Tag: Autumn

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BEAUTY GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX NOVEMBER 2019: WINTER WARMERS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I hope you’re all having a great month so far! It’s already been a busy one for me. I’ve already celebrated my own birthday as well as three others and we’re only three weeks in! Since I received last months Glossybox, I’ve been so excited for November’s edit. I cannot wait to show you everything! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling. 

*This post contains affiliate links

About Glossybox:

Glossybox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beautifully wrapped boxes containing 5 surprise beauty products. Every box will feature brand new products as well as some cult favourites. Glossybox is fantastic for being able to discover and find out more about new brand and products. There are also lots of benefits from being a member of the Glossyboz community. For example, by participating in suverys and referring friends, subscribers can earn GLOSSYCREDITS to spend on beauty treats. The Glossybox monthly subscription plans start from £10 and there are 3, 6 and 12 month options to choose from. You can create and edit your beauty profile to ensure that you receive products that are best suited to your skin/hair type and perosnal preferences. The boxes are beautifully packagaed, it’s genuinely like receieving a present in the post.

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

This month’s edit is all about getting snuggled up and celebrating the beginning of “cosy nights in” season – my favourite! This box is full of goodies to keep us feeling warm and wonderful throughout November. At this time of year, I tend to have lots more bubble baths and pamper nights so this box couldn’t have had a better theme!

Mudmasky – Leave-Me-On Winter Mask – RRP £43.50

This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. This is a full sized product worth £43.50. “Blown away” doesn’t even cover it. I really did not expect a product of this value to be included in an £11.75 beauty subscription box! Thank you, GlossyBox! I always feel like my skin needs a real boost during the colder seasons and thanks to MudMasky Winter Mask that’s exactly what it got. According to Glossybox, this stuff creates an invisible shield on the surface of your complexion to keep it protected from the cold. It also helps to nourish and hydrate your skin – yes please! I like to use this before I go outside to keep my skin feeling healthy and moisturised despite what the weather is throwing at it.

Rituals – The Ritual of Ayurveda Soothing Hand Balm – RRP £9

I flipping love this luxurious little hand balm from Rituals. The word “Balm” immediately had me intrigued about the texture of the product. It doesn’t leave my hands feeling sticky or wet but it does leave a my hands feeling silky (a balm-like texture funnily enough) which I don’t mind at all. It’s at this time of year that I start doing everything I can to prevent dry and cracked hands. This product couldn’t have come into my life at a better time – it’s a must for this season! My hands have never felt so soft and smooth! Featuring, Indian rose and sweet almond oil, it smells absolutely incredible. I am very tempted to stock up on a few more tubes of this magical stuff!

Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser – RRP £1.10 (Deluxe mini 29ml) / £8.99 (Full-size)

I’ve seen a lot about this brand and their skincare so I was actually really keen to put the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to the test! It’s a real multitasker as it removes makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of the oils and the pH levels that it needs! In terms of scent, there’s quite literally nothing there. In terms of results, I have definitely noticed a difference. This cleanser has managed to banish a few blemishes as well as keep my skin looking fresh and hydrated! It’s not drying whatsoever and that’s exactly what I want during Winter.

Kandi Cosmetics – Glow Up Primer and Setting Spray – RRP £20

Well hello there setting spray of dreams. I’ve been wanting to try one of these sprays for such a long time! I’m sure you can imagine my squeal of delight as I spotted the Kandi Cosmettics Glow Up Spray inside this box. This is another multitasker! First of all, it can be used as a primer for a natural and glowing base. It can also be used as a setting spray to provide an extra layer of glam! Who would have thought that it could even be used as a body spray to give you a gorgeous subtle shimmer? I love how this product can be used in different ways, I think it will be a big hit with a lot of subscribers! I don’t leave the house without a spritz of this stuff – it makes such a difference!

Hask Exotics – Argan Hair Oil – RRP £2.49

I’ve only just started appreciating the power of Argan oil. It works wonders for my hair so I was extremely excited to receive a sample of the Hask Exotics Argan Hair Oil! I use a lot of heated styling tools so I’m always looking for products containing Argan oil to keep it looking healthy and hydrated. I’ve been applying the product to my hair whilst it was damp and left it to work its magic. My hair already looks in better condition! I love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue too – I really hate that feeling! I will absolutely be purchasing some more of this stuff!

