As I only started blogging this month, these empties don't quite represent the whole of May but I am going to write an empties post every month on my blog!
Body and Bath
I have said it before but I love this Soap & Glory daily moisturiser. The packaging is fantastic as the pump allows clean application. The cream smells great and this leaves my skin smooth and soft. I used this twice daily and got nearly 6 months use from one bottle! I will be repurchasing in the future but just now I have plenty body lotions and butters to keep me going. I don't normally think much of bubble baths but this Fresh Raspberry Ripple Bath Milk by Boots had a lovely smell, made loads of bubbles and smoothed my skin. This was part of a set that I got for Christmas and I would happily use it again.
Hair
I'm not really into hair products but I used these samples this month along with my normal routine. The shampoo is something I have used before and I like it. I enjoyed the TRESemme Split Remedy Leave In Treatment because it left my hair smelling gorgeous throughout the day and I found it easier to brush when wet. I don't think I would purchase this though because it was too heavy for my hair.
Skincare
This month I used 2 packets of the T-Zone Cleansing Wipes. I have used these many times before and have no complaints. They remove my makeup well, smell nice and are a bargain! A definite repurchase. I bought the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Face Mask by Boots because they didn't have the mask I was looking for. I didn't find that it peeled well and this would put me off buying it in the future. Since finishing this Simple Toner I have purchased a new brand to try because I am still new to toner and trying to find one that works for me.
Makeup
I was desperate to finish this Maybeline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation because I had bought Double Wear and really wanted to try it out. This foundation lasted months! I like the colour and I would buy again but I do find that without primer, this foundation is useless! I love the Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara and already have a new one to start using.
Do you use any of these products?
What products did you finish this month?
Don't forget to follow :)
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Friday, 31 May 2013
Thursday, 30 May 2013
What's In My Handbag #wiyhb
I realise I am pretty slow on the uptake but this is my first What's In My Handbag post! This is a tag from BritBloggers and is an initiative from MyMoneySuperMarket. The competition is designed to make people think of the value of their handbags and therefore consider insurance. The items in this post show values however some of these have had to be estimated.
My Bag
My bag is a Paul's Boutique Olivia in snake skin, £60. I like this bag because it is rather understated for a Paul's Boutique and therefore suitable for work. It is also a great size for all the junk I like to carry about!
My Purse, Phone and Keys
These are the things that, although of not great value, they are invaluable and disastrous to lose.
I love my Paul's Boutique purse, £40. The interior is a gorgeous bright pink and has lots of compartments for cards and change. The money in my purse, £10, is never very much but losing your cards is a disaster and can be very costly as lots of company's charge for replacements. My phone is an HTC Desire, £100. Keys are not something that you can really value however car keys are around £100 to replace and it's costs around £150 to get the locks changed if you lose your house keys.
My Nail Essentials
For Emergencies
Tissues, paracetamol and plasters - I always have these in my bags! £2.
Makeup etc.
I don't carry much makeup with me because I usually find that my makeup lasts the day and, even if it doesn't, I don't have time to touch it up! If I am going out after work or going on a night out then I would pack more products. I am obsessed with lip products and apply them to my lips throughout the day. I love Vaseline for this as it adds an extra shine to any lip colour that I might have on. The lip glosses in my bag are Barry M and Sexy Mother Pucker by Soap & Glory. I also carry a lipstick by Clinque which I occasionally apply with a little Vaseline on top. I always keep a tube on hand cream in my bag and this one is Ted Baker. The battered box in the picture is Maybeline powder foundation. I don't like this much but occasionally I use it if I have a shiny face or a blemish emergency! In total these items are worth around £45.
Work Stuff
My Umbrella, Hairbrush and Mirror
It may be tempting fate but I never leave home without an umbrella! I brush my hair a lot throughout the day so a brush is essential. The mirror has broken off this one so I use a cute compact that I got as a gift from my sister. £15
I never think of my handbag being anything more than a bunch of junk that I carry around. However I have estimated £543 for my bag and its contents. The cost of replacing things like cards would make it even more.
Check out the competition here.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Real Techniques Core Collection
For those of you who have read my latest wishlist, this was the item that I wanted the most! I have wanted to try a Real Techniques brush for a long time but the price has always put me off. I decided that the Core Collection would be a good place to start as you get four brushes and I really wanted the contour brush in particular. Yesterday I was a very lucky girl because my lovely, gorgeous, super kind boyfriend bought me the set! I have used these this morning so here are my first impressions!
Although £21.99 does seem a lot to spend on brushes; this set contains four brushes and a case/stand. When I think of how much I have spent on cheap brushes that turned out to be useless, I should have just bought this straight away!
The brushes are really good quality. The handles feel really sturdy and the bristles are super smooth and tightly bound. I love that each brush has its name printed on the handle.
The case can be folded over to close and protect the brushes or it can be bent back to make a stand. I am going to keep mine in the standing position because it's really handy when applying my makeup.
There are four brushes in this set and I used three of them when doing my makeup this morning. I used the buffing brush for applying my powder, the contour brush for my bronzer and the pointed foundation brush for my highlighter. I realise the latter might seem an odd choice but I never use a brush for foundation and this is a great size for around the eyes.
I haven't used the detailer brush yet but will most likely use it for concealer.
I can't believe how great these are and what a difference they make to application. They are really easy to manoeuvre and keep makeup application really neat. A bit thank you to my boyfriend and maybe I can talk him into getting me the eye set next! :)
Do you have these brushes? Let me know what you think!
Don't forget to follow :)
Although £21.99 does seem a lot to spend on brushes; this set contains four brushes and a case/stand. When I think of how much I have spent on cheap brushes that turned out to be useless, I should have just bought this straight away!
