Cohorted October 2015

It's the last of the normal Cohorted boxes this month as they have changed over to their monthly subscription service. From November it will be £35 a month for the box (a nasty £15 price increase, and something I don't think I'll be forking out the money for unfortunately). This month's box seems to focus on Bare Minerals with a whooping three products from them, plus a few extras as well. 

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Hypnotist - My oh my, look at this lipgloss. A multi dimensional lipgloss that can be worn alone or layered over a lipstick for colour shifting effects and high shine. This lipgloss colour is truly rather hard to describe, the gloss itself is a peachy yellow, with hints of purple and gold. 

Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser - This gentle cleanser removes makeup and dissolves impurities, leaving your skin soft and smooth. It's even gentle enough to remove eye make up. This handy 60ml tube will be great for travelling. 

Bare Minerals Purely Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin - This super thick cream improves firmness, elasticity, radiance and texture. To be honest I was pretty disappointed to receive a face cream as I'm loyal to my holy grail body shop face cream (more on that in a blog post coming soon), however I have been testing it out on my arms as they are super dry at the moment and I must say I'm impressed, it certainly helped combat any dryness as well as adding radiance. 

Ciate Nail Polish in Serendipity - Who doesn't love pink and glitter in one product? This glitter nail polish by Ciate is the perfect colour to instantly jazz up your nails. 

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Mascara - I've never heard of this brand before, I can't wait to give it a try and see if its any good. The mascara wand claims to have two specialised areas for lengthening and volumising the lashes, I must say that the wand is a very unique, interesting shape.

What did you think of this months Cohorted box?

Katie xx

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Birchbox October 2015

This year is definitely Birchbox's year for boxes this year and they have stepped up their game again this month. This month subscribers get to choose their own box to receive from either the Stylist or the Back to Basics box. The Stylist Box curated by Stylist's magazine Associate Beauty Editor features 6 stand out products covering your beauty needs from head to toe. 

 

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray - After spending what I would say a pretty large amount of money on getting my hair done (btw I invest literally no time or money into my hair, bad I know), I made a commitment to myself to take better care of my hair so I was more than happy to receive this blow-dry spray. The spray applied to damp hair protects hair against heat damage, managing frizz and helping your hair style stay in place for longer. 

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze in Daiquiri - This 100% pure and 100% vegan lipstick contains both avocado and cocoa butters to help nourish the lips, whilst the fruit pigments add a burst of colour to your lips. The Lip Glaze in Daiquiri is a gorgeous berry red colour is fairly pigmented and leaves a soft wash of colour to the lips. 

Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel - I picked up this shower gel from Birchbox's pop up shop in Selfridges last month and I'm more than happy to receive a back up. This Indian Rose & Sweet Almond Oil Foaming Shower Gel is a bit of a weird concept, this gel transforms into a foam upon contact with water. 

English Laundry No.7 Signature For Her - I'm pretty positive I've received this fragrance in a previous box however it has definitely become a favourite of mine. With notes of  Jasmine, Vanilla, Pear and Musk. It's a rather sweet, floral fragrance and settles really nicely onto the skin. 

When Travelmate Sheet Mask - The sheet mask is probably the thing that made choose the Stylist box this month. I've been super intrigued with the idea of sheet masks at the moment. This moisturising sheet mask is your perfect travelling partner, adding lost moisture back into the skin. 

Bioderma Sensibo H20 - I'm pretty sure everyone has heard all the rave about Bioderma by now so its great to see Birchbox featuring it in this months box. This micellar water is the go to for removing make up by make up artists and is gentle enough that it won't irritate the skin. 

What box did you go for this month?

Katie xx

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Cohorted September 2015

I totally forgot about Cohorted's pre sale for the September box so was delighted to see that they still had some boxes left afterwards and I knew I had to get my hands on one. If you haven't heard of Cohorted before but love high end products then this will be right up your street. Cohorted release a beauty box each month, which you buy as a one off, full of high end products including the likes of Nars, Bare Minerals and Too Faced. Each box contains around 4-5 beauty products and is the same for everyone. The great thing about Cohorted is everything is pretty much full sized or a very generous sample size. 

This months box contains 5 products worth a whooping £71.50, priced at just £19.99 plus p+p this box is definitely a great value for money. I've only had a couple of Cohorted boxes before and they have all been amazing so its hard to pick a favourite but this month is definitely right up there at the top. 

theBalm Nude Tude Eyeshadow Palette - I have being eyeing up the Nude Tude palette by theBalm for a while now but never seem to want to take the plunge and purchase it, therefore it's always a pleasure to receive it in a beauty box so you feel as though you didn't pay out for it. I love the fun, cheeky packaging of this palette as well as a great selections of colours and a dual ended brush. With 12 fairly neutral colours ranging from shimmery to matte you can create a variety of looks.

