Whats In My GlossyBox?

I don't normally do GlossyBox posts as I think as soon as its GlossyBox day there are an abundance of them all showing practically the same thing but when this one arrived at work I knew I would just have to post about it!. The box is absolutely scrumdidily dumpcious, a gorgeous bright pink compared to the normal dusty pink one and its all in aid of the big V day.

The detail of this box is so lovely with the little love heart sticker, pink packing paper and there was even a little sweet but I think a little sneaky 6 year old might of got her hands on it as I can't find it anymore.

The box I got contained a lot of skincare products but I am not really complaining although I have seen another box that I would of preferred but that's the luck of the draw when you subscribe to a monthly beauty box.... You never what you will get.

The box I got contained....

- Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner in Plum

- Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream

- Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream

- Murad Perfecting Primer

- FAB Gentle Body Wash

The things I am most excited about trying are the Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner and the Murad Perfecting Primer!.

What was in your GlossyBox?

xxx

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Nail Rock - Stripes

I have been loving nail wraps lately, I think they are the perfect way of popping a pretty design on your nails in a matter of minutes and especially if like me you are rubbish at doing your nails then these shall be perfect for you too. Although most wraps I have tried I have noticed they have been far to big for my nails so I have had to trim them down but they always end up looking shoddy and wonky, which is why I love Nail Rock ones as I have never noticed I have had to do that with them ever. I was first introduced to Nail Rock when I went to a press day last spring and after using them then I found them so easy to use and wanted to try more styles.


Nail Rock Nail Wraps - £6.65 from Nail Rock

They take no longer than 10-15 minutes to apply, I must say they do take quite a long time on your first and even second go but once you have got the hang of it they are a doddle.

All you do is...

*Prep your nails by filing them, cleaning any surface dirt off with an acetone nail varnish remover and buff the surface shine off with a nail buffer or smooth nail file.

*Heat the nail rock up for a few minutes, choose one that matches up to your nail and then apply.

*Smooth over the nail and then file off the excess wrap to create beautiful nails.

Normally these last me about a week depending on what I'm doing and if I have applied them right, otherwise it can really impact the staying power with some I've had peeling off after just a few hours or a day. Overall though Nail Rock seem to be the only nail wraps I can get the hang of and I actually like plus they are also really easy to remove, all you have to do is get the edge of them and peel it straight off.... Simple as!.

Have you tried Nail Rock? What do you think of Nail Wraps?

Can you suggest any others?

xxx

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Mirror Mirror On The Wall Who's The Fairest Highlighter Of Them All?

There was once a time when if you had mentioned the word 'Highlighter' to me I would of thought you were talking about a bright neon marker that you use to highlight words but I grew up and realised there was many a different highlighter in this world and that one day I would become so fond of one I would call it my favourite highlighter in the world.... EVER! 

What is this highlighter I speak of?

MAC Soft and Gentle MSF

Words cannot begin to describe my love for this product, it is just the perfect highlight and gets an outing almost every day!.

Soft & Gentle is really finely milled but it does contain a lot of glitter which is easily knocked off with a tap of the brush, its also got 10g of product in which just seems to never go down so I know its going to last me a very long time.

I've also been known to use this as an eyeshadow when I'm in a rush or have not got any with me when I am staying away from home, so it has a bit of a multi-purpose use for it too!. I've found on me it lasts a long time and I can still tell I am wearing it after a long busy day.

Overall its an amazing powder that I think everyone who loves a bit of highlight and shimmer in their life should own.

What is your favourite highlighter?

xxx

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Rekindling My Love - NYC Sky Rise Mascara and an Update!

When it comes to mascaras I very rarely stray from my Avon SuperShock one, its my good old faithful and trustworthy friend that I am so very loyal to but a little while back I did a swap with Dee who sent me this. I tried it and really liked it but then it was quickly chucked in my make up draw but this week it has been the only mascara I have used. I also thought that seeing its nearly 4 weeks since my How much is the cost of beauty? post I would update you all on what I have saved from not impulsively buying things I don't need.

NYC Sky Rise Mascara - Around £3.00

L-R - No Mascara, 1 Coat and 2 Coats

I think I am just a little bit in love with this mascara, I absolutely love how it makes my lashes look but I am not in love with the fact it seems so hard to find although I have seen NYC products in Superdrug and also I found a site (here) that sells it I haven't seen it anywhere else.