The brushes are really good quality. The handles feel really sturdy and the bristles are super smooth and tightly bound. I love that each brush has its name printed on the handle.
The case can be folded over to close and protect the brushes or it can be bent back to make a stand. I am going to keep mine in the standing position because it's really handy when applying my makeup.
There are four brushes in this set and I used three of them when doing my makeup this morning. I used the buffing brush for applying my powder, the contour brush for my bronzer and the pointed foundation brush for my highlighter. I realise the latter might seem an odd choice but I never use a brush for foundation and this is a great size for around the eyes.
I haven't used the detailer brush yet but will most likely use it for concealer.
I can't believe how great these are and what a difference they make to application. They are really easy to manoeuvre and keep makeup application really neat. A bit thank you to my boyfriend and maybe I can talk him into getting me the eye set next! :)
Do you have these brushes? Let me know what you think!
Don't forget to follow :)
Monday, 27 May 2013
BH Cosmetics 6 Color Palette Contour and Blush
For anyone who read my recent Wishlist, you will know that I really wanted this palette! I have been watching a lot of you tube tutorials on contouring recently and this palette keeps appearing. I am fairly new to contouring so this palette seemed like a good and affordable place to start! So here are my first impressions.
The first thing to note about this palette is the size! It is a really large palette, similar in size to my IPad mini but longer. I ordered this from Amazon and it came well wrapped in bubble wrap and a box. The palette itself comes in the box shown above which has instructions on how to use the product and also information on other palettes available.
The palette itself is a lot better quality than expected for the price. The packaging is sturdy and, although quite tricky to open, it fastens securely.
Once open the palette contains 6 pans of colour. These pans are similar in size to a compact powder. There are 2 each to be used for highlighting, blush and contouring. When patch tested, the colours are not as dark ad they appear, making it possible for me to use all of these colours on my pale face. The colours have a matte finish which stops your face from becoming too shiny.
I don't know much about BH Cosmetics as a company. They are American and I used Amazon to purchase this palette. At only £11.95 this product is a real bargain. To buy 6 individual pans of colour would cost much for than that and I can see myself using all the colours. This is only a first impressions review but when I have had some real use from this palette, I may consider buying more from their extensive range.
Have you bought this palette? If so, what do you think?
Don't forget to follow :)
The first thing to note about this palette is the size! It is a really large palette, similar in size to my IPad mini but longer. I ordered this from Amazon and it came well wrapped in bubble wrap and a box. The palette itself comes in the box shown above which has instructions on how to use the product and also information on other palettes available.
The palette itself is a lot better quality than expected for the price. The packaging is sturdy and, although quite tricky to open, it fastens securely.
Once open the palette contains 6 pans of colour. These pans are similar in size to a compact powder. There are 2 each to be used for highlighting, blush and contouring. When patch tested, the colours are not as dark ad they appear, making it possible for me to use all of these colours on my pale face. The colours have a matte finish which stops your face from becoming too shiny.
I don't know much about BH Cosmetics as a company. They are American and I used Amazon to purchase this palette. At only £11.95 this product is a real bargain. To buy 6 individual pans of colour would cost much for than that and I can see myself using all the colours. This is only a first impressions review but when I have had some real use from this palette, I may consider buying more from their extensive range.
Have you bought this palette? If so, what do you think?
Don't forget to follow :)
Friday, 24 May 2013
My Current Skincare Routine
I will boldly hold my hands up and say - I am new to a skincare routine. I have always been lucky enough to have good, clear skin and so, with the exception of removing my makeup, I have taken little interest in skincare products. However now, at the ripe old age of 25, I am starting to worry about what the future may hold for my skin and think that it might be time for a much talked about 'routine'.
For the past 5 weeks I have stuck to a firm routine of skincare products. I am keen to use products every morning and evening and have also chosen some weekly products to give my skin an extra boost. My current skincare routine is not set in stone. I am new to this and therefore trying out new products and seeing how they suit my skin. I will continue to experiment with new products until I find the routine that works best for me.
Having generally good skin, I am not looking to spend a lot of money on skincare. I want products that can work without breaking the bank. One of my reasons for writing this post is so that my readers can suggest to me products that I might like to try that have worked for them and that are within my budget!
So here are the steps that I have been following lately:
Removing Makeup:
I have been using face wipes for as long as I have been wearing makeup and have never had a problem with them. I know some people who have problem skin choose not to use these but personally I find them the quickest and most effective way to remove the bulk of my makeup. When it comes to buying them I am really not fussy and usually go for something as cheap as I can find. I regularly use these T-Zone Shine Control Cleansing Wipes which have a lovely tea tree smell and are 2 for £1 in Poundworld and Poundland. I use these in the evening to remove my makeup and then in the morning to remove any stubborn waterproof mascara or to correct makeup mistakes!
Cleansing and exfoliating:
I aim to use a cleanser every night but it just doesn't always happen. Cleansing when you are not in the shower is a nightmare. No matter how careful you are you always end up soaking yourself and your bathroom! However in the morning, in the shower, it's a different story. I use either cleanser or scrub every day, usually day about. I have been using Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk since December and I love it. The smell is gorgeous, it feels really smooth on my face and it makes my skin feel squeaky clean. At £7 this is the most expensive item in my routine but definitely worth the cash. The scrub that I am using is ASDA Young Skin Foaming Facial Scrub which is an absolute bargain at £1. I like this scrub. It's gentle enough to use regularly but still feels like it is really exfoliating your skin.
