Boudoir Privé:
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment, Zoya Nail Polish in Tao, Colbert MD Nourishing Eye Cream, Tropic Skincare Body Smooth,
Agent Provocateur L’Agent, Cargo Cosmetics Boogie Nights Eye Pencil.
GlossyBox:
Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing Exfoliator, Neal and Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment, Plum by Mary Greenwell Eau De Parfum,
Kimia Excuisit Rejuvinating Facial System, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette.
Feel Unique:
Balm Balm 100% Organic Tea Tree Face Balm, Redken quick Dry 18, New CID Cosmetics Picture Perfect Kit, Elie Saab Le Parfum,
Ella Baché Crème Tomate Vitamin Radiance Cream, Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid, Di Palomo Wild Fig & Grape Enriching Hand & Nail Cream.
Apologies for the photo heavy post! I decided that this month instead of doing three separate reviews on beauty boxes, I’d lump it all together and pick just a few of my favourites from each one as I'm sure you’ve all seen these a hundred times now.

I don’t usually get three boxes a month, but a few weeks ago I was contacted by Thérèse at Boudoir Privé, who offered to send me a box to try. As I’ve said before I was sceptical when this box was released, and after its initial reception I was glad I didn’t sign up. I think a lot of people enjoy getting ‘full size samples’ from well known brands, and no matter how luxurious Boudoir Privé’s products might have been, being from lesser known companies people just didn’t seem to like them. I’m not saying I’m all about the big names but the products I was seeing in peoples reviews just didn’t excite me. This month however, after trying everything out I was pleasantly surprised. Even though its technically not something you can use, the first thing that jumped out at me was the Zoya nail collection card. Such a good idea! I never buy nail varnishes without looking up swatches online, so having them all there to hold up against my nail or just compare was brilliant, and something I definitely think more companies should do. Trust me to be more excited about a sample card than the actual product!

I also really loved the Macadamia Hair Oil, which I have to say is putting my coveted Moroccan Oil to the test. It smells like Theirry Mugler's Angel and makes my hair feel beautifully soft and being considerable cheaper than Moroccan Oil, it might just have the edge.

This month’s GlossyBox was a hit with most people, mainly thanks to the HD Brows palette. When I got mine I was a bit annoyed as it looked way too light, but it turns out the colour was perfect. They’re also great matte eye shadows, particularly for contouring and shading. I think makeup products are much better received as they’re so much more usable, rather than a skincare sample which won’t give that instantly noticeable difference. I think if GlossyBox kept up standard of the makeup samples in their boxes it would make a lot of difference.

The Feel Unique Beauty Box if probably my favourite this month, again. I think I can safely say I love every single product in this box. The Redken hairspray is great, gives just the right amount of hold without being too crispy. The New CID Cosmetics ‘Picture Perfect Kit’, which reminds me of those little Benefit ones, has two beautiful eye shadows, a lip gloss, highlighter and the cutest little mascara I’ve ever seen in my life. And the Balm Balm multi use tea tree Balm, which I’ve been using pretty much anywhere that needs a bit of extra moisture. Love the smell of the hand cream too!

I’m still unsure whether or not to sign up to Boudoir Privé. I think they have some really great products and ethics, but I really can’t justify spending over £30 on these beauty boxes every month. I think I’m going to wait to see how next month goes then make my decision. If I had to choose just one now though, it’d definitely be the Feel Unique box, which for some reason doesn’t seem to have the same hype surrounding it as the other two. I’m not sure that many people even know about it. Hopefully this will help spread the word!

If anyone is thinking of signing up to Boudoir Privé, you can get your first box half price with the code 1BOX12.

• September 30, 2011

Boudoir Privé, GlossyBox & Feel Unique

Boudoir Privé:
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment, Zoya Nail Polish in Tao, Colbert MD Nourishing Eye Cream, Tropic Skincare Body Smooth,
Agent Provocateur L’Agent, Cargo Cosmetics Boogie Nights Eye Pencil.
GlossyBox:
Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing Exfoliator, Neal and Wolf Harmony Intensive Care Treatment, Plum by Mary Greenwell Eau De Parfum,
Kimia Excuisit Rejuvinating Facial System, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette.
Feel Unique:
Balm Balm 100% Organic Tea Tree Face Balm, Redken quick Dry 18, New CID Cosmetics Picture Perfect Kit, Elie Saab Le Parfum,
Ella Baché Crème Tomate Vitamin Radiance Cream, Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid, Di Palomo Wild Fig & Grape Enriching Hand & Nail Cream.
Apologies for the photo heavy post! I decided that this month instead of doing three separate reviews on beauty boxes, I’d lump it all together and pick just a few of my favourites from each one as I'm sure you’ve all seen these a hundred times now.

