M&S Summer Beauty Bag Review
Updated: Jul 8, 2020
After the success of last years beauty box from Marks and Spencer I have been desperate to get my hands on one this year. Unfortunately as we all know, they were another smashing success (currently re-selling on eBay for over £30!) and despite a couple of re-stocks, I was gutted to have missed out again...
That was, until someone was clearly watching over me when I won a competition run by a fave fellow blogger https://rachaelinred.com (give her a follow she's so funny). I still can't believe she gave hers away!
So... here I am and I thought I would share my thoughts on it with you.
Overview
The Summer Beauty Bag contains products worth up to £100. The bag cost £15 to purchase, the only catch being that you needed to spend £25 at M&S.
It is so exciting to see a beauty bag including so many high end brands. This bag features L'Occitane, REN, Nuxe and Pixi as well as their own brands. I currently have a subscription for a Look Fantastic Beauty Box which I absolutely love, but it took me so long and loads of research to decide on which to go for as there are so many out there. This bag feels like a real treat.
...So what's in it?
Make up
Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen
New make up products get me so excited and I love trying out new ones which is why this eyeliner is the first thing I grabbed from the bag! I've been a fan of Pixi products for a number of years, both their Glow Tonic and their make up range. This eyeliner does not disappoint. A silky, smooth eye pencil that you can use on the waterline and eyelids. It's no surprise that this is an award winning product. I kept this on all day and no smudge - the ultimate test. It was quite heavy to remove (even from my hand!) but that didn't phase me as I wear Benefit mascara which is a killer to remove! Better still, it's available in nearly 30 shades.
9/10
Autograph Colour Shine Lip Lacquer in Shade Sorbet
My go to is normally a lipstick rather than a lip gloss, but for the simple reason that I can't kiss the children's squidgy cheeks with sticky lipgloss on! However, I gave this a go before popping out to the shops solo, and it's a nice consistency. The peachy undertone was nice and natural however, for me it was far too glittery and i felt a bit like a teenager with it on. Perhaps on a beach with a dark tan and cocktail in hand I might feel differently?!
7/10
Face & Body
L’Occitane Verbena Shower Gel 70ml
Next up the L'Occitane shower gel, say no more.
Iconic smell, just beauts.
10/10
Pure Super Hydrate Day Cream SPF15
One of the things I seem to get most samples of is moisturisers. I'm very lucky that my skin isn't overly sensitive so I get to try them all, but i have to say this felt very thick on my face - you know one that feels like it'll never soak in?! Might be better used as a night cream I think... The SPF isn't very high either, I would normally chose something with at least SPF30 or 50.
6/10
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 50ml
An acid exfoliator that is gentle to use every day, this smells fresh and left my face feeling clean and springy. Not sure I would choose it over the Pixie Glow Tonic though, but a nice size bottle to keep in my travel wash bag.
7/10
M&S Seasalt & Freesia Perfume 10ml
I've not tried this M&S scent before and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. This perfume is so fresh and light and perfect for a summers day. I may well be putting the big bottle on my birthday list at this rate!
8/10
Hair
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner
I'm totally new to this brand. These are sulphate free and designed to protect coloured hair as much as possible. The shampoo smelt lovely and has a real lather to it, which is often difficult to find with sulphate free shampoos. My hair felt really clean too and the conditioner left my hair feeling silky smooth. Thumbs up from me, it's not exclusive to M&S but seems to be the main high street seller.
9/10
Percy & Reed No Oil Hair Oil
I've tried Percy & Reed before, and know they are professional hairdressers that have launched their own hair ranges. I used this oil straight after shampooing on damp hair before blow drying. It is designed to nourish and repair your hair as well as smooth out frizz.
I can't say I noticed a huge amount but my hair did feel slightly smoother and less flyaways after blow drying.
8/10
Sun
Nuxe Sun Melting Cream SPF50 30ml
I genuinely love this brand. I use the skin oil everyday and the smell is devine. This sun cream does NOT disappoint. It smells like heaven and takes me to a holiday dream as soon as I smell it! It applies really smoothly and definitely feels luxurious for a sun cream.
10/10
Sun Smart After Sun Face Mask
Under their own brand, M&S have launched an aftersun face mask, which I think is a really great idea. This is the only product I have not yet been able to test due to the great British summer weather and lockdown, but I have high hopes for the day I am back in the Caribbean with a slightly rosey face!
Overall Verdict
This beauty bag gives a lot of bang for your buck. Considering the price tag of £15 it really is great value given the high end brands included BUT only if you're an M&S customer. Buying something specifically to spend £25 means it would cost £40 overall which is a bit pricey.