Molton Brown Seamoss Bath & Shower Gel - This shower gel infused with seaweed and horse chestnut sounds like pure relaxation in a bottle, it claims to improve your skins texture as well as relieving stress and fatigue. My mum is a big fan of Molton Brown shower gels so I might pass this one onto her. 

Gucci Premier Shower Gel - I've never smelt the Gucci Premier fragrance before however judging on this shower gels scent it smells absolutely divine. Infused with orange blossom, white flowers, musk and leather, it's the perfect balance between sweet floral and a more muskier scent. 

theBalm Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer - A perfect added extra to accompany the eyeshadow palette, this matte eyeshadow primer creates a base for your eyeshadow to prevent creasing and increase the longevity of the shadows. 

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Walkyrie - I think I actually squealed with joy when I saw that there was Nars in this months box. This lip crayon in Walkyrie is the perfect autumn shade, the perfect brown based shade. Even though this lip pencil is matte, it doesn't leave my lips feeling dry like some matte lipsticks can. 

What did you think of this months Cohorted box? 

I can't wait for the October box!

Katie xx

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Birchbox September 2015

If you didn't already know Birchbox are celebrating there 5th birthday this month! To celebrate Birchbox allowed subscribers to choose their design out of two rather fitting designs; both inspired by subscribers designs. Since Birchbox started up in the US this month focuses on fabulous products from across the pond. 

Birchbox made sure your all sorted this month with products catering from head to toe, plus they included an extra little treat in the box, a Birchbox own brush. This month's box is definitely going to be a hard one to beat, it features such a great line up of products.

John Masters Organic Citrus Neroli Detangler - Knots and tangles is something that I never grew out of, my hair is a constant knotty mess. This detangler by John Masters contains both coconut oil and wheat amino acids that help smooth and nourish the hair; plus neroli and grapefruit help condition and smooth the scalp.

Laura Mercier Facial Polish - Who doesn't want to receive a Laura Mercier product? This facial polish with micro beads sloughs away dead skin cells to leave your skin smooth and radiant. This scrub has a gorgeous peachy scent to it that leaves the skin feeling fresh and revitalised. 

Beauty Protector Beauty Wash - I already own several hair care products from Beauty Protector that I received in previous Birchboxes, however I didn't realise they did body care as well as hair care. Beauty Protector are well  know for their gorgeous smelling products and this body wash is no exception, now I'm rubbish at describing scents so I'm not even going to attempt to explain what it smells like but just trust me it smells heavenly, okay?

Laqa & Co Cheeky Lip Pencil in Cray Cray - This bright Lip Crayon from Laqa & Co is certainly something I'll be saving for next summer as the bright coral colour is something not really suited for the autumn months ahead. This non-drying lip crayon is super creamy and pigmented, however the staying power isn't that great because of how creamy it is. 

Benefit Porefessional License To Blot - I'm already a big fan of the Porefessional Primer so can't wait to give this blotting stick a try. I'm a sucker for cute packaging so this won me over straight away. The blotting stick claims to instantly mattify shiny, oily skin and keep it that way for up to 6 hours. I don't suffer from oily skin but my nose does get a bit shiny from time to time so this will be perfect to pop into my handbag for oily emergencies. 

Birchbox Birchbrush - The added extra in this month's box is the Birchbrush; Birchbox's own answer to the tangle teezer! This compact brush comes in three different colours and brushes your hair with snagging your hair. 

What did you think of this months box? 

Katie xx

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Birchbox July 2015

This months Birchbox is a bit different compared to the normal box, this months Birchbox focuses on all things summer and comes in this bright, pool side perfect bag. There are four coloured bags which are based on some of the top places to holiday! I received the pink 'Ibiza' bag however annoyingly I did receive this two days after I got back from holiday, but thats life. It contains the perfect mixture of make up and skincare to make holiday beauty that little bit easier, something I struggle with when going away. There is also a handy packing list inside the booklet, meaning you shouldn't forget a thing when jetting off on holiday. 

Birchbox July 2015 (£10 per month plus £2.95 p+p)

POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait (£15.50 for the full sized palette)

The first product in this month's bag is this gorgeous little eyeshadow trio from POP Beauty in Peach Parfait, these golden silky shadows are super pigmented and easily blendable. It's the perfect sized palette to pop in your handbag to take you from day to night. 

Unani Aloe Vera Gel (£15)

Aloe vera gel is my best friend on holiday so its great to receive some, after a long day tanning on holiday this gel soothes and moisturises the skin whilst helping to pro long your tan. 

This generous sized sample is perfect travel sized to take away with you even if you are doing hand luggage only. 