Toning:
Toning has always been the step that I have missed out. I could just never really see what it was for. Even now, I'm not entirely sure that I am sold on the idea. I was using a toner by Simple but switched when I ran out simply to try out another product. The toner that I have just now is Garnier Simply Essentials Toner which is £2.99. I use this every morning and evening. I like that it removes any traces of makeup or dirt that have been missed by cleansing but, other than that, I can't feel that it makes any changes to my pores or my skin as a whole. I'd love to try a toner that I can really feel working. Any suggestions?
Eye Gel:
I don't suffer from bags under my eyes or any puffiness so I'm not entirely sure why I am using eye gel! That being said, I do like the cooling feel of this - especially in the morning. Currently I am using the Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50. For the price this is a nice product.
Moisturising:
I love moisturiser! I use various body lotions and potions on my body but always purchase separate products for use on my face. Currently I use two moisturisers; one for the morning and one for the evening. My morning product is ASDA Young Skin Matt Finish Moisturiser, also £1. I apply this before applying makeup in the morning. This moisturiser is perfect for that purpose. It rubs in easily and doesn't leave s greasy residue, meaning it is perfect for applying makeup on top of. In the evening I use NIVEA Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturising Cream, £2.99. This is a lovely smelling cream and a thick consistency meaning it continues to work for the whole night and I wake up with lovely soft skin.
Weekly:
Once a week I use a face mask. At the moment I don't have a particular mask that I use, I just experiment with different ones and mainly buy sachets. I do want to start using the Amie Clay Mask on a regular basis but it is currently out of stock.
Once or twice a week I wash my face using the Nutrogena Wave. I get a really deep clean from this and like to use it when I have a little more time. Sometimes I use the pads that you can buy for the wave and sometimes I just apply a little cleanser to a cotton pad and stick it onto the machine - this works just as well.
Do you use any of these products?
Can you recommend any budget friendly skincare products that I should try?
Don't forget to follow :)
For the past 5 weeks I have stuck to a firm routine of skincare products. I am keen to use products every morning and evening and have also chosen some weekly products to give my skin an extra boost. My current skincare routine is not set in stone. I am new to this and therefore trying out new products and seeing how they suit my skin. I will continue to experiment with new products until I find the routine that works best for me.
Having generally good skin, I am not looking to spend a lot of money on skincare. I want products that can work without breaking the bank. One of my reasons for writing this post is so that my readers can suggest to me products that I might like to try that have worked for them and that are within my budget!
So here are the steps that I have been following lately:
Removing Makeup:
I have been using face wipes for as long as I have been wearing makeup and have never had a problem with them. I know some people who have problem skin choose not to use these but personally I find them the quickest and most effective way to remove the bulk of my makeup. When it comes to buying them I am really not fussy and usually go for something as cheap as I can find. I regularly use these T-Zone Shine Control Cleansing Wipes which have a lovely tea tree smell and are 2 for £1 in Poundworld and Poundland. I use these in the evening to remove my makeup and then in the morning to remove any stubborn waterproof mascara or to correct makeup mistakes!
Cleansing and exfoliating:
I aim to use a cleanser every night but it just doesn't always happen. Cleansing when you are not in the shower is a nightmare. No matter how careful you are you always end up soaking yourself and your bathroom! However in the morning, in the shower, it's a different story. I use either cleanser or scrub every day, usually day about. I have been using Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk since December and I love it. The smell is gorgeous, it feels really smooth on my face and it makes my skin feel squeaky clean. At £7 this is the most expensive item in my routine but definitely worth the cash. The scrub that I am using is ASDA Young Skin Foaming Facial Scrub which is an absolute bargain at £1. I like this scrub. It's gentle enough to use regularly but still feels like it is really exfoliating your skin.
Toning:
Toning has always been the step that I have missed out. I could just never really see what it was for. Even now, I'm not entirely sure that I am sold on the idea. I was using a toner by Simple but switched when I ran out simply to try out another product. The toner that I have just now is Garnier Simply Essentials Toner which is £2.99. I use this every morning and evening. I like that it removes any traces of makeup or dirt that have been missed by cleansing but, other than that, I can't feel that it makes any changes to my pores or my skin as a whole. I'd love to try a toner that I can really feel working. Any suggestions?
Eye Gel:
I don't suffer from bags under my eyes or any puffiness so I'm not entirely sure why I am using eye gel! That being said, I do like the cooling feel of this - especially in the morning. Currently I am using the Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50. For the price this is a nice product.
Moisturising:
I love moisturiser! I use various body lotions and potions on my body but always purchase separate products for use on my face. Currently I use two moisturisers; one for the morning and one for the evening. My morning product is ASDA Young Skin Matt Finish Moisturiser, also £1. I apply this before applying makeup in the morning. This moisturiser is perfect for that purpose. It rubs in easily and doesn't leave s greasy residue, meaning it is perfect for applying makeup on top of. In the evening I use NIVEA Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturising Cream, £2.99. This is a lovely smelling cream and a thick consistency meaning it continues to work for the whole night and I wake up with lovely soft skin.
Weekly:
Once a week I use a face mask. At the moment I don't have a particular mask that I use, I just experiment with different ones and mainly buy sachets. I do want to start using the Amie Clay Mask on a regular basis but it is currently out of stock.
Once or twice a week I wash my face using the Nutrogena Wave. I get a really deep clean from this and like to use it when I have a little more time. Sometimes I use the pads that you can buy for the wave and sometimes I just apply a little cleanser to a cotton pad and stick it onto the machine - this works just as well.
Do you use any of these products?
Can you recommend any budget friendly skincare products that I should try?
