Bourjois Pastel Mania Mini Nail Enamels.

 

Bourjois Pastel Mania Mini Nail Enamels.

 

 

Here is the second set of Bourjois Mini Nail Enamels I bought from fragrance direct. This is the lovely Pastel Mania. As I said in my last post these were priced at £6,99 each. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance te wear them yet. Work always spoils play doesn't it? I have swatched them onto a colour wheel to show what they look like. 

 

 

Again these nail enamel mini's dont' have names, but are numbered instead. So left to right in same order as the wheel ;- 68, 77, 80, 76, 83, 84. I think I actually prefer this set to the brights, with the exception of the khaki. Can you tell green isn't my colour? I am really pleased with these nail enamel sets, I think they both contain really pretty shades that would suit most skin tones.

 

REN Satin Perfection BB Cream.

   

 REN Satin Perfection BB Cream.

 

 

 

A little while ago I was luck enough to get a sample of REN'S Satin Perfection BB Cream in my Love Lula beauty box (was Amarya) at the time. Here is the box it came in, if you are interested http://silvermachine78.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/june-2013-amarya-box.html Love Lula are well worth investigating if you like natural products, and I have not been disappointed with anything I have recieved from them yet.

 

REN was launched in 2000 and has established itself as a cult favourite amongst beauty editors and consumers alike, and for good reason. There is many a good review to be found on YouTube and in beauty blogs. REN contains only 100% plant and mineral derived actives, and is free from synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, animal ingredients and parabens. The quality of their products is outstanding.

 

REN Satin Perfection BB Cream is silicone free, and has colour adaptive technology. It is able to adjust to a wide range of skin tones, whilst providing flawless coverage. It provides SPF (Factor 15)and tones, firms, and has an anti-ageing effect (should you want it).

 

The shade I got in my beauty box was light to medium, which is the perfect shade for me. I have swatched on my wrist on an area which is still recovering from a reaction to washing up gloves, hence the redness.

 

 

  REN Satin Perfection BB Cream adapts to the skin, it really does even out the skintone. The redness on my wrist is considerably improved and it feels comfortable on the skin. It is just feather light. I feel like my skin can still breathe when I am wearing this.

 

This BB cream really does give a beautiful finish to your skin. It manages to give good coverage without looking as though you are wearing a tonne of makeup. I have some lovely compliments whilst wearing this. Infact, a lady from the Dior counter tol me I had beautiful skin and was very impressed when I told her what I had on my skin. I have also been very pleased with the wear time, it really does stay fresh looking until I am ready to take my makeup off.

 

I will most definetely be buying this when I have finished my sample. It really is a fantastic product. The full size 50ml is currently priced at £26 and can be bought from  http://www.renskincare.com/p/3609/Satin+Perfection+BB+Cream

 

If you wanted to try the 15ml sample size it is currently priced at £7.80 and is available from https://www.lovelula.com/products/ren-satin-perfection-bb-cream-15ml-1

Bourjois Colour Block Mini Nail Enamels.

 

Bourjois Colour Block Mini Nail Enamels.

 

 

 

When I saw that  Bourjois were bringing out this cute little box of mini's I wanted them so badly. There are two sets in this range, Colour Block, a set of brights, and Pastel Mania, a set of pastels (the clue is in the name). Living in a small town, I knew the chances of them being stocked locally were pretty non- existant, so off I went on online search.

 

I found them at Fragrance Direct, who are selling both sets at £6.99 each. Fragrance Direct say that the RRP for these little beauties is £17.94 each. I have to say if that were the case, I think that would be daylight robbery. I was however happy to pay £6.99 a set.

 

Bourjois describe the Colour Block set as " a range of trendy shades which draws it's inspiration in the middle of the New York's catwalks. "  Trendy, now that is a word that thankfully you don't hear very often. Joking aside, this is a lovely collection of bright summery shades.

 

The dinky little bottles are super cute and contain 3ml of product each. I don't think I have ever managed to finish off a full sized bottle of nail polish yet.

 

 

 

Onto the swatches. There are no names with these polishes, just numbers. I don't know why, but I always feel a little sad when a product doesn't have a name. So polish numbers L-R in the same order as the swatches, 86, 88, 89, 92, 93, 94.

