Feel Unique: Beauty Kit: BYBI Beauty, We are Paradoxx, Charlotte Tilbury, Guerlain & Crabtree & Evelyn

Recently launched is Feel Unique's Beauty Kit. Choose 5 deluxe samples each month for £12 plus £3.95 p&p (the postage charge is refunded in the form of a code). Of course, as soon as I found out (thanks Julie) I had to dive right in. Here's what I chose (your samples come in an airplane friendly clear zip top branded pouch).

I'm already a huge fan of BYBI Beauty Babe Balm so had to pick up a wee 10ml one. See my review HERE.

And of course I couldn't resist that Charlotte Tilbury dinkie! It's sooo cute! Guerlain's Meteorites Base 5ml was something I'd always wondered about. So I'm pleased to have a decent sized sample to try it out.

From Crabtree & Evelyn I chose their Evelyn Rose Soft Touch Face Foam 15ml as I'm always swayed by anything rosey. This is an excellent try-me size too.

My final pick was from a brand I wanted to try We Are Paradoxx Hangover Hair Elixir 15ml which is presented in a cute little hipflask! It supposedly contains real Irish Whiskey..

I'm actually pretty impressed with this new offering from Feel Unique and I'll definitely check it out again next month. Have you picked up a Beauty Kit yet?

January: Lately I've been Loving

Here's the things I've been loving in January:

I'm absolutely obsessed with Clipper's Organic Indian Chai Tea. I like it with a splash of milk. A spicy, aromatic and warming drink.

Staying on the tea front I stocked up on the best green tea I've found - Sencha Green from Bellevue Tea. See my review HERE. It was nice also to get a few samples to try - I may find another favourite!

I picked this Aromatherapy Associates set up in the 50% off sale. Huge fan of these lovely bath and shower oils.  Love the cute packaging too!

I've been enjoying Maddi Alexander's Mistletoe Kisses diffuser*. It's really gorgeous. See my review HERE. I'd definitely be tempted to pick a few up for presents as it's absolutely exquisite. You can also buy Serene Floral Diffuser - see HERE which has notes of Lavender and Geranium and I think there may be a rose one for Valentines Day.

I know I'm on a diet but these biscuits and sweets from Crabtree & Evelyn are just divine! The biscuits are lightly dusted with crystalised rose petals - yum!

Glasgow based Mobros, a living wage employer makes gorgeous soya wax candles in delicious scents. I'm currently loving Black Pomegranate and Black Raspberry and Vanilla.

My pal Julie gave me this lush Oskia Renaissance Hand Cream (which I've lusted after for ages) for Christmas. It's really luxurious and scented with rose. It keeps my my hands supersoft and nourished.

My Honey Tree Publishing The Stationery Lovers Box arrived at the beginning of the week and it's stuffed full of wonderful things which are beautiful as well as useful.

The Holborn magazine which celebrates a well made life which I came across via twitter - I picked up issue 1 and issue 4 - from these I loved - issue 1 (High Holborn Pub Stroll, The Jim Dandy cocktail recipe, The Art of Writing and Ten Lessons from a Maker).

And from bumper issue 4 (oh so many - The Duppy Share, A Pub Stroll: New York (there is a pub which only sells own brewed light or dark beer!), a cocktail using Gosnells Mead (which I sampled at Maltby St Market in October), Tinder is the Night, Hackney Downs Studios, The London Artisan Market, Trevor's Tale, The Scent of Floris, You got Any Pie On Ya? and Mast Brothers Chocolate Makers. Have loved reading these mags and know I'll go back to them again and again...and try out the cocktail recipes! I definitely think a subscription is on the cards.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR sample

Advent Calendars: Days 16 to 24

WOW I can't believe that's the end of the Advent Calendars well not quite 4160Tuesdays gives me a perfume for Christmas Day.

Here's an update as to what I received each day from day 16 to 24:

16 December

YOU Beauty: The Vintage Cosmetic Company Slanted Tweezers - I've a pair of tweezers I love so have gifted these.

M&S: Rodial Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel 15ml - this is a bit scary sounding! No doubt I'll give it a try.