Don't forget to follow :)
Friday, 17 May 2013
Wishlist #1
This is my first wishlist post and I'm mainly posting it so that my lovely readers can tell me whether these products are worth purchasing or not! With payday on its way, I am hoping to treat myself to one of these in the coming weeks and need to decide which one!
Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed - Intensive-action pore-refining facial peel:
I love masks and recently I have tried to stick to a routine of one mask a week. Recently I fell in love with Amie clay mask, which I wrote about here. I wanted to make this my regular mask and went to Boots to buy it only to be told they were sold out and so was the website! I love Soap & Glory and have heard great things about this mask. But at £11 a bottle, is it worth it?
BH Cosmetics Contour and Blush Palette:
I have only recently come across this after watching a contouring tutorial where the girl used this product. It is a really big palette with 6 colours; 2 highlighters, 2 bronzers and 2 blushers. I want this! BH Cosmetics are an American company but this can be bought on Amazon and at the moment it is at sale price £11.95!
Benefit Porefessional Primer:
I'm a huge primer fan and love the way it makes me makeup stay put for the whole day. This primer has excellent reviews and I have heard nothing but good things. At the moment I am using a Rimmel primer that retails at £6.99. This primer is £24.50 for 22ml and, as much as I want it, I'm not sure my budget can stretch to that!
Real Techniques Core Collection:
I want this so badly. I feel like I am the only girl in the world yet to own this set of brushes! My love for brushes is growing and there is no more talked about set than this one. At £21.99 I have always thought this set a little expensive but I know now that it is worth the money. It is only a matter of time before I give in and splash the cash!
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion:
A fellow blogger recently told me about this and I would really love to try it. I don't often use an eyeshadow primer but have started to experiment with different eyeshadows and would like to see how this makes them pop or affects their lasting quality. At £15 this is a higher end product but one that I wouldn't be using every day so would last me a while.
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette:
This needs no introduction. I want it. So if anyone has a spare £36 kicking about - send it my way!
So that is my first wishlist post! If I give in to temptation and buy any of the products then I will review them.
Have you got any of these? Are they as good as they look?
Don't forget to follow :)
Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed - Intensive-action pore-refining facial peel:
I love masks and recently I have tried to stick to a routine of one mask a week. Recently I fell in love with Amie clay mask, which I wrote about here. I wanted to make this my regular mask and went to Boots to buy it only to be told they were sold out and so was the website! I love Soap & Glory and have heard great things about this mask. But at £11 a bottle, is it worth it?
BH Cosmetics Contour and Blush Palette:
I have only recently come across this after watching a contouring tutorial where the girl used this product. It is a really big palette with 6 colours; 2 highlighters, 2 bronzers and 2 blushers. I want this! BH Cosmetics are an American company but this can be bought on Amazon and at the moment it is at sale price £11.95!
Benefit Porefessional Primer:
I'm a huge primer fan and love the way it makes me makeup stay put for the whole day. This primer has excellent reviews and I have heard nothing but good things. At the moment I am using a Rimmel primer that retails at £6.99. This primer is £24.50 for 22ml and, as much as I want it, I'm not sure my budget can stretch to that!
Real Techniques Core Collection:
I want this so badly. I feel like I am the only girl in the world yet to own this set of brushes! My love for brushes is growing and there is no more talked about set than this one. At £21.99 I have always thought this set a little expensive but I know now that it is worth the money. It is only a matter of time before I give in and splash the cash!
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion:
A fellow blogger recently told me about this and I would really love to try it. I don't often use an eyeshadow primer but have started to experiment with different eyeshadows and would like to see how this makes them pop or affects their lasting quality. At £15 this is a higher end product but one that I wouldn't be using every day so would last me a while.
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette:
This needs no introduction. I want it. So if anyone has a spare £36 kicking about - send it my way!
So that is my first wishlist post! If I give in to temptation and buy any of the products then I will review them.
Have you got any of these? Are they as good as they look?
Don't forget to follow :)
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Glossybox - May 2013
Last month was my first month of Glossybox and, although impressed at the service and happy with the products, I was a bit jealous of some of the products that others got. This month I decided to avoid all spoilers to avoid any disappointment in my products! Well .... it was worth the wait!
Last months box was really lovely to look at and this month we are back to the usual Glossybox in its pale pink colour.
This month marks Glossybox's 2nd birthday and so the tissue paper is birthday themed. Really cute and makes the box more special.
The leaflet is the usual Glossybox fold-out and again tells you about their birthday as well as having the information about the products inside the box. One of the things I like about this service is the packaging, it really feels like you are opening a luxury gift!
As you will see from the picture of the contents, this month there were 6 products rather than the usual 5. I like it when Glossybox put in these little own-branded extras. It's a nice touch.
I have had a look at a few blogs so far and, from what I see, the products are really varied and some boxes are completely different to my own! I was delighted to see that this month I received 3 full sized products. Really makes the price seem worth it.
Now for the products ....
Givenchy Dahlia Noir L'eua:
Many beauty bloggers have shared their dislike for perfume samples but I am not one of those. As long as the sample is a decent size, I am happy to receive a perfume that I can try out rather than just a quick smell in Boots. This is a lovely smelling perfume but I will need to wear it for a few days to make sure that I don't tire of it. The sample is a great 5ml and comes in a cute wee bottle with applicator in the lid.This is very welcome in my box this month as I was a huge fan of last month's perfume sample and have nearly finished it!
Caudalie Divine Oil:
I have never heard of this product but I am very intrigued and really looking forward to using it. This is a multi-tasking product which can be used on the body, face, hair, nails, in a bath or as a massage oil. That alone makes me like it. It also smells lovely. This is a full sized product worth £4.05.
