I do love a good beauty box. Not only for the element of discovery, the cute little minis that it often contains and the sense of excitement when it lands on your doorstep - but also because you know somebody has handpicked a selection of beauty treats that they believe are worth you trying. Beauty boxes have evolved beyond the standard five items in a pink box every month, into something altogether more interesting. Collaborations, added value and more recently partnerships with bloggers, have together invigorated the concept and generated demand that a singular box alone can't compete with. So it got me thinking, if I was to launch my own beauty box then what products would I put inside? What selection of goodies would I want readers to really test for themselves? So here are my top picks and what I'd shove inside a (rather giant) box for you to enjoy... (Although initially I tried to narrow down my top picks into a realistic beauty box number, in the end I settled on enough to fill three different ones. Hey, it's not real so I can do whatever I want!)
1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm (£20.00)
An all time classic, but still a product many beauty enthusiasts have yet to discover, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a jack of all trades. This intensive lip balm treatment is a fab handbag saviour for when lips are feeling a little sore and dry, whilst also offering a delicate sheen over lipstick or stains. I adore the scent too; it's utterly addictive.
2. Lotil Original Cream (£3.59)
A multi-purpose cream with over 100 years of history behind it, Lotil is suitable for the whole family. The hydrating and soothing properties help to ease the effects of dry skin conditions (including psoriasis and eczema,) while helping to protect against the elements (wind, cold and sunburn) all year round. The creamy texture glides over skin and locks in moisture almost instantly, keeping skin hydrated and supple throughout the day. Once you've tried it, it will become a beauty staple.
3. Klorane Oatmeal Dry Shampoo (£8.00)
No other dry shampoo compares to the lightweight and effective benefits Klorane's dry shampoo can bring. Non-chalky and perfectly formulated to soak up excess oil without overloading the hair, this is the ultimate in in-between washing care. It leaves my hair feeling bouncy and refreshed, without any residue or texture on the surface.
4. Garnier Ultimate Blends Multipurpose Soothing Balm (£5.99)
This soothing balm has been tailor-made for the fragile and sensitive areas on the face and body, with the added benefits of Oat Milk and White Almond Cream. An ultra-rich balm that soothes protects and helps restore the skin's protective barrier, it's an utter pleasure to use. The silky texture glides over skin and absorbs in seconds to leave a smooth and nourished surface that I just want more of.
5. HerbFarmacy Skin Rescue Balm (£15.00 for 30ml)
A multi award winning best seller, Skin Rescue Balm is a versatile solution to a plethora of skin issues. Handmade with love on the HerbFarmacy farm in Wales, the rich and luxurious balm is particularly beneficial in relieving the symptoms of eczema, skin irritation, redness and chaffing. My boyfriend loves this for patches of eczema, and I've used it on everything from rashes to burns; this helps heal the damaged area of skin quicker than anything else.
6. Lanolips Original 101 Ointment (£10.99)
One of my favourite brands (I was debating whether to include a lip balm or the original ointment,) Lanolips can be used on dry lips, skin patches, insect bites, paper cuts, dodgy cuticles and much more. It's a great multi-tasker that can supercharge moisturisers or just provide instant relief for troublesome areas. If you haven't tried their tinted lipbalms, then you absolutely must check them out too!
7. Clarins Bath & Shower Concentrate (£20.00 for 200ml)
This precious commodity holds pride of place in my bathroom, only coming out when I really need to reap the benefits of the essential oils it contains. Although I'm not entirely sure what role it's *supposed to play*, it definitely invigorates the body and mind to leave me ready to face the day. Its rich yet lightweight foam gently cleanses the skin, and helps tone and revitalize tissues, making it perfect for popping in a bath or squeezing onto a loofah.
8. Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette (£7.99)
A brand that's totally changed the way we consume makeup, I couldn't build a theoretical beauty box without including a touch of Makeup Revolution. Their chocolate eyeshadow palettes have become somewhat iconic and total sell-outs, thanks to their fabulous pigments and silky textures. You can't go wrong for the price either, meaning you've even got change from a tenner to buy an actual chocolate bar.
9. Ren Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift (£30.00)
This light gel-like serum instantly lifts and dramatically brightens the delicate eye area, while visibly diminishing both dark circles and puffiness within the space of a few minutes. While many eye creams just hydrate or help to perk up the under-eye area, this creates a tightening effect that leaves me feeling wide awake - even when I awake more tired than when I went to sleep. It’s hard to describe the sensation (it’s not tingling or numbing, but definitely leaves skin feeling perky,) but it’s one I’ve become a little bit addicted to. This stuff is AH-MAZIN.