I don’t usually get three boxes a month, but a few weeks ago I was contacted by Thérèse at Boudoir Privé, who offered to send me a box to try. As I’ve said before I was sceptical when this box was released, and after its initial reception I was glad I didn’t sign up. I think a lot of people enjoy getting ‘full size samples’ from well known brands, and no matter how luxurious Boudoir Privé’s products might have been, being from lesser known companies people just didn’t seem to like them. I’m not saying I’m all about the big names but the products I was seeing in peoples reviews just didn’t excite me. This month however, after trying everything out I was pleasantly surprised. Even though its technically not something you can use, the first thing that jumped out at me was the Zoya nail collection card. Such a good idea! I never buy nail varnishes without looking up swatches online, so having them all there to hold up against my nail or just compare was brilliant, and something I definitely think more companies should do. Trust me to be more excited about a sample card than the actual product!

I also really loved the Macadamia Hair Oil, which I have to say is putting my coveted Moroccan Oil to the test. It smells like Theirry Mugler's Angel and makes my hair feel beautifully soft and being considerable cheaper than Moroccan Oil, it might just have the edge.

This month’s GlossyBox was a hit with most people, mainly thanks to the HD Brows palette. When I got mine I was a bit annoyed as it looked way too light, but it turns out the colour was perfect. They’re also great matte eye shadows, particularly for contouring and shading. I think makeup products are much better received as they’re so much more usable, rather than a skincare sample which won’t give that instantly noticeable difference. I think if GlossyBox kept up standard of the makeup samples in their boxes it would make a lot of difference.

The Feel Unique Beauty Box if probably my favourite this month, again. I think I can safely say I love every single product in this box. The Redken hairspray is great, gives just the right amount of hold without being too crispy. The New CID Cosmetics ‘Picture Perfect Kit’, which reminds me of those little Benefit ones, has two beautiful eye shadows, a lip gloss, highlighter and the cutest little mascara I’ve ever seen in my life. And the Balm Balm multi use tea tree Balm, which I’ve been using pretty much anywhere that needs a bit of extra moisture. Love the smell of the hand cream too!

I’m still unsure whether or not to sign up to Boudoir Privé. I think they have some really great products and ethics, but I really can’t justify spending over £30 on these beauty boxes every month. I think I’m going to wait to see how next month goes then make my decision. If I had to choose just one now though, it’d definitely be the Feel Unique box, which for some reason doesn’t seem to have the same hype surrounding it as the other two. I’m not sure that many people even know about it. Hopefully this will help spread the word!

If anyone is thinking of signing up to Boudoir Privé, you can get your first box half price with the code 1BOX12.

Read More >

001. St Ives Apricot Scrub - I’ve used so many scrubs in the past, but always seem to come back to this one. It leaves my skin unbelievably soft and never fails to brighten it up. So annoyed though that since the packaging has been changed the invigoration one doesn’t smell like marzipan anymore!

002. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Illuminating Powder - Still in shock that I spent nearly £30 on a highlighter but words and pictures just cant explain how beautiful this is, not just in the pan but on the skin, which it gives a gorgeous glowing gold tone. Its part of their Modern Mercury range which is limited edition, so I strongly suggest hurrying down to your nearest Estée Lauder counter to have a look at this.

003. 17 Photo Finish Primer - To be honest, I never remember to use a primer and in my experience they’re all pretty much the same (except that L’Oreal one in the pink pot, AWFUL). I had noticed my makeup starting to rub off a bit lately so I picked up this cheap and cheerful one from 17 and I really like it. I’ve managed to use it every day and I can see the difference in how long my make up stays looking fresh. It glides on really easily, mattifies the skin, and you only need the smallest amount.

004. Blistex Relief Cream - I’m sure we all know how amazing this is! Probably THE best lip product I’ve ever used. It isn’t sticky or oily (I never understand why people use Vaseline on their lips, so greasy!) and gives your lips the so much moisture. The only downside is the tube, which leaks everywhere and has no applicator, meaning you have to squeeze it onto a finger first. Probably a little more hygienic, but such a pain!

005. Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara - I got this with my first Feel Unique Beauty Box and I’ve worn it every day since. Thick, long lashes with one coat. And it doesn’t smudge or flake!

006. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - I’ve seen a lot of beauty bloggers raving about this concealer, and thought there was no way this could be as good as my two favourites, Mac Studio Fix and Estée Lauder Double Wear. So I tried it not expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. It lasts all day and gives such good coverage without being cakey at all.

007. No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - No7 are going a bit mental with the five pound vouchers at the moment, I think it’s been on for nearly two months now? I only recently discovered the wonder that is oily eye makeup removers, and usually buy the Botanics one. But I thought I might as well snap up this one while I could get it so cheap. In terms of the product, it’s pretty much the same, takes off absolutely everything and leaves my eyes nice and moisturised with no stinging. The pump is a lot better than the Botanics screw top though, which I always managed to drop somewhere and never find, leaving an open bottle carefully balanced on my bathroom shelf.

008. Clinique Superbalanced Foundation - I used this for a long time while I was in college and then forgot about it for some reason. So after deciding that having ten different foundations already just wasn’t enough, I bought this one again and instantly remembered why I loved it! It’s so sheer, but gives such great coverage and has the perfect balance between a dewy and matte finish which makes the skin look so healthy and glowing. It also has all of Clinique's science and skin care knowledge behind it, claiming to be for any skin type; absorbing excess oil while moisturising dry patches.

009. Natural Collection Vanilla Body Spray - I’ve had this in my bag for ages now and love spraying it on throughout the day. Goes perfectly with my favourite perfume of the moment, Dolce & Gabbana The One. Musky vanilla scents make me feel so festive!

• September 18, 2011

August 2011 Favourites

001. St Ives Apricot Scrub - I’ve used so many scrubs in the past, but always seem to come back to this one. It leaves my skin unbelievably soft and never fails to brighten it up. So annoyed though that since the packaging has been changed the invigoration one doesn’t smell like marzipan anymore!

002. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Illuminating Powder - Still in shock that I spent nearly £30 on a highlighter but words and pictures just cant explain how beautiful this is, not just in the pan but on the skin, which it gives a gorgeous glowing gold tone. Its part of their Modern Mercury range which is limited edition, so I strongly suggest hurrying down to your nearest Estée Lauder counter to have a look at this.

003. 17 Photo Finish Primer - To be honest, I never remember to use a primer and in my experience they’re all pretty much the same (except that L’Oreal one in the pink pot, AWFUL). I had noticed my makeup starting to rub off a bit lately so I picked up this cheap and cheerful one from 17 and I really like it. I’ve managed to use it every day and I can see the difference in how long my make up stays looking fresh. It glides on really easily, mattifies the skin, and you only need the smallest amount.

004. Blistex Relief Cream - I’m sure we all know how amazing this is! Probably THE best lip product I’ve ever used. It isn’t sticky or oily (I never understand why people use Vaseline on their lips, so greasy!) and gives your lips the so much moisture. The only downside is the tube, which leaks everywhere and has no applicator, meaning you have to squeeze it onto a finger first. Probably a little more hygienic, but such a pain!

005. Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara - I got this with my first Feel Unique Beauty Box and I’ve worn it every day since. Thick, long lashes with one coat. And it doesn’t smudge or flake!

006. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - I’ve seen a lot of beauty bloggers raving about this concealer, and thought there was no way this could be as good as my two favourites, Mac Studio Fix and Estée Lauder Double Wear. So I tried it not expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. It lasts all day and gives such good coverage without being cakey at all.

007. No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - No7 are going a bit mental with the five pound vouchers at the moment, I think it’s been on for nearly two months now? I only recently discovered the wonder that is oily eye makeup removers, and usually buy the Botanics one. But I thought I might as well snap up this one while I could get it so cheap. In terms of the product, it’s pretty much the same, takes off absolutely everything and leaves my eyes nice and moisturised with no stinging. The pump is a lot better than the Botanics screw top though, which I always managed to drop somewhere and never find, leaving an open bottle carefully balanced on my bathroom shelf.

008. Clinique Superbalanced Foundation - I used this for a long time while I was in college and then forgot about it for some reason. So after deciding that having ten different foundations already just wasn’t enough, I bought this one again and instantly remembered why I loved it! It’s so sheer, but gives such great coverage and has the perfect balance between a dewy and matte finish which makes the skin look so healthy and glowing. It also has all of Clinique's science and skin care knowledge behind it, claiming to be for any skin type; absorbing excess oil while moisturising dry patches.

009. Natural Collection Vanilla Body Spray - I’ve had this in my bag for ages now and love spraying it on throughout the day. Goes perfectly with my favourite perfume of the moment, Dolce & Gabbana The One. Musky vanilla scents make me feel so festive!

