Empties / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

FOTD / Urban Decay Glinda Palette

 Face: Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua Foundation in B30 beige sable, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blusher in pearlescent pink, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder, Benefit Sun Beam;

Eyes: Urban Decay Glinda palette (Tornado, Aura, Illusion), Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in purple, Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 40 permanent taupe;

Lips: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High-Gloss Lip Colour in glinda.

New In / L'Oreal CC Cream

Are you a fan of BB Creams? The 2013 version has stepped up a notch - CC Cream - which comes with the all the skin caring benefits of the BB but with added colour correctiong properties.

L'Oreal has just launched their Nude Magique CC Cream* and there are 3 types available: anti-dullness, anti-fatigue, anti-redness.... I've been trying out the anti-dullness 'cause it's the best suited for my needs.

The first thing I noticed is that the CC cream seems to be thiner than a BB cream - definitely a bonus in my eyes 'cause I can't stand anything too thick on my face.

The colour pigment spheres come into a lilac emulsion that transforms into foundation once rubbed into the skin. The colour match is pretty good but I don't feel it significantly improves my skin tone - or at least no better than any other tinted moisturiser or BB cream that I have tried before.

I got to say, it builds up really well but It still doesn't give me enough coverage for my skin.

Together with the CC Cream, there is also a new Nude Magique BB Blush* on the market.

This is some serious glow-from-within! It's one of these formula that reacts with your ph so the colour couldn't be better customised and it's super flattering.

The fresh gel is easy to apply and leaves a velvety feeling on the skin... but unfortunately, it disappoints in the long run: it doesn't seem to ever set and hours later my cheek still feels slippery and uncomfortable - and sure enough doesn't last long.

I like the colour (similar to Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain) and the dewiness but I'm not impressed with the formulation.

I have never tried it but I reckon this could be a dupe for the Smashbox O Glow Intuitive Cheek Colour Gel Blush.

To summarize, I guess I'm pretty disappointed - I can't help but thinking that these CC creams are pretty much BB creams rebranded and unfortunately, they won't be miracles for me.
Have you tried any CC cream yet? :)

FOTD & OOTD - newlyweds in Italy

Face: Lancome Teint Miracle in 010, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium, Mac Cremeblend Blush in Something Special, Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in medium, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl;

Eyes: Ysl Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking, Dior DiorShow New Look mascara, Benefit Eye Bright, Maybelline Eye Studio Duo in 62 Mocha Mirage;

Lips: Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain.

***
My husband also took this photos of me...
Shirt: Warehouse
Bah: Hobbs

Wedding Post - Make up (part 2)

I did my Mum's Make Up.

She has beautiful skin and, apart from creams and potions, she never wear any make up; we did a couple of  trials beforehand and decided to go with something really natural.

I only applied the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer to smooth the skin but no foundation at all. Actually, I think I used some concealer under the eyes but I can't remember for sure, sorry.

Then I went with some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal to highlight: this was the perfect shade for her skin colour and finished off the skin with a pop of Mac Sheertone Blush in BlushBaby.

On the eyes just a wash of colour of an eyeshadow my sister had: Maybelline Eye Studio Duo in 62 Mocha Mirage - this is a baked eyeshadow, really cream and easy to blend.

I thicker the eyelashes with Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner, followed by few coats of Dior DiorShow New Look mascara.

Finally on the lips, Paul & Joe Lower East Side Lipstick - perfect mix of neutral and pink.

I think, my mum was pleased with the end result an enjoyed a bit of pampering. :)

****

My sister, instead, went for a bold statement lip! I love it!

Again on the skin, she only needed a bit of Garnier Roll-On Anti Dark Circles Concealer under the eyes and Clarins Instant Light Blush in Tonic Coral on the cheeks - this works both as blusher and highlighter.

Eyes were kept pretty simple too with Nee Make Up Deep Black Extension mascara and Clarins Eyeliner Pencil in Black.

