Beauty box swap

As a lifestyle rather than beauty blogger, I'd never taken part in a beauty swap before. When I read about one that Kat was organising on her blog, I couldn't resist. I tend to stick to the same sort of products, so the idea of trying a selection of new and unexpected items really appealed.

I was paired with Kel from Adventures in Tea and Cake. The only downside was that her blog makes me want to call in for tea and cake at every quaint tea shop I pass, so far I'm pretty much resisting! We exchanged a few emails, decided on a budget, shared a few likes and dislikes and we were off! When my box arrived I was really excited, so excited in fact that I saved it until the weekend so that I could enjoy taking my time over it.

I was so pleased with the collection of things that Kel had picked for me. As I've not worn lipstick for eighteen months or so, Kel made sure I had a few options, with a matt lipstick from MUA in pouty pink, a Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Sirius and a Fashionista Double Take long-wear lipstick in raspberry. I've already started wearing these, and can't work out why I've gone without lipstick for so long!

She also sent me some DHC Deep Cleansing Oil which is one of her favourite cleansing products. It's not something I'd tried before, but the best thing about a swap is finding great new products that you'd not have tried otherwise! Also in the box were bottles of body lotion and bath and shower cream from one of her favourite shops, Rose & Co. These smelt amazing and I do love a good soak in the bath, so they were much appreciated.

Next out of the box was a chocolate face mask, I'm embarrassed to say I've probably not used a face mask for ten years, but I shall now! I also had a couple of products from elf, an all over color stick, which I've been using on my cheeks and lips, and a jumbo eyeshadow stick, which gives a nice shimmery appearance to my eyes. Finally, there was a Body Shop eyeliner which is now my daily eyeliner (it's that good!) and some Elisha Coy CC cream, which I'm looking forward to trying when the weather's a little warmer and I can cast my foundation aside!

Thanks again to Kel for my beauty box. I honestly can't think of a better selection of products I could have received. I'll definitely be keen to sign up for beauty swaps again in the future!