The July 2017 Lookfantastic Beauty Box landed on my doorstep this afternoon and I have to say that I’m not thrilled at all by its contents (I would not recommend this month’s box), and I will explain why. Also, just because it’s summer right now, it doesn’t mean that everyone wants tanning/bronzing products. There are perhaps a couple of items that I don’t mind, but if I didn’t have an annual subscription and I saw what’s included this month, I wouldn’t have touched this box with a bargepole.
The products:
As always, the booklet and ELLE magazine are quickly flicked through before being sent to the bin.
Mimitika Face Sunscreen SPF50, 10ml, worth £2.80 (RRP £14 for 50ml)
According to the product description, this sunscreen was “developed and created for dedicated sun lovers” – that’s me out, then! Since I’m a huge fan of sun protection (and do not want a tan), I would have actually liked to try this sunscreen if it hadn’t been formulated to “stimulate natural melanin production for a more even tan”. Nope, just nope… This is being tossed away, pronto.
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, 75ml, worth £6.11 (RRP £24.45 for 300ml)
This is a leave in styling cream to that claims to condition, hydrate and fight frizz. Although I’m not crazy about the scent, this is a product that I can and will find a use for, so I’m relatively happy with it.
Jelly Pong Pong Bare Necessities Highlighting Pencil, full size? Worth £10?
Question marks since I’m unable to find this pencil for sale anywhere other than ebay (for $10-$15), which leads me to think that this may be a discontinued product. I’m too keen on the colour, which disappears when it’s rubbed in, and nor am I a fan of its not-so-long-lasting formula. It’s really nothing special and just another item that won’t see the light of day again.
Update: I was informed by a lovely reader that this highlighting pencil retails for $17.95 (approx £13.81) – I was pretty close with my guess of £10! Still, it doesn’t make the July Lookfantastic beauty box worth it in my opinion.
Revers Cosmetics Hot Makeup 100% Happiness Bronzing Powder, 8g, worth ???
This… I just don’t even. First of all, it’s a bronzer (do not like) in very cheap looking/feeling packaging. Secondly, it’s too dark for me. And last but not least, it’s packed full of parabens and mineral oil. Why this was included I have no idea, especially since I can’t find further information about it or the brand. Its current location – sitting in the bin with the SPF50 sunscreen.
Imedeen Advanced Beauty Shot, 15ml (1 shot), worth £3.50 (RRP £34.99 for 10 shots)
Each dose contains 2500mg of collagen and 40mg Vitamin C, but to be honest, I’m not convinced that these collagen drinks in general make a big enough difference to justify their price. Having said that, Imedeen is permanently on offer of “3 for 2” from boots.com, and this was quite tasty, so I might decide to try it again in the future.
Cowshed Chamomile Refreshing Toner, 50ml, worth £3.20 (RRP £16 for 250ml)
This toner doesn’t contain alcohol and is therefore suitable for sensitive skin. Having just tried it on a warm day, I can say that it feels very refreshing on my skin, and the scent of chamomile is calming too. However, since my stash isn’t lacking in toners, I won’t be buying the full size.
Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste, 14ml, worth £1.87 (RRP £10 for 75ml)
Expensive for a toothpaste, this is a product that I’ve wondered about in the past and whether it lives up to its hype. For me, this is probably the best item this month (and that’s saying something given the IMO diabolical selection) and I’m quite looking forward to trying it.
Total value of this month’s box – approx £27.48 (not counting the ELLE magazine) which is nowhere near Lookfantastic’s advertised value of “over £60”. Unless I’ve grossly miscalculated, there’s simply no way that the bronzing powder/highlighting pencil could make up for over £30 of the difference. IMO, this month’s LF beauty box is most certainly NOT worth getting. False advertising? You tell me.