Finally, lips were the centre of attention: Rose Petal Salve to hydrate and Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 38 La Fascinante.

pre-lipstick

 

You can check the Bride make up post, here :)
next up... Dress & Shoes

FOTD - Rose Gold in Spring

ummm, weird smile anyone??! :S

anyway, I created this look around the Jane Iredale Gold Rose pigment that I got in the JolieBox... hope you like it! :)

Face: Benefit Hello Flawless Foudation in Honey, Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 07 Warm Light, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Pop, The Balm Frat Boy blush, Cover FX Bronzed FX in Gold; 

Eyes: Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque, Clinique High Impact mascara, Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Shimmer Powder in Rose Gold, Max Factor Liquid Effet Pencil in Black Fire; 

Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry.

1st JolieBox

This is the first ever JolieBox - technically, it's not a new subscription because it's basically the former Boudoir Prive' that joined forces with the french version and brought Jolie to the Uk.

First thing I notice about the box is that it's a tad smaller than its sisters; not a complaint, in fact everything is beautifully and neatly packed inside.
Also, the information card looks very expensive, quality paper - you can tell a lot was put into every detail.

OPI Gold Shatter Nail Lacquer

Good start, right? Who can be disappointed with OPI? It's the gold shatter and I'm very happy because I was looking to buy a gold polish for NYE. Sorted!

Also, it's a full size bottle and I just realised I don't have any OPI full size polish yet... it's huge!

worn over Nails Inc Lily

Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

I've never heard of this brand before. The bottle is plastic but the label looks really posh: you can tell it's a natural product with essential oils and good ingredients. These includes honey, wheat proteins and vitamin E.

Straight from the bottle, the smell is too strong of lavender for me but once in the bathtub is not so overpowering. Also - being a shower wash - it's not idea for a bubble bath as I find it doesn't foam a huge amount.

CID Cosmetics i-gloss in Baby Doll

I was pretty intrigued by this product as Cid is famous for their gimmicky packaging. This one is a lip gloss with a light in the lid and mirror on the side; the mirror can come in handy but I'm afraid to say, the light became soon annoying! I know that you can turn the light off on the lipstick but not on the lipgloss, unfortunately... and it's kinda of blinding really. Also, the brush is rubbish and it splits up.

Nevertheless, It's a nice colour.

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold

I already received a lash conditioner in this Boudoir Prive' box and I can't help noticing AGAIN how bad and poor the packaging looks!

Apart from this - superficial, some may say - impressions, I love the colour!

The description says that it's a multi-use dust that can be used everywhere on the face and also on body & hair but I have mainly used it as an eyeshadow. I shall try on the cheeks too.

Like every pigment/powder, you need to be careful with fallout but it applies and blends nicely. Also, it has a good payoff in pigmentation.

Yon-ka Vital Defense

This is a day cream: anti-aging prevention, antioxidant and anti-pollution to help the skin preserve its youthfulness. Sorry but I haven't had the chance to try it yet... looking forward tho.

Lots of thought in the packaging and I like the foil tube.

Bonus Items:

Kusmi Detox Tea

I love that they also included a non-cosmetic product - I hope they keep up with this!

I know in the BirchBox in the States, they often send granola bars or chocolates... I think it's a nice idea. 

Anyway, this tea is a blend of Mate', chinese green tea and lemon grass, flavoured with lemon. Personally, I really like it! :)

JolieBox Concealer Brush

Finally, we received this brush and again I was super-pleased as I needed one - that's luck!!! :)

I've been using it for under eye concealing and I'm liking it. Good quality and also like the design of the white short handle.

To conclude I loved this box a lot! If I had to chose only one subscription, I would pick this one, right now. I hope they keep up with the extra bonuses (although, I understand these may have been included just as an introduction present) and I don't expect an extra item but I like the idea to get 'tools' & snacks too... I liked everything I received and they seem to be working with great brands... so fingers crossed for the next one!!! :)

P.S.: there's NOT going to be a January box. We were informed, at the beginning of the year, that they want to concentrate on getting everything right with the Valentine's Day box so they were skipping a month... fine by me. :)

FOTD using Paul & Joe MakeUp

full review of the collection tomorrow!!

