Month's collection of mag freebies/swaps/samples

Red Magazine with Ren Trio

I was really looking forward to get my hands on this! Initially, I thought you had to choose One of the three but - in actual facts - you get a mini set... even better ;)

The trio contains: Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream, Vetiver v7 Hand and Body Cream, Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel.

I've already started using these as I've been waiting for somE time to try this brand... so far so good, I haven't seen any major improvment but I'm liking how they feel on the skin.

 Talika Lipocils Expert
I swapped this with Sandra from Beauty Balm - she is the sweetest gal ever! Look how pretty wrapped was the packaging. :)
At the moment, I have no beauty boxes subscription but still want to try some products... I've been using this every day, twice a day... hopefully, I'll see an improvement to my eyelashes.

She, also, sent me a Balance Me sample as she knew I wanted to try more from this brand... I told you, she is THE sweetest!!! :)

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in light

Again, another product I'm looking forward to try as I've seen some promising reviews online.

I got this through the post from Boots, I believe...

L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum

Free sample that you can request on the L'Oreal website.

This is quite nice but I consider it more like a primer than a serum, honestly.

It has a pearlessence to it which helps illuminate but it appears to be only a temporary effect and not a long-term benefit.

L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream in medium tinted

HATED HATED HATED!

This just makes you shine... all in the wrong places! Usually, I don't have these problems on my chin but I had to powder constantly while wearing this product.

Apart that the shade was totally wrong for me - my husband actually asked me if I'd been using fake tan - it, also, broke me out pretty badly!

Another swap arranged on Beauty Box Swappers on Facebook, including Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream and Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck Professional Body Shaper; both a chance to discover Clinique & Avon body products that I have never tried before.

Finally, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser that I'm really looking forward to try as I'm a fan of AHA exfoliant... also, another opportunity for Murad to wow me (which has always failed so far!).

Glamour with Balance Me

You can choose between 4 different items with August issue - I picked up a Pure Skin Face Wash and Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve.

So far, not too sure about the lip salve - the smell is putting me off... you know, I really really want to like/love all these new brands with natural ethic but they really need to sort out the herbaly scents!

Enough with the lavender, rosemary and geranium!

Samples/Swaps/Freebies Update

St. Ives Apricot Scrub Invigorating 

I think I requested this on Facebook - it's a good size tube and I'm liking it a lot. Enjoying using it so I will probably purchase after it's finished. Great budget exfoliator!

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste

I, actually, forgot about this - You could get it, signing in on their website.

Nothing too exciting (it's toothpaste!) but useful - again, a great size sample, also for travelling.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation & BB Cream

I, also, received this in the post few weeks ago; I haven't had the chance to try them yet but looking forward to the foundation, especially. I read great reviews!

Erno Laszlo - The Hollywod Collection

Unfortunately, due to the recent increase at the post office I'll keep the swapping to a minimum :(

I got this sent from Chloe @ Giada Beauty

This is a super super luxurious brand and there are 5 different skincare products in this set - very excited to put them to the test!! 

Rituals Wai Wang Body Scrub with Easy Living Magazine

Since receiving the shower foam in a GlossyBox few months ago, I'm adoring Rituals products!

I haven't tried this line yet and it smells amazing - there's also a choice of body lotion with the magazine.

More Beauty Swaps

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I'm not too bothered with hair products; I like a mask here and there but I don't have one that I swear by and I always try a different one (usually, what's on offer in Boots).

Then, I heard that the Elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn so I HAD to try it.

This is pre-shampoo treatment with improves elasticity and shine and provides UV protection.

I love it! It will, definitely, become a staple in my hair routine (in fact, I noticed it's on the 'wish-list' on buyapowa and looking forward to buy a full size!!).

I swapped with the gorgeous Emily @ peoniesandsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Trind Nail Repair

This is a treatment supposed to straighten your nails - you need to apply it everyday for 2 weeks but remove the previous coat before (which I thought was a pain plus using acetone everyday... surely can't do any good). I really didn't see any improvement on my nails appearance but I liked the shiny finish so I will just use it up as a top coat.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

This is such a gorgeous colour!!! It has no shimmer, not too over-powering but easy buildable and so cream - it's a joy to apply. Definitely, one of my fave blusher of all time. <3

Both of the above, traded with the talented Katie @ Facebook.com/heartbeads


Gatineau Strategie Jeuness Throat Gel

Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Mask has been on my wish-list for a long time (and probably stay there for a bit longer) - apparently, it's a red carpet must have... so when I saw this product, I jumped at the chance of trying the brand and hopefully banish the double chin, before the big day!! ;)
So far so good - I'm loving this gel: it's very fresh and light, lovely smell and it has definitely a tensor effect. I would expect this to be very expensive so I don't think I'm gonna buy again but I'm definitely enjoying this tube.

