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

Shopping my Stash #30

Here's what I've been using this week:

A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner 150ml - for normal, dry and textured hair - simply love this, leaves the hair moisturised and healthy looking.  A snip at £8.40 at Naturisimo as it lasts for ages.  It featured in my top products of 2012 see here.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 200ml - this is great to use if you've not much time as it cuts down blow dry time.  I'm on my second bottle and I'd buy it again.

amie Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturiser 100ml* - this leaves the skin matte and fresh.  Every amie product I've tried I've loved.  Full review to follow.

Jo Malone Red Roses Body Creme 175ml - received this from hubby as a present. Simply lovely, smells gorgeous and a treat to use.  Leaves the skin deeply moisturised and scented with red roses.

bareMinerals Eye Shadow in shades Vanilla Sugar and Renew - just love these wearable shades.

Have you been shopping your stash this week?

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash - Spending Ban Week 3

These are my products I've been shopping my stash for this week:

KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 200ml - first received this product in a Carmine box and then in another beauty box.  Loved it so much bought the full size (this is my second one).  It really works for quickening up blow drying time - a lifesaver in the morning before work!

Skinvelop The Cleanser 120ml - an absolutely amazing cleanser which removes every trace of make up, leaves skin feeling fresh and clean with no tightness.  Great value at £10.50 and it smells fab!  You can read my mini review here.  I love trying different cleansers but I'll always have this one in my stash!

Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick.  Honey is my ultimate favourite shade but enjoying this bright pop of colour this week.

Fresh Sugar Passion Lip Treatment SPF15 - I received a set of these when my friend at work went to Vegas - you can see my post here.  This is a sheer rouge tint.

Neil George Intense Repair Mask with Indian Gooseberry 215ml - this smells amazing and is a great hair mask - you can read my review here.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - simply love this gorgeous pot of super moisturising butter scented with tangerine. Deeply moisturises my skin and a pot of this will always be in my stash.

Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion 100ml - one of my favourite Clarins products. Super moisturising with a light scent.

What have you been using most this week?

Birchbox Review - January 2013

As you will probably be aware Birchbox which are based in New York recently took over Joliebox.

I received my first box yesterday.  It arrived in a bright pink box.  Inside is a brown box with pink detailing.  Also included is a Birchbox magazine.  The bag inside is bright pink too - makes a change from the Joliebox black!

And what's inside?

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF15 2.2g - already love this super moisturising lip treat.  You can see my review here.

KMS California Add Volume Volumizing Spray 30ml - I love the quick blow dry spray from this brand and my hair always needs volume so happy to try this out.  Although the product does seem a little thick in the bottle for a spray product.

Taaj Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream 30ml - I love the Taaj Micellar Water so happy to try another item from the brand. A shea-enriched hand cream - which I've tried it out a couple of times and it is deeply moisturising with a light floral scent. I like it!

WEI White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend 2ml - from a brand I've heard of but not tried any products.  Contains moisture-binding white lotus flower extracts wtih skin-firming peptides.  Looking forward to trying this out.

Teapigs Tummy Tonic Peppermint Leaves single use tea bag - already love and buy this tea.

I was pleased with my first Birchbox.  Did you get this box or an alternative mix? What are your thoughts?

Hair Care Products - Oils, Volumizers etc.

Following on from yesterday's post here is my styling products and other items.

OSiS+ Flatliner Flattening Iron Serum 200ml - you can see my review here.

Sebastian Shaper Fierce Ultra Firm Finishing Spray 50ml - I got this in my Pout Edinburgh goody bag recently.  Not used it yet.

Philip Kingsley Maximiser 60ml - got this in a swap.  Great product for body and volume. 

Percy & Reed Finishing Polish 100ml - was a magazine freebie and love this for reducing static.  It smells good too.

Moroccanoil Light 100ml - love this oil.  I've also got a small 10ml of the original one which is handy for travel.  Leaves the hair looking health and silky smooth.

KMS Freeshape Hot Flex Spray 30ml - this came in one of the beauty boxes.  Not really used it yet.

TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm 90ml - this came from last October's Feel Unique box - oh how I miss Feel Unique!

Batiste Tropical and Blush Dry Shampoos (120g & 30g) - the tropical one is my favourite. I love the coconut scent.

KMS Freeshape Quick Blow Dry 200ml - a small size of this came in last December's Carmine box.  Does what is says - halves the time of blow drying - great for my morning rush!

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother 10ml and Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair 10ml - these are nice products that I am enjoying using.

Philip B Styling Gel 15ml - picked this up in a blog sale - nice for smoothing down static.

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - this is nearly finished.  Got this a while back at the hairdressers, adds shine to the hair and also good for static.

Redken align12 straightening lotion 30ml - this came from Joliebox.  Seems a nice product - only used it a couple of times so far.

Mythic Oil vial - nice product will probably pick up full size at some point.