Read More >

Top: Topshop
Skirt: Asos
Necklace: Pieces
Ring: Cath Kidston

This little black skirt from Asos is all I've been wearing this week. The perfect floaty, pleated alternative to a bodycon skirt. It's sinfully short though, so tights are a must. I can't help but feel like a school girl walking around in this..

Love my little Cath Kidston ring I got in the Asos sale too. I have too many cheep rings that always leave me with green fingers, so I've decided to start investing in some slightly higher end ones that should hopefully last a lot longer. If only I could afford something from Pamela Love.

Not much else to say other than I've been a terribly lazy blogger and I apologise! Also.. has anyone else notice how I seem to be getting more ginger by the day?


YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

• September 13, 2011

Stripes and Pleats

Top: Topshop
Skirt: Asos
Necklace: Pieces
Ring: Cath Kidston

This little black skirt from Asos is all I've been wearing this week. The perfect floaty, pleated alternative to a bodycon skirt. It's sinfully short though, so tights are a must. I can't help but feel like a school girl walking around in this..

Love my little Cath Kidston ring I got in the Asos sale too. I have too many cheep rings that always leave me with green fingers, so I've decided to start investing in some slightly higher end ones that should hopefully last a lot longer. If only I could afford something from Pamela Love.

Not much else to say other than I've been a terribly lazy blogger and I apologise! Also.. has anyone else notice how I seem to be getting more ginger by the day?


YouTube - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Instagram

Read More >

Chanel Tan de Soleil / Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe / Illamasque Nail Varnish - Force
Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner / Chanel Mat Lumiere / Mac Lipstick - Hue
There are hundreds of products that I'd love to run out and buy right away, but I've managed to narrow it down to just a few that, come next payday, will probably be making their way into my life.

I've wanted the Chanel Tan de Soleil for years now, and actually feel like a bit of an idiot for not buying it already seeing as everyone and their mum has one. Also from Chanel, their Mat Lumiere foundation which I hear that along with Pro Lumiere, is now being discontinuing? Quite interested to see the combination of the two that they'll be bringing out, but seeing as I may never be able to get my hands on it again, I think I'm going to have to get this one asap.

The Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner technically shouldn’t be on here as I've already bought them (oops!), but they still haven't arrived yet even though I ordered them over a week ago. That’s what you get for not paying any P&P I guess! My hair is in such horrible condition at the moment, not that there’s anything new there, but since I've been using the Moroccan oil it’s been feeling a lot better, and the smell is amazing. I know there are a lot of other cheaper alternatives out there but I really believe that in most cases you pay for what you get, and as heartbreaking as it is to hand over £30 for a shampoo and conditioner, it really should be worth it.

I still love my Garnier Summer Body, which I use religiously, but I've been getting a little sick of waking up with the tell tell fake tan smell that even something as light as a gradual tanner comes with. I've wanted to try Xen-Tan for a long time now and after trawling through reviews, this one seems to come out on top for not smelling like a biscuit!

A few other little bits as well from Mac and Illamasqua. Hue, which I'm sure you've all seen a million times and a nail varnish which I think might finally put an end to my search for the perfect electric neon blue.

• September 11, 2011

Beauty Wishlist

Chanel Tan de Soleil / Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe / Illamasque Nail Varnish - Force
Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner / Chanel Mat Lumiere / Mac Lipstick - Hue
There are hundreds of products that I'd love to run out and buy right away, but I've managed to narrow it down to just a few that, come next payday, will probably be making their way into my life.

I've wanted the Chanel Tan de Soleil for years now, and actually feel like a bit of an idiot for not buying it already seeing as everyone and their mum has one. Also from Chanel, their Mat Lumiere foundation which I hear that along with Pro Lumiere, is now being discontinuing? Quite interested to see the combination of the two that they'll be bringing out, but seeing as I may never be able to get my hands on it again, I think I'm going to have to get this one asap.

The Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner technically shouldn’t be on here as I've already bought them (oops!), but they still haven't arrived yet even though I ordered them over a week ago. That’s what you get for not paying any P&P I guess! My hair is in such horrible condition at the moment, not that there’s anything new there, but since I've been using the Moroccan oil it’s been feeling a lot better, and the smell is amazing. I know there are a lot of other cheaper alternatives out there but I really believe that in most cases you pay for what you get, and as heartbreaking as it is to hand over £30 for a shampoo and conditioner, it really should be worth it.

I still love my Garnier Summer Body, which I use religiously, but I've been getting a little sick of waking up with the tell tell fake tan smell that even something as light as a gradual tanner comes with. I've wanted to try Xen-Tan for a long time now and after trawling through reviews, this one seems to come out on top for not smelling like a biscuit!