 

I have used two coats on the nail wheel, just to fully even out the colour. I know it's not quite the same as applying to your own nails, but they seem really good quality. From the past experience I have had with Bourjois nail polish I can't see their being any problems. The nail polish is thick enough to give a nice even, glossy coat, but no so thick that you feel like you are painting your nails with Tipex. The only shade I am not keen on is the first green one. The others are really pretty and will wear a lot. Obviously I can't comment on the wear time, but nail polish never stays chip free on me for long anyway.

 

I will post the swatches of the Pastel Mania set soon.

 

 

 

 

Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner in Black

 

Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

 

 

 

Just lately the glossy magazines have had some amazing freebies with them. One of my favourite items has been the Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner in black that came with the August 2013 edition of Marie Claire. This little gem has been used an awful lot since I bought the magazine, so a review is well over due.

 

Eyeko is a niche company, established in 1999, that only cater for eye products. The do a mean range of mascara, eye liner and eyebrow gel. Their products are effortlessly cool and have somewhat of a cult status. After all if the fashion icon herself, Alexa Chung is working with them they must be doing something right.

 

Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner comes in a slim and very sleek looking pen. The packaging is robust and the cap fits snugly. I can't imagine this coming loose and leaking all over your makeup bag. It has a fine nib, which makes application an absolute breeze. It gives such a precise line, meaning you can very easily control how thick or thin you want it to be.

 

The eyeliner itself is jet black, and once it has dried it doesn't budge at all. Even in the height of hayfever season it has held its own all daylong. There is no smudging or fading at all. It looks as good on at the end of the day as when it was first applied. With such a fantastic product, it is very easy to see why Eyeko has such a following. I absolutely love this product, and can't recommend it highly enough.

 

The Skinny Mini eyeliners sell for £10 each and come in a choice of black, blue, purple and brown from http://www.eyeko.com/mascara-eyeliner-shop/liquid-eyeliner

 

Laqa & Co Lil' Lip in Ring of Fire

 

Laqa & Co Lil' Lip in Ring of Fire.

 

Birchbox's August 2013 collaboration with Instyle magazine had some fantastic items in it. One of my star products was the Laqa & Co Lil' Lip in Ring of Fire. This is a mini version of their fat lip crayon. One of four shades (Wolfman. Ring of Fire, Fairy blood and Lamb chop) were nestled into our boxes.

 

The shade I got was Ring of Fire. This shade was just meant for me. A bright and vibrant red. Perfect, exactly the colour I would have chosen for myself - my twitter account isn't @littleredlippie for nothing. Yes I am obsessed, but there is nothing I love more than a bright red lipstick. I was thrilled to see this in my box.

 

The formula of this lip crayon is just amazing. It contains shea butter so is rich and glossy, without being sticky. Laqa & Co Lil' Lip feels ever so light on the lips, and yet is super moisturising. It applies really well and has good staying power. I would say about 4 hours depending on what you are eating and drinking.  As it has blue under tones it makes your teeth appear whiter, which is always an added bonus. I have worn this almost everyday since it's arrival, I absolutely love it.

 

I know there are a lot of lip crayons about, but this is a lovely product. At £14.95, they aren't the cheapest, but they are good quality. I would say that these are on an even footing with the Clinique Chubby sticks.

 

 

 

 

The Laqa & Co lip crayons can be bought online from Birchbox http://birchbox.co.uk/shop               or from BeautyBay  http://www.beautybay.com/laqaco/.  Laqa & Co also have a range of nail polish pens which I can't wait to try.

Headline Nail Polish in Spotlight

 

Headline Nail Polish in Spotlight

 

 

 

When I saw this colour nail polish in the Beauteco boxes a little while ago, I knew that the box containing this would have to be mine. Headline colors was not a brand I was overly familiar with until they started popping up in a couple of the beauty boxes.

 

Headline colors nail polishes have formulas which are free from the big 3 (Toluene, DBP, and Formaldehyde). It claims to give polished nails the flex they need to resist chipping, cracking and flaking. These nail polishes sell for £9 each at www.headlinecolors.com and they say they have free online delivery for all UK deliveries at the time of writing this blog.

 

So what did I think?