Simply Argan Organic Argan Oil 50ml - I got this in April`s Amarya box - like how it can be used on your skin or hair.

Have you used any of these products before?

May Empties

It's that time of the month again - empties!

And now for a closer look...

Here are my thoughts:

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 125ml - absolutely love this product.  I'm now on my last one.  I'll definitely re-purchase.

Vaseline Roll-on Deodorant - a staple.

Tropic Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream 5ml pot - love this and got another in a swap although now summer is here its too rich for my skin.  Would definitely buy it in winter, love the texture, feel on my skin and the scent.

Korres Citrus Little Moisturising Body Milk 50ml - this was from a swap.  It originally came in a Boudoir Prive box. Lovely light lotion.  Would perhaps purchase again.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - from Carmine box (and another swap).  Will definitely pick up full size next time I'm at the hairdresser - it really does what it says it will.

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - this was my extreme purchase from Harvey Nichols Beauty Department last November.  Love it, reviewed it here.  I actually bought another bottle during the luxury GWP promotion in March.  

Rose Sheet Mask - this was from the lovely goodies Evelyn brought me from Japan.  I love sheet masks and this one smelt and afterwards the skin felt amazing.

Erno Laszlo - I love these samples, have picked up a few packs in swaps.  Would never buy full size as the products are so expensive, but the samples are nice to use.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash 15ml and Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 15ml - absolutely loved both of these products.  Will definitely purchase full size at some point.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant sachet - got two uses out of this.  Have used this product in the past and loved it.  One I'll definitely buy at some point.

Pukka Firming Face oil 2ml sachet - an ok product but there are better face oils out there.

Pure Fiji Nourishing Exotic Coconut Oil - I'd just bought a mini travel set when I received a mini bottle of this in my Joliebox.  Absolutely love the light coconut scent and one I'd buy full size.

Molton Brown Eucalyptus Bath & Shower 30ml - got this in a gift set - loved the scent would purchase.

Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower 30ml - as above. My favourite Molton Brown scent.  Sure to purchase as some point.

Macademia Healing Oil Treatment 10ml - my last bottle of swaps - would re-purchase once I've used up the oils I am using currently.

Elemis Sharp Shower & Bath Gel 50ml - this had a nice minty scent, enjoyed using it but probably wouldn't purchase.

Cowshed Quinoa Hydrating Daily Moisturiser 20ml - a lovely moisturiser (I got this one of my Easter swap boxes) but a bit too rich for my skin - I used this on my neck.  Loved the scent and feel on my skin though.

Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine..to Perfection Gloss Cloth - single use, used it before a night out with good results.

Sanctuary Body Moisture Spray 50ml - love this for days I can't be bothered rubbing in a body lotion.  Just spritz on and pat in.  Got a full size back up.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Shower Gel 15ml - got this as a freebie in my birthday box.  Gorgeous!

Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation sample pot - in shade 5.5 - good coverage would perhaps purchase.

Nailtiques Cuticle & Skin Gel 7g - a nice product, I got it in a set would probably re-purchase.

Santaverde Xingu High Antioxidant Prevention Cream sachet - lovely cream to use but unsure if I'd buy.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - love this.

Pukka Uplifting Toner 10ml - gorgeous trial size would purchase full size.

What have you been using this month?

Joliebox - April

I got my Joliebox today and love it.

The changing of the seasons..

Balance Me Daily Essentials Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm 15ml - really rate Balance Me products so looking forward to trying this out.

Tropic Skincare Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream - small pot smells fab - looking forward to trying this out.

Pure Fiji Exotic Bath and Body Oil - lightly scented with coconut can be used on body, hair, for massage, in the bath and on hands and feet.  I already love this having bought a travel set a couple of weeks ago in this scent!

Bellapierre Black Mascara - full size item.  For thicker and fuller lashes - looking forward to trying this.

KMS California Freeshape Hot Flex Spray - a protective spray.  Loved the quick blowdry product I got in Carmine so will look forward to trying this.

A great box I love everything!  Also included is a Joliemag - loved it last month so will look forward to reading it.  What are your thoughts?

This is the Pure Fiji set I got a couple of weeks ago with a 20% off code.

March Empties

I don't think I've got through so many empties this month!

Sheet Mask - Birds Nest Collagen Hydrating Mask - love this, I got this in the box Maria made me from Hong Kong.  Super moisturising. You can view the full contents here. I've still got the other three to use.

Avon Care Gentle Hand Wash 200ml - was okay product but wouldn't repurchase.

John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler 236ml - great for detangling and reducing static, would repurchase as this size lasts for ages.

Crabtree & Evelyn sample Avocado Body Lotion - nice enough, wasn't keen on the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash 55ml - love this, smells of turkish delight.  Only negative is its hard to get out the bottle - the tube version is much more runnier but same product?!  Would still repurchase.

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - from Carmine box.  Love this would purchase full size.  It really does what it says it will. (using another one from a swap).