My Trusty Little Sunflower Cream - Daily Moisturiser:
I saw this cream in my box and I was instantly pleased. It is full sized at 100ml, worth £6.99 and has lovely packaging and a cute name. At first I thought this was a body lotion but I was delighted to find out that it is actually a facial moisturiser. I am really getting into skincare just now so this is exciting! The cream that I received is lavender scented and smells really nice. As if I needed any more reasons to like this product - all of the profits from this cream go to patient care at Salisbury District Hospital where this product was developed. I love it already!
Beautiful Movements Cosmetics - Prime & Create Mixing Medium:
This product is from Kimberley Wyatt's beauty range and is a featured product in this month's box. It can be used as a primer or mixed with foundations, blushers and bronzers to make cream tints. I'm not sure what to make of this. I quite like the idea but I'm more likely to just use this as a primer. This sample is small at 2.5ml and the full 20ml is £20 so I'm very unlikely to ever buy it! Saying that, it's always good to try something new and maybe it will win me over!
Headline Colours Catwalk Nail Polish:
Last month I was really disappointed not to get the Essie nail polish in my box. This disappointment was made worse by the face that every box I watched on You Tube had one in it! For that reason, I was delighted to see this item in my box! I have never heard of this brand but I am loving the colour. The one I received is called Catwalk however the information in my leaflet is for Poolside Party - another colour that is in some boxes. I am delighted with this polish. It is a gorgeous, bright and vibrant colour. I have nail extensions so usually only paint my toenails and this is a great colour for summer sandals. This is yet another full-sized product, 10ml worth £9.
Glossybox Nail File Travel Pack:
The last item is not listed in the leaflet. This is a packet of Glossybox branded nail files. Great for chucking in your handbag for nail emergencies!
This box was fantastic. I am really happy with it and can't wait to try out all of the products. Later in the month I will be posting a review and deciding my favourite product so keep an eye out for that!
What did you get in your box? Anything different?
Don't forget to follow :)
Last months box was really lovely to look at and this month we are back to the usual Glossybox in its pale pink colour.
This month marks Glossybox's 2nd birthday and so the tissue paper is birthday themed. Really cute and makes the box more special.
The leaflet is the usual Glossybox fold-out and again tells you about their birthday as well as having the information about the products inside the box. One of the things I like about this service is the packaging, it really feels like you are opening a luxury gift!
As you will see from the picture of the contents, this month there were 6 products rather than the usual 5. I like it when Glossybox put in these little own-branded extras. It's a nice touch.
I have had a look at a few blogs so far and, from what I see, the products are really varied and some boxes are completely different to my own! I was delighted to see that this month I received 3 full sized products. Really makes the price seem worth it.
Now for the products ....
Givenchy Dahlia Noir L'eua:
Many beauty bloggers have shared their dislike for perfume samples but I am not one of those. As long as the sample is a decent size, I am happy to receive a perfume that I can try out rather than just a quick smell in Boots. This is a lovely smelling perfume but I will need to wear it for a few days to make sure that I don't tire of it. The sample is a great 5ml and comes in a cute wee bottle with applicator in the lid.This is very welcome in my box this month as I was a huge fan of last month's perfume sample and have nearly finished it!
Caudalie Divine Oil:
I have never heard of this product but I am very intrigued and really looking forward to using it. This is a multi-tasking product which can be used on the body, face, hair, nails, in a bath or as a massage oil. That alone makes me like it. It also smells lovely. This is a full sized product worth £4.05.
My Trusty Little Sunflower Cream - Daily Moisturiser:
I saw this cream in my box and I was instantly pleased. It is full sized at 100ml, worth £6.99 and has lovely packaging and a cute name. At first I thought this was a body lotion but I was delighted to find out that it is actually a facial moisturiser. I am really getting into skincare just now so this is exciting! The cream that I received is lavender scented and smells really nice. As if I needed any more reasons to like this product - all of the profits from this cream go to patient care at Salisbury District Hospital where this product was developed. I love it already!
Beautiful Movements Cosmetics - Prime & Create Mixing Medium:
This product is from Kimberley Wyatt's beauty range and is a featured product in this month's box. It can be used as a primer or mixed with foundations, blushers and bronzers to make cream tints. I'm not sure what to make of this. I quite like the idea but I'm more likely to just use this as a primer. This sample is small at 2.5ml and the full 20ml is £20 so I'm very unlikely to ever buy it! Saying that, it's always good to try something new and maybe it will win me over!
Headline Colours Catwalk Nail Polish:
Last month I was really disappointed not to get the Essie nail polish in my box. This disappointment was made worse by the face that every box I watched on You Tube had one in it! For that reason, I was delighted to see this item in my box! I have never heard of this brand but I am loving the colour. The one I received is called Catwalk however the information in my leaflet is for Poolside Party - another colour that is in some boxes. I am delighted with this polish. It is a gorgeous, bright and vibrant colour. I have nail extensions so usually only paint my toenails and this is a great colour for summer sandals. This is yet another full-sized product, 10ml worth £9.
Glossybox Nail File Travel Pack:
The last item is not listed in the leaflet. This is a packet of Glossybox branded nail files. Great for chucking in your handbag for nail emergencies!
This box was fantastic. I am really happy with it and can't wait to try out all of the products. Later in the month I will be posting a review and deciding my favourite product so keep an eye out for that!
What did you get in your box? Anything different?
