a lightweight body lotion.  Small sachet but I guess I'll know if I like texture/scent.

Did you get the box, what are your thoughts?

p.s. Friday's makes, bakes and learns to follow later today!

Amarya Review - October

Much as I love Balance Me products I was disappointed to find that this month's Amarya Beauty Box only contained a selection of Balance Me - two items which I stocked up on with magazine freebies/received in other beauty boxes.  (There was also some black powder over the products making them look quite grubby).

Here is what's included this month -

Wonder Eye Cream 7ml - I picked up a few of these as freebies with Glamour magazine recently.

Balancing Face Moisturiser 20ml - As above plus I received one in another beauty box.

The remaining two products I haven't tried before - yippee! 

Citrus & Spice Hand and Body Wash and Citrus & Spice Hand and Body Lotion - both 55ml - they smell really nice!

I will use everything but it wasn't the most exciting box ever.  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Review - September

My September Amarya box arrived yesterday.  What an amazing box!  Included is:

Dr Hauschka Face Care Kit which retails at £17.95.  It contains Cleansing Cream (10ml), Cleansing Milk (10ml), Facial Toner (10ml), Moisturising Day Cream (5ml), Quince Day Cream (5g) and the cult Rose Day Cream (5g).  I've used this little set before and loved it.

A brochure celebrating 45 years of radiant skin is included which is informative as well as including details about all the products in the range.

The second item is Herbfarmacy Lip Conditioner with Marshmallow and Vanilla.  This is 6g and worth £4.50.  

I'm currently using the Herbfarmacy Hard Working Hands Cream and you can see my review of the hand cream here.  It's a lovely range so I'm looking forward to trying the lip balm.

Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

Amarya Beauty Box - August

I was excited to receive my Amarya Beauty Box yesterday.  I'm definitely looking forward to trying everything out. 

Here's what I got:

Pomegranate Active Night Plus Rollerball 10ml worth £13.  Not heard of this brand and keen to try it - smells nice and fruity.  Its packed with active regenerating ingredients that have been shown to aid the skin's own renew and repair system.  Apply to face, throat and decolletage.  Works while you sleep.  Suitable for mature skin but equally as good as a preventative measure for those of any age.

Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - Love Cowshed products, this one is scented with essential oils of Lavender and Eucalyptus.  Will be great for my long soaks in the bath.

Santaverde Aloe Vera Hydro Repair Gel 5ml - "a lightweight gel that combines the soothing and regenerating benefits of aloe vera with skin brightening elderflower and nurturing mango butter.  This gel is easily absorbed and can be used alone for those with oily skin or under a moisturiser for all other skin types".  I've got combination skin so looking forward to trying this out.

NEOM Scent Experience - sample vial of Sumptuous Rose & Neroli Room Mist - love this scent in a candle so this is a welcome addition to the box and one I'm tempted to buy.

A great box I thought, what do you think?

Amarya Beauty Box - July

I got my Amarya Beauty Box yesterday.  Included is:

Inika Mineral Eyeshadow - in Peach Fetish (a nude-pink) - 1.2g a full size product worth £11.75.  This seems an okay product but I got one free of this brand a while back with a magazine and it didn't blow me away plus I have another mineral eyeshadow in a similar shade already.

REN Rose Otto Body Cream 50ml - I love this body cream.  Smells amazing and is a lovely cream to use leaving skin soft and moisturised. Value is around the £4 mark.

REN Photoactive Sun Veil SPF 15 3ml tube - a triple action sunscreen - will try this out as you can wear it on top of your moisturiser.

A 5ml sachet Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream is also included.  Not tried any Antipodes products before so looking forward to trying this.

My thoughts?  This has not been my favourite box but I still rate Amarya's box as being one of the best.  What are your thoughts?

Amarya - June

I'd forgotten that my June Amarya Box was due - imagine my delight at picking it up at the Post Office this morning (along with an ebay purchase I was expecting).

Included this month is:

A full size Santaverde Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel 100ml worth £22.  "Made with pure aloe vera and apple juice this gentle cleanser uses mild plant extracts to remove make-up and thoroughly cleanse normal to oily skin yet mild enough for those with dry and sensitive skin".  Apply in the morning and evening on wet skin and gently massage.  Remove with warm water.  Looking forward to trying this cleanser.

1ml sachet Iroisie Ultimate BB Cream SPF 25 - "This really is the ultimate all in one cream.  Using natural pigments to conceal blemishes whilst also acting as a primer with moisturising qualities".  Also contains SPF 25.  Keen to try this.

2ml sachet John Masters Vitamin C Anti-Ageing Face Serum - "This serum works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles whilst moisturising and stimulating collagen production".  Have tried this before and really liked it.