10. High Definition Browtec Brow Pencil (£16.00)
Previously known as HD Brows, High Definition are the absolute king of the brow arch. I've loved having my brows sculpted by their technicians over the years, but their new brow products are equally as fab at helping create the perfect look. I love how this little pencil contains a hardworking and precise pigment that makes filling in sparse brows a doddle, while the angled spoolie end helps to brush hairs into the perfect position. If you're a brow enthusiast, you need one of these stat.
11. L'Oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara (£9.99)
One of my favourite launches of 2016 so far, this mascara is absolutely incredible at creating a lifted and sculpted lash line. The rather odd looking brush takes some getting used to, but when you work out how to get the best from it you'll wonder how you ever used a traditional mascara wand. I'm already on my third bottle and will definitely be adding it to my 'mascara hall of fame' - just please L'Oreal, don't discontinue or change this until I discover something even better!
12. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (£19.50)
The ultimate full coverage concealer, just the tiniest bead of Amazing Concealer goes a very long way towards camouflaging any imperfections – from redness and dark circles, to blemishes and broken capillaries. This heavy duty formula is long-wearing and water-resistant, helping to create a flawless look with only the smallest dab of product; I've had mine for well over a year and I'm still not at the end of my tube.
13. Clinique Eye Smoothie (£20.50)
Not one of those products that people tend to know about, these creamy and crease-resistant eye colours provide a subtle base colour that wears for up to eight hours. Nourishing ingredients and antioxidants help protect the eye-area, while the unique cooling applicator is great in the morning when you're feeling a little sleepy. I love this nude shade as a base before I start creating a smokey eye, but equally it looks fab with a pop of liner and a slick of mascara for an understated look.
14. Tweezerman Slant Tweezers (From £12.50)
I've been using Tweezerman tweezers for nearly ten years, and suffice to say nothing else compares to them. With tips that are hand-filed and perfectly aligned to grab the hair everytime, they make keeping your brows in check easy peasy. The huge portfolio of styles, colours and sizes on offer mean there's something for everyone, plus they last for years before you even need to think about a replacement - a worthy investment that will see you browtastic for the foreseeable.
15. Invisibobble Hair Ties (£3.75)
Oh Invisibobble, how I love thee. These plastic springy hair ties help to keep your style in place without any tugging, kinking or knotting - plus they're super subtle, thanks to their transparent and natural hair shade colours. I've got millions of these flittered all over my flat, and I've managed to get my friends as obsessed as I am. No box would be complete without a bobble or two.
So those are the fifteen products I'd put in my beauty box. Do you have any favourites in my top picks, or have I inspired you to make a couple of purchases? What would you put in your own beauty box?
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Clik here to view.
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1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm (£20.00)
An all time classic, but still a product many beauty enthusiasts have yet to discover, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a jack of all trades. This intensive lip balm treatment is a fab handbag saviour for when lips are feeling a little sore and dry, whilst also offering a delicate sheen over lipstick or stains. I adore the scent too; it's utterly addictive.
2. Lotil Original Cream (£3.59)
A multi-purpose cream with over 100 years of history behind it, Lotil is suitable for the whole family. The hydrating and soothing properties help to ease the effects of dry skin conditions (including psoriasis and eczema,) while helping to protect against the elements (wind, cold and sunburn) all year round. The creamy texture glides over skin and locks in moisture almost instantly, keeping skin hydrated and supple throughout the day. Once you've tried it, it will become a beauty staple.
3. Klorane Oatmeal Dry Shampoo (£8.00)
No other dry shampoo compares to the lightweight and effective benefits Klorane's dry shampoo can bring. Non-chalky and perfectly formulated to soak up excess oil without overloading the hair, this is the ultimate in in-between washing care. It leaves my hair feeling bouncy and refreshed, without any residue or texture on the surface.
4. Garnier Ultimate Blends Multipurpose Soothing Balm (£5.99)
This soothing balm has been tailor-made for the fragile and sensitive areas on the face and body, with the added benefits of Oat Milk and White Almond Cream. An ultra-rich balm that soothes protects and helps restore the skin's protective barrier, it's an utter pleasure to use. The silky texture glides over skin and absorbs in seconds to leave a smooth and nourished surface that I just want more of.
5. HerbFarmacy Skin Rescue Balm (£15.00 for 30ml)
A multi award winning best seller, Skin Rescue Balm is a versatile solution to a plethora of skin issues. Handmade with love on the HerbFarmacy farm in Wales, the rich and luxurious balm is particularly beneficial in relieving the symptoms of eczema, skin irritation, redness and chaffing. My boyfriend loves this for patches of eczema, and I've used it on everything from rashes to burns; this helps heal the damaged area of skin quicker than anything else.