Offblak – Fruit Tea – RRP £0.84 (Extra Treats) / £9.98 (Full-size)

I just LOVE that Glossybox send us lovely extra treats in our boxes. I already have a lot of love for Offblak and their adorable packaging. Their quirky flavours are also amazing so I cannot wait to try Brighten Up and You’re Golden. They couldn’t have picked better flavours for getting warm and cosy during Winter!

Overall, I’m so happy with the November box! First of all, we received four full-size beauty products as well as two extra little treats. Most noteworthy, one product was worth a whopping £43.50! The total value of the products together, is £77.83 – wow! Not only were there a real variety of bits included but they all work really well with the season! As usual, I’m very impressed with Glossybox! Are you subscribed to Glossybox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

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Categories
LIFE

STAYING IN FOR HALLOWEEN

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! After three years of finding any excuse to celebrate just about anything at university, it’s safe to say that my days of going out-out for Halloween are well and truly over. In all honesty, I think I found myself tagging along mainly to please others and to avoid being called “boring”. I’m actually so much happier hosting a cosy movie night with some pals (squad ghouls am I right? Sorry, I had to) involving lots of sweets, snacks and spooky decor. There’s no hurried pre-drinks, no sweaty crowds and there’s certainly no queueing for the toilet! I thought I would share my top tips and must haves for the perfect Halloween night in-in.

SNACKS

It’s just not Halloween without snacks now, is it? So be sure to grab some bags of sweet treats for you and your pals. Most supermarkets and places like Home Bargains and Wilko etc. start selling spooky themed goodies during the build up to Halloween. I like to buy a mixture of sweets and chocolate just so that there’s something for everyone! Another nice ideas is a popcorn bar. You can fill trick or treat buckets with different flavours of popcorn and your pals can choose their favourite to snack on during the movies. You can do the same with crisps and dips too! Obviously don’t go filling a whole bucket with salsa unless you want to sweat your way through Annabelle more than the average person. If you have a little hunt around the shops you can usually find some quirky flavours as well as the traditional ones! I risked it and went for Toffee Apple and Cinnamon popcorn and have no regrets whatsoever – it was delicious!

CANDLES

Candles can completely change the atmosphere in any space. I light them all year round but when it gets to Autumn, the scents that start coming out are impossible to resist. I usually have a browse in my local Homesense to pick out a few that I can use throughout the season as well as for Halloween! This year I went for a Candy Corn candle and a Caramel Apple candle, both from DW Home (my absolute favourite brand) and they made the house smell incredible. I believe that the two of them together cost me less than £10 too and they’re pretty chunky! Candles always make me feel really cosy, so they’re perfect for a movie night. If you don’t like using candles (can’t relate) you can always buy some fake battery operated ones so that you still get that warm lighting without the scent or flame!

DECORATIONS

The decorations are probably my favourite part about all festive occasions. I just love putting little bits and pieces around the house to give it those extra touches! You can find so much in craft shops and bargain shops – you don’t have to spend a fortune. I’d recommend getting some plastic spiders, fake cobwebs and other little props to spread around. The great thing about most of these pieces is that you can use them over and over again! I would also recommend purchasing some big bowls or trick or treating buckets to pop the snacks into. I also like to provide something for people to throw wrappers into (unless you want your bin in the room with you). This saves you having to give everyone plates or bowls as they can just grab on the go. It also means you have less cleaning up to do afterwards! This year I used a few letter boards to display some Halloween themed quotes around the house!

MOVIES & BLANKETS

I know scary movies aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer actually being able to sleep at night which is totally understandable. However, I’m personally an eager member of team terrified. I do think it’s important to include something for everyone though. Go for a combination! Something tame like The Nightmare Before Christmas (still pretty creepy actually) usually goes down really well. You can then switch it up to Sinister (bloody terrifying) which will leave you unable to go anywhere in the dark alone for at least a week! Why do we do this to ourselves?! So that you can prepare, it might be a good idea to ask your pals if there’s anything people really want to watch or avoid. Blankets are an essential! Not only might you need something to hide behind but they make for a really comfy set-up. Pop some throws and cushions around so that people can make themselves at home and get cosy! I hosted a Halloween gathering a couple of years ago and I put a basket of blankets by the door so people could grab one on the way in!

