Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 in Damier Azur Canvas
Balenciaga Rose Gold City
Miu Miu Bow Satchel in Pink
Mulberry Alexa in Conker
Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap in Caviar
Alexander Wang Rocco
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Boudoir Prive September 2011
My first Boudoir Prive box and so far I can say I'm impressed, the samples can be a little small and there's no full sized products included here but you still get your moneys worth.
It's similar in concept to GlossyBox but I feel the brands are a little more exclusive and harder to get hold of in the Boudoir Prive box.
Tropic Skincare Body Smooth £19.95
A lovely citrusy scrub which contains sea minerals, jojoba and macadamia oils.
The sample is too small to be used on the body so I've resorted to using it just on my hands, it works really well and leaves skin soft and smooth without leaving an oily residue.
Agent Provocateur L'Agent £50
I really love this scent! I was never a fan of any of the Agent Provocateur scent because they just smell a little to "old lady" for my tastes but this one is amazing.
Very heavy on the florals but with a dark, smokey edge to it, it's a very sexy scent and one people will smell on you immediately.
Love it and will probably purchase a bottle.
Macadamia Natural Oil Hair Repair £29.95
This is a product I already use and love and it's great to have a mini bottle to pop in your handbag for on the go touch-ups .
The oil can be used in a few different ways, as a overnight treatment for dry ends, mixed in with your regular hair mask to boost it's effects and as a moisturising serum on wet or dry hair.
It tames frizz and leaves hair feeling soft and silky without making it greasy.
This is a product I already use and love and it's great to have a mini bottle to pop in your handbag for on the go touch-ups .
The oil can be used in a few different ways, as a overnight treatment for dry ends, mixed in with your regular hair mask to boost it's effects and as a moisturising serum on wet or dry hair.
It tames frizz and leaves hair feeling soft and silky without making it greasy.
Colbert MD Nourish Eye Cream £90
Apparently this is the skincare brand used by Kate Middleton so I expect it to be good and it is.
It's nice an light, easily absorbed and really nourishes the under eye area and it doesn't interfere with make-up application.
Not sure if it's worth the price though, if it was around the £50/£60 price mark I would buy it but £90 is just ridiculous even if it is good.
Cargo Boogie Night Eye Pencil £13
Not tried this yet but it looks nice, it's a dark blue with little bits of silver glitter.
MAC bought something similar out a few years ago and the glitter transferred like crazy so I hope this isn't going to be the same.
As an extra they added in some bronzing blotting papers from Mai Couture and a swatch board for all of the Zoya polishes from the Smoke & Mirrors collection
If you would like to get you first box 1/2 price use code 1BOX12 at checkout.
What did you think of this months Boudoir Prive box?
Apparently this is the skincare brand used by Kate Middleton so I expect it to be good and it is.
It's nice an light, easily absorbed and really nourishes the under eye area and it doesn't interfere with make-up application.
Not sure if it's worth the price though, if it was around the £50/£60 price mark I would buy it but £90 is just ridiculous even if it is good.
Zoya Nail Polish in Tao £9.98
My favourite item in the box! I've wanted to try Zoya polish for so long so I was very pleased to see they had included a bottle for me to try.
The shade I got is called Tao and it's part of the Smoke & Mirrors collection, it's a blue toned gray with a slight silver pearl, quite an unusual shade.
Love how easily it applies the brush is the perfect size and the formula is nice and creamy so it cover really well in just 2 coats.
Really want a couple of other shades but they are not easy to get hold of, the only place I've seen them on is Ebay.
Not tried this yet but it looks nice, it's a dark blue with little bits of silver glitter.
MAC bought something similar out a few years ago and the glitter transferred like crazy so I hope this isn't going to be the same.
As an extra they added in some bronzing blotting papers from Mai Couture and a swatch board for all of the Zoya polishes from the Smoke & Mirrors collection
If you would like to get you first box 1/2 price use code 1BOX12 at checkout.
What did you think of this months Boudoir Prive box?
Monday, 26 September 2011
GlossyBox September 2011
I recieved my GlossyBox over a week ago but didn't get a chance to blog about it straight away so I'm a little late but at least I've had time to try each product more than once and form a proper opinion on them.
This month I've included the discount codes for each product incase any of you want to take advantage of them.
Neal and Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment £12.95
Recieve 15% off the range at www.nealandwolf.com using code GLOSSYBOX.
