DegustaBox - March 2021

Today's post is all about the new March 2021 DegustaBox which is based around the theme of 'hello spring' which is a fantastic theme and I genuinely cannot wait for spring to start as winter seems to have been here for too long! I can't wait for spring flowers, warmer weather and sunny days which bring with them so much positivity - I think we could all do with some positivity right now. 

*DegustaBox - March 2021 

As always the box contains a wide range of products and brands from well known brand names to lesser known ones. The variety of items is great within this months box as there's a selection of snacks, drinks and a few savoury options as well as some breakfast items too. Sadly there aren't as much vegan options in this months box but I think it is a good all round box for spring.

Enervit Protein (£2.50 per bar)

Let's start with the sweet treats, the first being a protein snack bar from Enervit Protein which is a brand I haven't heard of before. You should receive one of two bars in your box - I received the chocolate and vanilla option. Each bar contains 20g of protein and is free from gluten and palm oil; also the bars are low in sugar. 

Mallow & Marsh Vanilla Marshmallow Bar (£1.35 each) 

The second and final snack bar is a marshmallow bar from a brand that has been included in a DegustaBox previously. It looks like an interesting brand and I love the packaging but sadly it isn't vegan otherwise I would have devoured it instantly as a vanilla marshmallow coated in Belgian milk chocolate sounds heavenly. 

Smarties Sharing Block (£1 each)

I'll stick with the theme of sweet treats as there's a new one on the block! Smarties have recently released a new sharing block which is contained in a brand new wrapper that is made of paper packaging so you can easily recycle it which I think is fantastic - I wish more brands had packaging like this. You should receive one of two flavours in your box, either milk chocolate or orange and I received the latter. I think so many people would be happy to see this product in their box; I used to eat Smarties so much growing up! 

Maynards Bassetts Fruit Smoothie Jellies (£1.32) 

Another great sharing sweet item is the fruit smoothie jellies which contain real fruit puree and are a source of vitamins C and E so they are a little healthier as far as candy goes. The sweet contain flavour combinations such as banana and strawberry, mango and passionfruit, pomegranate and berry and lastly pineapple and lemon, all of them sound so delicious. Sadly these sweet contain gelatine, which is an ingredient I personally choose not to eat, but if they didn't, I would love these. 

Brynmor Flapjacks (£2 per box) 

I love flapjacks, there were something we always ate growing up and I have tried this brand of flapjacks in a previous Degustabox and liked them so much! They have vegetarian and vegan options and they are all baked in Wales. You will receive one of three flavours in your box, either apple and raspberry, dark chocolate and ginger or caramel fudge. I would have loved the chocolate one which is vegan although all three flavours sound yummy and great for on the go snacking. 

Pitch Bloc 'O' Choc (£1.40)

There are so many wonderful snacks in the box that would be ideal for sharing with your household or bubble! This delicious French brand has been included in previous boxes and I have tried products from them multiple times before and loved everything I've tried. Again, they would be great for on the go, at work or as a picnic item when the weather becomes a little warmer which will hopefully be very soon. 

Hippeas Chickpea Puff Snacks (99p per bag) 

I ate these puff snacks almost instantly as I've tried them before and loved them! They are vegan, gluten free and less than 91 calories per bag which is great. I have only tried a couple of their flavours but I definitely need to try more as I personally really like these snacks.

Mug Shot Mighty Chicken and Mushroom Noodles (£1.49)

I used to love Mug Shot pastas growing up - I ate them so much and I always loved each one. This flavour is made with natural flavours and it suitable for vegetarians - it would be a quick and easy snack or lunch especially at work. 

Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar (£1.29) 

Onto a couple of cooking ingredients from Filippo Berio including two 100ml sized bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar - the smaller bottles are just the cutest. It has been the UK's favourite olive oil for over 40 years! We have been using this brand of olive oil for so many years and love using it so I'm glad to have more. I used both yesterday for a salad and I'm very happy with them - such a great addition to the March box. 

Organic Cheerios - Honey & Chocolate (£3)

Moving onto a couple of great breakfast options, the first is another new product. Cheerios now have a certified organic cereal that is made using organic honey hoops that are from organically-farmed whole grains as well as chocolate cereal pieces. Cheerios were my favourite cereal for years and these sound very yummy - I think I need to purchase a new box of original Cheerios asap. 

Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter (£2.50)

The final food item before the drinks in the box is a very interesting item and one I haven't seen before - it is the DegustaBox product of the month for March! Kellogg's have a crunchy nut peanut butter which is something I definitely should have known about before as I love both of those items...It combines a smooth peanut butter with crunchy honey roasted peanuts which sounds utterly heavenly. 

Esprala Apple and Red Plum Fruit Drink (£1.09) 

Lastly onto a couple of drinks included in the box, the first is a vegan fruit drink from a new-to-me brand. The drink doesn't contain added sugar and it is only 43 calories per serving. I tried this drink yesterday and really liked it; it has a very refreshing, sweet and fruity flavour that reminds me of a drink I loved years ago but can't remember the name of. Such a light, fresh drink for spring! 

Lucozade Zero Tropical (£1.49)

The final product in the box is the latest flavour from Lucozade - I love that DegustaBox typically includes new or recently launched products in their boxes. The flavour is pineapple and mango and it contains, as the name suggests, zero sugar which is great. Also, the bottle is now fully recyclable which is fantastic for the environment. I tried it this morning and I love the flavour of this new drink and again, it is a great option for spring.

Have you tried any of these products? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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DegustaBox - February 2021

It's that time of the month again for my look at the new DegustaBox which is all based around 'home comforts' for the February. As always there's a great range of items in the box from a variety of brands; this months box includes brands such as Knorr, Very Lazy, Koko, Hartlety's and more. 

*DegustaBox - February 2021 

The box, in my opinion, contains a great variety of items too, from breakfast options and snack bars to cooking ingredients, sweet treats and lunch options. The product of the month is the Jaffa cakes new flavours (cherry and passion fruit). DegustaBox always typically includes a product or two that has been recently released which I love! 

BelVita Soft Bakes (60p per single) 

Let's start with the breakfast items in the box as there are quite a few! Beginning with the three soft bakes from BelVita in the flavours: chocolate and also blueberry. The bakes contain five wholegrains and are a source of fire, calcium, magnesium and iron. You'll receive three in the box and I think they'd make great on-the-go healthier snacks. 

Hartley's Strawberry Jam (£1.59)

One of my favourite products from the February box has to be the strawberry jam from Hartley's which is so sweet, fruity and delicious. I love adding jam to toast and this flavour is the perfect breakfast addition. I definitely want to try more flavours now!

Koko Original Milk (£1.50)

Another breakfast staple, milk, but this option is made from coconuts! It can be used on cereal, tea or coffee as well as in smoothies. I've tried coconut water and to be honest, it wasn't for me so I'm not sure if I'll love this coconut milk but I will give it a go soon. 

Hilltop Blossom Honey (75p each)

However, if you're not a fan of jam, there's an alternative in the February box for you! There are two mini pots of the Hilltop blossom honey to try. I am personally not a fan of honey so I'll stick to the delicious jam but it is a great trial size. 

Eloments Vitamin Tea - Ceylon Breakfast (£3.99)

You can't have breakfast without tea, I personally love mint tea but I am definitely going to try this new-to-me variety. It is a single origin black tea from family owned and organic farms. Each teabag contains nine essential vitamins including vitamin C and it is certified organic and fairtrade, which is fantastic. 

Boka Cereal Bars (75p each)

The final item I'd categorise as a 'breakfast' item are the two cereal bars from Boka, which is a brand that has been included in a previous DegustaBox. The bars are low in sugar, fats and salts so they might be a good option for on-the-go snacking or at work. 

Bounce Almond Plant Protein Ball (£1.69)

Another great snacking option is the newly relaunched energy balls from Bounce. They are high in protein, high in fibre and only 160 calories each. It is vegan friendly and it is the next item from the box that I'm going to try - it sounds delicious! 

Lost The Pot Noodle (80p each) 

Next up a couple of packets of instant noodles from Lost The Pot Noodle (love the name). There should be two in the box with the flavours: sweet chilli and roasted chicken. I'll definitely be trying the noodles without the flavour packet soon, which is what I do with most instant noodles. 