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum (£16)

I never really seen/tested a serum for congested skin before with many of them aimed a hydrating dry skin so I can't wait to give this a try. This serum is packed with chamomile, lavender and aloe vera which will pinpoint breakouts as well as soothing the skin. 

Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter (£8.95)

Holiday glow is something we all lust over and this lightweight highlighter gel from Jelly Pong Pong is helping use get one step closer. Enriched with orange blossom and pearlescent pigments help give a radiant complexion. I'm a big fan of liquid highlighters and this highlighter is such a gorgeous colour and is super easy to blend. 

Benefit Dream Screen (£25)

I must admit I'm not really a sunscreen person when it comes down to it, I try my best to apply some on my shoulders and chest every now and then but I never even give my face a second thought, naughty I know. Having very acne prone skin I've always been afraid that it will make me break out. This Dream Screen by Benefit is a lightweight formula made specifically for the face and leaves a matte finish. It is SPF 45 so protects you against sun damage whilst keeping your skin hydrated. 

Pura Vida Lace Headband in Aqua (£11.40 for a pack of 8)

A little extra in this months bag is this lace headband by Pura Vida, perfect at getting your hair off your face in the hot weather. 

Don't forget to share your dream holiday location on Instagram with the hashtag #BirchbagBrag

What did you think of this months Birchbag? 

Katie xx

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Birchbox June 2015

I know its very cliche but I can't believe we are already onto the June Birchbox! Where oh where has this year gone, I honestly can't believe we are already half way through the year. This month's Birchbox is a collaboration with French Sole and you get to choose your box design. There is three designs to choose from and I picked this gorgeous watercolour floral design.  On first impression I loved this month's box. The range of products this month is lovely and I definitely going to use all of them without a doubt. 

Birchbox June 2015 (£10 per month plus £2.95 p+p)

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes (£4.99)

The first product I saw when I opened up this months box are these Yes To Cucumber Facial Wipes and I think I may have squealed a little bit. I'm a big fan of the Yes To wipes range and am currently using the Grapefruit ones. This travel size will be perfect for taking away on holiday or going away for a long weekend. These hypoallergenic face wipes are 98% natural as well. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain (£14)

The next product in this months Birchbox is this Cynthia Rowley creamy lip stain in Poppy. The colour is a shimmery burnt orange colour. I'm not entirely convinced that I like this colour just because of how shimmery it is, but this lip stain seems super creamy and moisturising. 

Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Body Lotion (£18)

I really don't use body lotion as much as I should but hopefully this Cowshed body lotion will encourage me. Containing lavender and eucalyptus oils this relaxing body lotion whilst relaxing you ready for bed. With Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E this will leave your skin silky soft. This sample is a super generous 100ml so will definitely allow you plenty of usage. There is nothing worse than when you can't even fully use a sample once.

English Laundry No.7 Fragrance (£60)

I wasn't a fan of a previous English Laundry scent I received in another Birchbox (it was the pink one I believe). However I was pleasantly surprised by this No 7 English Laundry scent. However at a pricey £60 I don't think I'll be buying this anytime soon. The scent may not be for everyone though as it is a very fruit scent. 

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil (£16)

I'm super impressed of how generous Birchbox have been with this sample by Beauty Protector, seeing as you are meant to use hair oil quite sparingly this sample will last forever. Ive received products from  Beauty Protector before and have been very impressed so I'm excited to see if this hair oil will be able to manage my dry, unruly hair. 

As Birchbox collaborated with French Sole this month you get a gorgeous shoe bag that corresponds with your chosen Birchbox design. Another added extra to this month's box are these temporary tattoos by Styl London. Perfect for festival season these gold transfer tattoos will complement any look. 

What did you think of this months Birchbox?

Katie xx

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Cohorted Box May 2015

After seeing so many reviews about the Cohorted box I knew I needed it in my life. With it being my birthday this month I thought I'd treat myself and made it my mission to get my hands on a box this month. Admittedly it took me around 25 minutes and a lot of refreshing to get the box it was worth it. However I know a lot of people missed out because the site crashed for them. Hopefully this is something they are working on and everyone will be able to get there hands on a Cohorted box. 

The value of this month's box is worth a whooping £92.50, when it only cost £20 plus p+p this is a real steal. I love high end makeup and this box is a great way of trying high end brands I might not necessarily go for. The box itself is presented well, with a sleek black box, a magnetic closure and secured with a black ribbon.

Cargo Cosmetics Vintage Escape Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £35)

I don't own anything from Cargo Cosmetics but have heard great things so seeing this in the box was a massive hit. Receiving a FULL SIZED palette in a beauty box is incredible especially when its valued a £35. This palette is a great and unique neutral palette, unlike anything I own. Whilst the colours are fairly neutral it has some great coloured shadows that don't seem too scary to use. When swatching this product the shadows seem incredibly creamy and pigmented, the palette also contains a dual ended shadow brush. 