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil - a real favourite, got a stock of these from swaps and blog sales.

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner sachet - as above a favourite and got a supply.

Philosophy Peppermint Bark Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 60ml - love the scent of this, good enough to eat! But found the scent disappeared quite quickly and was non existent in a bubble bath so wouldn't repurchase.

RMK Cleansing Oil 3ml sachet - love this and would consider buying full size.

L'Oreal Mythic Oil 3ml vial - nice product, would maybe consider purchasing.

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash 50ml - love this scent and would definitely re-purchase.

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream 50ml - this and the wash were from my Christmas box.  Love.  Still got the larger sizes to use.

L'Occitane Shea butter soap - lovely light scented soap with great lather would repurchase.

Dove Soap - love the scent of this soap will repurchase at some point (I'd just about finished this last month and hubby sometimes uses!)

Inlight facial oil sachet - this was with Amarya box - lovely vanilla scented oil would consider purchasing.

Radox muscle soak bubble bath - a cheapie but it works.  Definitely repurchase.

Temple Spa Peace be Still Face & Body Balm - got this as a hotel room freebie - nice to use but probably wouldn't purchase.

Vaseline Active Fresh Deodorant - a staple!

Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser 15ml - got a sachet of this in an Amarya box and loved it so much I bought this size and purchased another.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream for Hands, Knees, Elbows and Feet 60g - both me and hubby love this! Addicted to the scent! Have already repurchased.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream 200ml - loved using this, total spa product but expensive.  Would maybe repurchase.

L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream 30ml - loved this and love L'Occitane hand creams - this one was a magazine freebie.

Phyto Phytobaume Express Conditioner 20ml - from Feel Unique.  Loved this and would purchase full size.

Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Wash 100ml - another from Feel Unique.  Would repurchase (once I use up my supply of body washes!)

What have you been using up this month?

Styling & Treatment Hair Products

Above are my current hair styling products collection.  I also have the four Percy & Reed products which came free with Glamour magazine.  I had to buy 4 magazines!  Reviews to follow.

I've been using the Moroccanoil Light for while now and its my top treatment.  It leaves the hair soft, moisturised and static free.  Huge 100ml, lasts for ages.  Pricey though at around £28.

I picked up the Macademia Healing Treatment Oil (10ml) in a swap.  Retails at around a fiver.  A bit thicker than the Moroccanoil Light but still one of my favourites, would buy this product.

Leonor Greyl Huiles de Palme 25ml - I got this in my Boudoir Prive box in October.  Absolutely love this product, so effective.  Have collected a few via swaps.  

KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry 30ml - received this in my December Carmine Box.  It really does what it says it will - reduce blow drying time - on my second via a swap but will definitely purchase this product - it works!

Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm 90ml - a full size product received in Feel Unique's October box (oh how I miss Feel Unique!). A great product and I'd buy it again.


Philip Kingsley Maximiser 60ml - received this in a swap - great product would buy again really gives great volume.


Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist 150ml - my hairdresser used and recommended this.  Gives really great shine and can also spray on palm and smooth down any frizzy bits.


Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish 100ml - great product, reduces static, leaves hair smooth and smells great - includes horse chestnut and sunflower wax in ingredients.


What products could you not live without?

Carmine - November and December likes

I subbed to Carmine in November (I couldn't miss out on yet another beauty box!)  I had loads of hassle regarding my address detail and late delivery.  Carmine support assured me it would be fixed for the December box. 

December came and my box was again late - I eventually received it, and it was addressed wrong again! (luckily my long suffering postie knows I am a beauty addict and I  got it eventually!)  I have been assured it has been sorted for January - fingers crossed!

These are my likes from the November and December boxes.

November

Cosmetics a la carte Brow Ink – really ingenious product, love it.  Never used a brow ink before.  It can also be used as eyeliner. 

i-pout lipstick – loved this, beautiful colour (Berrylicious) and really handy on nights out with the built in light and mirror. I hadn’t tried this brand before the beauty boxes.

Lulu Time Bomb Flashback Night Cream 15ml – ideal try me size.  Lovely cream enjoyed using would maybe re-purchase (stocked up in a couple in swaps).

December

Institut Esthederm Time Technology Cream – I love trying new face creams and this is really nice.  Rich but easily absorbed.

KMS Freeshape Quick Blow-Dry –  spray on towel dried hair and it reduces drying time by 50%.  Love this product would buy full size.

Benito Brow Bar Free Eyebrow Threading card – A free eyebrow threading.  Not used yet but I can in either House of Fraser or Debenhams - valid until June.

The other items in the boxes I swapped (Weleda Pomegranate Body Wash, Japonesque Smudger Brush and Blingtone eyeshadow).  I gave the Dainty Doll Eyeliner and the NEOM body lotion as gifts.

I will see what the contents are of the next couple of boxes as I am not using all the products so this may be the one I will cancel.

What are your thoughts on Carmine?