Very Lazy Chopped Chillies (£1.50)

I love this range from Very Lazy as we've purchased the ginger and garlic previously but I haven't really used the chopped chillies yet; mainly because my tolerance for spicy food is very low unfortunately. However, we will be trying this very soon and I'll continue to use/love their chopped ginger and garlic. 

Knorr Stock Pots (95p each)

Another great cooking ingredient in the box are the two stock pots from Knorr. There should be two included: beef and vegetable, the latter is vegan so I will definitely be using it in a vegetable soup recipe sometime this week. 

Milkybar Cookies and Cream Sharing Bag (£1.59)

The last couple of items are the sweet treats in the box including a sharing bag of the cookies and cream Milkybar. It combines smooth white chocolate and crunchy cookie pieces which sounds delicious and it would be great to share with your household. 

Jaffa Cakes Passion Fruit and Cherry (£1.20)

Last but not least is the product of the month: Jaffa Cakes Passion Fruit and Cherry which are their two new flavours! They have the traditional dark chocolate and light sponge but with two new flavour options which sound very refreshing! 

You can use the code: DTPL4 to get your box for £9.99!

Have you tried any of the products from this box? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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Secret Scent Box: February 2021

Today's post is all about a great subscription box that is quite unique as it is a fragrance sample subscription box which features three fragrances each month. We all know how much I love subscription boxes and when they first started there weren't that many available to choose from but now the selection is amazing, including more niche boxes such as a fragrance subscription box. 

*Secret Scent Box - February 2021 

As I've said, the boxes contain three fragrance samples each month, from a range of designer and celebrity fragrances. The samples are all 3ml each which I think is a great trial or travelling size - I keep the samples in my bag for on the go spritzing! The boxes are all well packaged and presented; also they fit through your letterbox. 

The fragrance brands in the February box include: Karl Lagerfeld, Paco Rabanne and Mugler, none of which I've purchased before so it's a good way of trying fragrances. Each fragrance also comes with a handy information card which explains the notes that make up the fragrance. 

Karl Lagerfeld Fleur De Murier contains raspberry leaf, redcurrant, orange, violet, blackberry blossom, orange blossom, lily of the valley, sandalwood, musk, amber and vanilla as notes - so many notes! To me it is a classic fruity fragrance with musky notes; I think most people will like this sample. 

Paco Rabanne Paco is definitely my favourite fragrance of the three! It contains fragrance notes including pine, orange, lemon, coriander, cyclamen, tea, jasmine, lavender, tonic bean, cedar, sandalwood and musk which combine to make a gorgeous fresh and floral fragrance which, for me personally, is utterly beautiful. 

Mugler Angel Nova is the final fragrance and it is another great option! It contains raspberry, lychee, damask rose, akigalawood and benzoin, I personally liked all three fragrances within the box and this one is ideal for the upcoming spring season. 

Have you tried any of these fragrances? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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DegustaBox - January 2021

Today's post is all about the first DegustaBox for the new year! I had high hopes for the new box and it did not disappoint as it was filled with a plethora of vegan goodies from a range of new-to-me and well loved brands. You can use the code DTPL4 to get your box for only £9.99.

*DegustaBox - January 2021 

The theme for the January box is 'breakfast and on the go' which is a great theme for the new year; although I think a veganuary box would have been great too. There's a fantastic range of breakfast items, cooking ingredients and snacks in the box - so many of which are vegan friendly! 

Gregory's Tree Organic Strawberry Fruit Twists (89p each)

I'll start with the sweet treats from the box, the first are two fruit twists from Gregory's Tree which is brand that was included in the previous box. I love the fruit twists, they are a natural and healthier version of candy! I can't recommend them enough and I will be looking out for them in the future. 

Mallow Puffs Salted Caramel Mallow Bar (£1.59)

When I opened the box, I didn't think this item would be vegan but it is! It's a puffy vegan mallow with Belgian dark chocolate and natural flavours and colours. I haven't tried it yet but I'm excited to as it sounds delicious. 