Don't forget to follow :)
My Favourite From ... Miss Glossybox May 2013
Miss Glossybox May2013
This month saw the launch of the new younger sister of Glossybox, Miss Glossybox. As you will see from my post (link above), I was really happy with this box and thought a lot of the products. My only disappointment was that the surprise element was removed because they published the contents in order to sell the box. Now that I have had this box for some time, I have tried out several of the products. I have no complaints at all and have enjoyed all of the products that I got. The box has also opened my eyes to beautyuk who have some lovely products at great prices. However, there was one clear winner in this box for me. One product that I will be buying the full size of as soon as I can get myself to a supplier!
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask (Pictured Left):
Apologies for the confusing photo but I stupidly used the mask before I took a photo of it on its own! I love a face mask. I like to run a bath, put a mask on and relax! I also love the soft and smooth feeling of my skin after use. I have used a lot of masks over the years, including a lot of Lush fresh ones and some homemade, but I would go as far as to say that this beats them all!
Firstly, the ingredients. This product is vegan, uses natural products and isn't tested on animals. It is perhaps for these reasons that the mask feels and smells really fresh and not chemically at all. The mask is a lovely green colour and has a strong lime smell. On application this gives your skin that lovely tingly feel that you get from minty products. The feeling lasted throughout the time I wore the mask (10mins) and I really felt like I was getting an expensive spa treatment. When I removed the mask my skin felt super clean and really smooth. I used a little moisturiser to enhance the feeling. I even noticed that the next morning my makeup seemed to glide on because my skin was even.
This sample was 10ml and I didn't need the whole lot to cover my face. The full product is £4.95 for 75ml and personally I think that would give me 10 applications.
I love this!
Have you tired this mask? I'd love to know what you think so drop me a comment and don't forget to follow :)
This month saw the launch of the new younger sister of Glossybox, Miss Glossybox. As you will see from my post (link above), I was really happy with this box and thought a lot of the products. My only disappointment was that the surprise element was removed because they published the contents in order to sell the box. Now that I have had this box for some time, I have tried out several of the products. I have no complaints at all and have enjoyed all of the products that I got. The box has also opened my eyes to beautyuk who have some lovely products at great prices. However, there was one clear winner in this box for me. One product that I will be buying the full size of as soon as I can get myself to a supplier!
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask (Pictured Left):
Apologies for the confusing photo but I stupidly used the mask before I took a photo of it on its own! I love a face mask. I like to run a bath, put a mask on and relax! I also love the soft and smooth feeling of my skin after use. I have used a lot of masks over the years, including a lot of Lush fresh ones and some homemade, but I would go as far as to say that this beats them all!
Firstly, the ingredients. This product is vegan, uses natural products and isn't tested on animals. It is perhaps for these reasons that the mask feels and smells really fresh and not chemically at all. The mask is a lovely green colour and has a strong lime smell. On application this gives your skin that lovely tingly feel that you get from minty products. The feeling lasted throughout the time I wore the mask (10mins) and I really felt like I was getting an expensive spa treatment. When I removed the mask my skin felt super clean and really smooth. I used a little moisturiser to enhance the feeling. I even noticed that the next morning my makeup seemed to glide on because my skin was even.
This sample was 10ml and I didn't need the whole lot to cover my face. The full product is £4.95 for 75ml and personally I think that would give me 10 applications.
I love this!
Have you tired this mask? I'd love to know what you think so drop me a comment and don't forget to follow :)
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Makeup Haul - Collection, Estée Lauder, Barry M
This is my first makeup haul post, and it's a fairly small haul to start off with but I popped into town for foundation and ended up with a few more items ....! The items listed are just the makeup that I bought. I also purchased hair bands, hair grips and some cream but they were too boring to mention! Most of the items came from Boots and Superdrug and one thing was from Semi-Chem on the way home.
Random Selection of Brushes:
Ok so not their official name but what better way to describe them. These are 3 random, cheap brushes. 2 from Superdrug and 1 from Semi-Chem. First up the Semi-Chem brush, an absolute bargain at £1.09. This is a basic blusher brush, fairly soft but a great shape and thin enough for me to use for my contouring. The bristles are all very secure and the handle has a nice, gripped texture. The 2 Superdrug brushes are not showing on the website although I only bought them in store today. Both brushes are super soft and good quality feeling. One is a powder brush and the other an eyeshadow brush. The eyeshadow is a really great size, perfect for applying dark corners as it is a small, delicate brush. I can't remember the exact prices and can't find the pricing online but I think the power brush was £2.99 and the eyeshadow one £2.49. All in all these are 3 great additions to my brush collection and great basics at a great price.
MUA Clear Mascara and Iced Glitter Eyeliner:
For a bargain brand I really like the MUA products. The two that I bought were £1 each so you really can't go wrong! Clear mascara is something I haven't had for a while but I like it as a base for my mascara and I also like a wee bit in my brows to keep them in place. The glitter eyeliner is something I've never used but I've been experimenting with eye makeup recently and thought it might be cool for a night out!
Random Selection of Brushes:
Ok so not their official name but what better way to describe them. These are 3 random, cheap brushes. 2 from Superdrug and 1 from Semi-Chem. First up the Semi-Chem brush, an absolute bargain at £1.09. This is a basic blusher brush, fairly soft but a great shape and thin enough for me to use for my contouring. The bristles are all very secure and the handle has a nice, gripped texture. The 2 Superdrug brushes are not showing on the website although I only bought them in store today. Both brushes are super soft and good quality feeling. One is a powder brush and the other an eyeshadow brush. The eyeshadow is a really great size, perfect for applying dark corners as it is a small, delicate brush. I can't remember the exact prices and can't find the pricing online but I think the power brush was £2.99 and the eyeshadow one £2.49. All in all these are 3 great additions to my brush collection and great basics at a great price.