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

If you’re looking to turn your movie night into something more special you can always include some sleepover essentials or girls night must haves. I like to offer my pals a face mask as that always makes them feel pampered and relaxed. Even if we’re going to be jumping out of our skin for all evening! You don’t have to spend a fortune on these bits. You get cheap masks in sachets from drugstores or go for something in a tube that everyone can use. If your friends are staying round, consider leaving some essentials out like toothbrushes and toothpaste, moisturisers or chocolate! I would also recommend plugging in some phone chargers so that nobody has to ask and you don’t have to go searching! It can also help to have your Wifi password written down somewhere. I like to use my letter boards for this! Of course you don’t have to do any of these things but I personally enjoy going the extra mile!

Do you prefer going out-out or staying in-in, like me? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

MAKEUP REVOLUTION: FOREVER FLAWLESS HAUNTED HOUSE PALETTE REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m back with another review of a product in Makeup Revolution’s Forever Flawless range; the Haunted House Palette! As soon as I saw that this was being released, I practically threw myself into Superdrug to get my hands on it! I love Halloween so a spooky themed palette is just too good to resist. Let’s see what I thought of it shall we?

Read my review of the Forever Flawless Optimum Palette here!

PACKAGING & PRICE

Made from tin, the packaging is the same as the other palettes in the Forever Flawless range. I just love the design with the creepy mansion and the moon, it looks amazing. I also love the raised metallic red font on the front too! How much is it? The Haunted House Palette retails at £10 which is a great price for 18 eyeshadows! Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the Optimum Palette from Makeup Revolution’s website itself or through Superdrug (which does student discount and has a point system too).

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Inside the palette, there are 18 eyeshadows: including mattes, shimmers and pressed glitter, as well as a generously sized mirror. One of my favourite things about these palettes is that every shade is individually named INSIDE the palette, with no flimsy plastic sheet in sight! It makes life so much easier when writing reviews and recommending shades to people. In terms of the colour scheme, the palette features lots of warm toned hues to create smoky eye looks for some Autumn and Halloween glam. There’s such a variety of shades from pops of bright red and orange to dark and rich browns – not forgetting the beautiful golds and coppers that this palette has to offer!

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Attic – Pink-gold duochrome pressed glitter – This shade looked as if it was going to be a blinding shimmer but it’s actually a pressed glitter. It does take a little bit of work to get an intense colour payoff but it’s totally worth it. It works better when applied over a primer. I like to use this on top of the shade “Motel” as it blends so beautifully

Motel – Matte bright pink – I wasn’t expecting to see a bright pop of pink in this palette and I wasn’t sure if it worked with the theme. However, as it turns out it’s one of my favourite shades that they’ve done. Ever! It’s so pigmented, just look at that swatch! It’s also so easy to blend, the formula is honestly giving high-end brands a reason to get back in the labs.

Decrepit – Matte grey/brown with a hint of purple – This shade was so hard to explain hence the length of my description! It’s such a unique shade, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it before. It has a beautiful mixture of grey, brown and purple hues. The formula is also beautifully buttery, it’s so easy to blend. I can see myself using this to create a lot of smoky eye looks.

Peril – Matte pastel pink – This shade is so flipping dreamy. This is the perfect pink for me and it works so well when layered with “Attic” or “Demonic”. It’s like working with velvet, it’s so easy to blend. It’s a huge yes from me!

Survival – Matte mulberry/wine purple – Another triumph! I’ve been using this shade a lot. It’s a formula that I hope Makeup Revolution sticks to as it’s just the right amount of pigmentation yet the shadows are still really easy to blend. I’ve been using this in my crease along with “Peril” – a combination I fully recommend!

Demonic – Pink/copper shimmer – Dude. This shade is on another level. It’s blindingly good! I barely have to touch it to pick up the pigment and colour payoff is unreal! I don’t mean to be dramatic but this has got to be one of the best shimmers that they’ve done. It has a foil-like texture in that it feels so silky smooth and almost looks wet when applied. I would buy this shade as a single over and over again!

2nd Row Swatches

Petrify – Matte brown with purple undertones – This shade is another quirky one. It’s not quite a purple and it’s not quite a brown, it’s somewhere in-between! It works perfectly in this palette and can definitely be used to create smoky eye looks. It works so beautifully with “Demonic” and “Phobia”.

Phobia – Purple-red duochrome pressed glitter – Here we have another gorgeous pressed glitter! Don’t expect it to be immediately blinding, it will take some patience to build up on its own. I personally think it’s much easier to work with pressed glitters on top of a primer and other eyeshadows. I love that when it catches the light, the red really shows. It’s such a great shade for this time of year.