Expires 14/11/11
I was happy to see this product included in my box as I'm always on the look out for a good intensive conditioner but it simply isn't effective enough on my dry, frizzy, chemically treated locks.
It left my hair dry and tangly and did nothing for the shine or condition of my hair, I think if you have fairly healthy hair this would be great but if you have hair similar to mine stay well clear.
It's a shame cause it smells amazing.
Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing £13.30 500g tub, £1.80 50g satchet
Recieve 25% off your next purchase from www.shopforspa.com when entering code GLOSSYBOX.
Expires 08/10/11
I've used this product in the past so I know it's good stuff, it as dead sea salts in a coconut oil base and it scrubs and moisturises your skin all at once.
It's one of those "proper" scrubs that really exfoliates skin and can be a little harsh if your not careful also watch out if you use it in the shower cause it makes the floor incredibly slippery.
It's perfect to use once a week as an intensive body treatment.
Recieve 15% off the range at www.nealandwolf.com using code GLOSSYBOX.
Expires 14/11/11
I was happy to see this product included in my box as I'm always on the look out for a good intensive conditioner but it simply isn't effective enough on my dry, frizzy, chemically treated locks.
It left my hair dry and tangly and did nothing for the shine or condition of my hair, I think if you have fairly healthy hair this would be great but if you have hair similar to mine stay well clear.
It's a shame cause it smells amazing.
HD Brows Eye Brows Palette in Foxy £19.99
Recieve £5 off at www.hd-brows.co.uk using code Glossy3 on any complimentary product including: Grow Baby Grow, Brow Beater or Vibe and Eye Smoothing Serum.
Expires 19/10/11
My favourite item in this months box! I'm lucky that I don't really need any extra help in the brow department but this just makes them look more defined without being too dark and it also doubles up as an eye shadow quad so it's good value for money.
I'm really impressed with how it last all day without fading or smudging.
Recieve 25% off your next purchase from www.shopforspa.com when entering code GLOSSYBOX.
Expires 08/10/11
I've used this product in the past so I know it's good stuff, it as dead sea salts in a coconut oil base and it scrubs and moisturises your skin all at once.
It's one of those "proper" scrubs that really exfoliates skin and can be a little harsh if your not careful also watch out if you use it in the shower cause it makes the floor incredibly slippery.
It's perfect to use once a week as an intensive body treatment.
Kimia Exquisite Rejuvenating Facial System £69
Use voucher code soften40a to recieve 40% discount off the entire Kimia range at www.kimia.co.uk.
Expires 31/10/11
This is a two step system consisting of a facial oil and hydrating spray to help nourish and moisturise your skin.
I love the facial oil, smells amazing and leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth not sure if the mist does anything though, I used the oil on it's own and got the same results.
This is the one product I can see myself purchasing and will be taking advantage of the money off voucher while I can.
Plum by Mary Greenwell £90
Recieve 20% when purchasing your second item from the plum collection at www.marygreenwell.com
Expires 30/09/11
Nice light fruity scent with a musky, ambery dry down, nice but not one I would wear often, I'll enjoy using this up but wouldn't purchase the full size.
I've noticed quite a few people describe this as a more mature scent and I would have to agree.
Use voucher code soften40a to recieve 40% discount off the entire Kimia range at www.kimia.co.uk.
Expires 31/10/11
This is a two step system consisting of a facial oil and hydrating spray to help nourish and moisturise your skin.
I love the facial oil, smells amazing and leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth not sure if the mist does anything though, I used the oil on it's own and got the same results.
This is the one product I can see myself purchasing and will be taking advantage of the money off voucher while I can.
Plum by Mary Greenwell £90
Recieve 20% when purchasing your second item from the plum collection at www.marygreenwell.com
Expires 30/09/11
Nice light fruity scent with a musky, ambery dry down, nice but not one I would wear often, I'll enjoy using this up but wouldn't purchase the full size.
I've noticed quite a few people describe this as a more mature scent and I would have to agree.
Spending Ban Until New Year!
I have way to much make-up, actually I also have way too much skincare, haircare and nail polish so I've decided to put myself on a ban of some sorts, I have way too much stuff to get trough and in reality I buy new products cause I get caught up in the excitement of it being new.
Here are the rules: I will be limiting my purchases to 5 beauty related items between now and the 1st of January 2012 but not including if I run out of something and have to replace it (for example cleanser, need to be able the wash my face).
This means not going crazy at every new collection released and not buying thing because I saw them featured on a blog or in a magazine.