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Nail Lacquer in Perfection 220 (£19)

Seeing Dolce & Gabbana in a beauty box is so exciting, I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw everyone was going to receive this D&G Nail Lacquer in 220 Perfection. I'm a big fan of nude nails at the moment so this shade is perfect for me. I don't own any high end polish so I can't wait to test it out to see if it's a much better formula than my drug store ones. 

Too Faced Exotic Color Eyeshadow in Poison Orchid (RRP £15)

Whilst I love Too Faced I was a bit skeptical about this Exotic Color Eyeshadow. In the pan the shadow looks crazily purple but when swatched it almost transforms into this navy shadow with a strong purple glitter running throughout. The shadow is pigment and blends easily onto the skin. 

Michael Kors Lip Lacquer in Dame (RRP £23.50)

I love Michael Kors bags and watches so it's awesome to receive a Michael Kors lipstick. I'm a massive lipstick fan so of course you can never have too many. This lip lacquer in 'Dame' looks scarily dark in the tube but when swatched it is a lot sheerer, swatching as this beautiful berry colour with a red glitter throughout. Whilst it is quite a sheer lipstick, it is very smooth so can easily be built without going patchy as I find some sheer lipsticks do. 

Cohorted a releasing a limited amount of the June box on the 1st June at 6pm. Make sure you are there, you don't want to miss out. 

Did you manage to get your hands on the Cohorted box?

What do you think of it?

Katie xx

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Birchbox May 2015

This month's Birchbox is definitely a great box both inside and out. This month's theme is Free Your Mind and features a box which you can customise yourself. This month's box contains colouring pencils so you can colour in your Birchbox to fit to your own taste! Word of warning though, it takes absolutely ages to colour the box in. I spent a good number of hours in front of the TV colouring my box in, with all the college work and stuff I have going on at the moment it was great to actually take some time out to colour in the box. This month's products fit the theme perfectly, the WAH London nail products add a great injection of colour into the box whilst the skincare products allow you to create a great skin base. 

Birchbox May 2015 (£10 per month plus £2.95 p+p)

WAH London Press On Nails (£9 in the colour Frog Poole)

This month you could pick your WAH London  product. You could either receive a nail art pen, polish or press on nails. I went for the press on nails as I own way too many polishes. How fun are these nails though? They are so fun and bright. I was a bit worried receiving these nails as I have quite wide nails and was scared they wouldn't fit but you get 12 different sizes so they fit everyone. I can't wait to wear these stand out nails. I'm celebrating my birthday on a night out in around a weeks time and these stand out nails will look great with a little black dress. I received the pattern Frog Poole. 

Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo in Martinique (£15.95)

This handy little duo compact by Jelly Pong Pong contains both a blusher and bronzer. Whilst the blush is a little glittery for my liking, both the blusher and bronzer are smooth, creamy and very pigmented. 

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturising Sea Salt Spray (£17)  & Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Reconstructing Masque (£36)

The two hair products in this month's Birchbox are the Parlor Moisturising Sea Salt Spray and the Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Reconstructing Masque. The Parlor Sea Salt Spray contains both almond oil and algae to keeps your hair nourished whilst adding texture, plus it smells like fruit! The Number 4 reconstructing masque contains soy protein, Shea butter, sunflower seed and jojoba seed oil to leave the hair smooth, strengthened and shiny as well as bringing dull hair back to life. You only need to leave the mask on for between 2-5 minutes so is great if your hair needs some serious moisture but you are crunched for time. I have quite a lot of hair so will probably only get one use out of this sachet.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser in Light (£27)

I've received several Caudalie products from the Vinoperfect range from previous beauty boxes and love the Day Perfecting Fluid so I'm excited to give the Tinted Moisturiser a go. I'm starting to get into lighter coverage since my skin has been improving (touchwood!) so this will be perfect for those days I fancy a more natural look. This tinted moisturiser not only covers up imperfections but has the benefits of a skincare product too, claiming to both treat and brighten the skin. 

Absolution Youth Activator Mask (£27)

I love a good face mask so it's always nice to receive one. This moisturising mask by Absolution hydrates the skin by replenishing the skin's water levels. My skin has been a bit a dry recently especially around my nose area so anything that will bring my skin back to life and normal again will be appreciated. This mask has a lovely natural smell to it, it smells very herbal. 

In order to colour in your Birchbox this month Birchbox added these colouring pencils as a cute little extra to colour in your box exactly how you want it. I had great fun colouring in my box, using all the bright colours really lifted my mood. 

What do you think of this months Birchbox? 

Katie xx

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