I'm not usually a fan of the type of brush that's on it but surprisingly it seems to just work with this and I have grown quite fond of it. The mascara itself is not too wet and not to dry, its just a right consistency to coat all your lashes and not flick on to the top of your eyes like some cheap mascaras do. One thing I love about it is the fact it doesn't flake off in the day at all and its also so easy to remove with either a face wipe or my usual cleanser.

Now onto what you all really want to know.......

How much money I have saved!!!

£30

The things this money would I have bought if I hadn't of thought about it before....

Soap & Glory - Love At First Blush - £11

Soap & Glory - Glow All Out - £11

Soap & Glory - Super Colour Fabulipstick - £9

Barry M Limited Edition Glitter Nail Paint - £3.99

3 Single MUA Eyeshadows - £3

MUA Lipstick - £1

I know its more than £30 up there but the Soap & Glory was on 3 for 2 at the time so I don't see the £9 as something that had to be put in the money I saved, I do still really want the Barry M Nail paint though but I am giving myself until Payday to see if I actually still feel like I do when it comes.

Know anywhere I can get NYC from? Saved any money this month from not buying things you don't need? 

xxx

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Japonesque Brushes

I'm ashamed to admit that when I was younger I used to own two make up brushes, yep you heard me right just two! I had a big fluffy face brush and a blusher brush which was all I thought I needed but one day I decided to have a little venture into the world of brushes when my obsession with make up really became apparent and now I own a nice array of different ones. My brush collection mainly consists of Sigma, E.L.F, No7, Crown Brush and an odd Chanel one. I am also a bit ashamed to admit that I had never really heard of Japonesque until only a few months ago so when they asked if I would like to try a few of their brushes I was intrigued to see what they were like.

Japonesque Travel Short Handle Brushes*

 L-R - Travel Smudger, Eye Shadow Crease, Travel Angled Eyeliner and Angled Brow Definer

 Travel Smudger Brush - £14.75*

 Eye Shadow Crease Brush - £12.75*

 Travel Angled Eyeliner Brush - £12.75*

Angled Brow Definer - £10.50*

Travel Smudger and Eye Shadow Crease Brush - I find both of these brushes so soft!. The smudger brush is so densely packed and really easy to work with, the crease brush (my favourite out of the 4) is equally as easy to work with and is fantastic for applying products. The crease brush is also really good for blending too and I think the short handles on both of the brushes is what makes them so easy to use.

Angled Eyeliner and Angled Brow Definer Brush - The eyeliner brush is really soft and has a good angle on it which is great for applying gel eyeliners and also great for defining the lower lash line as it is really thin so gives good precision. The brow definer is my least favourite brush, I think mainly because the hairs on mine were a little jagged and also the fact it is so dense and stiff it seems to pick up far too much product that's hard to tap off any excess although it is brilliant for applying brow wax.

Overall I am really impressed with these brushes, they have been washed a fair few times and regain their shape without losing any hairs plus they haven't lost any while using them. They are on offer in Boots at the moment too at buy one get one half price so I'm thinking I might pick up their powder and blush brush while this offer is on as they look so fluffy and if the eye brushes are anything to go by they will be really soft.

What are your favourite make up brushes? 

xxx

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Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation

I think having a good foundation is key in any ones make up routine and I don't shy away from spending quite a lot of money on them as long as they work and give me exactly what I need but every now and then I will find a cheaper alternative that is totally amazing (Bourjois Healthy Mix I'm looking at you!). So after reading reviews and being recommended the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation on numerous occasions I thought to myself I may as well try it out and seeing as I found it on offer in Superdrug for £3.99 I thought that was even better.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation - £5.99

I shall start by saying what I like about this foundation - Its in a glass bottle and it has a pump!

I had high hopes about this foundation especially as the Lasting Perfection Concealer they do is absolutely fantastic and I wouldn't be seen without one in my make up bag but this had to be one of the biggest let downs I have experienced.  

I got the shade 4 Natural Beige but I actually think someone had swapped the lids as this seemed much lighter than the one I had swatched in the shop but its not too bad and you can hardly tell when its applied other than  the fact I feel slightly pastier with it on. I have tried applying this with a brush (Sigma F80) and also with my fingers but both have given the same naff result of crap coverage and just an overall disappointing finish.