FACE:

Lancome Teint Miracle in #3 and #10 mixed together

YSL Touche Eclat in 01

Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame

Ruby & Millie Face Gloss in Wine 50

EYES:

Mac Paint Pot in Painterly

Paul & Joe Face and Color in #075

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender & Conditioner

YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils

Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling

LIPS:

Paul & Joe Face and Color in #074

YSL Lip Twins #8 (only orange gloss)

FOTD

**Lunch date with fiancé @ West Brewery**

FACE
Dr Brandt Pores No More primer
Illamasqua Skin Base #6
Benefit Erase Paste in medium
Nars blush in Sex Appeal
Benefit Bella Bamba

EYES
YSL Ombre 5 Lumieres palette #11
Jane Iredale Purelash Extender & Conditioner
Collection 2000 Extreme mascara in purple

LIPS
Mac Amplified Creme Lipstick in Cosmo

Boudoir Prive' no1

I know that the Boudoir Prive' box was received over a week ago, but I decided to wait to have tested all the products before writing this post, purely because I thought it was a bit pointless making a post with just a list of the content since all the boxes were identical.

First of all, I'm not going to make comparisons with the GlossyBox because, apart from the fact that they are both subscriptions, the class  of products provided are different - so let's concentrate on the Boudoir Prive' in this post.

First impressions: good! I like the packaging: pink and it's got a magnet to close it securely.

Also, top marks on the personalised card - lovely touch - and the mirror stickers - devil is in the details! :)

Ok, let's move on the actual products:

- BABOR HRS Lifting Extra Firming Cream: this is my favourite sample of the lot! It feels so luxurious and it disappears into the skin. I really felt an improvement on the texture of my skin but the amount provided is too small to really see an improvement in lifting. It also smells so good that I want to eat it. I've been using it mornings and evenings. Full size 50ml sells for £82.

- ETAT LIBRE D'ORANGE Putain Des Palaces & Rien: I'm usually quite fussy with perfumes but I like both - luck! I would describe them as old fashion, parisian, opulent & sophisticated. The striking tones are leather and incense. 

If I need to choose a favourite is probably 'Putain'... ummm, what does this say about me, oh dear! :P Only criticism: the sample bottles haven't got the name on it, so I will have to keep them in the plastic bag to know which one is which. Full bottles retail for £52.50.

 - OLAVIE Antioxidant Body Butter: this is my least favourite; purely because I don't use 'simple' moisturisers for my body but prefer to get anti-cellulite or firming products. In any case, this butter melts into the skin, leaving a lovely scent of grape-y acidic undertones (maybe, I'm not using the right words, but IT IS lovely!:)). Fails on the packaging tho: the products is not fluid and my fingers are simply not strong enough to squeeze that bottle, I'm nearly giving up on using this now. Full jar is £43.55.

- JANE IREDALE PureLash Extender and Conditioner: it took a few attempts to learn how to use this properly: what I can recommend is not let it dry completly, wait 5 minutes and when it starts to go clear, apply your mascara. I find that it made my mascara go lumpy when dry. Honestly, I didn't see any improvement extension-wise but I hope it helped condition the hair. In general, I'm not too keen this pre-mascara products as we are always already in a rush when getting ready (isn't it?!) and I don't really need to add another step - that's why I will not repurchase. On the other hand, I use a serum before bed (hoping it makes a difference). Full price £13.

-SACHAJUAN Hair Repair: this is another top product - my second favourite! I put it on for 10 minutes after shampooing as a treatment. It smells amazing and leaves hair super soft. I just can't wait to wash my hair again to use it! That's how much I love it. :)
On top of that, this is a full size bottle - £11 for 100ml.

- BLOOM Green Tea & White Tea Duo: I know few people were puzzled when received tea in their beauty box but the company says that beauty also comes from within - and I totally agree with that! (Plus, the veteran BirchBox often included comestible good like muesli bar... so why not?!)

My favourite of the two will have to be the green tea with jasmine, rose petals and echinacea.

White tea - with fennel, peppermint and aniseed - was too minty for my taste; it is still lovely but I would get bored of it easily, I reckon.

I did feel like treating myself, drinking these teas: they retail for £4 per 10 teabags... totally luxurious if you ask me!!!

To summarise, it was a really good box - I had the chance to try niche brands that are hard to come across (to be honest, I didn't know any of these before). All in all, the box didn't have a WOW factor because the brands are not so well known but the products sure deliver.

Hope this was helpful - What you people out there think? :)

a

xx