It’s no big secret to regular readers that I subscribe to several beauty boxes, including You Beauty Discovery, Birchbox and Glossybox. Your average box tends to contain 4-6 lifestyle, skincare and beauty samples, some even full sized, usually all connected by a common theme such as ‘cosy at home’ or collaborations with designers and various brands. I use all my samples at least once but a lot of them are still sitting in their boxes forgotten and mostly untouched. There are also some that I decided to give away because they weren’t suitable for my skin tone or hair type, and then there are others that I instantly fell in love with, proudly displayed and rushed out to repurchase. Here’s a list of my top 10 cherished beauty samples that I instantly fell head-over-heals for…
10. Bourjois Cream Blush in 03 Rose Tender
Price: £7.99 (full size)
Box: You Beauty Discovery
Month/Theme: November ’14
Why?: At number 10 we have Bourjois’ Cream Blush. I was so happy to receive ‘Rose Tender’, this beautiful shade is pretty, delicate and will compliment most skin types and colours. The reinvention of Bourjois’ iconic Little Round Pot blush is very buildable and easy to apply whilst being extremely lightweight. It’s cream to powder formula blends easily, giving skin a long lasting natural glow throughout the day. The little pot lives in my handbag and is the perfect way to give a quick flash of rosy colour throughout the day.
9. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute
Price: £18.50 (full size)
Box: Glossybox
Month/Theme: October ’14/Pop Art Edition
Why?: At 9 we have this full sized iconic mask which was my introduction to the brand Nuxe. The 10 minute hydration mask is a pure delight to the skin. It’s not overly scented, it doesn’t ‘self-heat’ or peel off but soothes and calms in a natural, delicate way. It leaves skin soft and pampered, a fab product to use as a weekly treat to freshen up tired and stressed out skin. This is my go-to face mask for instant moisture over the harsh Winter months.
8. L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil
Price: £15.95/125ml (sample size)
Box: Glossybox
Month/Theme: September ’14/Karen Millen Collaboration
Why?: At number 8 the L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil is the only hair treatment to make my list. The lovely scented lightweight oil is suitable for all hair types and instantly makes hair feel soft and leaves a beautiful shine. A little of this product seems to go along way so the amount I got (45ml) has lasted me an impressive time. This hair oil is perfect to use before drying and straightening as it helps to calm frizz and give a glossy shine without leaving a greasy residue.
7. Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford – Glowing Serum
Price: £30.95/125ml (sample size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme: October ’14/Work It
Why?: Number 7 is a product I wouldn’t of thought to buy and was really surprised with. I’m not really one for serums but the Meaningful Beauty serum made my skin look so glowing that I don’t even want to put my make-up on afterwards! It sinks into skin like a dream leaving skin radiant and healthy looking. This serum is a collaboration from skin expert Dr. Sebagh and supermodel Cindy Crawford.
6. It’s Potent! by Benefit Cosmetics
Price: £25.50/14.2ml (sample size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme: September ’14/Happy Days
Why?: Number 6 is the first of two Benefit samples. The It’s potent! eyecream has a delicate scent that doesn’t overpower and blends into easily, giving a soft and refreshed feeling. I only ever use a tiny amount due to its price but I can instantly notice a brightening and softening effect. It’s Potent! contains a ‘peptide complex’ that promises to help restore elasticity and firmness. It also contains a blend of botanical extracts such as apple that boost collagen and protect the skin from ‘free radical damage’.
5. REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Price: £30/50ml (sample size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme: January ’15/Women’s Health Collaboration
Why?: Number 5 is an indulgent exfoliating mask that feels like a soothing balm and is very effective at giving skin a radiant boost. After 10 minutes skin instantly looks and feels brighter and fresher. This is the first REN product I’ve ever tried and I was really impressed with the results.
4. Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm
Price: £20/125ml (sample size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme:
Why?: Number 4 is a product I had been waiting a long time to try but didn’t want to invest in a full bottle at £20 before sampling. This is a natural nourishing exfoliating cleanser with oatmeal powder and is suitable for all skin types. Massaging this luxurious balm into your skin leaves it feeling baby soft and extremely clean – it removed ALL traces of make-up. The balm is delicately scented and scrumptiously rich and thick.
3. High Beam by Benefit Cosmetics
Price: £19.50 (sample size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme: December ’14/Sophie Webster Collaboration
Why?: Number 3 is a product I loved so much I rushed out to buy the full size version at Birchbox’s online shop shortly after trying it! This ‘luminescent complexion enhancer’ was unlike any product I had tried before. The pink/silver iridescent liquid, when dotted around my cheek and brow bone blend to give a radiant glow to my complexion. The satin-like highlighter gives a subtle but glowing wide-eyed and natural look to dull skin.
2. OPI Nail Polish in A Grape Affair!
Price: £11.95 (full size)
Box: Birchbox
Month/Theme: November ’14/Cosy at Home
Why?: Number 2 is another full sized sample which I was so excited to receive, the ‘Cosy at Home’ box was amazing value and one of my favorite boxes of 2014. ‘Grape Affair!’ was my first OPI nail polish and I instantly fell in love with it’s deep pigmentation, easy application, the chunky & easy to hold bottle, the stunning and gorgeously deep shades available and the lacquers glossy and durable finish.
1. Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm
Price: £15.50/100ml (sample size)
Box: You Beauty Discovery
Month/Theme: January ’15
Why?: And my number 1 sample so far is the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm I received in this month’s You Beauty Discovery box. This cleaner is an absolute dream to use! The balm begins to melt as you massage it in to dry skin, emulsifying makeup and dirt and leaving skin feeling pampered. It was like applying a serum, it felt warm, rich and luxurious. When water is applied the balm turns into a milk-like formula which allows for quick, easy and effective removal. I can’t wait to purchase the full sized version with my birthday money.
And there you have it my top 10 beauty goodies from Glossybox, Birchbox and You Beauty Discovery. There are a few that just missed the out featuring on the list such as my Lord & Berry Bronzer, Rimmel Matte BB Cream, Beauty Blender and Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm. I’d love to know what some of your favourites have been, leave me a comment below and don’t forget to follow me on bloglovin to keep up-to-date with upcoming posts.
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