When applying it I can only liken the feeling to rubbing sudocrem into your face and it leaves a tacky almost greasy feel to my face while looking quite drying, it also seems to cling to any dry patches on my face which I have never realised I have had before plus I moisturise religiously!. As the day goes on I notice that the centre of my face seems to of completely worn off especially my nose and chin, something I have never experienced with any other foundation plus it all seems to navigate into any sort of nook or cranny it can find like the edges of my nose and eyebrows. The picture above was taken about an hour after applying and you can already see the start of the wear and where it has already gathered by my nose.

Overall I am really disappointed in this foundation and I will not buy it or use it again as I think I have tried it enough with the same effect every time. I'm also thinking maybe I got a bad one as so many people rave about it but I'm not willing to spend money again on trying to find that out.

Have you tried this? Do you think I got a bad one?

xxx

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Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Foundation

I love Bourjois and am a massive fan of their Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder so last year when they bought out new pieces to the range I was excited to try some of the other bits. The thing that caught my eye was this...

Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Foundation - £9.99

I like the fact that this has the tell tale chocolate smell of the original Bourjois bronzer and also the fact that you can control how much colour you are using by using either of the colours or mixing them together.

The darker shade of it does seem really dark especially when swatched but when you apply it with a brush to your face it actually doesn't look as dark but I like to mix both shades together to make an in between shade.

It works really well for contouring as its completely matte and also gives a healthy glow to the skin.

The only downside to it is you can't just grab it in a rush as you have to pop it in the lid and then swirl your brush around but it is travel friendly as it has the twisting protector which also lets you control how much of each shade you use.

Overall I really like it and find myself reaching for it quite a lot compared to my other bronzers.

Have you tried this? Do you like Bourjois bronzers?

xxx

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MUA Extreme Felt Eyeliner

I have been a massive fan of MUA since the day one of their stands hit my local Superdrug, they are a mile apart from some higher end make up brands with their fantastic eyeshadows. So of course when they released their Pro range like many I was quite excited, especially for their palettes. Something that caught my eye recently was this...

MUA Extreme Felt Eyeliner - £2.00

I think this is the first time I have actually ever used a felt eyeliner, I normally go for a good liquid eyeliner with my favourite being Maybelline's but this was calling out at me and for only £2.00 I thought I might as well try it.

I've found its actually a pretty decent eyeliner, it has a thin nib for precise application and it is actually black unlike some cheaper eyeliners that can be a bit browny and clear. I also like the fact that it stays put for a very long time and can be removed easily with my usual daily cleanser.

The only problem I have found with it is that when I go to use it I always have to press it gently against the back of my hand to make the black come through otherwise only a feint black line will be possible with it and also after a fair bit of usage the nib does become a bit frayed but other than that I would say for a bargain eyeliner it is absolutely fab and I find myself reaching for it quite a lot.

Have you tried this? Whats your favourite MUA product?

xxx

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Rekindling My Love - Aussie Take The Heat Leave In Spray

I don't even know why or when I stopped using this it just seemed to fizzle out gradually, although I was using Aussies Take The Heat Leave In Cream and Toni & Guys heat protection spray so don't worry I wasn't just full on harming my hair. Well I saw this sitting on the side in my bedroom and I thought 'Ah I love this stuff! I better start using it'.

Aussie Take The Heat Leave In Spray - 150ml - £4.99

The Take The Heat range from Aussie has to be my favourite range from them by far because it leaves my hair feeling absolutely amazing and also smelling fantastic, not to mention I know that its helping my hair be protected from the copious amount of straightening and heat styling I do on my hair.

The smell of this is absolutely amazing I can't even describe it but its a bit fruity and sweet but not in a sickly way. The spray itself is quite a fine mist that dispenses evenly unlike some that just seem to zoom out.

After using this my hair feels so soft, smells gorgeous and my ends don't look frazzled, it also has Australian Jojoba Seed Oil in which helps to condition the hair.

I'm really glad that I have started using this again.

P.S... Its on offer at Superdrug at the moment for £3.49.... Bargain!

Whats your favourite heat protector? Do you love Aussie?

Any products you've been rekindling your love with?

xxx

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Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment

I am not ashamed to admit that I have unruly hair, its an absolute nightmare!. Curly, thick, frizzy, damaged and definitely over processed is where I would put it but luckily due to load of hair products I seem to maintain the look of nice sleek healthy hair 90% of the time, so when Liz Earle asked me if I would like to try their new Botanical Shine Treatment for frizzy, coarse or very dry hair I of course said yes to see how my hair would behave with it.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment - 100ml - £14.00*

Liz Earle describe this as an intensive colour safe treatment that leaves hair smooth, frizz free, deeply hydrated, tamed and totally manageable.