4160Tuesdays: Tart's Knicker Drawer (how I'd laugh if someone asked me what perfume I was wearing while wearing this one!) It has notes of powdery floral amber.

17 December

YOU Beauty: Lanolips 101 Ointment - I have used this in the past but this one I've gifted on.

M&S: Swell Ultimate Volume Masque 50ml - another I've gifted on but have enjoyed using it in the past. See my review HERE.

4160Tuesdays: The Dark Heart of Old Havana - I love this one! With smokey notes of Tobacco, Coffee and fruits.

18 December

YOU Beauty: Benefit Roller Lash mini Mascara - pretty happy to see this. Tried it before and loved. Huge fan of mini mascaras.

M&S: Crabtree & Evelyn La Source mini Soap - this smells gorgeous! Huge fan of bar soaps. This one would be good for travel.

4160Tuesdays: The Lion Cupboard - this has been the first scent I haven't really liked. It has notes of herbs, coffee, juniper, citrus, woods and tobacco. I found it a bit old fashioned and musty.

19 December

YOU Beauty: Bee Good Plump & Firm mini Moisturiser - I tried this moisturiser recently for the first time and loved it. See my review HERE.

M&S: Autograph Ultimate Shine Twist Up Lip Colour - Nude - love this glossy pop of neutral colour. One of my favourites from all the calendars.

4160Tuesdays: New York '55 - with notes of raspberry, rose, violet, vanilla and musk. Really like this one.

20 December:

YOU Beauty: Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo & Conditioner - was pleased to see these in the calendar as they are brilliant size (75ml) and my hair could do with a little bit of body.

M&S: L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel 75ml - used this before and loved it.

4160Tuesdays: Raw Silk and Red Roses - WOW love this one. It has notes of rose, geranium, musk and fruit.

21 December

YOU Beauty: REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial 15ml - I've used this before and loved it. See my review HERE.

M&S Pixi Glow Tonic 100ml - I've just started using this and my skin seems to like it.

4160Tuesdays - Paradox - with woods, citrus, musk, iris and violet.

22 December

YOU Beauty: Green People Age Defy+ 24hr Brightening Moisturiser 10ml - I've a feeling I've tried this before. Good size sample.

M&S: REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial 15ml - received this yesterday in the YOU Beauty calendar. Will probably gift this one on.

4160Tuesdays: Inevitable Crimes of Passion - "the end of innocence. An invitation into a Victorian orangery, then into the velvet upholstered parlour for tea..then down to the basement". Sound interesting...

23 December

YOU Beauty: Rodial STEMCELL super food glam balm multi 25ml - a multi-purpose balm which you can use on your face, as a mask or eye balm.

M&S: Stila Lip Glaze in Sugar Plum - I've used these in the past and this looks like a pretty shade.

4160Tuesdays: Maxed Out - this one is gorgeous! It has notes of rum, coconut, lime, coffee, tobacco and cannabis. It has a really lovely coconut lime scent.

24 December

YOU Beauty: Rituals Under a Fig Tree mini Reed Diffuser - was really excited about this one! Can't wait to try it out.

M&S: Morgan Taylor Nail Polish - in a pretty maroon shade.

4160Tuesdays: Be Careful What You Wish For - citrus, oudh, cedarwood and patchouli. Looking forward to testing this one out more.

So that's it! What are your thoughts on the contents?  4160Tuesdays have made their calendar for 25 days so I'll get an extra treat on Christmas Day! Also looking forward to having time to try everything out properly.

The Dream Box IV by British Beauty Blogger

I picked up Jane's latest beauty box in association with Latest in Beauty mainly for stocking fillers for friends and a few new bits for me! The box is now sold out but cost £22.95 with free P&P (I had a voucher for 20% off) making it unbelievable value for money.

It's absolutely stuffed full!

Here are the bits I'm keeping:

NUXE Prodigieux Eye Cream (15ml full size - worth £18.50) being a huge NUXE fan I'm looking forward to trying this. It de-puffs and helps with dark circles. Expect a review soon.