 

I love the colour of this nail polish, but I am sure that you already guessed that. Spotlight is such a pretty metallic colour. I am afraid that my photo does not do it justice. The formula is a little thinner than others that I have tried, but that isn't really a problem. It applies nicely. It does need 2 coats to even out the colour, but that is true of most nail polishes. Because it's formula is free of the big 3 it does take a little longer to dry and also to harden. Again I have found this to be the case with most formulas that are free of the big 3, and I don't feel that it is any longer drying than other comparable polishes.

 

This lasted 2 days on my nails which is really good going for me. My nails are so weak, nail polish just does not stay chip free on me for long. It might not be the cheapest nail polish around, but it is good quality and therefore good value for money. I really like this polish and will buy other colours from their range in the future.

 

Have you had any of their polishes in your beauty boxes. What colour did you get?

Boots Botanics Cleansing Foam Wash All Bright.

 

Boots Botanics Cleansing Foam Wash All Bright 

 

 

 

Recently, the Boots Botanics range seems to have undergone a re vamp. The packaging has been redesigned and the formula of some of the products seems to have been tweaked. The Botanics facial range has recently been on promotion with up to a third off. When I spotted this Cleansing Foam Wash All Bright for just £2.66 (full price £3.99) I thought it was worth a try. It was made even better by the fact I had an advantage card coupon for an extra 100 points (gotta love those points).

 

  Boots Botanics market this foam wash as a product which gently lifts away make up and impurities, leaving skin feeling detoxified. It has a soap free formula which contains Hibiscus for it's brightening power. It is The Hibiscus which gives the pink tinge to the range. The Cleansing Foam Wash also contains natural AHA's from the flower, which are mild exfoliators leaving the skin smoother and brighter. As this foam wash is produced by Boots Botanics it contains active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is formulated without parabens, and as you would expect is tested on people.

 So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth your hard earned pennies? Actually I think it is. This is a lovely gentle foam wash. It has a really nice fruity aroma to it, and it hasn't made my skin feel dry afterwards. As I am now in my thirties (sob) I don't really need a product to control blemishes and such, what I am desperately seeking is something to restore my youthful glow. A month after using it my skin looks so much healthier and brighter. For a product which only costs £3.99 I really wasn't expecting it to do so much, but I am really pleasantly surprised. In fact I am so impressed that I am currently using the night cream and the roll-on eye cream from the All Bright range - review coming when I have been using them for a bit longer.

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask.

 

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask.

 

 

At first glance this may seem like a product aimed more at younger girls. However, appearances are deceptive and this really is a fantastic mask. Amie is rapidly becoming quite the cult favourite for it's range of natural and effective skin care products.

 

 The Amie range is jam packed natural plant and botanical extracts, It is also free from nasty chemicalssuch as parabens, sulphates and mineral oils. Amie products are gentle on the skin, yet are incredibly effective. They are designed for sensitive skin that can be oily and prone to breakouts or dryness, helping to keep skin clear, soft and radiant.

 

 Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask contains a combination of natural and multi-tasking. French white clay absorbs excess oil, dirt, toxins, without removing the skin’s natural oils. It also exfoliates the skin and improves circulation. Natural Zinc Oxide has antibacterial properties, and helps to clear and prevent blemishes. Soothing, softening Lime Butter tones the skin and helps shrink pores while Organic Peppermint refreshes, cools and soothes.

 

So does this live up to it's claims?

 

This is a lovely mask to use. It is really gentle. Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask smells like chocolate limes to my nose, I don't detect the peppermint at all. I think a strong peppermint smell would be too strong when it is close to your eyes. Once the mask is on it feels really comfortable on the skin. Some clay masks set like concrete, leaving you with a feeling that if you were to smile your face might crack. There is absolutely none of that with this mask. It does feel a little tingly, but it is by no means an unpleasant sensation. It defenitely feels cooling on the skin, and does not dry your skin out either. My skin always looks much brighter after using this mask.

 

My skin type is dry to combination skin. I have been using this once a week for about 6 weeks to keep on top of my T-zone, and I am really enjoying it. I have only needed to use a small amount to cover my face so this will last for ever. Best bit, this cost just under £5 from Amazon. I really can't believe a mask of this high calibre is so affordable. I can't wait to try more from the Amie range - it is defenitely a brand to watch.

