Reviewed by
Caroline
Have you noticed that some beauty box subscriptions have become a bit samey? I’m a huge fan of beauty boxes but just recently I have unsubscribed from my usual favourites as I have found myself becoming a bit bored with the so-so products and brands included, also I have been disappointed with the same brands popping up amongst the boxes time and again. The minute I saw the concept of the Smileaway box I felt this would be something different and a beauty box that really appealed to me. A beautiful well thought out box full of luxurious and indulgent treats for women to enjoy each month, designed to be a lovely gift either as a monthly treat or a special gift for a special occasion.
When I first opened the Smileaway box right away I knew it was different, all the products were housed in a sturdy luxurious box and even the packaging and ribbon had a luxe feeling. ‘Somebody Loves You” was the caption on the postcard and the whole package has the feel of a very special, well chosen box of goodies from a friend. The Spa-Away themed box included five products to help you recreate your own spa-like experience at home with even some luxury chocolate to enjoy.
To begin the Spa experience the Dry Skin Brush from Hydrea London was perfect and the cactus fibre bristles and ergonomic handle make it easy to use all over the body. Dry skin brushing is a wonderful way to improve the condition of the skin and can help to improve the look of cellulite as well as exfoliating the skin to prepare it for moisturising. I liked the fact the brush comes with a soft fabric strap which sits over your hand when using as it makes it really secure and easy to use.
With three indulgent products from Monu included in the Smilebox I was delighted, as I have been a huge advocate of the brand ever since I was introduced to the range while training to become a beauty therapist. I really value the natural ingredients and gentle yet powerful products that really work with the skin and I was keen to try out the three products included.
Firstly was the heavenly scented Monu Spa Glamour Glow Shimmering Body Powder, and as soon as you open up the screw top lid you can smell the beautiful natural fragrance of lemongrass and grapefruit. The 75g tub of the Monu body shimmer will last and last as you only need a little at a time, it really does go a long way and looks incredible applied to shoulders, decolletage and arms. The finish is a really pretty iridescent glow which is gently fragranced with the uplifting lemongrass and grapefruit, it’s such a star product and can even be mixed with your favourite moisturiser to make it easier to apply all over the body. So perfect for Summer and I can see why this product has such a huge following.
Also from Monu the Recovery Balm 50ml is ideal for very sensitive or sensitised skin which is feeling sore or stressed and in need of relief. The scent of the balm is Rose and Bergamot and that in itself is soothing, packed full of peptides to reduce redness and the Evening Primrose Oil combined with the Blackcurrant Seed Oil help to improve and repair the skin’s natural barrier by balancing, hydrating and soothing the skin. It’s renowned as a Winter skin saviour but with my very sensitive skin I have found it so useful in warm weather too to protect and heal. It’s gentle enough to use on really sore, tight, dry skin and gives relief immediately, a real hero product that I’m so glad I discovered.
Lastly from Monu is the 15ml Soothing Lip Balm a very useful product to have in every handbag, car and makeup bag as it’s so hydrating and the handy transparent strip on the tube let’s you know when you are almost finished. It’s different to many I have used as it has a pump dispenser and the balm is a light cream which once applied just melts into the skin. I was pleased that the balm left no sticky film but just a silky hydrated feeling and the Rose scent is very subtle and not overpowering at all. Lovely to use on it’s own or under lipstick to give an extra hit of hydration, what a gorgeous product.
Last but by no means least is the Madécasse Madagascar Chocolate to perfectly complement the whole experience, my box had the Toasted Coconut 70% dark chocolate which was delicious as I love dark chocolate, but I assume that the individual boxes may have a combination of their three flavours. For any indulgent treat style box it is always good to see a little something sweet and this is the perfect Spa addition.
The black box is £22.50 per month (beyond black box is £50.00 per month) and I feel it offers really outstanding value for money as well as a good variety of really usable quality products. It’s refreshing to find a subscription box which gives that bit extra and by that I mean a beauty/lifestyle box which is specifically designed as a monthly treat and all the contents have been carefully selected with a monthly theme to make the delivery feel like a lovingly selected gift box. Such a great find and one to watch as I am sure the boxes will continue to delight women all over the UK and what fantastic gifts they make.
By Evelyn 