Elizabeth Arden All-Over Cellulite Skin Treatment with Green Tea

I didn't really enjoy this product - It smelled funny and it didn't do anything for my cellulite, to be honest. Also, it was a bit sticky and It didn't even firm my skin. I think it has been discontinued now and I understand why.

Biotherm Body Resculpt Svelt 

Biotherm is one of my favourite body cream on the market - sure, they're on the expensive side but I like how they perform and I usually stock up when they are on offer (they regularly run 3for2 in Boots)... and this one didn't disappoint either. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it on the market in Uk - they have probably replaced it with their S & D code but it's still available to buy in Europe.

Last three creams got from Martina Smith.

This Works Clean Skin Daily Wash

Since receiving my Clarisonic at Christmas, I have been trying all different cleansers with it. This one is, definitely, in the top 3: It works very well with the Clarisonic but it fairs well also 'manually'.
It gets rid of make up easily and the olive oil performs as a moisturiser too. It never dries my skin or make me break out. I'll definitely consider buy the full size.
Swapped with Dorothy @ http://dorothyinbeauty.blogspot.com/

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask

I'm a huge fan of this brand - and you can read me raving about their body stuff here & here.
Unfortunately, the face mask didnt live up to my expectations; it really didn't do anything for me. :(
I received this from Charlotte Johnson.

Are you a fellow swapper?? :)

Beauty Swaps

Many of you already know Beauty Box Swaps - Facebook page where you can exchange unwanted products from the beauty boxes with other fellow subscribers... or also any other beauty item that it's just not for you. I have been swapping since the beginning and now it has become and ever growing community ... Thanks goes to the founder Lucy Brown!! 

I only had good experiences myself - fingers crossed - and every swap turned out perfectly.

Here is a summary of some of the swaps I made... I apologize if I forgot to include any of you but only recently I started keeping a record of these items... so, please, if you remember swapping with me let me know! :)

Zoya in Kendal

This is a gorgeous pastel lilac and, definitely, missing from my collection. It's pretty stunning on the fingers and one coat is enough for good coverage.

Unfortunately, not the best lasting performance and it started chipping after 3 days.

I paired with Planks a Lot from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection.

Swapped with Sandra @ Beauty Balm 

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

I was soooo eager to try this!!! I didn't get it in my box and took me a good couple of months before I found somebody to swap with.

What a disappointment!!! :(

At first, it looks very similar to Emma Hardie' cleanser (which I adore!): same smell of almond oil/marzipan and same paste consistency that you need to work with a bit of water in your hands, before applying. 

BUT Omorovicza is so incredibly oily!!! It's a nightmare to rinse off... in fact, you need another cleanser on top to be able to wash it off. Very disappointing for the price and I'm glad I managed to try it, first.

Bionova Eye Wrinkle Treatment

I've been getting a bit obsessed with eye creams, lately so I had to try this one!

It's pretty expensive at £43 / 14.18gr and was intrigued by the nano skin technology.

I read many people complaining about the smell and I must admit is not very pleasant. First few applications, I wasn't too bothered but then I had to stop and use it only before bedtime because of the smell.

Personally, I haven't seen any consistent improvement in wrinkles and fine lines but It's a good moisturising cream.

Origins Youthtopia Firming Eye Cream

Another rather disappointing eye cream - It didn't do much for fine lines.

Illamasqua Freak Parfume

I love this perfume. I tried it in store but I didn't get one in my GlossyBox - Typical!!!
So I manage to get 2 sample from the lovely Stacey
It's pretty pricey so I don't want to invest in a full size bottle; I like to rotate my scents and the samples will last me for some time.

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil

another hard to find product as not many people received it in the GlossyBox. This is full size and I'm going to use it after shower/bath on wet skin. It has been, specifically, formulated for pregnant women but of course you can use it even if you're not... it must mean it has no nasty ingredients in it. Score! :)

Teapigs Tummy Tonic

I like when beauty boxes also include other extras like this... it's a lovely peppermint tea, nothing more to say, really. :)

I exchanged the last 3 with the lovely Stacey @ lisainherownworld.blogspot.com

...more swaps to come...