 

  

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

 

 

 

 

I know that I am very late to jump on the band wagon with this product, but I thought I would share my feelings on this product anyway. I had seen and read lots of reviews of this nail polish remover and was really curious to see if it is as everybody seems to say it is. However, being the tight wad that I am, I always ended up getting a cheap and cheerful bottle of nail polish remover instead.

 

That all changed when my Latest in Beauty Ultimate Summer Nails box landed on my doorstep. I am now the proud owner of a pot of Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. As I am sure you all know only too well, you dip a finger into the sponge inside, twist it around and voila! job done.

 

Does it really work that quickly. Honestly it does. I have tried this with a variety of different polishes, and it really does make light work of them all. Some of the glitters may have needed a second swish, but still considerably easier than using the old nail polish remover and cotton wool. This smells so much better than any other nail polish remover I have ever used. Gone are the days of the room being filled with headache inducing fumes from ordinary nail polish remover.

 

Will I buy this again? Undoubtedly. Why have cotton when you can have silk? 

L'Occitane A L'huile Essentielle Et Eau D'Angelique Bio

L'Occitane A L'Huile Essentielle Et Eau D'Angelique Bio

 

 

I seem to have have amassed quite a collection of various samples that I need to use up. I bet quite a few others are in the same boat too. Now that I have almost come to the end of this little pot I thought I would share my thoughts on it.

 

I really like L'Occitance's ethos of  sourcing natural products, in a way which respects and promotes the environment in addition to the welfare of it's workers. L'Occitane is actively working towards removing parabens, uses natural plant oils as opposed to mineral oils, and limits their use of silicones.

 

L'Occitane a l'huile essentielle et eau d'angelique bio uses angelica essential oil and angelica water to hydrate the skin, improve elasticity and promote radiance. The full size of 50ml sells for £30 and is intended for dry to normal skin.

 

So that's the blurb. What do I really think? Apart from it being a long winded name, I really liked this mosituriser. It suited my skin perfectly. It's beautifully light in texture and scent, is absorbed quickly and without any greasy residue. My skin definitely looks in better condition for using this, and I am quite sad my sample is nearly used up. I feel that it has given my skin a real boost, and a healthy glow. Yes it's not the cheapest of products, but I think it is a fair price considering the quality of ingredients it contains and L'Occitane's ethical policies and commitments. This certainly gives other high end moisturisers I have used a run for their money, and the fact it is a more natural product is an added bonus.

 

Would I buy the full size? I have a few other samples to use first, but yes it is defenitely on my wish list. I am really looking forward to exploring L'Occitane more in the future.

Favourite Products From Glossybox

 

Favourite Products From Glossybox

 

 

After recieving another very disappointing box from Glossybox, I am cancelling my subscription with them. I have had my subscription for over 12 months, so part of me feels like I am saying goodbye to an old friend. I feel that their boxes are too hit and miss, and this lack of consistency is not always worth the risk. I don't like to leave things on a sour note, so I thought I would share some of my favourite products from Glossybox. These are the kind of things I wish we would see more of.

 

 

 

I have divided my favourites into makeup/perfume and skincare/hair products. My favourite makeup have included jellypongpong, sleek, mememe, and ciate. I live in a small town, that has next to nothing in the way of beauty shops. Even our superdrug is titchy. These are products which I would never have tried without glossybox. I would not describe these items as being high end products, but I have been really impressed with the quality of these items, and have gone on to buy from these brands. The jellypongpong mascara is particular is amazing and I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

I just wanted to mention perfume samples briefly as they are a point of much debate between glossybox subscribers. The Burberry Body was a decent size sample and I have gone on to but a full size because of it. However, those tiny little samples we are too frequently sent are pointless. They are difficult to transport as they frequently leak in the box, and you can more often than not get a sample this size from Boots/Debenhams anyway.

 

 

 My skin care favourites have included Renu/Monu, Rituals, Sarah Chapman and La Roche Posay. Again these are fantastic products that I would never had the opportunity to try without Glossybox. These products are handsdown beat olay and lipcote. The Alterna hair product is wonderful too. It is such a shame these kind of products don't feature more often.

 

What have been your favourite Glossybox products? What other little gems have I missed?

Leibster award

                                                               Leibster award.