The first thing I had to do when I got this was sniff it, I am quite peculiar when it comes to the smell of haircare as I want it to smell fresh and how I would expect haircare to smell but this didn't. Don't get me wrong it doesn't smell awful actually really nice and one of the scents I can smell is Orange its just different to other hair products I have used. 

On first use of this I didn't really like it as my hair seemed to soak up all the product I applied and it just didn't even feel like I had any sort of conditioner or treatment on my hair while I was rinsing it out although after it had dried it was noticeably softer and sleeker. I then tried it several other times afterwards but using a bit more product than I had used before and there was a noticeable difference to that first use! Yes my hair did soak up a lot of the product but afterwards as I was rinsing my hair felt softer and like it had just had a good treatment put on it. My hair was easier to comb after washing and when my hair dried it was extremely soft, manageable and my curls were more defined, after straightening my hair it seemed to of had a new lease of life and I was even asked if I had my hair cut recently as it looked so healthy. 

My hair is also coloured and I haven't noticed any colour fade other than how my hair normally fades out as I have a semi permanent dye on at the moment.

Have you tried any of the Liz Earle haircare? Will you be trying this?

xxx

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The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter

I have recently been getting a bit of an obsession with all of The Body Shops Satsuma Range, I'm not sure whether it's because it reminds me of summer or just due to the fact it smells insanely amazing all I do know is that I need to own everything that they do in the range but so far I have been loving this.

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter - £12.50

Firstly I love how clean and fresh the packaging looks, plus its bright so that instantly makes me happy and cheers me up on them dull winter mornings. Secondly the smell is seriously like a sensation! It smells so true to the smell of Satsumas all sweet and orangey but not at all artificial.

This moisturiser is for normal skin so seems to be a bit lighter than some of The Body Shops other Body Butters but it does just the of moisturising my skin and sinking right in. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and also smelling delicious, which is so nice as I love getting bursts of satsuma smelling goodness throughout the day. 

Overall I am totally smitten with this and I will without a doubt be buying this as soon as it runs out as I don't think I will be able to bare living without it.

Whats your favourite body butter? Love satsumas as much as me?

xxx

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Illamasqua Lipstick in Drench

When I showed you guys my Illamasqua Haul a little while back I said that I would show you a few of the products I got in more depth and this is one of the products that I was instantly drawn to on the website as I am a massive lipstick lover like you all know. 

Illamasqua Lipstick in Drench - £7.50 (in the sale)

Illamasqua describe this as a pink berry red which I think is why I was drawn to it as it has my trademark pinkness that I am always looking for but it is also that deeper red that I crave to be able to wear.

I find this lipstick so moisturising even though it is a matte finish it doesn't have that dryness that most matte lipsticks have. The pigmentation of it is excellent too, one quick swipe and your lips are fully covered in colour that sticks around for ages making this the perfect lipstick. 

I am so glad that I chose to buy this and I would 100% spend the full price of £15.50 on another one of their lipsticks as this has pleasantly surprised me in quality.

Have you tried Illamasqua lipsticks? 

xxx

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NARS Orgasm

So you've probably clicked on here and thought 'Hmm something looks different!' Well you're right it does indeed as I have had a little teeny bit of a makeover. I thought SBTCD was starting to look a little cluttered and I was just starting to get unhappy with it so I pressed a few buttons, moved a few bits and called on Maria to help me with them pesky social media buttons!. I would really like to know what you guys think of the new style though as although I adore it you are the ones that read and I obviously want you to like what I've done too.

Now onto another favourite blush of mine! I had wanted this for so long but sometimes I just think am I just going to be buying into the hype of having a certain item when in reality I don't actually need it but it was also lingering on my mind like Bella Bamba but I wouldn't let up about it and started to need this just as much so when I saw it in Charlotte's Blogsale a little while ago I thought right now is my chance to own this much raved about blusher.

NARS Orgams Blusher - £20.50

L-R - Natural Daylight and Artificial Light

I think this blusher actually just speaks for itself, it is just beautiful. This arrived at the same time Bella Bamba did and I was a little worried I had spent money on something that is said to be quite like it, although after looking at and wearing them I actually don't think they are. Yes they are pretty similar but Orgasm is far more peachy and gives much more of a golder sheen once on.

