GLOSSYBOX (june)

This box is based on travel, containing items for 'summer beauty'. It also has the idea of light weight products when luggage is an issue.

 The items in the box;

1. Glossybox makeup brush

2. Yves Rocher mascara

3. BM bronzer

4. Dermalogica cleansing kit

5. Vichy foundation

1) GLOSSYBOX - SERIE EXCLUSIV PRO BEAUTY BRUSH

    - This classic series natural goat hair blush brush gives a supersoft make-up application.

    - This is the worst makeup brush I have ever used! I actually cannot believe Glossybox thought it was good enough to include in this box. The bristles are far from soft and scratch my face when I've tried to use it. There is no density to the brush, so it just deposits the blush/bronzer onto once part of the face. Very disappointing. (£15.00)

2) YVES ROCHER FRANCE - MINI MASCARA ULTRA-VOLUME SEXY PULP

    - An innovative maxi-brush with generous curves for a lash plumping result. 12-hour wear.

    - I like how its a bristled mascara wand, as opposed to a rubber one which I'm not keep on using. I always like trying out new mascaras so I was pleased to receive one. (£16.90 - 9ml)

3) BM BEAUTY - SUMMER WARMTH BRONZER

   - Multi-purpose pure-mineral bronzer. Add a touch of summer warmth to your face.

   - Wow, I love the shade of this bronzer! Definitely perfect for summer evening makeup looks and I cannot wait to start using it! As it is a loose powder bronzer, its very pigmented so a little goes a long way. I'm not too sure if this shade would suit people with paler skin, but for me, its perfect and I have already used it a couple of times. (£8.00 - 4g)

4) DERMALOGICA - CLEAN START

   - Cleanse, tone and moisturise with the Day/Night 3-step mini kit.

   - This is going to be really good to take on holiday, when I don't have much room or baggage allowance for all my normal products I like to use on my face. Dermalogica are such a well known and trusted brand that I feel everyone knows that whatever Dermalogica sells, is going to be worth it. (£12.00 - kit)

5) VICHY - DERMABLEND ULTRA-CORRECTIVE FOUNDATION CREAM STICK

   - Vichy's expert camouflage foundation stick for minor to severe skin flaws.

    - Hmm.. They seem to have 6 different shades, from Porcelain to Bronze. Anyone with darker skin tones than 'bronze' won't find this sample useful at all, so its not catered for everyone. On the beauty profile on Glossybox, why don't they ask what shade skin you have, and then send you a full size one in the correct shade, instead of potentially wasting 5 of the shades. There is also only enough product to use once, which in my opinion isn't enough to decide if I like it or not. (£19.00 - 12g)

I don't like talking so negatively about beauty products but overall I was quite disappointed with this box. Although there are a few products I like, most are just not cutting it. I know I'm not the only one who thinks so either. Glossybox recently seems to be a bit of a gamble when it comes to their samples.

• You can subscribe for a Glossybox at http://www.glossybox.co.uk/ (£10.00 a month + p&p)

Soothing Hydrating Serum from Eau Thermale Avène

When I went to France recently, I was in dire need for a lip balm and when I went to a pharmacy the lady recommended one from Avène. I loved it and still use it now. 

I then saw the brand was being sold in Boots and I took the opportunity to try out their serum.

..Anyways, long story short I bought the serum and have been trying it for a couple of weeks now.

Background on Avène

- The thermal water comes from springs in the Cévennes mountains in southern France.

- The spring water is valued in treating many dermatological disorders.

- The properties of the spring water have been proven to lower threshold of skin reactivity, improve cellular exchange and optimise immunological defences.

My Thoughts

The serum is made for sensitive skin that's prone to redness. I have been using it every morning, after I've cleansed and before I've moisturised. FYI my skin is very dry and I suffer from Eczema.

I am SO disappointed with this serum :-(. It is meant to hydrate the skin, but for me it completely dried it out and my skin felt very tight after I applied it. Its the first serum I have purchased (since receiving a Caudalie serum in a Glossybox which I loved). 

Although I find it not hydrating enough for my skin, I think it is really good for sensitive skin. When I apply it, it never stings or irritates my skin, which is rare when it comes to skincare for me. So I'm sure this serum would work for other people with slightly different skin types such as normal and combination.

Appearance

It is in a nice glass bottle, with a hygienic pump that dispenses the right amount to use on the whole face. I don't really like the scent, to me the smell reminds me of baby wipes and nappies which isn't a very luxurious smell to be applying onto your face (in my opinion as my mum seems to quite like the smell).

<= Photo of the pump




     Photo of the actual serum (2xpumps) =>

• HOWEVER, this has not stopped me from wanting to try out and test more Avène products! I'm very keen on trying out the Gentle milk cleanser and Gentle toner.
• Remember this is my opinion so don't necessarily take my word for it. Read other review before making up your mind!
• Link to their UK website http://www.avene.co.uk/
• The serum cost £17.00
• You can buy Avène products in most French pharmacies, Boots (UK)

Real Techniques Make-up Brushes

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while!!