I will however still keep my GlossyBox and Bordoir Prive subscription so I'll still get products from that and it won't include any products that I've recieved as a gift or given to me.
I will keep you all updated when I make a purchase so you can see how I'm doing and please feel free to join in if like me you buy too much.
Wish me luck :)
Here are the rules: I will be limiting my purchases to 5 beauty related items between now and the 1st of January 2012 but not including if I run out of something and have to replace it (for example cleanser, need to be able the wash my face).
This means not going crazy at every new collection released and not buying thing because I saw them featured on a blog or in a magazine.
I will however still keep my GlossyBox and Bordoir Prive subscription so I'll still get products from that and it won't include any products that I've recieved as a gift or given to me.
I will keep you all updated when I make a purchase so you can see how I'm doing and please feel free to join in if like me you buy too much.
Wish me luck :)
Friday, 23 September 2011
MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF35 Review
The past few month the make-up industry as gone BB Cream crazy and every brand I can think of is bringing out their own version, I've tried a few now and I'm not that impressed by any of them really but somehow I expected MAC to really deliver with this product and it just fell short.
This is how MAC describe the product: Prep + Prime Beauty Balm is lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturises the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense.
I'm usually a NC20 in MAC foundations but this would be a NC10 if they did such a shade, it's coverage is sheer but it's enough to zap all the life out of your face and make you look like a corpse.
The texture of this is also quite thick and tacky and takes a while to absorb, even then it still feels like theres a slightly waxy film on the skin and it's a feeling I don't like.
The only good thing about this product is it's a decent enough primer and helps any subsequent products apply a lot smoother, however this kinda defeats the purpose of a BB Cream as they are designed to be a one step product (moisturiser, primer, foundation, concealer) I shouldn't have to add any extra product if I don't want to.
There's much better products out there and I'm not entirely sure I get the whole BB Cream thing, give me a tinted moisturiser any day.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Collective haul! Makeup and Shoes!
Just a few bits that I purchased a few weeks ago and forgot to post a haul for you all.
Orly In A Snap Topcoat
Orly Cuticle Oil
Revlon Facets of Fuchsia
Sleek Pout Paint in Peachy Keen
Sleek Pout Paint Milkshake
Sleek Pout Paint in Minx
MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist
Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector in Light
Let me know if you would like me to review any of the items mentioned.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Tinted Lip Balms - Round Up & Review
Over the past few weeks I seem to have lost the love for lipsticks and glosses and prefer a quick slick of tinted lip balm to keep my lips hydrated and had a tint of colour.
I've manage to accumulate a fair few of them and have decided to do a quick review on all of the ones I have to give you all an idea of which one I like and the ones that I don't.
I've manage to accumulate a fair few of them and have decided to do a quick review on all of the ones I have to give you all an idea of which one I like and the ones that I don't.
MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner £11
One of the most popular choices and also the very best! Nice selection of shades, very pigmented for a tinted lip balm and they moisturise brilliantly.
The texture is quite slick and ever so slightly greasy but they don't feel uncomfortable and they last a considerable amount of time on the lips before you need to re-apply.
Some people won't like these because they come in pot, however MAC also makes a stick version which is just as good.
One of the most popular choices and also the very best! Nice selection of shades, very pigmented for a tinted lip balm and they moisturise brilliantly.
The texture is quite slick and ever so slightly greasy but they don't feel uncomfortable and they last a considerable amount of time on the lips before you need to re-apply.
Some people won't like these because they come in pot, however MAC also makes a stick version which is just as good.
Clinique Chubby Sticks £15
One of the most moisturising of the bunch, but also one of the more sheer options. A lot of the shades look quite different in the tube but pretty much look the same on the lips, the shade I have is Wopping Watermelon which is a sheer, medium pink shade.
The texture of these is quite thick but by no means sticky however it does feel a little heavy on the lips, they do last ages on the lips though.
One of the most moisturising of the bunch, but also one of the more sheer options. A lot of the shades look quite different in the tube but pretty much look the same on the lips, the shade I have is Wopping Watermelon which is a sheer, medium pink shade.
The texture of these is quite thick but by no means sticky however it does feel a little heavy on the lips, they do last ages on the lips though.
YSL Volupte Sheer Candy £21
The most expensive of the bunch but the packaging on it makes it worth it in my opinion but it's the product inside the packaging that I'm more intrested about.