  This morning I woke to a lovely suprise from Kershia at http://colourmyworldbeautiful.com/. She had very kindly nominated me for the Leibster award. Hve you come across the Leibster award before?  If you haven't this is a brief summary of it:-

 The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!

 I think this is a lovely way of introducing not only yourself, but other people's blogs you like and follow. Also its a lovely post for those of us just starting off with are blogs. Am really quite humbled to be tagged, so a big thank you to Kershia.

Firstly 11 random facts about myself.

1. My husband and I have been together for 16 years and have been married for 11
2. We have 3 children Lauren is 9 and my identical twin boys Toby and Sam are 6.
3. After I had given birth to my boys, (6 weeks early) my mother in law didn't believe my husband. It was only when he told her their birth weights that she believed I had actally had them. This is what happens when your husband takes great delight in winding people up.
4. I currently work nights as a community nurse, but have also worked in coronary care and briefly for NHS direct.
5. I am obsessed with beauty products and in particular red lipstick.
6. I am always cold, my husband rudely says I have fish blood.
7. I have such a sweet tooth. Cake, chocolate, pudding. Give it to me. Now!
8.For someone with a sweet tooth, I don't like fresh cream cakes or choux pastry.
9. I would have a house full of animals if ny husband would let me.
10. I am such a short arse, I am only 5'1.
11. I love running and swimmimg.

 So without further ado, these are the quetions Kershia has set.

1. What is your favourite food?
2. What’s your favourite beauty product?
3. What’s one beauty peeve that really gets to you?
4. What’s your morning beauty routine?
5. How did you start blogging and why?
6. Dogs or cats?
7. Are you an impulsive shopper or do you think before you buy?
8. What do you like most about the blogging community?
9. Biggest fashion inspiration?
10. Who is your role model in life?
11. The best thing you love about blogging?

1. What is your favourite food?
Decisions, decisions. I am quite boring. For savoury it would have to be something pasta based. Lasagne I would have to say. For something sweet (and I have such a sweet tooth) it would have to be sticky toffee pudding with lashings of cream.

2. What’s your favourite beauty product?
Easy one. Red lipstick. A bright red lip instantly makes me feel happier.

3. What’s one beauty peeve that really gets to you?
I have 2. Firstly those that insist on wearing 3 tonnes of slap. You should not need a trowel to apply your make up. Secondly caterpillar eyebrows that seem to be all the rage a.k.a Cara Delevingne. I am sorry but I just don't get it. She is such a beautiful girl and it is spoilt by those 2 great caterpillars.

4. What’s your morning beauty routine?
With 3 kids to see to mornings are manic. Before the dreaded school run I would quickly wash. tone moisturise, brush my hair and teeth and then concentrate on getting the kids fed, watered and off to school. Usually there is some altercation between the kids, but that is the joy of being a mum. Once I am back from the school run, I would enjoy my breakfast and put on my face.

5. How did you start blogging and why?
I love following other peoples blogs and wanted a go myself. I am quite a creative being really.

6. Dogs or cats?
Both. I love animals in all shapes and sizes.

7. Are you an impulsive shopper or do you think before you buy?
Both. For cheaper items there is nothing like a good splurge. But for more expensive items I tend to look around. You cant beat that feeling of getting your dream purchase at a bargain price.

8. What do you like most about the blogging community?
I think the blooging community is really friendly and supportive of each other. You can pick up some great tips and ideas, as people are usually very honest.

9. Biggest fashion inspiration?
I love the way Kate Moss is styled. She always looks so effortless. Makeup wise I love Taylor Swift, again it's a simple classy look.

10. Who is your role model in life?
I don't really have a role model as such. There are qualitites I admire in people, but I think you have to be your own person.

11. The best thing you love about blogging?
It has intoduced me to a wealth of lovely people and things I would not otherwise experienced. Of course this is not always so good for the bank balance, but you can't have it all.