I absolutely adore this beautiful scent by Shay & Blue (Framboise Noire) and this little vial (2ml worth £5) will be perfect for popping in my handbag. See my review HERE*.

L'Occitane Almond Oil (35ml - worth £3) I've tried the Almond range before and loved this shower oil.

Erborian CC Creme (15ml full size - worth £17.00) this was the item I was most excited about in the box as it's from a brand I've wanted to try for ages.

Maybelline Dr Rescue SOS Nail Balm (full size - worth £3.99) my nails are always in need of some TLC. 

Beauty Kitchen Love Me Wonderbalm (full size - worth £2.99) this balm has a delicious cinnamon scent. Love!

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Raise the Bar (1.5g - worth £7) this is my new favourite lipstick shade! Really pretty and perfect for Autumn. 

And onto the bits I'm gifting..

Soap & Glory the Righteous Butter Mini (50ml - worth £2.50) a great cheap and cheerful product and range. Not a product I'm keen on.

REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk (25ml - worth £2.75) I've used this several times before. A good cleanser but I prefer balms these days.

KMS California Moistrepair Shampoo (75ml - worth £4.50) and KMS California MoistRepair Conditioner (75ml - worth £5.00) a great size but I'm trying to use more natural haircare.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy (full size 50g & boxed - worth £9) I've got loads of hand creams to use so this will make a great wee Christmas present.

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara (full size - worth £10.99) again I'm trying to use more natural mascaras. This one sounds great though!

Crown Brush Pro Studio Contour Brush (full size - worth £9.99) I know one of my nieces will love this! 

The final item is Collection Speedy Blush Stick in Tickled Pink & Cheeky (full size - worth £3.99) I tend to use bronzer rather than blush.

An absolutely fabulous box which is such great value. Did you pick one up? What are your thoughts?

*review - PR sample

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Scrub with Pumice & an Allotment update

I spend a sunny Bank Holiday Monday morning at my new allotment. There is lots to do! Planning as well as weeding and planting although I'm trying to not do it all at once! The previous owner left me two stawberry patches, a plum tree, rhubarb, raspberries and brambles. (my half is the side going down towards the shed). I was also excited to become a shed owner!

I've found the perfect gardening companion in Crabtree & Evelyn's Gardeners Hand Scrub with Pumice (£13 - 195g)* which is perfect for use after a few hours down the plot.

With a delicious scent (green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme) this gentle scrub gets rid of gardening dirt and grime leaving the hands smooth, nourished and clean. Two sizes of ultra-fine pumice work to lift soil from hands and nails.  It's one of the best I've used and non-gardeners can also enjoy this effective and pleasant to use scrub.

See the rest of the products available in the range HERE.

*PR sample

The Dream Box III by British Beauty Blogger & Latest in Beauty

I found I couldn't resist Jane's (British Beauty Blogger) third collaboration with Latest in Beauty. Costing £21.95 with free P&P it is jam packed full of 16 beauty products and worth over £110!

There are a couple of items I won't use so I'll pass them on. Here's what is inside:

Eye of Horus Pencil (full size worth £17.99) - this paraben free eye pencil has a creamy formula which is easy to apply, waterproof, smudgeproof and long lasting. I got Charcoal which is a grey shade with a sparkly shimmer. Love!

DECIEM Hand Chemistry (30ml worth £8) - I recently tried this wonder hand cream and fell in love. Believe the hype - use for 10 days and see amazing results on dry and chapped hands.

Salon Science Reglosse Smoothing Serum (50ml worth £18) - I'm always on the lookout for new hair products. This will soften and smooth. Can't wait to try!

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche - 24 hr Soothing & Rehydrating Fresh Mask (full size 50ml worth £18.50) - I'm a huge Nuxe fan so looking forward to try this suitable for all skin types mask.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Au Lait Luxury Milk Soap (full size 100g - £4.95) - I love bars of soap and this one smells divine.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier EDP (1.5ml sample worth £1.26) - I received the eau fraiche of this scent in my recent The Perfume Society Box and loved it so looking forward to trying the stronger EDP.

Dr Organic Cherry Lip Balm (5.7g full size worth £3.40) - huge Dr Organic and Lip Balm fan. It contains a SPF15 so I'll be popping this one in my holiday bag.

