Latest In Beauty, Editor's Picks - August 2013

Latest In Beauty ~ Editor's Picks Review ~ August 2013 ~ £12.95 (including postage)

I believe I was pretty quick off the mark with this box - when I was looking around at which beauty box to subscribe to, I came across LatestInBeauty. Initially intrigued at how they differed to other beauty boxes such as Glossy, Birch and Beauteco, I was routing around their website and came across their 'LIB Collections'. I clicked on their amazing box which was a joint venture with Glamour, however was far, far too late to secure this box. I'm not sure why I hadn't discovered it sooner especially as I'm an avid Glamour reader. However, after the disappointment of missing out, I came across this Editor's Picks box. Wondering how it was still available, I ordered it immediately on Thursday and as the weekend hit I received an email in my inbox announcing the box to LIB's subscribers. I checked again this past Sunday (18/08) evening and it was already Out Of Stock. Good things don't stick around for long! However, it doesn't say sold out, so I believe more stock will become available.

It arrived first thing this morning, having been shipped by Royal Mail to my office address. Opening the box, I came across the wonderful products and pink shredded tissue paper for padding. The box lacks a crib sheet explaining what product is/full size price/how to use them which you get in many other beauty boxes, however this is no issue as their website explains most things. 

First impressions; I was excited and keen to try some products I hadn't come across before. I currently use Benefit's AMAZING 'they're real!' mascara since getting it free with an edition of (who else) Glamour a few months ago, however hadn't been able to justify to myself buying a full size bottle. Numerous times I had gone to the beauty counter in John Lewis and ALMOST parted with the cash but I kept reminding myself of all the lonely mascara's that I have at home from Boots/Superdrug that I really should use instead. When I saw that this box included a 3g bottle (perfect travel size) I knew I had to get it. That product alone justified this box for me, and anything else was a bonus.

Another product I'm excited to receive is the 'Nspa Melting Cleansing Gel' - advertised as being a 30ml sample, I was pleasantly surprised to find a 125ml bottle in the box. After some googling it looks like this product can be picked up for £4 in Asda which is fantastic, so I'm looking forward to trying this to see if I fall in love with it.

Mavala Rouge Rubis Nail Varnish I tried as soon as I opened the box at home. I have an important meeting tomorrow so thought this colour would work well with my 'smart' business attire. I painted a base on my nails (Rimmel 5-in-1 Nail treat) then two coats of the rouge. After about 5 minutes I thought I would be safe to get in with my tasks, however my nails STILL weren't dry. Completely smudged one of the nails, and because of the glitter in them the texture is very rough. Not the biggest fan of this nail varnish and won't be repurchasing, however will use the rest of the bottle when i have more time to enjoy a manicure!

Although I haven't tried it yet,  was quite dissapointed with the Mirenesse Lip Lift Moisture Shine - looking at the bottle it looks really luxe, however the bottle is actually really low quality plastic. It's a shame, as as shallow as it is it's made me less excited to try this product.

Opinions of the other samples within this box I'll write on here if particularly thrilled/disheartened, but this box is fantastic value for money and I would definitely recommend it if you're lucky enough to get your hands on it!