For a bargain brand I really like the MUA products. The two that I bought were £1 each so you really can't go wrong! Clear mascara is something I haven't had for a while but I like it as a base for my mascara and I also like a wee bit in my brows to keep them in place. The glitter eyeliner is something I've never used but I've been experimenting with eye makeup recently and thought it might be cool for a night out!
beautyuk Eye Shadow & Eye Liner Collection - Smoke Screen:
This brand featured in Miss Glossybox this month and, until then, I had never heard of it. I think it is a Superdrug brand and, although not quite as cheap as MUA, is definitely a bargain brand. This particular palette cost £3.99 and was available in 2 other colour schemes. If I like this one then I'll be buying the brown one as the colours in it were really nice. This collection contains 6 eye shadows, 2 gel liners and a 2-ended brush. I am unlikely to use the liner or brush but bought it for the eyeshadow colours alone. Really decent price and a nice addition to my makeup collection.
Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint, Dragon and Nail Art Pen, Silver:
I get my nails done fortnightly with either gel extension or Shellac so I rarely wear nail varnish. However, the colour of this polish was one that I couldn't resist so I had to buy it. I haven't worn it yet but have tried it out on my toenails and the colour is gorgeous. I love Barry M polishes and they are a really great price at £3.99 each. The nail art pen however, has disappointed me. I watched lots of You Tube tutorials before buying this and, maybe mine is faulty, but this does not dispense the way I expected. I find this really hard to use, almost as if it is clogged up. Safe to say that at £4.99, I will not be buying this again!
Collection Shimmer Shades, Blushalicious and Lasting Colour Lipstick, Pink Shock:
Collection 2000 seems to have dropped the 2000 without me even noticing and their products have gone a bit more upmarket too! I love both these products. The first is the blush which, at £4.99 is not one of their cheaper items but is definitely worth the money. The blusher is 4 different shades which can be used on their own or blended together to make a lovely peachy-pink colour. I love this and might go and buy the bronzer version now. The lipstick is also a great product. The colour is so bright! I wore a full coat of if with lipcote over the top and it really is a shocking pink! I have also used a brush to dab it on which makes a lovely light pink, better if you are not looking to make a statement. Great colour and great price at £2.99.
Collection Smokey Eyes:
I love love love this! I'm not sure if this is available in other colour schemes but if it is, I will be buying them all! The palette contains 9 eye shadows, one of which is a cream, and a double ended applicator. The shadows are labelled medium, dark and light and on the reverse of the packaging there are suggestions on how to wear the shades together. I have used most of the shades and I love them all. A great product, great packaging and a great price - £4.99!
Rimmel VolumeFlash Scadaleyes Mascara:
I have had eyelash extensions for 3 months now and I am very out of the mascara loop! It is time to have the extensions off and let my eyes breath a bit and so I am back on the lookout for a good mascara that doesn't leave my eyes feeling bald! Normally I use Thick and Fast by Soap&Glory but I like to layer my mascara so I needed another to go with it. There is nothing particularly special about this product but I do like the brush which is a nice big, bushy one. £6.99 which is a decent price for a mascara but I think there is a promotion on just now where you can get this for free if other things are bought.
Estée Lauder Double Wear, Rattan (and sample of Tawny):
Finally we come to the highlight of the lot - Double Wear. I have heard nothing but good things about this product and I am really looking forward to trying it for myself. Taking the leap was difficult. This product is £27.50 which is far more than I would normally pay for a foundation. If it does what it promises and lasts as long as expected then the price tag can be forgiven! When colour matched in Boots she showed me Rattan, which I bought, and Tawny. Tawny is slightly darker and I decided to take a free sample of it so that I can try it on days that I have self tanned and need a darker face.
I really fancy a few items from ELF so hopefully my next makeup shopping can be from there! Let me know what you think of any of these things if you have them.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
My Favourite From .... Glossybox April 2013
With the May Glossybox due to be dispatched any day now, I have been reflecting on the products that I received in my April box. The April box was a fairly good one for me and I was happy with all of the products that I received. I was, however, disappointed at the lack of Essie nail polish and would have also liked the blush and cheek tint.
That being said, since my box arrived, I have used 4 of the 5 products that I received. I have yet to use the body butter but that is only due to the fact that I have several other moisturisers to finish first! Lipcote is something I have used before and I am not a huge fan. I find that it tastes really awful and the texture turns grainy after a few hours. However I have been using it and I do like how vibrant it keep the colour of my lipstick. I don't often use lipliner but have experimented with the Illamasqua one that I received as I appreciate what a well-respected brand it is. The collagen mask in my box was a slight disappointment to me but turned out to be fantastic and left my skin noticeably soft after use.
Now to my favourite:
So Elixer Purple by Yves Rocher:
Prior to this box I had never heard of Yves Rocher although I believe them to be a French company who have a website which supplies to the UK. The sample itself is a great size. The little box contains the cutest little perfume bottle I have ever laid eyes on! The bottle holds 5ml which is a great size for a sample perfume. I have read blogs of some people complaining that the sample didn't have a spray applicator but this wasn't a problem for me as I actually liked the applicator in the lid. This perfume smells amazing! I have worn it everyday since I got my box and I haven't tired of it at all! Glossybox have put on an offer where you can buy the full size at £29 and get a free lotion and shower gel so I may well have to place my order soon!
What was your favourite item of the April box?