The line of makeup brushes were designed by makeup artist Samantha Chapman.

They are colour coordinated according to what job their made for.

- Blue is for 'enhanced eyes'

- Gold is for 'flawless base'

- Pink is for 'perfect finish'

I don't have the full collection but at the moment I have 'The Core Collection', 'Shading Brush', 'Powder Brush', 'Stippling Brush' and 'Blush Brush'.

If I wrote about all the brushes I have in one post, it would be extremely long, so I thought I would do them in sections.

• You can buy these brushes from Boots if you're in the UK, or Real Techniques Website
• You can check out how to use these brushes on the Real techniques Website as well if your not sure what you could use them for.
• Samantha Chapman is also on youtube Pixiwoo

Nars Blush

Deep Throat

A pink toned blush which easily blends and can be built up. I do think it's your standard blusher and there must be many dupes out there for it if you're not willing to spend the money on this one, but it's still a really pretty colour and one of NARS' most popular shade of blush.

Orgasm

A peachy-pink colour with a gold shimmer in it. At the moment this is my favourite blusher, it doesn't matter what eye makeup or lip colour I have on, to me this completes every look. I wear it in the day, in the night, ALL THE TIME! Its so worth the money because its just not your average blusher, I've never seen a blusher that looks like this!

The next blush I want to buy is a cream one called 'Cactus Flower'.

• The packaging is sleek and black with a rubbery texture.
• One of the only downsides to NARS products is the actual packaging. It collects up makeup and eventually becomes covered in glitter.
• The blushes are £21.00 each.
• You can buy these NARS blushes and other NARS products from http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/

Review of the 8 lipsticks I bought last month

So I'm going to review the 8 lipsticks I bought last month.

1. RIMMEL LONDON - Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'Funtime Fuchsia' (320) £6.29
I love this first lipstick, it's such a bright amplified pink and is very similar to my 'Girl About Town' from MAC. Ive mostly worn it on nights out and it seems to last a long time. I love.

2. RIMMEL LONDON - Lasting Finish Lipstick in 'Sugar Plum' (980) £4.99
Not that much to say about this lipstick, its a shimmering pink which personally I find hard to have an occasion to wear for. I think its not 'crazy' enough for a night lip, but definitely too much for the day. Mixed feelings.

3. REVLON - Super Lustrous Lipstick in 'Mauve It Over' (003) £7.49
I like this nude lipstick because when I have heavy eye makeup on I like to tone down the lips and this is perfect for that. I also like to use this lipstick as an everyday lipstick when I'm not trying to make an effort with my makeup. Only downside is when I have dry lips its doesn't look so good, so I have to moisturise my lips loads before wearing it. I like.

4. NATURAL COLLECTION - Moisture Shine Lipstick in 'Rasberry' £1.99
For the price of this lipstick it's such good quality, although the lid does occasionally fall off. The lipstick itself is very pigmented and the colour is true to its name a raspberry pink. I like.


5. TOPSHOP - Lips in 'Innocent' £8.00

This lipstick is really nice and creamy. It reminds me of the texture of MAC lipsticks and has made me want to try some more of the Topshop lipsticks (as this is my first one). The colour wears away well throughout the day. I love.

6. BARRY M - Lip Paint in 'Touch Of Magic' £4.49
I only bought this lipstick because I was so intrigued by the green 'magic' lipstick that turns pink. When I apply it to my lips, yes it does turn pink but I think it turns the same shade of pink on everyone who apples this lipstick, so I don't think it 'turns the colour depending on the alkali levels on your lips'. This lipstick is also really hard to get off and leaves a bit of a stain when removed. Mixed feelings.

7. NYX - Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Antwerp' £5.50
I bought this lip cream because I had heard a lot about it on youtube, so I wanted to try it out. I found the best way to wear it was to apply a coat, leave it to dry and then add another coat. I do like this lip cream, but I feel it dries out my lips big time. Mixed feelings.

8. RIMMEL LONDON - 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in 'Perpetual Plum' (300) £6.99

I was really not pleased with this lip tint. The felt tip side seeped into the cracks in my lips which is not a good look lol. Then when I added the glossy side and left it, it came off really quickly. I don't like.

• Read my previous post on these lipsticks to find out where to buy them.

GLOSSYBOX (april) - Natural Beauty Box

This Glossybox has solely natural and organic products. It would appeal to people who only use organic products or anyone generally interested in using organic products. For me, recently I have been really into organic skincare products so was interested to see what would be put into this box. I also love how the box is 100% biodegradable. Green green green!

The items in the box;

1.Caudalie thirst quenching serum

2. Inika Cosmetics eyeliner

3. Monu Professional Skincare body cream

4. Figs & Rouge lip balm

5. Philip B hair straightening balm

1) CAUDALIE - VINOSOURCE SOS THIRST-QUENCHING SERUM

    - "This newly-launched ultra-concentrated serum is extremely natural and plant-based, ensuring your skin never lacks moisture. The deluxe size is exclusive to GLOSSYBOX."