So there you have it. Now for my questions
1. How did you start blogging and why?
2. The best thing you love about blogging?
3. What do you like most about the blogging community?
4. What’s your morning beauty routine?
5. What’s your favourite beauty product?
6. Describe your ideal holiday if money were no object?
7. Describe your favourite day out?
8. What is your favourite book?
9. What is your favourite childhood memory?
10. Which celebrity would you most like to share a cuppa and a slice of cake with?
11. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Finally, the people I tag. Can't wait to see what they think.
http://petitmoibigworld.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.mystyleanthology.blogspot.co.uk/

http://costellobeautyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/

http://sparkledust-beautyuk.blogspot.co.uk/

http://tarte-aux-fraises.blogspot.co.uk/

http://theorganisedpenguin.blogspot.co.uk/

http://hayleyfromhome.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.ditzymakeup.com/

http://accentgirl100.blogspot.co.uk/

http://clooudylemonade.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.tiarasandprozac.co.uk/

ARTDECO Eye Shadow Base

 

 

ARTDECO Eye Shadow Base 

 

 

 

 

I recieved this 5ml pot of Artdeco eyeshadow base in July's Beauteco box. Now that I have had time to use it properly I thought I would share it with you. There are lots of different primer type products on the market. Some are better than others. This I am pleased to say is one of the better ones.

 

Artdeco is a German brand, which can be bought online at www.beautybay.com and this 5ml pot sells for £8. Not the cheapest product, but it is good and in my opinion is worth spending a bit more on. You really need only a small amount of product, so this little pot should last quite a while.

 

Artdeco eye shadow base has a lovely rich, creamy formula that applies smoothly and evenly. Although it may seem a little dark in the photo once it is on it evens out to my skin tone. When eyeshadow is applied over the top it really does make the colour seem brighter. I have used it with a variety of colours and brands and it really does brighten them all.

 

Artdeco eyeshadow base is suitable for contact lens wearers and claims to prevent eyeshadow from being deposited in the crease of the eyelid. The big question of course is does it live up to this claim. Honestly, the answer is yes. As someone who wears  contact lenses, I had consideraly less fallout when using brands that I had experienced fallout with. I work 12 hour night shifts. When I am tired I and when my hayfever plays up I am guilty of rubbing my eyes (naughty I know, but we all do it). Even by the end of a night shift my eye shadow is in place and has only faded slightly, definetely no accumulation in the crease. Really impressive stuff.

 

Thankyou very much Beauteco for introducing me to this product. I will most ceratinly be buying a replacement when this does run out.

Fashionista Nail Lacquer in Jet Set

        

Fashionista Nail Lacquer in Jet Set   

 

 

MUA had an online sale last week, so a lot of their already bargain priced products were half price. Fashionista is a brand I had heard good things about, but never got around to trying. The shade I chose is Jet Set and was an absolute steal at the sale price of £1.50.

 

I love blue nail varnish, but I find it quite hard to get a shade that suits me, with both the very dark and very light looking ghastly against my pale skin. This cobalt blue is so pretty and actually flatters my skintone. It applies really well, fully opaque in just one coat. It lasted well on me too. 2 days without chips for me is really good. Normal people would probably get longer but my nails are so weak, nail polish just doesnt stay chip free on me for long.

 

I am really impressed with this nail varnish, especially considering it's bargain price. It is better quality by far than some of the high end nail varnishes I own.

 

August 2013 Birchbox

 

August 2013 Birchbox

 

I have been very eagerly awaiting August's Birchbox as it is the much anticipated collaboration with the Instyle beauty team. This month was promised to deliver a few additional surprises and they certainly weren't kidding. I was so much happier opening this than I was my Glossybox. My August Birchbox contained a whopping 7 products.

 

 

Firstly a bag of propercorn popcorn. Mine was worcester sauce and sun dried tomato flavour. Absolutely delicious. I am afraid it didn't stay around for very long and only contains 38 calories for the bag.

 

 

A Birchbox gel mask. Am really looking forward to this. My hayfever has been such a pain lately and am hoping this will provide some much needed relief.

 

 

A 10ml sample of Bluemandarines Skinlife Energetic Cellular Cream. Another new brand to me, but as it aims to brighten and refresh skin its worth a go. I enjoy tring new brands of skin care

 

 

 A 10ml sample of Gerda Spillman Hydro Pearls which is a primer. Will give it a go, I think this is a nice addition to the box.

 

 

A 30ml sample of Molten Brown Ylang Ylang body wash. I love the smell of this, and know I will enjoy using it.

 

 

A lip crayon by LAQA & Co. I love this. Beautiful red colour that is just perfect for me. When I saw a sneak preview I was hoping I would get this colour and am thrilled it is in my box.