Nice sheer, juicy shades that sort of stain the lips even after the balm as worn off, non sticky or greasy these have a light gel texture and feel comfortable on the lips.
Because of the light texture these need re-applying quite often which I don't mind, also they are not as moisturising as I would like but they don't dry out you lips either.
The most expensive of the bunch but the packaging on it makes it worth it in my opinion but it's the product inside the packaging that I'm more intrested about.
Nice sheer, juicy shades that sort of stain the lips even after the balm as worn off, non sticky or greasy these have a light gel texture and feel comfortable on the lips.
Because of the light texture these need re-applying quite often which I don't mind, also they are not as moisturising as I would like but they don't dry out you lips either.
Dior Addict Glow £20
Not you're typical tinted lip balm, this is clear in the tube but changes colour when you apply it to your lips and creates you're very own personalised shade of pink.
Sounds quite gimmicky but it's actually really good, texture is slightly waxy but light at the same time and really does moisturise your lips while leaving them with a pretty pink sheen.
Not you're typical tinted lip balm, this is clear in the tube but changes colour when you apply it to your lips and creates you're very own personalised shade of pink.
Sounds quite gimmicky but it's actually really good, texture is slightly waxy but light at the same time and really does moisturise your lips while leaving them with a pretty pink sheen.
Korres Mandarin Lip Butter £7
These are more like a gloss stick than a lip balm, nice sheer, slightly shimmery colour but not all that moisturising.
The texture of these is thin, not sticky or heavy and wears off fast and when it does wear of my lips are left quite dry which is a shame as the shades are really pretty.
I find these are better used as a gloss on top of a lipstick of similar colour.
These are more like a gloss stick than a lip balm, nice sheer, slightly shimmery colour but not all that moisturising.
The texture of these is thin, not sticky or heavy and wears off fast and when it does wear of my lips are left quite dry which is a shame as the shades are really pretty.
I find these are better used as a gloss on top of a lipstick of similar colour.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment £14
My absolute favourite of all the ones I've tested!
I adore the packaging, a metal tube with a twist off lid which means it does not come open in your handbag and it's also a lot easier to apply because of the stick format.
The texture is lovely, very creamy and moisturising but not heavy or greasy and surprisingly it lasts ages on the lips before you need to reapply it.
I have it in two shades (rose and Honey) and I love them both, they look more like a translucent stain than a tint and look very natural, they also smell really nice like sweet lemonade.
The only negative thing is that they are not so easily accessible, you need to buy them trough mail order which can be a bit of a pain.
My absolute favourite of all the ones I've tested!
I adore the packaging, a metal tube with a twist off lid which means it does not come open in your handbag and it's also a lot easier to apply because of the stick format.
The texture is lovely, very creamy and moisturising but not heavy or greasy and surprisingly it lasts ages on the lips before you need to reapply it.
I have it in two shades (rose and Honey) and I love them both, they look more like a translucent stain than a tint and look very natural, they also smell really nice like sweet lemonade.
The only negative thing is that they are not so easily accessible, you need to buy them trough mail order which can be a bit of a pain.
ELF Conditioning Studio Lip Balm £3.50
The cheapest option but also the worst one in my opinion. Quite thick and heavy in texture, it seems to just sit on the lips but does nothing in terms of moisturising. The smell is atrocious, vanilla mixed with plastic and quite frankly I just can't manage it on my lips for longer than 10 minutes.
The only good thing about these is the colour selection which is quite varied and very pigmented for a tinted balm.
What do you think of tinted lip balms? Which ones are your favourites and which ones should I try next?
The cheapest option but also the worst one in my opinion. Quite thick and heavy in texture, it seems to just sit on the lips but does nothing in terms of moisturising. The smell is atrocious, vanilla mixed with plastic and quite frankly I just can't manage it on my lips for longer than 10 minutes.
The only good thing about these is the colour selection which is quite varied and very pigmented for a tinted balm.
What do you think of tinted lip balms? Which ones are your favourites and which ones should I try next?
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
August Favourites!
Skincare
Alpha H Liquid Gold
Used to used this all the time a couple of years ago and my skin was always clear and glowy, I stopped using it and my skin looked awful so I finally decided to get a new bottle.
It's a glycolic acid treatment that you put on before bed to gently resurface your skin as you sleep, it does it's job quite effectively and I would recommend it to anyone who is breakout prone or suffers with dull uneven skin tone.