OLE HENRIKSEN Pure Truth Melting Cleanser 3 in 1 Cleansing Gelee (15ml worth £3.05) - I love the Truth Serum and the facial wipes from this brand. Looking forward to trying it.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pear & Magnolia Body Lotion (50ml worth £5) - this has the sweetest scent. It actually makes my mouth water! The lotion absorbs quickly leaving the skin lightly scented.

Bourjois Rouge Velvet (full size worth £8.99) - I got the shade Don't Pink Of It which is a gorgeous matt pink shade.

benefit they're Real Remover (7.5ml worth £2.18) - I wear benefit's mascaras so looking forward to testing this out. It's meant to make removing waterproof mascara easily without any dragging or pulling.

Orelia Temporary Tattoos (one sheet worth £5) - I used to buy temporary tattoos from Estee Lauder years ago so looking forward to trying these ones.

Essence Nail Polish (2 full size worth £3.60) - I'm looking forward to wearing these on my toes in summer (especially the pastel one). Pretty and wearable in nude and pastel.

Make up Revolution The One Fluid Blusher - Rush Me (full size worth £3) - I won't use this so will pass it on.

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan for Face & Body with mitt (20ml worth £9) - I'm not really a fake tan fan so I'll pass this one on too.

All in all, a great box. Pick it up HERE.

The Perfume Society: VIP Subscriber

I picked up The Perfume Society's Holiday Discovery Box back in November and loved it! Just after Christmas and before my spending ban kicked in (broke it already!) I signed up to be a member which costs £25 a year. For this you receive an introductory box full of trial sizes and samples, get online issues of a fab magazine - The Scented Letter, smelling strips, a notebook, fragrance notes postcards and a hand cream. You can also buy the forthcoming discovery boxes for £10.

Inside is:

Versace Crystal Noir EDT 5ml - this is an ORIENTAL scent with notes of blackcurrant, black fig, violet, frangipani, tuberose, jasmine, cashmeran, vanilla pod, heliotropine and sandalwood. This is gorgeous! Sweet and Floral with a tiny bit of wood. One of my favourites!

Miller Harris Fleur de Sel EDP 1.6ml - from the CHYPRE fragrance family. I've tried this scent before and loved it.  It has notes of red thyme oil, clary sage, angelica, iris, narcissus, ambrette seed, rose, vetiver, oakmoss, leather, patchouli and labdanum. A "deeply sensual and earthy fragrance, with astringent salt at its heart".

Chloe EDP 1.2ml - from the FLORAL family. It has top notes of pink peony, freesia and lychee with heart notes of magnolia flower, lily of the valley, rose and freesia with base notes of cedarwood, amber and honey.  This is a true floral and very feminine.

DALI WILD EDT 6.5ml - from the WOODY fragrance family. This is a really powerful and strong scent. It has top notes of yuzu, green notes, tuberose and gardenia with middle notes of jasmine and magnolia and base notes of mahogany, zebrano and woods.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million EDP 1.5ml - from the FLORIENTAL family. This is my first try of this best seller.  It contains notes of bitter orange, raspberry, neroli, jasmine, gardenia, patchouli, amber and honey. It's lovely.

Atkinsons 24 Old Bond Street Eau de Cologne 2ml - A FRESH perfume.  It contains notes of juniper, cardamon, rose, black tea, Turkish rose absolute, whisky, cade oil and cedar. I love this one!  It starts off really fresh with hints of juniper mellowing to a smokey scent.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir EDP 1.5ml - from the GOURMAND fragrance family.  When first sprayed it has a rich and fruity sweet scent. It is very girly and contains notes of wild berries, mandarin, strawberry, honeysuckle, gardenia petals, jasmine sambac, amber, caramel and vanilla. I love it.

Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps EDT 1.2ml - I'm not keen on this one - it's a bit too powdery and old fashioned smelling for me.  A FLORAL with notes of peach, bergamot, neroli, aldehydes, carnation, gardenia, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, musk, sandalwood and iris root.  It was launched in 1948 and is still popular today.

