Hey Guys!

This week I am bringing to you a review of October's Cohorted Beauty Box. If you are a fan of subscription boxes then you would have definitely heard of this box. It contains luxury, high end products, which are sent to your door every month. This is one of the most sought after subscriptions boxes on the market. At £35 it doesn't come cheap, so I thought I would share whether or not I thought it was actually worth it!

First up we have a gorgeous eyeshadow palette by Doucce, not a brand I had heard of until now. This stole my attention straightaway, a beautiful eyeshadow palette with 12 shades. 6 matte and 6 shimmers. The colours in this palette are lovely for everyday and the shimmers have little particles of glitter in, so it's the perfect palette to go from day to night. I love the fact that the pans are all removable and the casing is magnetic, so you can personalise your palette or just use the shades you need. When swatching the shades, the shimmers are what stood out to me, but that may be because I'm a bit obsessed with anything sparkly. Think like a moth to a flame. (Ew.) The matte shades were lovely colours, but not particularly pigmented. An added bonus was the large mirror in the casing. You make your £35 back on this palette alone as it is worth £50.

2. Clarins Gloss Prodige - RRP £16

This is a clear gloss that can be worn on its own or over another lipstick to make it glossy. A smooth, gel like formula, that is really comfortable to wear. Having never tried Clarins before I am actually quite impressed with this product and can definitely see myself using it over other lipsticks.

3. Pixi by Petra Brow Tamer - RRP £12

Another clear gel formula, but this time for those bushy brows. I really liked the formula of this product and am so glad I was introduced to it. It is something I probably would have never tried it, as I swear by my Benefit Clear Brow Gel. The formula somehow manages to keep your eyebrows set in place without them going hard. It contains aloe vera so actually conditions your hairs while it sets. A hit for me.

4. Lancome Advanced Genefique (5ml X 2) - RRP £10

This is one of Lancome's most popular serums for all skin types. It claims to 'reduce fine lines' and 'improve skin's radiance and clarity'. For me, this was probably the biggest let down in the box, as I feel like I can go into store and ask for a sample of this. It doesn't give me that excitement or interest that I usually get when I see the contents of a beauty box. This may have been because I have received samples of this before, when browsing in store or purchasing a mascara, for example. One good thing is at least there are two samples. So in total, you have 10ml worth of product to help you decide whether it's the serum for you.

5. The Innate Life Rose Hair Elixir - £12

The last product in the box is this lovely hair oil. Let me tell you, the smell of it is just so divine, I want to smother it all over my body. It is quite a small bottle and comes with a dropper, however this stuff is strong, so don't worry about the size. A little goes a long way, just a few drops of this leaves your hair looking shiny and less frizzy. If you read my post on my Curly Hair Saviours, you will know how much I struggle, but this gives my hair that nourishment it needs. It contains over 15 plant oils and can be used pre-styling for heat protection or rubbed into the scalp to condition the roots. I have really enjoyed using it and the fact it leaves my hair smelling of roses is a bonus!

My overall thoughts on the box is that it is definitely worth it! You are getting high end products at a great price. The value of the box is £100, even though I'm not sure I would put a price on the samples. Even considering those, 4 out of 5 great products isn't bad. I would definitely recommend!

Have you purchased the Cohorted Beauty Box before? Are you tempted to subscribe?

Amina xx

*PR Gift. All opinions are my own.

Hi Everyone,

This post is all about things I can't live without during Autumn!

Autumn is a special season for me. It might sound cliche but it is literally a season of change. The weather can go from being freezing cold in the morning, to boiling hot at midday and raining in the evening. I literally don't know whether to take my woolly winter coat, summer jacket or raincoat out with me. I find the change in season quite stressful on the body and usually find myself catching a cold around this time of year too. So the things listed in this post are things I use to both keep me relaxed and to destress, but also things perfectly suited to this time of year.

1. A hot bath.

I never used to take baths. No, it's not what you think. I mean rather than taking baths I would take a shower. I never really found the time for a bath or felt a need to have a good soak. However motherhood changed this. I actually felt an urge and craving to unwind and relax my aching muscles after I had rocked my baby to sleep for half the night, or being hunched over breastfeeding ten times a day. My muscles longed for a good old soak. When it comes to bath products, naturally I love some of the Lush bath bombs and melts and always look forward to a Lush bath.

2. A cup of tea.

The first thing I reach for when I get home, like most, is the kettle. There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea in your favourite mug - it has to be in my favourite mug! I don't know what it is about the mug, the dimensions, the fit of my hand within the handle or maybe the quote on the front (I may be biased), but my tea just tastes so much better!

3. A good blanket.

When I bought my house I knew I had to buy a good blanket. There's nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa with a good old blanket. It can't be any old blanket however. It has to be thick enough to keep you warm, but not too thick so it makes you sweat. It needs to be soft enough to feel comfortable but not slip straight off you. And finally it has to have a fringe... just because. I found my perfect one from Homesense by a company called Zoepritzz. You can find similar ones here.

4. Soap.

At this time of year the cold starts to chap my hands so I need a good hand cleanser. I was sent some Vintage Wrapped Soaps by The English Soap Company (£4.95) and the scent from this soap instantly refreshes and relaxes me and is very moisturising on the skin. Whatsmore, they are handmade and come wrapped in beautiful vintage paper (hence the name), which I will definitely be reusing! Everything about these soaps scream luxury to me, from the shea butter infusion to the smell of the perfume. Every time I go to the bathroom, just the soap lying by the sink basin fills the whole bathroom with scent of lavender. This has become a staple in my bathroom and actually is a must have for me in any season now, not just autumn!

5. Scented candle anyone?

My name's Amina and I have a scented candle addiction. There I said it. It is true, I can admit that I have an obsession with candles and melts at the moment. I literally have one in every room of the house. I just love walking into a room that smells nice! As well as scented soap, The English Rose Company also does scented candles (£9.95). What's special about the candles are that they are Soy candles - made from Soya Beans. This makes them incredibly environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable, non toxic, and amazingly, they burn 50% longer than paraffin candles. (For more details on benefits of Soy candles click here) I am a total convert. The scent I have used is Oriental Spice & Cherry Blossom and is perfect for this time of year, giving a subtle aroma to a room rather than an overbearing one. The price tag reflects the luxury and they are the kind of candles I would use for special occasions or as a gift. 

Ok, I am really craving a nice bath now. Then relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea in one hand and the remote in the other. Topped off by being wrapped in my favourite blanket, with my scented candles flickering in the background!

6. Let's not forget the make-up.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette (£41). This was made for Autumn and yes make-up application actually relaxes me! Read all about it here.

So guys, these are my must haves this season. What are yours? Would any of these make you relax? What is your idea of the perfect night in? Let me know in the comments below.

Amina xx

*Contains PR samples but all opinions are my own.