Rowntree's Vegan Friendly Fruit Pastilles (£1.29)

I haven't tried a Rowntree's fruit pastille since I was a child as I haven't had any gelatine sweets since then but they are now vegan friendly which is amazing. Each sharing bag contains five flavours including blackcurrant, lemon, strawberry, lime and orange. I can't wait to try them!

Trek Power Millionaire Shortbread (£1.75)

I love snack bars, they are the perfect on the go snacks so I'm always happy to try more. This bar is naturally vegan, gluten free and it contains 15g of protein per bar. I've tried a few of their bars previously and loved them especially the cocoa flavour so I'm glad to have another one to try. 

St Pierre Millionaires Waffle and Brioche Waffle (£1 each)

Sadly, these items aren't vegan but they do look incredibly delicious! Within the January box, you would have received both the millionaires waffle and the brioche waffle; they'd make great on the go snacks. I tried this brand a couple of years ago and loved their products so I wish they make vegan versions of these yummy treats. 

Whitworths Shots Fruity Biscuits (£1.60)

Another ideal on the go snack are these shots from Whitworths which have also been included in a previous box. This flavour combines sultanas, cranberries and white chocolate coated shortcake biscuits which I passed onto my mum and she likes them. They are only 93 calories per pack so they're great healthy snacking options. 

Baker Street Rye and Wheat Bread (£1.69)

Moving onto a few of the more breakfast items including this loaf of rye and wheat bread which is low in fat, high in fibre and dairy free. It is made with a sourdough starter and it is stone baked so it has a lovely flavour! 

Lizi's Super Muesli (75p, 50g each)

Within the box, there's also a couple of flavours of muesli - you should receive both options. The first is 'boost' which contains mango, papaya and turmeric and the second is 'focus' which contains hazelnut, pecan and maca - the latter is definitely my favourite. 

Sun-Pat Peanut Butter (£1.50)

You can't have a box about breakfast without including peanut butter - I love peanut butter on toast. You should receive either the smooth or the crunchy option. I personally love smooth peanut butter on toast, on a bagel or added to porridge for breakfast. 

Nat Bears (£2.90)

The cutest item from the box has to be these adorable teddybear shaped baked oat cereal - so cute! They contain wholegrain oat and no artificial colours or flavourings. You just add the cute bear to your bowl of milk - they come in either honey or chocolate flavours. 

Barley Cup (£2.50)

I tried a sample of this natural drink a while ago as I wanted to try a caffeine free drink that would still have a nice flavour. It is made from cereal grains and chicory roots and is suitable for vegans. It has a rich flavour that I like and I think it is a great alternative to coffee, if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake. 

Grey Poupon Vegan Dijon Mayo (£2.50)

Lastly a couple of savoury options, the first is a new range of vegan mustard flavoured mayos from Grey Poupon. I personally don't love mustard so this isn't really for me but I think so many would like it and it is great to see more brands bringing out vegan options. 

Mister Free'd Avocado Tortilla Chips (£1.59)

The final item from the January box is a pack of avocado tortilla chips that have a little spice to them. I haven't given them a go yet but I think they would make a great option for loaded nachos with vegan cheese, tomatoes and sweetcorn! 

Have you tried any of these products? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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Latest In Beauty - January 2021

I've been a little absent from my blog for the past few days and in the future I will be blogging a little less than usual so you can expect one blog post every week or every two weeks from now on. Today's post is my review of the January box from Latest In Beauty which you may have seen a sneak peek of if you follow me on Instagram. 

*Latest In Beauty Box - January 2021

The variety is fantastic for January and I was able to choose a great range of items from skincare, body care and haircare to hand sanitiser and an adorable sleep mask. Since I chose my items, many more items have been added to the selection including masks, skincare and wax melts! I'm really happy with the items in the box and as always I think the selection and value for money are fantastic. 

Foamie Papaya and Oat 2 in 1 Body Bar 

I'll begin with the most heavenly scented item in the box, the soap bar from Foamie which has the most fruity and fresh scent that's perfect to brighten up a dull wintery day. The design is quite unique and allows for a slightly massage when you use it because of the bumps on the bar. 