The extra in the box is a Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Hand Cream 25g. Did you join up?  What are your thoughts on the perfumes included?

Latest in Beauty Christmas Beauty Crackers

I recently picked up these beauty crackers from Latest in Beauty.  They are great value for money and stuffed full of trial size and full size goodies.  Get them now at £12.95 plus P&P.  See here for more details.

Inside are randomly picked beauty products.  I loved opening all three!

In the first cracker is a full size essie polish, Caudalie SOS Morning Eye Rescue 7ml and a mini Caudalie Divine Oil.

Inside cracker number two is Inika's Liquid Mineral Foundation which I've wanted to try for ages so was pleased to see a 6ml mini in Beige inside. Also in the cracker was my favourite Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask 10ml (mini review) and a mini 2ml of Caudalie's SOS Thirst Quenching Serum.

In the third cracker is a full size L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara, The Vintage Cosmetic Company Tweezers and a Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Hand Cream.

I think these crackers are great value for money and would be great presents for sisters, mums, aunties and friends this Christmas (or a treat to self!)

Buy them here.

YOU Beauty Discovery Box - Birthday Special - September

My YOU Beauty Discovery Box arrived yesterday afternoon. Costing only £6.95 including P&P it's the best value box out there!

I chose Wild about Beauty Nutrilips Colour SPF15 Lipstick which is full size and worth £15.00. The shade I got is called Bobbie, a nude shade. The lipstick feels super moisturising on the lips and I quite like the colour.

My second item(s) were an ARK duo of Shower Gel & Body Butter (which has a texture more like a lotion). Both are 30ml and in the scent Loving which combines Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Patchouli, Camomile, Bay, Rosewood, Myrhh, Rose and Black Pepper. I'm looking forward to trying these out.

As this is YOU Beauty Discovery Box's first birthday everyone received an extra product in the form of Toni & Guy's Glamour Volume Plumping Whip 90ml and worth £7.19. It is said to create all day body and bounce without flyaways.

Extras: two Crabtree & Evelyn Teabags in Afternoon Tea and Blackberry Green Tea, a make-up sponge and a £25 Hello Fresh Gift Voucher (which is only available to new customers of Hello Fresh).

Did you get the box this month? What did you choose?

The Beauty Bible Loves...box with Latest in Beauty

I knew I wouldn't be able to resist The Beauty Bible Loves Box in association with Latest in Beauty. It is jam packed full of beauty goodies and costs £19.95 plus P&P. There are also various money off offers included.

One of the things which instantly caught my eye were the PitRok Deodorant Wipes (20 wipes) - these retail round about the £2 mark.  These are kind to your skin and don't contain any parabens, SLS, Silicone etc. I think they be handy for popping in your handbag for use on the go, for a weekend away, after the gym or to take to festivals.

I'm a huge Essential Care fan and love their Creamy Coconut Cleanser 30ml (currently on Special Offer at £4).  You can see my review here.

Rituals Miracle Scrub Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba Ultra Softening Hand Scrub 75ml which retails at £11.50. I'm a huge fan of hand scrubs and looking forward to trying this out. It helps to leave the hands soft, smooth and nourished.

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm 2ml sachet - I've heard mixed reviews about this cleansing balm. Looking forward to trying it out for myself.  Edit: I love this! Makes cleansing a real luxury ritual. Full size now firmly on the wishlist!

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy 25g (£5) - a super moisturising cream which nourishes and conditions hands and nails. This smells simply gorgeous and absorbs instantly. Slightly herbaceous with a hint of verbena.  

Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Bio-Plasma Mud Mask 100ml (worth £7.99) - I love Dr Organic products and am looking forward to trying this oil regulating, detoxifying and anti-ageing mask. Know my T-zone is going to love it!

John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo 30ml & Citrus & Neroli Detangler 30ml - I love all the JMO haircare range and these are a great size for travel. They leave the hair shiny, healthy and manageable. Love!

And finally, a Bellapierre Volumising Mascara in Black 9ml (retails round about £13). Gives long lasting volumising lashes and is free from parabens.

Did you get this box?  What do you think of the contents?