 

 

 

A 30ml sample of Montibelo-lo Gold oil essence. This is a hair oil containing argan and amber oils. This smells beautiful, I can't smell the argan oil at all - I hate the smell of argan oil. I have really fine hair, so find argan by itself to heavy for me. Am looking forward to trying this too.

 

Overall I do really like this box. I think there are a good range of products and the samples are a decent size too. Thank you very much Birchbox. I am off to indulge in some serious pampering. 

August 2013 Glossybox.

  August 2013 Glossybox.

 

 

I really look forward to the opening of my beauty boxes, but I have to say I am not impressed at all with this month's (August 2013) Glossybox at all. Here is a run through of the things I received.

 

 

 

An eyelash curler by Emite make up. When I saw the spoiler for this I had a sinking feeling this months box was going to be poor and unfortunately I was right. Yes this supposedly retails for £20, but I have tried countless eye lash curlers and just don't get any results from them.

 

 

A make up remover pen by Oceane. Rather underwhelmed by this, not an exciting product by any means. Will give it a go,

 

Jellypongpong eye liner and eye shadow. I like this product, Jellypongpong is a really nice quirky brand,

 

 

Tresemme platinum strength concentrated treatment shot. I am looking forward to trying this. Think the tresemme and the jellypongpong are the star products here.

 

 

 

Now we get to the product I am really annoyed about. A 7ml sample of olay 3 point treatment cream. This is an old peoples product and quite frankly it has no business being in a beauty box aimed at a younger market. I did not like it the first time round, and told Glossybox this in my feedback. I sure as hell don't like it the fourth time round. Even my 65 year old mother is fed up with these olay samples.

 

As you may have gathered I am not impressed in the slightest. I know beauty boxes are hit and miss, but I feel glossybox don't listen to the feedback and quite frankly there are other boxes which are better quality and value for money. I feel that glossyboxes do jot consistently deliver the goods they promise, and do not pay attention to your profile. In short this month has been an epic fail and I will be cancelling.

 

You are the weakest link Glossybox. Goodbye.

August 2013 Beauteco Box.

 

August 2013 Beauteco Box.

 

 

Beauteco are one of the new comers to the beauty box subscription service. For £10 a month and £2.95 postage who can choose between 3 boxes which contain a mixture of full size and sample size products. You always know what you will receive in your box. My box came this morning, so I though I would show you what I received.

 

Firstly an Arran Aromatics Lavender and Tea Tree facial wash. This is a full size product. I haven't come across the brand before, so look forward to trying this. The lavender scent isn't too overpowering in this.

 

A 10ml sample of S5 Illuminate serum. 10mls is a generous sample size as most serums tend to be sold as either 30 or 50ml bottles, and a little goes a long way with a serum. Again this brand is new to me, but anything that brightens the skin and evens out skin tone is well worth a look in my eyes.

 

 

A 30ml sample of Melvita Apicosma hand cream. Despite being unable to pronounce this, it is another decent sample size. Have to admit that it smells a bit strong when first applied, but that doesn't last long, and it feels nice once on.

 

 

Now onto the star products of this box. I have heard great things about Lord and Berry products and am really looking forward to wearing these. Both of these products are full sizes. The first is Lord and Berry Kissproof Lip Colour Blossom. It can be used as a liner and a pencil as it has a lovely moisturising formula. It feels lovely and creamy and the shade is really pretty.

 

 

The second Lord and Berry product is an Intensity Lipstick in Peach Gleam. When I first opened this I thought the shade might be a little pale for me, but it actually looks really pretty on.

 

Overall  I really like this box. 3 full size products means it is really good value for money.

TheBalm Nude'tude

TheBalm NUDE'tude Palette

 

 

When we got a sample of theBalm's blusher in the July Birchbox I was so excited. Partly about the actual blusher (which is lovely), but because I was hoping that the Balm products would be added to the Birchbox shop. As soon as I saw it had come in I swooped and used my points, which meant that instead of paying the full price of £26, I got this little beauty for the total bargain of £6 and delivered free.

 

Let's just take a moment to admire the packaging. It is just so cute. The box feel sturdy despite it being made of card board and contains a real brush instead of one of those useless sponge applicators. Also on the back is one of those phone scan codes where you can see video tutorials. These clever people have though of everything.

