May's Beauty Box comparison

I thought I would do something a little different. I am subscribed to both  Glossy Box and Birchbox. I have been since they started, with regards to Birchbox I have been with every previous company they were initially called. There is something about Beauty Boxes that I get really excited about. They can also cause I stir on my Twitter time line from time to time and it is usually about the variations in each monthly box.

 

So lets see what I got this month! I have tried to calcualte the cost for each item to work out the value for each box.

 

May's Birchbox

 

 

 

Doctor Duve Eye Cream X2 Sachets (full size 30ml £115.00)  £7.00 2ml
I have received a few of these sachets samples before. I look forward to using this as I hear the price tag for the full size product is rather high. But as with all samples I prefer the tube types so I can use the product for a few days to get a real feel for if I like the item. You cannot tell after one use.

Elemental Herbology Facial Hydrator 30ml (full size 50ml £42.00) £35.71 30ml
 I am really excited to try this brand. I have noticed this brand in Space N K, so it must be great!!

Makebelieve Enhance Lip Gloss 15ml (full size 15ml £9.19) £9.19 15ml
This item I am not excited about, I feel awful saying that because it looks really pretty. But I just don't wear lip glosses, never have. For some reason I am not drawn to them. Maybe I should give this a go?? It may change my mind.

 

 

Kusmi Tea Detox 20g (£13.85 for 20g) £13.85 20g

I do not drink tea so this is a wasted item on me. I need to find a new home for this little tin. Looks like a nice brand thou, the packaging is lovely.

 

B/attitude Body Souffle 50ml (Full size 200ml £24.00)  £5.00 50ml

Gosh I hope that's the correct spelling?? The snazzy letter design threw me off there. I am completely new to this brand. First impressions are good, the cream is thick and smells divine. On application the cream sank into my skin easily and left the most beautiful fragrance. I am happy to use this properly after my bath.

 

OPI Nagellack 3.75ml (Full size 15ml £11.50) £3.50ish 3.75ml

I love OPI polishes and this is a pretty bright pink perfect for summer. The only problem is I already own this shade :( I am gutted. I had seen a red in other boxes and had hoped I received that shade. Hey ho what can you do?? It is however a gorgeous shade with a duo chrome effect, I can see the fainest shimmer of purple/pink. It is a pretty shade.

 

 



Now we are onto my Glossy Box for May. I have seen soooo many variations with this months box. I have to admit I have been a lucky girl with my box. When you look at the contents it doesn't look as much as my Birchbox.

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml (Full size £4.05) £4.05 15ml
I have tried this before and its absolutely beautiful to use. I am really happy to have another trial size. It smells lovely and it a multi use product, I like to use the oil on my hair and dry skin. It works wonders for me. I feel a full size purchase coming on.

Harmony Moisturising Creme balm 10ml (Full size 30ml £26.50) £8.83 10ml
Again another brand I am new to, this has a slight scent. The cream rubs into my skin easily, the instructions say its for combination skin which I have so I am happy to give this a go. Being 10ml there is enough for a few days to try. I like these size samples.

Beautiful Movements Prime & Create 2.5g (Full size 20g £20.00) £2.50 2.5g
I hear this brand was formally known as BM cosmetics?? Am I correct?? I like to try new primers so I am happy to give this one a whirl. I have not tried it yet but be sure once I do I will let you know.

Nails Inc Portbello 4ml (Full size 10ml £11.00) £4ish 4ml
You would not believe this, my friend Ana (Anagoesgreenbeautyorganic.blogspot.com) sent me a few goodies recently and this was included!!! Whats my luck like, anyway I love this shade I own nothing like this in my collection. Its a vibrant shade that dries with a matt finish. Just the prefect shade for a hot summer holiday.

Givenchy Noir Couture 1.5g (Full size 8g £22.50) £4.21 1.5g
I am really excited to receive this in my box. In fact I was looking at their lipstick range recently in Debenhams. I really wanted to pick a couple up but they had no staff on so I left empty handed. I will go back at some point and look again. This mascara claims to lengthen, curl, give volume and car for your lashes. What more could you ask for??

 

 

I hear that Glossy Box included extra gifts to their long standing loyal subbies to celebrate their 2nd birthday. I have been with Glossy Box since their 2nd box and unfortunately did not get any extras oh well. Maybe next year?? So here's the big question what box won the monthly battle??  I got 7 items in my Birchbox and 5 in my Glossy Box, both boxes had items I am happy to use and blog about. I have to say the winning box for me this month has to be GLOSSY BOX (even if I had missing items!!) I am super happy with this months contents and last months box was brilliant as well. Keep up the good work Glossy Box and get us the best brands to try.

 

Glossy Box works out to £23.59

 

Birchbox works out to £74.25

 

Jen x

Rawganic Organic Relaxing Massage Oil

Body oils are something I have never used until recently,some of my friends rave about them. Yes I am looking at you Sandra! I had to see what it was all about. Whilst making an order on Lucy Rose website and noticed RawGanic was on offer for around the £6ish mark, if I remember rightly? So in the basket it went.