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Miss Glossybox - May 2013
I am new to beauty boxes but already I love them. I love the surprise, the hype and, of course, the products. So imagine my excitement at the launch of a brand new box. Miss Glossybox is a sister box of Glossybox. It describes itself as 'young beauty' and is for younger beauty lovers or those who like a fresh look and high street brands. Well, I'd hardly call myself a young beauty fan but I do love new, exciting and affordable beauty products. Instantly I signed up!
The only thing about the first box is that it wasn't a surprise. In order to gain subscribers; Miss Glossybox published the contents of the first box online. Having said that, there were still varying scents or colours of some of the products. This blog post is going to be a short one as I have yet to try most of the products so I can't review them just yet.
What I got in my Miss Glossybox May 2013
The first thing I noticed is that the new box isn't in fact in a box. Instead it is in a green drawstring bag with the logo printed allover it. I have to say; I think this is a good move. The bag is a great size and will be really handy for toiletries when packing for a holiday. I think it is going to be more useful to more people and is more likely to be used again.
The product information is printed on a glossy postcard rather than the folded paper version in the original box. This looks much better and far more professional. The information is straight to the point, tells you about the product, where you can buy it and how much it costs. I read this fully whereas I skipped through the Glossybox insert.
Now for the products:
Glossybox Lolly pop:
I've seen these before as they have been in a few boxes now. A cute wee extra and a nice touch.
Stripey Nail File and Clippers Set:
Really cute and a great size for handbags. I will definitely use this.
Eye Rock Eye Tattoo:
This isn't actually listed on the card but these retail at £5.99 in boots! This is a real statement eye tattoo and I can't see myself wearing this unless for fancy dress! That being said; I do love something new and different and if I'm going to try it then best to try it for free!
Popband by Molly Mabel:
I was delighted to see that my Popband came in leopard print; I'm a huge animal print fan. Not sure what to make of this product though. These bands are supposed to leave your hair kink free but I can't get it to stay in my hair long enough to find out. However I have worn it around my wrist and it makes a cute accessorie and can still be used to secure my hair in an emergency!
The only thing about the first box is that it wasn't a surprise. In order to gain subscribers; Miss Glossybox published the contents of the first box online. Having said that, there were still varying scents or colours of some of the products. This blog post is going to be a short one as I have yet to try most of the products so I can't review them just yet.
What I got in my Miss Glossybox May 2013
The first thing I noticed is that the new box isn't in fact in a box. Instead it is in a green drawstring bag with the logo printed allover it. I have to say; I think this is a good move. The bag is a great size and will be really handy for toiletries when packing for a holiday. I think it is going to be more useful to more people and is more likely to be used again.
The product information is printed on a glossy postcard rather than the folded paper version in the original box. This looks much better and far more professional. The information is straight to the point, tells you about the product, where you can buy it and how much it costs. I read this fully whereas I skipped through the Glossybox insert.
Now for the products:
Glossybox Lolly pop:
I've seen these before as they have been in a few boxes now. A cute wee extra and a nice touch.
Stripey Nail File and Clippers Set:
Really cute and a great size for handbags. I will definitely use this.
Eye Rock Eye Tattoo:
This isn't actually listed on the card but these retail at £5.99 in boots! This is a real statement eye tattoo and I can't see myself wearing this unless for fancy dress! That being said; I do love something new and different and if I'm going to try it then best to try it for free!
Popband by Molly Mabel:
I was delighted to see that my Popband came in leopard print; I'm a huge animal print fan. Not sure what to make of this product though. These bands are supposed to leave your hair kink free but I can't get it to stay in my hair long enough to find out. However I have worn it around my wrist and it makes a cute accessorie and can still be used to secure my hair in an emergency!
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask:
I love a facemask so I can't wait to try this. The mask feels thick, which I like, and the ingredients are vegetarian friendly. I look forward to a relaxing bath with this mask!
So...? Va Va Volume Dry Shampoo:
Until I received this box, I was unaware that So...? made dry shampoo. I have dark hair and find dry shampoo hard to brush out so I usually use a brown coloured one. This one goes on very white but it smells nice and is a handy size for throwing in your bag.
2True Glitterati Nail Polish Shade 6:
This nail vanish is a gorgeous colour! The glitter has a rose gold effect and there is loads of it, big chunky pieces of glitter. This polish does need a coloured base coat to really show up but would also make a nice accent nail for French manicure.
BeautyUK Line&Define Eye Pencil:
In my opinion, you can never have too many black eye pencils! This one is a nice soft pencil and goes on well. I also love the packaging which is a matte black.
This box impressed me and, at £9.95 all in, is worth the money this month. The box is every second month which will increase the excitement for me! Hopefully the second box will live up to this one.
What did you think of your first Miss GlossyBox?
I love a facemask so I can't wait to try this. The mask feels thick, which I like, and the ingredients are vegetarian friendly. I look forward to a relaxing bath with this mask!
So...? Va Va Volume Dry Shampoo:
Until I received this box, I was unaware that So...? made dry shampoo. I have dark hair and find dry shampoo hard to brush out so I usually use a brown coloured one. This one goes on very white but it smells nice and is a handy size for throwing in your bag.
2True Glitterati Nail Polish Shade 6:
This nail vanish is a gorgeous colour! The glitter has a rose gold effect and there is loads of it, big chunky pieces of glitter. This polish does need a coloured base coat to really show up but would also make a nice accent nail for French manicure.
BeautyUK Line&Define Eye Pencil:
In my opinion, you can never have too many black eye pencils! This one is a nice soft pencil and goes on well. I also love the packaging which is a matte black.
This box impressed me and, at £9.95 all in, is worth the money this month. The box is every second month which will increase the excitement for me! Hopefully the second box will live up to this one.
What did you think of your first Miss GlossyBox?