A few other little bits as well from Mac and Illamasqua. Hue, which I'm sure you've all seen a million times and a nail varnish which I think might finally put an end to my search for the perfect electric neon blue.

Read More >

Barry M Instant Nail Effects Foil - Silver & Gold
Since releasing their Instant Effects Crackle Varnish and taking the world of nails by storm I've always wondered if Barry M were going to extend this line and come up with any more exciting effects polishes. So when I saw these, on Asos of all places, I got a bit too excited and signed up to a Premier account just so I could get them delivered the next day. Just a little excessive... Getting slightly off topic here but if you're a regular Asos binger like me, I strongly suggest getting a Premier account, unlimited free next day delivery for fourteen something a YEAR, amazing. And no, I wasn't paid to say that.

Sadly though, that's where the excitement ends. When I saw the word 'foil' I immediately thought of the mirror like Minx nails. So when I painted them last night I was beyond disappointed to find that they just looked like standard silver and gold nail varnish, and not particularly nice ones. The brush strokes were impossible to get rid of, no matter how carefully I did it and they were really thick. This is just my opinion and I've seen other people raving about them, but I don't know why Barry M released these nail varnishes in the effects range, when they’re really just metallic colours that could of easily fit in to the core collection. Rage face.

One good point, however, is that the silver makes a great base for Juicy Jules, which I got in the Models Own 50% sale the other day. The photo really doesn't do justice to how sparkly it is. Still lusting after the ridiculously hard to find Gosh holographic nail varnish which is now going for about £30 on eBay (WHY WAS THIS DISCONTINUED?!), but this one’s near enough for now!

• September 08, 2011

Barry M Instant Effects Foil

Barry M Instant Nail Effects Foil - Silver & Gold
Since releasing their Instant Effects Crackle Varnish and taking the world of nails by storm I've always wondered if Barry M were going to extend this line and come up with any more exciting effects polishes. So when I saw these, on Asos of all places, I got a bit too excited and signed up to a Premier account just so I could get them delivered the next day. Just a little excessive... Getting slightly off topic here but if you're a regular Asos binger like me, I strongly suggest getting a Premier account, unlimited free next day delivery for fourteen something a YEAR, amazing. And no, I wasn't paid to say that.

Sadly though, that's where the excitement ends. When I saw the word 'foil' I immediately thought of the mirror like Minx nails. So when I painted them last night I was beyond disappointed to find that they just looked like standard silver and gold nail varnish, and not particularly nice ones. The brush strokes were impossible to get rid of, no matter how carefully I did it and they were really thick. This is just my opinion and I've seen other people raving about them, but I don't know why Barry M released these nail varnishes in the effects range, when they’re really just metallic colours that could of easily fit in to the core collection. Rage face.

One good point, however, is that the silver makes a great base for Juicy Jules, which I got in the Models Own 50% sale the other day. The photo really doesn't do justice to how sparkly it is. Still lusting after the ridiculously hard to find Gosh holographic nail varnish which is now going for about £30 on eBay (WHY WAS THIS DISCONTINUED?!), but this one’s near enough for now!

Read More >

Finally got the River Island Chelsea Boots I've been lusting after since last month! After hunting through about six different stores I ended up ordering them from the site, something I hate doing (damn P&P!) because it seems like the only place that stocked them was in Oxford Street where I originally saw them. All that searching was worth it though because I absolutely love these boots! They're the only shoes I've worn all week and they go with everything! Feeling slightly guilty though about buying the Topshop Allegra Boots beforehand which are pretty much identical, just a lot higher (and impossible to walk in). If only I'd seen these first! I think the Allegra's are going to have to be saved for nights out, bit of a shame as they were so expensive! Anyway, let’s just look at them one more time.. Drooool.

• September 02, 2011

Chelsea Girl

Finally got the River Island Chelsea Boots I've been lusting after since last month! After hunting through about six different stores I ended up ordering them from the site, something I hate doing (damn P&P!) because it seems like the only place that stocked them was in Oxford Street where I originally saw them. All that searching was worth it though because I absolutely love these boots! They're the only shoes I've worn all week and they go with everything! Feeling slightly guilty though about buying the Topshop Allegra Boots beforehand which are pretty much identical, just a lot higher (and impossible to walk in). If only I'd seen these first! I think the Allegra's are going to have to be saved for nights out, bit of a shame as they were so expensive! Anyway, let’s just look at them one more time.. Drooool.

Read More >