I like how the bottle had a pump, you can pump exactly the amount  you require without wasting your oil. It was the ingredients that really caught my attention, Ylang Ylang and Neroli, I have really enjoyed using those scents before. The bottle itself is made from metal, I will be upcycling this at some point.

The oil is very thin, not a thick formula at all. One pump onto my hand and it was running all over the place. The scent was quite earthy when first applied but this soon changed when massaged into the skin. I wonder whether the heat form my skin warmed up the oil? It smells really nice, it reminds me of something but I cant put my finger on it. Certainly not earthy!

I tend to use this after I have shaved, when my skin really needs that extra moisture. The oil sinks into my skin easily, leaving no greasiness, just silky smooth skin. The scent can be smelt for a while afterwards. You know when you move your body and catch a whiff of yourself? And think ohhh whats that lovely smell? Oh its me!

 

 

I hope to try more oils, I hear such good things about face oils, body oils and bath oils. I already use hair oils but had not tried them anywhere else. Could this be a new collection beginning?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jen x

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Another Rose scented product to share with you all. This is a luxury product that leaves my skin feeling so nourished. I was introduced to this by one of the lovely sales assistance's whilst browsing in their store one rainy afternoon. I love those times when I am introduced to products  I would not normally find myself.

If you like a good hair conditioner, you will LOVE this. I had never heard about a SKIN conditioner before. What a genius idea to condition your skin, and believe me it does what is says on the tin. I tend to have more baths than showers, so my usage may differ from the instructions. I complete all the usual washing, shampooing etc and once I am all clean I stand up and slather myself with this magical potion. I give myself a good rub and slide back into the bath and relax. Once I am finished

The product is very thick, a little goes a long way. May i just add the smell is, well divine. I used this in a variety of ways. i have used it to shave my legs but decided that was a waste! So I will stick to the slathering myself in it and relaxing.

As Lush says pat yourself dry, I would. certainly recommend you do this. I can feel a layer of moisture to my skin afterwards and its a shame to rub it off. I only use this at night time so I don't mind about that feeling.

 

 

I  like the little stories behind how lush develops there products. I enjoy reading them and wonder if I wrote to Mr Lush would he help me make what I visualise for my problematic areas???.......

 

 

 

 

 

Jen x

Clinique BB or CC???

I recently received an email from Clinique asking me to pop down to my local counter and try out their new CC cream. Funnily enough I was in town at that time so I headed into Debenhams. I spoke with the sales assistant who knew nothing about this email, she asked to see proof. Luckily I get my emails on my I phone so I was able to show her. Once she seen it she sat me down to colour match me. Phew I needed to sit down after all that!!

I had no idea what the whole CC thing was to be honest. I have a fair understanding to what the BB creams do but I am not completely sure??? After having this explained to me ( I am still not sure) I was offered a sample of each to compare. As you can see by the colours they are very different. I am a pale girl, I wouldn't say pink or yellow toned, just somewhere in the middle.

The swatch below shows the BB cream. On application it left my skin with a semi matt base. This is the type I prefer, I found the colour to be wrong for me and unfortunately its the lightest they offer in the BB range. The shade pulled far to pink, I am super disappointed as the finish was brilliant. I would liken the shade to Laura Mercier Rose Ivory for all you girlie's that wear that shade.

Next we have the CC cream, now this shade was perfect for me. It blended in soo well but the finished look did not work for me. This left a very dewy finish, considering this is what I am constantly battling against, its just not for me. I am glad I have tried it and maybe it may work for me in the winter months???

 

 

I am really disappointed to have found the perfect finish in a BB cream but completely the wrong shade. In a perfect world I would swap the shades between these 2 products!! The shade of the CC cream but in the formula of the BB cream. I can only hope Clinique bring the same shade range out in both of their CC and BB products.

 

 

 

 

Jen x

Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow #Tansoleil

When I visited Space N K to purchase my beloved Kevyn Aucoin Tinted Balm I could not resit looking at other items on the beauty counter. One of the first products to catch my eye was this beautiful Peachy pink product this can be used in more than one way, how exciting.

Until recently I, if I am being completely honest about things felt, well a little scared of cream blushers. I have combination skin and until recently was looking for that perfect semi matt base without looking cakey. So the thought of a shiny cheek did not attract me in the slightest. I am so glad I started to investigate cream blushers more, I had not realised that most cream blushers turn to a powder finish! I cannot express how happy I am with this little gem.

The packaging is great, compact and great for travel and has a good sized mirror inside. I like the simplicity of this design, its perfect for what I want.

Just look at the colour, as soon as I looked at this there was no hesitation. I knew it was coming home with me. Another peachy wonder added to my make up collection.

What I really love about this is you can use this on your lips as well!! I had not realised this until I got home and did a little research. I have tried to use it this way and wow, it provides my lips with a gorgeous colour, I tend to dab it into the lip to get that flush summer loving.