6. Lanolips Original 101 Ointment (£10.99)
One of my favourite brands (I was debating whether to include a lip balm or the original ointment,) Lanolips can be used on dry lips, skin patches, insect bites, paper cuts, dodgy cuticles and much more. It's a great multi-tasker that can supercharge moisturisers or just provide instant relief for troublesome areas. If you haven't tried their tinted lipbalms, then you absolutely must check them out too!
7. Clarins Bath & Shower Concentrate (£20.00 for 200ml)
This precious commodity holds pride of place in my bathroom, only coming out when I really need to reap the benefits of the essential oils it contains. Although I'm not entirely sure what role it's *supposed to play*, it definitely invigorates the body and mind to leave me ready to face the day. Its rich yet lightweight foam gently cleanses the skin, and helps tone and revitalize tissues, making it perfect for popping in a bath or squeezing onto a loofah.
8. Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette (£7.99)
A brand that's totally changed the way we consume makeup, I couldn't build a theoretical beauty box without including a touch of Makeup Revolution. Their chocolate eyeshadow palettes have become somewhat iconic and total sell-outs, thanks to their fabulous pigments and silky textures. You can't go wrong for the price either, meaning you've even got change from a tenner to buy an actual chocolate bar.
9. Ren Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift (£30.00)
This light gel-like serum instantly lifts and dramatically brightens the delicate eye area, while visibly diminishing both dark circles and puffiness within the space of a few minutes. While many eye creams just hydrate or help to perk up the under-eye area, this creates a tightening effect that leaves me feeling wide awake - even when I awake more tired than when I went to sleep. It’s hard to describe the sensation (it’s not tingling or numbing, but definitely leaves skin feeling perky,) but it’s one I’ve become a little bit addicted to. This stuff is AH-MAZIN.
10. High Definition Browtec Brow Pencil (£16.00)
Previously known as HD Brows, High Definition are the absolute king of the brow arch. I've loved having my brows sculpted by their technicians over the years, but their new brow products are equally as fab at helping create the perfect look. I love how this little pencil contains a hardworking and precise pigment that makes filling in sparse brows a doddle, while the angled spoolie end helps to brush hairs into the perfect position. If you're a brow enthusiast, you need one of these stat.
11. L'Oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara (£9.99)
One of my favourite launches of 2016 so far, this mascara is absolutely incredible at creating a lifted and sculpted lash line. The rather odd looking brush takes some getting used to, but when you work out how to get the best from it you'll wonder how you ever used a traditional mascara wand. I'm already on my third bottle and will definitely be adding it to my 'mascara hall of fame' - just please L'Oreal, don't discontinue or change this until I discover something even better!
12. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (£19.50)
The ultimate full coverage concealer, just the tiniest bead of Amazing Concealer goes a very long way towards camouflaging any imperfections – from redness and dark circles, to blemishes and broken capillaries. This heavy duty formula is long-wearing and water-resistant, helping to create a flawless look with only the smallest dab of product; I've had mine for well over a year and I'm still not at the end of my tube.
13. Clinique Eye Smoothie (£20.50)
Not one of those products that people tend to know about, these creamy and crease-resistant eye colours provide a subtle base colour that wears for up to eight hours. Nourishing ingredients and antioxidants help protect the eye-area, while the unique cooling applicator is great in the morning when you're feeling a little sleepy. I love this nude shade as a base before I start creating a smokey eye, but equally it looks fab with a pop of liner and a slick of mascara for an understated look.
14. Tweezerman Slant Tweezers (From £12.50)
I've been using Tweezerman tweezers for nearly ten years, and suffice to say nothing else compares to them. With tips that are hand-filed and perfectly aligned to grab the hair everytime, they make keeping your brows in check easy peasy. The huge portfolio of styles, colours and sizes on offer mean there's something for everyone, plus they last for years before you even need to think about a replacement - a worthy investment that will see you browtastic for the foreseeable.
15. Invisibobble Hair Ties (£3.75)
Oh Invisibobble, how I love thee. These plastic springy hair ties help to keep your style in place without any tugging, kinking or knotting - plus they're super subtle, thanks to their transparent and natural hair shade colours. I've got millions of these flittered all over my flat, and I've managed to get my friends as obsessed as I am. No box would be complete without a bobble or two.
So those are the fifteen products I'd put in my beauty box. Do you have any favourites in my top picks, or have I inspired you to make a couple of purchases? What would you put in your own beauty box?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.