Smug Sleep Eye Mask 

Next up is the cutest sleep mask I've ever seen - this one isn't on the site anymore but you can choose the cherry blossom mask from the same brand. It's a blackout, padded eye mask that I think will be great for my sleeping problems. I love the design and it feels very soft, squishy and I think it is a great, unique addition to the January selection. 

Yardley Hand Sanitiser 

Hand sanitiser is one of the most essential items from 2020 and it's the same this year; we all need hand sanitiser so whenever I've seen it on the website recently, I've chosen it. This one is a huge 250ml bottle and it contains 70% alcohol - it will definitely be added to the car very soon for post-shopping sanitising. 

Colab Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo 

Colab is probably my favourite dry shampoo brand, I've tried so many of their scents but I haven't tried this specific one. It is the dry shampoo with a volume boost formula that helps to absorb oil, adds body and increases volume. I haven't tried it yet but I have high hopes as I've loved all of the others!

Skin Chemists Rose Illuminating Glow Peel Off Mask

I haven't used a peel of mask for so long (I've fallen in love with sheet masks in 2020) but I had to choose this item as it is one of their 'hall of fame' products - I always opt for their hall of fame products as they are usually quite special or well loved. I can't wait to try this mask as my skin has been very dull recently!

Oh K! Oil Controlling T-Zone Mask 

Lastly, a product from one of my favourite sheet mask brands - Oh K! I have tried many of their masks and love them all, especially the hydrogel and moisturising masks. However, as my skin has been oils and congested so I think that an oil controlling mask would be a great option for my skin right now. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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DegustaBox: December 2020

The end of 2020 is drawing ever closer so it is time for me to share my thoughts on the December DegustaBox which I've been eating and sharing my way through over the month. As always, you can see sneak peeks of my upcoming posts and gifted items on my Instagram (@ofbeautyand). For more information about Degustabox, check out their website or my previous posts. 

*DegustaBox - December 2020

Each months box has a different theme and the theme for December was a little different as they have collaborated with Sainsbury's to create a unique box filled with exciting brands and products, all of which are available at Sainsbury's. The box contains a variety of sweet snacks, savoury snacks, drinks and cooking ingredients for a range of dietary requirements. 

Pipers Crisps (£1.20, 40g bag)

I'll begin with the savoury snacks for a change and the first was one of my favourite products from the box - the Pipers wild thyme and rosemary crisps. The crisps were delicious and while I couldn't try the cheddar and onion flavour, I'm sure it was just as delicious as the other. While quite high in calories, I will be looking out for the wild thyme and rosemary flavour in the future. 

Peter's Yard Sourdough Bites (£2)

Another great savoury snack to share with your household or bubble, the crunchy savoury snacks will be great on their own or with a dip of your choice. They are baked, low in saturated fat, a source of fibre and suitable for vegetarians. 

Brave Roasted Chickpeas - Sweet Chilli (£1)

The final savoury snack before I move onto all of the other goodies, is a roasted chickpea snack. You should have received one packet in your box and the flavour could be: sweet chilli, dark choc or sea salt. I received the sweet chilli flavour and it was delicious!  

Tony's Chocolonely (£1.35)

I have seen this brand all over instagram but I haven't tried it before, I'm not sure if they make any vegan flavours though - I'll have to investigate. I love the packaging and the ethics of the brand! There's one flavour in the box 'caramel sea salt' which sounds amazing and I passed it onto a friend who I hope will love it. 

The Curators Cocoa Caramel Peanuts (£1.20)

The final snack is a gluten free, high fibre snack of chocolate covered peanuts! They are vegan and they taste absolutely delicious; they are very moreish and it is a little difficult to not eat the entire bag in one go! I will be looking out for these in the future for a 'healthy' snack. 

Leon Garlic Aioli (£2.50)

Next up, cooking ingredients and the first is my favourite product from the box - the Leon garlic aioli. I was very happy when I found this item in the box as it is something I've purchased a couple of times already from Sainsbury's along with other vegan items from Leon - I can't recommend it enough. 

Odysea Aubergine Meze Dip (£2.15)

Another great dip or cooking ingredient is an aubergine dip from Odysea. It is made with roasted aubergines, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and parsley - it is suitable for vegans. It would make a fantastic dip to share with your household (no double dipping though!). 