What magnificent pigmentation, I can see this lasting a long time. You need the teeniest amount and it blends like a dream. From this picture you can tell just what a fab product this would be on the lips it has the prettiest finish more of a semi matte finish.

I have worked some into my skin here to show the finished look when using on my cheeks. In fact I have too much here, when using on my cheeks I dab a tiny amount onto my Sigma F82 and then onto my cheeks. I slowly buff into my skin. I tend to keep the colour quite high up on my cheek bones. I like to use the F82, I prefer a firm brush rather then a softer one. I like the control with my F82.

I am really pleased with my purchase, its the perfect colour for me. These peachy pink colours are hard for me to resit, they work so well with my skin tone and the natural look I am always striving to achieve. Another huge bonus for me is it being a multi use product. But believe me you get 2 completely different finishes when applying to the cheek or lips.

 

 

I am really pleased with my recent purchase, who knows I may be brave soon and try out one of the brighter colours form this collection......... We will see, they look so pretty on the beauty counter.

 

 

 

Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow #Tansoleil £19.00

 

 

 

Jen x

Burts Bees Body Lotions

I seem to be purchasing more and more from the brand Burt's Bees. I have been enjoying a few different moisturisers and really enjoy using, so I thought I would let you know about them. I find them excellent value for money, they last well and all ingredients are completely natural.

 

Burt's Bees Replenishing Body Lotion
This smells just like coco butter, its a very creamy, rich lotion. I really enjoy suing this one at night time after my evening bath. It takes a while to sink into my dry skin but works wonders. When I wake up the next morning I can feel the difference with my skin. It feels soft, nourished and well less itchy.

 

Burt's Bees Radiance Body lotion
This leaves the most beautiful shimmer on my skin. The first time I used this I had not read the labels properly and had a shock when I began to see myself glistering in the light!! Now I tend to use this for nights out or if I am wearing a summer dress for instance. It also smells as the label suggests just like Royal Jelly, which reminds me of my Nana. The texture is light and easily absorbed into my skin.

 

Burt's Bees Sensitive Body Lotion
This has that fresh, clean green smell. I love using this one, it is very thick in its formula and again takes some time to sink into my skin. This is a miracle in a bottle, well tube!! In fact this was my very first Burt's Bees product, I suppose this started the love affair I seem to have fallen into. I would say this edition has the thickest formula of them all. If my hands are feeling particularly dry I will rub a generous amount into my skin  and then cover my hands with a cotton pair of gloves. In the morning my hands feel like new, really soft and silky smooth.

 

 

All the above lotions are so gentle on my skin and that of my sons who has extremely problematic skin. I feel soothed after use, completely moisturised, skin feels soft to the touch. I cannot recommend them anymore. I feel they would benefit most skin types and they are natural. I have purchased them from boots, Holland and Barrett and Lucy Rose for around £6.99 - £9.99. As I said a few days ago Lucy Rose have a fabulous offer on at the present time, go check take a look.

 

 

 

 

 

Jen x

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Tinted Balm

I have finally brought this much talked about Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Tinted Balm. My only wish is I had done this a lot sooner. This is just what I had been looking for. I think the name 'Tinted Balm' may have given me the wrong impression. This is a truly amazing product for me and my skin type.

I was coloured matched in store by a lovely sales assistant. I am always one of the palest shades! I am SB02 and I feel this is a brilliant match. It matches my skin tone so well, no need to blend in down my neck. I like to wear foundations in the same shade as my skin, I don't care for the tango look!

I love the packaging this is so different to other brands. I find it super easy to dispense the product. I shake the tube and squeeze a little out. I would liken this to Double Wear by Estee Lauder and Silk Creme by Laura Mercier, so if you like either of those I am sure you will get on great with this one.

The product feels quite thick on application, below is straight out of the tube and above I have started to smooth into my skin. This is a beautiful formula, it spreads nicely on my skin. I have experienced no patchiness.

 

 

The product works well into my skin, it gives me the perfect cover that I need. Think Double Wear by Estee Lauder but not as think or dare I say cakey. The finish is between semi Matt and Matt, having combination skin that leans towards oily you can imagine what a wonderful product this is for me. I apply with my Sigma F80, just a few strokes and I have a flawless base for my make up. I tend to use a primer initially like the Estee Lauder Mattifying one ( I am in love with this!) or Smash box Photo Finish. I find my base will last a good 7-8 hours before I need to start reapplying my make up.

 

I have fallen head over heels for this product, I can see this being in my collection for some time. I think this will work better for me in the warmer months. If you like a less dewy finish for your base I would highly recommend you give this a try, I am sure you wont be disappointed like I haven't.

 

 

I purchased my Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Tinted Balm from Space N K, they now offer samples to try on request. I have been trialling the Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer review to follow soon first impressions are good. I have tried 2 different colours in the Sink Enhancer one was far to yellow and this one too light!! Hopefully I will get the correct shade for me soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Jen x