Used to used this all the time a couple of years ago and my skin was always clear and glowy, I stopped using it and my skin looked awful so I finally decided to get a new bottle.
It's a glycolic acid treatment that you put on before bed to gently resurface your skin as you sleep, it does it's job quite effectively and I would recommend it to anyone who is breakout prone or suffers with dull uneven skin tone.
Chanel Hydramax Lotion
Another old favourite, it suits my skin type brilliantly and provides just enough hydration without breaking me out.
Expensive but so worth it.
Garnier Tinted Roll-On
I like to use this as my morning eye treatment as it cools and de-puffs eyes while helping to conceal dark circles.
Makeup
Chanel Vitalimiere Aqua
Brilliant light/medium coverage foundation that looks natural on the skin, this is a step up from tinted moisturiser.
I have the colour B10 and it's the best match out of all the foundations that I own, the only slightly negative thing about it is it doesn't last as long as I would like it to.
Bourjois Healthy Mix
This is perfect for days were I want a little extra coverage and a more matte finish, glides on effortlessly and provides medium coverage that lasts all day.
Christian Dior Diorskin Nude Powder
This can be used like you would a mineral powder foundation but I find that way useless however it makes a great setting powder for all my foundations and a little goes a long way, I feel I've had my pot forever.
Another old favourite, it suits my skin type brilliantly and provides just enough hydration without breaking me out.
Expensive but so worth it.
Garnier Tinted Roll-On
I like to use this as my morning eye treatment as it cools and de-puffs eyes while helping to conceal dark circles.
Makeup
Chanel Vitalimiere Aqua
Brilliant light/medium coverage foundation that looks natural on the skin, this is a step up from tinted moisturiser.
I have the colour B10 and it's the best match out of all the foundations that I own, the only slightly negative thing about it is it doesn't last as long as I would like it to.
Bourjois Healthy Mix
This is perfect for days were I want a little extra coverage and a more matte finish, glides on effortlessly and provides medium coverage that lasts all day.
Christian Dior Diorskin Nude Powder
This can be used like you would a mineral powder foundation but I find that way useless however it makes a great setting powder for all my foundations and a little goes a long way, I feel I've had my pot forever.
Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes
I was given a sample a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it!
The tapered brush means you can get every little hard to reach lash and it leaves them looking long and full.
Will re-purchase as soon as my little tube runs out.
Hair
Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo
I've recently had my old colour stripped and gone back to blonde so I needed a purple shampoo to keep my new shade brass free and bright looking.
I did my research and this was the one everyone recommended and it's brilliant, it's so rich in violet pigment and works so well to cool down any gold tones in your hair, it works so much better than the L'Oreal one I used too use.
Joico K-Pack Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
Like I said above I've gone back to blonde after two years of dying my hair brown, (it took 4 hours to do, I had my hair stripped 3 times and some highlights put in) and the process can be quite harsh on your hair and leave it feeling dry and weak.
It took one application of this treatment to restore the strength in my hair and make it feel normal again, it's a miracle worker but needs to be followed up with a moisturising treatment as this one is protein based and can make your hair feel dry.
Joico K-Pack Intense Hydrator
I use this after I've used the Deep Penetrating Reconstructor, it's moisturising enough to leave hair soft and shiny but doesn't weigh it down or make it limp and greasy.
I think I could get away with using this as my daily conditioner as I don't find regular conditioner moisturising enough.
Perfume
I use this after I've used the Deep Penetrating Reconstructor, it's moisturising enough to leave hair soft and shiny but doesn't weigh it down or make it limp and greasy.
I think I could get away with using this as my daily conditioner as I don't find regular conditioner moisturising enough.
Perfume
Elie Saab La Parfum
Not usually the sort of perfume I go for as it's a floral and I normally go for very sweet, fruity scents but there something so addictive about this.
It's a strong neroli and jasmine scent and quite heavy and sweet something about it reminds me of summer back home in Italy.
Gucci Flora
Gorgeous summer scent,not that we've had much of a summer in the UK, very fresh and fruity without being overpowering.
What were your favourites of August?
Not usually the sort of perfume I go for as it's a floral and I normally go for very sweet, fruity scents but there something so addictive about this.
It's a strong neroli and jasmine scent and quite heavy and sweet something about it reminds me of summer back home in Italy.
Gucci Flora
Gorgeous summer scent,not that we've had much of a summer in the UK, very fresh and fruity without being overpowering.
What were your favourites of August?
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