There are some pretty dark things happening the world right now.
The UK, like most other nations, is in the grip of fighting the global Covid-19 outbreak, the country is on lockdown, we can’t see our loved ones and the papers are full of daily death tolls. Life feels like something out of a science fiction film.
So in a lot of ways, it seems a little bit frivolous to still be writing about fashion and beauty topics.
But I believe there is a real need for lightness and for small pleasures at the moment. These are the things which keep us sane in a world we don’t recognise. So I’m pushing ahead with the blog, not least because it keeps my brain creatively occupied!
Shortly before we went into full lockdown, the latest FabFitFun box arrived from the U.S. This quarterly subscription is something I really look forward to - the products are always full size and fabulous, and I’ve discovered some great items.
The box has a mix of make-up, skincare, accessories and homewares, and offers an interestingalternative to some of the other subscriptions I used to have, like Glossybox, LookFantastic, LatestInBeauty or Birchbox. So, what was in the spring box to cheer me up?
Revive Light Therapy GLO Wrinkle Treatment | $68.00
First up, a product which really got me excited - I was thrilled to get the GLO Wrinkle Treatment in this box.
I’m 34, so I’m definitely beginning to get quite a few fine lines now, and keeping the signs of ageing soft is an important part of my current skincare routine. I use Retinol products, sometimes a dermaroller, and I have had some Botox before, but one thing I haven’t ever tried is light therapy.
This portable tool offers a medical-grade light therapy in a compact wand. The red light LEDs help to heal skin damage, soften fine lines and stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, to give a more youthful appearance.
I love a good piece of beauty tech, and I take my skincare seriously, so this device is right up my street. I can’t wait to get using this, and I’ll report back if I suddenly look ten years younger!
AG Haircare Fast Food Leave On Conditioner | £19.72
My hair is loooong now. I hadn’t been to the hairdresser in a literal year (I know, I know. But I work full time so I like to spend my weekends with the kids, not in a salon chair for three hours). I was actually due to go in and have a long overdue cut and some balayage before we went onto lockdown, and now who knows how long it will be before I can have my hair seen to properly.
In that context, trying to keep it in decent condition becomes even more important. It’s already dry and frizz-prone, so I rely on products to keep it moisturised and sleek. This is a very welcome tool, especially as I’m just about to run out of the Aveda Damage Remedy I’ve been using.
With a blend of potent humectants and deeply moisturising Abyssinian Oil, my parched locks will drink this up.
Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon| £25.00
Is it just me, or are you finding it hard to sleep at night? There’s a lot going on for everyone, and slipping quickly into a deep sleep (which usually isn’t hard for me) has suddenly become a bit of an issue.
I’m relying on little extras in my routine, like a lavendar pillow spray, to help me drift off. So this nourishing balm definitely sparked my interest. With Shea Butter, Camelia and Sativa oils, this is designed to deeply nourish and calm, with added Lavender, Vetiver and Chamomile to give you trouble-free sleep.
I’m looking forward to using this after a bubble bath to chill me out and help me forget the weight of the world for a while.
Murad Resurgence Rapid Collagen Infusion | £70.00
Murad is an amazing skincare brand who are always launching innovative products which really solve modern skincare challenges. Their products are on the pricey side, so it’s great to be able to try this via the FabFitFun box before deciding if it's going to be an essential or not.
This serum makes a very bold promise - to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just two hours. That certainly caught my attention. It claims to have a topical filler-like effect that plumps the skin and reduces lines rapidly.
Using collagen amino-acids, it smooths and visibly re-volumises the skin, and there is also winged kelp in there which helps with firming. All things I could definitely do with, especially as there is no accessing salon help at the moment. If this really does work, it will be a great secret weapon to have in my skincare routine.
Jaboneria Marianella Rosewood and Litsea Cubeba Body Oil | $68.00
I adore using oils on my face, hair and body every night. I’m never to be found without my favourite Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, and I even use good old Johnson’s Baby Oil to shave my legs with, so trying a new oil is always something I’m open to, and I loved the classic, old-fashioned continental pharmacy look of this one, which comes in a super-handy spray bottle as well.
The Marianella Soap Bar is based at the heart of hipster district in Brooklyn, New York and custom blends it's products in small batches for the ultimate in luxury bathing. This Rosewood blend smells heavenly, invigorating and crisp, with gentle citrus notes under the lush, clean rose fragrance.
A mix of oils and vitamins, this is a really great treat to sort out sluggish winter skin that’s been cocooned under jumpers for far too long. I’ll also use this on my hair to smooth and perfume it.
Chic & Tonic Silicone Straws | $15.00
We’re all aware that we need to do much more for the planet, especially when it comes to single use plastic, and that can be fun and chic as well as socially responsible.
I’m on a personal mission this year to move away from disposables - replacing my makeup removing wipes and cotton rounds with reusable pads, and my tampax with a mooncup - so this is another step towards that.
Plastic straws were banned a while back in the UK, and I really dislike the paper ones that have replaced them - they tend to go soggy half way through your drink, and I’m not sure they’re brilliant for the environment anyway.
This is so much better, reusuable, food-grade bendy silicone straws, with a container to keep them hygienic and a cleaning brush. They will be really handy for taking out and about with me when I’m with the kids or for myself.
Using a straw also helps to look after your teeth, especially if you do whitening treatments. A great item to get in the box.
Winky Lux Rainbow Tinted Balm | $18.00
Winky Lux is one of those cute and quirky brands which actually delivers high-quality makeup. Receiving this reminded me how much I used to want the set of mini ‘pill’ lipsticks they did!
I love the sleek packaging here and the unusual rainbow hues of this nourishing, pineapple scented lip balm. The stripes are actually made up of clear PH activated balms, that use the natural chemistry of your skin to make a flattering custom pink shade.
There’s also jojoba oil to keep everything nicely hydrated. A quick swipe of this on lips and cheeks leaves you with a flattering dewy flush that I really like. The perfect thing to slip into a pocket to keep yourself kissable and cruelty-free.
Amber Sceats Roman Coin Necklace | $50.00
I see these layered coin pendants all over Insta, and I’ve actually been wanting one for a while, so this was a brilliant thing to get in the FabFitFun box to round off.
Simple, rustic and yet polished at the same time, it's a double layered design that will instantly make any plain vest or sweater look chic.
It's the kind of throw-on-and-go necklace that has enough impact to add interest while being subtle enough that it doesn’t fight with what you’re wearing. It seems like the kind of piece you’d reach for time and again, and is great quality too.
So the latest FabFitFun edit has been amazing - I love the surprise, the great mix of products, the luxury brands and being introduced to something new from across the pond. I think it's the most interesting curated lifestyle box out there, and it always has something fresh to offer. The Spring Box is still available now, so why not order yourself a lockdown treat?
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post. electric facial cleansing brush in USA
ReplyDeleteExcellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. Increase Ahrefs DR 50+
ReplyDelete