The pigmentation of this blush is really good, I just need to swipe my brush and that is more than enough meaning that it is going to last for a good while. I've also noticed there is barely any fall out of product either which is what I like to see especially with expensive products as I don't want to just be throwing product away.

The only niggle I have with NARS blushes actually a lot of their products is the packaging, yes its super sophisticated with its black casing and white writing but the rubbery finish is just hell to clean and shows up every single knock it has ever been given meaning that after showing it a bit of love it can look a bit battered no matter how much you take care of it.

Do you have a favourite NARS blush? Does the packaging get on your nerves?

What do you think of new look SBTCD?

xxx

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Bella Bamba

I have lusted over this since I first ever laid my eyes on it at a Benefit event back in early 2011 but I couldn't condone the price tag after just seeing it once but every time I was near a Benefit counter I would look at it longingly and swatch it but still put it down, I had even gone as far as to having it put on me several times by some of the staff at either a Benefit store or counter but still I was refusing to buy it even though my lust for it was growing. Then when Benefit had 15% off back in November I decided now was the time to get it, now was the time I was going to own a blusher I had so longed for so I went ahead and bought their project flawless kit which contained this, a mini Girl Meets Pearl, BadGal mascara and a Ultra Shines Lipgloss.

Benefit Bella Bamba - £23.50

After getting it I didn't even use it for a while as I was so afraid this little loving obsession I had got with it would be no more as it was now mine so it sat in its box not being used for a couple of weeks and then it happened.... I opened it up and used it. I can tell you the little thing that I had going on for it had now turned into a big thing as I loved it just as much and my love for it is still continuing to grow.

Benefit describe this as a 3D Brightening Watermelon Blush that amplifies cheekbones and creates the illusion of sculpted features, I think it is just a gorgeous colour with some really nice gold undertones that looks absolutely amazing on. It definitely does something to my face as it seems instantly brighter the moment I put it on and it actually genuinely makes me feel happy when I'm wearing it.

If you haven't yet tried this just don't go by swatches or looking at it in store ask them to put it on, but be warned you might be longing over it like I was or you might just have more guts than me and actually buy it without hesitation.

Have you tried this? What is your favourite Benefit product?

xxx

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Rekindling My Love - The Breakfast Scrub

Since writing my post how much is the cost of beauty? and obviously deciding to spend less I thought I would do a series of posts on a Tuesday of products that I am rekindling my love for. Obviously there was a time where I loved them and as newer shinier things came along they got put to the back of things I want to use, so I'm now hoping not only will I rekindle my love for some of them I might just use up a lot of half empty products too!.

The Breakfast Scrub - £9.45

I first fell in love with this when I got my Soap and Glory gift set last Christmas, previous to that I had never heard or seen of it but it all soon changed to something I just needed to have constantly in my life. The smell has a lot to do with why I love it as well as the product itself, for those of you who have smelt it you will know what I mean and for those of you who haven't its a mix of Pancakes and Syrup.

When using this it does at first feel like I've just grabbed a bowl of porridge with a good dollop of syrup and sugar popped in, which is a bit sticky but as soon as it touches your skin and you start to work it in it soon goes. For me the best part of it is the fact that it has really good scrubby bits in it as I absolutely hate exfoliators that I can't feel working, I love to feel the scratch!. 

It leaves my skin feeling soft and beautifully glowing plus I smell pretty awesome too, I also like the fact that unlike Soap and Glory's Flake Away it doesn't leave that oily residue that can sometimes leave you feeling a little sticky.

Are you rekindling your love with any products? A fan of The Breakfast Scrub?

xxx

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NYX Winter in Moscow Palette

This is another item I picked up in the sales, I wasn't even going to get it but after spotting it online and thinking no I will leave it I just couldn't stop thinking about it so decided to just take the plunge and pop it in my basket!.

I picked it up for a bargain price of £10.00 at House of Fraser and I am actually very pleased with it, it contains....

2 Blushers

5 Lipsticks

14 Shadows

A Mirror

and 

3 Brushes

I'm quite impressed with it but I have only tried it twice since buying it, if anyone would like a full review and swatches of it leave a comment below and I will do a post.

Ever tried anything from NYX? Have a favourite item from them?

xxx 

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