Capsicana Mexican Tomato and Chipotle Tinga Cooking Paste (£1.30)

The final item before the drinks is a cooking paste that can be added to meat, fish or veggies. It has a smokey flavour and would be great for fajitas or BBQ dishes. I haven't tried it but we have tried various cooking pastes from this brand previously and liked them all. 

Nexba Pineapple Soft Drink (£1.25)

There's usually a drink or two within each box and this months box has a great variety including this delicious and refreshing soft drink which is vegan, low calorie and no GMO. It doesn't contain any added sugar, artificial sweeteners or fructose. 

Clwb Tropica Tropical IPA (£2)

Another fruity option which contains pineapples, mangoes, passionfruit and peaches with an IPA. I don't personally drink ale or any other alcohol apart from wine or cider so I haven't tried this but it sounds very delicious. 

Dash Water - Peach (£1.15)

Sticking with the very fruity and fresh theme, the penultimate item from the December Degustabox is a healthy soft drink made using British water and 'wonky' peaches! I love the packaging, the drink is refreshing and it doesn't contain any sugar or sweeteners. 

Good Earth Tea (£2.75)

Last but not least is a box of ginger, turmeric and lemon tea from Good Earth. I haven't tried any ginger or turmeric tea before but I think it would be fantastic for sore throats and colds so it might come in very handy this winter! 

Don't forget to use the code DTPL4 to get your first box for only £9.99!

Have you tried any of these products? 

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Latest In Beauty Box: December 2020

It's time for my final Latest In Beauty box review of the year and naturally the December box is their festive edit! The selection for the month of December was fantastic and I opted to choose my items early but there are still so many wonderful beauty products to choose from. To get a sneak peek of upcoming posts as well as PR mail and unboxings, follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Latest In Beauty - December 2020

The festive edit contains a great range of items and brands including Umberto Giannini, Sally Hansen, Dr Teals, Zoeva and more as well as items from previous edits. I chose a few items I don't typically pick along with a few items I know I'll adore. In addition to the products you choose for your December box, you will also receive either a Look Good Feel Better makeup brush or sponge in your box too! 

*Umberto Giannini Temporary Hair Colour and Mask

Umberto Giannini is a brand I don't pick up very often, outside of subscription boxes but when I do I always tend to love their products. I adored a mask I tried from Umberto Giannini as part of a previous Latest In Beauty box so I wanted to give these a go. The mask also contains temporary hair colour in Pink Delight and Forget Me Not. I don't know how well it will work on my dark hair but I'm excited to give them a go. 

*Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair 

The November box contained the Aveda Daily Hair Repair (it was the November 'hall of fame' item) and I fell in love! Naturally I had to add another to my December box as I haven't come across a hair product for a long time that I have adored instantly like this one! It is a full sized item and worth £26 which is amazing value for money considering the box as a whole is only £12.95. 

*Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salts 

Winter is now here and that means I can break out all of my cosy bath products! As much as I love bath bombs and bubble bars, I think that bath salts can be very effective especially for muscle pain. I didn't manage to order before the lavender scent sold out but the eucalyptus and spearmint scent was still available and it smells amazing. 

*Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Shooting Star

My favourite and the most long-lasting nail polish I've ever tried has to be the Insta-Dri range from Sally Hansen; the only polish I've worn all year has been the Salley Hansen Insta-Dri in 'Buff & Tumble' which is the perfect pinky nude shade. I am always happy to receive more polishes from this range and the glitter is so pretty - it's the perfect topper for any nude shade. 

*Rimmel 60 Second Polish in Rapid Ruby

Another nail polish I wanted to try was from the 60 Second range from Rimmel which I used to love many years ago but I haven't tried any Rimmel products for years. The shade is a gorgeous deep red which is ideal for the festive season. 

*Look Good Feel Better Detailed Eye Liner Brush

Lastly, the free gift for each December box. I received the detailed eye liner brush but you could have received the sponge instead. The brush is unlike any other I have in my rather large collection as it is almost composed of a silicone tip instead of bristles so I'm not sure how well it will work but I'm interested to give it a go! 

Have you tried any of these products? 

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