    - I've bought a Caudalie thirst quenching cream before and I loved it. This serum has a very similar sweet grape smell (it contains organic grape water) and is meant to continuously diffuse water deep within the skin. Its a milky formulation thats refreshing on the skin. Considering I have extremely dry skin, I'm pleased I received this to try out. (£29.00 - 30ml)

2) INIKA COSMETICS - CERTIFIED ORGANIC EYELINER - 10 GEEN LAGOON

    - "A rich and creamy consistency unparalleled in the world of natural liners."

    - A shimmery green eyeliner that is soft in consistency.  I know that some Glossyboxes had a Inika lip liner which I would have been more pleased with as I've received similar eyeliners before from Glossybox in previous boxes. (£11.75)

3) MONU PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE - ENRICHED BODY CREAM

    - "A rich, indulgent cream to comfort and nourish the skin. Skin feels soft, smooth and nourished."

    - Smells of lemon but when rubbed in, it has a more herbal smell. It has loads of different ingredients to combat different things such as vitamin A to encourage smooth, soft skin and cocoa butter to improve the skins barrier function. I'm really looking forward to trying this out and the price seems reasonable for the amount you get. (£23.00 - 200ml)

4) FIGS & ROUGE LIP BALM

    - "100% Pure, 100% Natural & 100% Organic Multipurpose balm. Excellent for Soothing & Naturally Hydrating dry Lips & Skin."

    - A peppermint and tea tree lip balm that has antibacterial ingredients. The appearance of the balm itself has a strange granule texture and when applied to the lips it feels very watery. Being a multipurpose balm, it can also be used on dry patches on other parts of the body such as elbows. (£4.95 - 17ml)

5) PHILIP B - DROP DEAD STRAIGHTENING BALM

    - "Philip B Drop Dead Straightening Balm is non-greasy, silicone-free water-soluble styling aid that gives curly or wavy hair a straight, tangle-free, and sleek finish.

    -  Its a colourless gel that doesn't seem to smell of anything. The amount of product in this tester bottle doesn't seem enough to use more than 3 times (as I have long hair) so I'm not sure if I could decide if I wanted to repurchase this product when its finished. I don't really use much hair product in my hair and tend to air dry it after I wash it. I do occasionally straighten my hair so I shall get around to trying this product out. Its meant to give a tangle-free, bouncy finish. (£17.00 - 178ml)

I liked this box, and it was long waited for! A lot of the items I'm sure i'll repurchase when I've finished the testers. 

• You can subscribe for a Glossybox at www.glossybox.co.uk(£10.00 a month + p&p)

M.A.C

Ive got a few new things from MAC recently so I thought I would use them for a few weeks and then do a little review on each.

1. Paint Pot in 'Painterly' £14.50

I wanted this to apply under my eyeshadows as a base, and this is the perfect colour for it! Its a nude so can be used as a universal base for all my eyeshadows. Its very creamy and blends nicely when put on, however it has been known that paint pots do start to dry out after a while (mine has not yet). I find that it makes my eyeshadow last all day without creasing (which for me does tend to happen when just applying eyeshadow straight onto my eyelids). I love.

2. Eye Pencil in 'Coffee' £12.50

I sometimes find that a black eyeliner is a bit to harsh on the eyes, especially during the day so I wanted this to use as a more subtle natural look. You can also thicken it up for a more smokey look for the evening. The pencil is also much longer than most other eyeliners and easily blend-able. I like.

3. Sheertone Blush in 'Blushbaby'

This is a mauve-pink that has tiny tiny flecks of shimmer (which I don't think shows up on the skin). It's really subtle and again I use it for a natural everyday look. It can also be used if you have heavy eye makeup on to balance it out on the face. I like.

4. Eyeshadow in 'Rice Paper' £12.00

This eyeshadow is a Frost and I'd describe it as a pale goldy-mauve champagne, which I really love to use on the inner half of my eyelids when i think brightens up my eyes. This eyeshadow can also be used as a highlighter. (It looks amazing on top of the Paint Pot I mentioned above). I love.

5. Lipstick in 'Angel' £13.50

A lipstick that everyone should own! This lipstick is a Frost which isn't my favourite finish, which is why I'm so late on the hype of this lipstick as I was kind of reluctant to get it. Its a  pale nudy-pink which suits everyone (supposedly). For me I'm not sure. Some days I think it suits me and other days I find it washes me out, however in the summer when I'm tanned I think it would suit me more and ill get more use out of it. Mixed feelings.

 


6. Lipstick in 'Girl About Town' £13.50

This is a darkish fuchsia pink that I love to wear in the evenings. Its an Amplifier, so a very 'out there' lipstick. It lasts long and doesn't dry out my lips. I love.

• What I really love about mac is that although its quite expensive, if you finish 6 MAC products and return them to MAC, you receive a free lipstick, which you get to pick!
• You can order MAC from their Website