 

The NUDE'tude palette contains a palette of 12 nude (the clue is in the name) eye shadows. I have really need enjoying playing with these. The eye shadows feel so soft and silky. They are beautiful to apply and blend, and have no fall out. Once on they have stayed put, even on days when my hay fever has been a problem, and of course have really good pigmentation. I can honestly say that this is one of the nicest palettes I have bought, and I do have rather a weakness for palettes. I can see that I will get plenty of use from this. The range of shades in this means it can go from a day to night look.

 

 

 Swatches and names of the top row left to right. Sassy, Stubborn (very close to my skin tone so the photo does it no favours), Selfish, Sophisticated, Sexy and Serious. My favourites from the top row are sassy, stubborn, and sexy. Serious is lovely as an eyeliner.

 

 

 

Swatches and names of the bottom row, again left to right. Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry, Seductive, Silly and Sleek. My favourites from the bottom row are stand-offish, seductive and silly. I know it's only a minor thing, but I do like it when the eye shadows have names and not just numbers. It's the attention to detail that sets the big boys apart. Big thumbs up for the NUDE'tude palette

The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion

 

The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion 

 

 

 

The Body Shop is a much loved brand which I have used for more years than I want to admit. I really love their ethical values, and their drive to improve the communities that produce their wonderful products through their community fair trade schemes.

 

One of the first products I ever bought was the white musk perfume, and when I saw there was a body butter in the white musk fragrance I had to have it.

 

As ever, this is a deeply moisturising product. The formula is a lighter version of the usual body butters and makes it perfect for use in summer. The heavenly white musk fragrance stays on the skin for a good few hours without being over powering. Yet another fantastic product from the body shop.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

 

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

 

 

 

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil markets itself as a precious blend of 6 flower extracts with nourishing properties for sumptuous softness and luxurious shine. It promises to make hair sumptuously smooth, silky, and without flyaways. It can be used before shampooing, before blow drying and as a finishing touch. I have to say this product is silicone based, so is not as natural as the bottle would have you believe, but I still think it is a great product.

 

 I have been using this oil for the best part of 10 months now, and the bottle is only just coming to an end. I have used just a drop of this on the ends of my hair every time I wash my hair and once a week I have applied it to dry hair before washing. I have really long fine hair. I also swim a lot and so my hair is prone to split ends. Before I started using this the bottom 2 inches of my hair were in an awful state, despite regular trims.

 

 L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil itself does feel very lightweight. A little goes a long way. For my super fine hair I have only needed to use one pump of this. L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil has certainly improved my hair. I have less split ends. My hair does appear healthier, shinier and is generally more manageable.

 

When I use it as a treatment before shampooing this oil really comes into its own. I have found it gives much better effects than any intensive conditioning mask I have ever used. It makes my hair so soft and shiny. I really do love this product. I paid £9.99 for this sturdy glass bottle. I think it is fantastic value for money to say that it has lasted me the best part of a year. 

Seventeen Supreme Shine Lipstick in Pink Posey

 

Seventeen Supreme Shine Lipstick in  Pink Posey.

 

 

Over the years I have had countless seventeen products. They were one of the first brands I bought as a teenager and have remained a firm favourite ever since. I think seventeen is a fun brand that packs a pretty mean punch. I have always found seventeen's makeup to be really good quality and to be very reasonably priced. To be honest I think that a lot of the seventeen range out performs it's big sister No7.

 

Seventeen supreme shine lipsticks come in a pretty silver case which is just perfect for a magpie like me. I have never been able to resist the shiny things. Pink posey is a lovely everyday lipstick which I wear a lot at work. It is a gorgeous pink with mauve under tones, and is super flattering. These are the kind of colours I gravitate towards as I feel they suit my pasty skin tone better.

 

The lipstick itself feels very moisturising and gives a nice sheen without being to heavy or glossy. I am not one for lip gloss. you either love it or you hate it, and I fall into the latter category. I would say that this lipstick has reasonable wear time. I find that it lasts about 3 hours before I need to reapply. For a bargain price of £4.99 from Boots (and seventeen is usually on triple points if you print the coupon from the advantage card machine) I really am very impressed.