All in all, another fabulous box and great value for money.  What are your thoughts?

AD Skin Synergy Travel Set

I received the Skin Nourishing Night Treatment in my May Amarya Box.  Amarya offer Beauty Box Subscribers a discount every month so I decided to buy the Travel Set.

Included in the set is:

5ml Perfect Eyes

15ml Nourishing Night Treatment

10ml Radiant Skin Moisturiser

10ml Essential Cleansing Balm

100% Cotton Muslin Face Cloth

Fairly Traded Natural Cotton Eco Bag

Here are my thoughts:

Essential Cleansing Balm - contains the same essential oils which are included in the night treatment as well as organic calendula, beeswax, soya bean, jojoba, sunflower, sesame and olive oil.

Apply the rich balm to dry skin and massage into the skin.  Remove with warm muslin cloth.  All make up is removed.  Leaves the skin feeling really clean and gently scented.  Full size of this product retails at £26 for 45ml.

Perfect Eyes - A rich cream which is very moisturising and easily absorbed.  It contains organic rosehip, shea butter, oats, rooibos red bush tea, apricot kernal, avocado, evening primrose, rose flower, orange flower, witch hazel and Vitamin E.  Full size retails at £28 for 15ml.

Nourishing Night Treatment - you can read my review here.  Full size of 50ml retails at £38.

Radiant Skin Moisturiser - rich cream infused with essential oils.  Absorbs quickly.  Suitable for all skin types.  Retails at £28 for 45ml.

A great way to try all the products in the range.  Ones I'd buy full size are the Nourishing Night Treatment and the Essential Cleansing Balm and I'd consider re-purchasing the travel set if I was going on holiday as this would be a pampering and luxury set to take.  

Have you used any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

Jo Malone Red Roses Candle

I received this gorgeous candle for my birthday.  I love Jo Malone products but rarely buy them for myself.

The scent of the candle is Red Roses which is a blend of seven different varieties of roses, violet leaves and lemon.  It burns for 45 hours.  A lid and matches is included too which is a nice touch.

It scents the whole room and the scent lasts until the next day.  It is an expensive candle but as it highly scented you don't need to burn it for long.

Other favourite candles include - 


NEOM Happiness - scented with white neroli, mimosa and lemon.  I received a travel size of this candle in a previous Amarya box.


NEOM Sumptuous - scented with rose and neroli


Diptyque Roses - scented with a blend of roses


I also love Yankee Candles and in particular - Clean Cotton, French Vanilla, Fresh Cut Roses, Lilac Blossoms and Raindrops on Roses.


What are your favourite candles?

AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment 5ml

I received this night treatment oil in my May Amarya Box.  I'd seen it in one of the Latest in Beauty Boxes which I didn't purchase and it's available as a luxury sample.

It's fabulous! Put a couple of drops in the palm of your hand and inhale.  It smells amazing - its scented with oils of organic rose, lavender, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, ylang ylang, neroli, frankincense and jasmine - totally relaxing.  Then apply to your face and neck.

As to the results?  In the morning my skin is soft, smooth and radiant.  The range of products contain no petrochemicals, parabens, artificial perfumes and colourants.

If you buy direct from AD Skin Synergy your order will be packed and sent by a social enterprise, Mail Out which provides training and jobs for people with disabilities.

I used the 20% off offer on the Amarya website for beauty box subscribers.  I decided to buy the Travel Set so I could try the other products in the range which are suitable for all skin types.

The set contains:

5ml Perfect Eyes

15ml Nourishing Night Treatment

10ml Radiant Skin Moisturiser

10ml Essential Cleansing Balm

100% organic cotton muslin cloth

and a fairly traded natural cotton eco bag

A full review will follow of the other products.  Have you used the night treatment or any of the other products? What are your thoughts?

Spending Ban!

I've been seriously overspending on beauty products, magazines and posting swaps so I've decided on a spending ban on everything apart from necessities running from today to 14th June eek!  I'm giving myself £10 a week for necessities (and any extras like coffees/water at work).  It's packed lunches for the next month.


I am allowed to buy the Latest in Beauty box (if I fancy it), its available at the end of the month but only if I have enough funds in my paypal account and I will purchase a couple of Glamour magazines at the end of the month for the free Benefit trial sizes (from my £10 budget).  I'll get my beauty fix from pre-paid boxes - Joliebox, Amarya and Amitee.

I'll keep you updated weekly.  I'll just have to find another way to spend my lunchtimes - I normally hit the shops... 


p.s. I got a sneaky wee purchase in on Saturday night! I am loving the AD Skin Synergy Nourish Night Treatment from the Amarya box (a review of this product will follow tomorrow) and with 20% off all products featured this month I bought the Travel set.