Creepy – Silver shimmer – This is another unbelievably pigmented shimmer shade. It’s absolutely gorgeous! Imagine this being at the centre of a halo eye look. Good grief.

Monster – Burnt orange – This is the perfect autumnal shade. It’s serving me all kinds of orange/red eye makeup look inspiration! I have absolutely loved using this as one of my day-to-day eyeshadows over the last few of weeks. I have green eyes so anything orange makes them pop! It’s a pressed pigment so the formula is slightly more stubborn to work with compared to the rest of the mattes in the palette. This isn’t an issue for me as it’s still so easy to build and blend.

Phantom – Pearly white shimmer – I thought this was going to be a pressed glitter when I touched it as it just didn’t feel as smooth and buttery as the other shadows in the palette. It turns out that it’s not! It’s actually a shimmer and it’s super pigmented! This is another shade that will look beautiful as an inner corner highlight!

Creak – Copper brown shimmer – Another perfect shade for this season! I can imagine all of the gorgeous soft glam looks that people will be creating with this shade! It’s literally Autumn in a square. If you love the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette, this shade will be right up your street!

3RD ROW SWATCHES

Nightmare – Matte black – Excuse me Makeup Revolution, since when did you nail the matte black formula? I cannot believe how pigmented this shade is! I’m so used to swatching black eyeshadows only to find them really patchy or chalky. This is such a staple for a Halloween palette. I can see lots of people using it to create dramatic smoky looks too! I’ve been wearing it along my lower lash-line and my eyes have never looked bigger or brighter!

Psycho – Silver shimmer – Mindblown! This is such an amazing shade. Everybody needs a pigmented gold shimmer in their collection and here you have the perfect example! It’s not too orange and not too cool-toned . – it’s perfect. This is another shade that I would stock up on if it was available as a single pan!

Terror – Matte warm chocolate brown – This is another staple for any makeup lover. So many looks can be created using a chocolate brown shade; soft glam, smoky eyes, natural every day looks – the list goes on! It’s smooth, pigmented and goes so well with so many other shades in the palette.

Lucifer – Matte bright orange – The perfect pumpkin orange! Despite how bright it is, this shade really works with the theme of the palette. It’s the perfect transition shade to use with “Terror” or “Monster”. It has the same velvety formula as the other mattes in the palette.

Undead – Light brown shimmer – I love this shade! It’s not warm-toned like most of the other shimmers in the palette so it transitions nicely into some silvers and whites like “Creepy” and “Phantom”. It’s nice to see some less “in your face” shimmers here too because not everyone wants to go crazy with their lids!

Buried Alive – Red-copper shimmer – This shade is out of this world. The pigmentation of it literally made me gasp out loud. I’m so impressed with this one! I’ve been wearing this in the outer corners of my eyes with “Terror” and “Monster” and it never fails to impress! So many people have asked me what I’m wearing and it’s this marvellous creation right here!

WHAT DO I THINK?

I can’t actually think of anything that I dislike about this palette. Firstly, for £10 you’re getting a palette that looks and feels at twice the price. I love the colour scheme. At first the bright pops of colour didn’t make sense but after swatching them, I can imagine people creating some incredible Halloween makeup looks with them. The rest of the palette is absolutely perfect for Autumn too, there’s every shade you could possibly need to create a warm smoky eye. If you’re into your reds, browns and purples this is definitely the palette for you. The formula of the matte shades has absolutely blown me away. I was not expecting them to be so pigmented. Honestly, it feels like I’m working with a high-end palette. The shimmers and the duochromes are equally as beautiful and they work even better with a good primer and a wet brush. The packaging is gorgeous too. The design is so original and I think it will be really popular amongst the Halloween lovers! It also feels like a high quality palette as it’s not made from cheap and flimsy plastic.

Get the Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Haunted House Palette here

Let me know what you think of this palette in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my socials – come and say hey!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX OCTOBER 2019: DEVIL – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! The weeks are flying by – I don’t know whether to feel excited or stressed about that?! Either way, it means that it’s time for another Glossybox review! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling. 

*This post contains affiliate links

About Glossybox:

Glossybox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beautifully wrapped boxes containing 5 surprise beauty products. Every box will feature brand new products as well as some cult favourites. Glossybox is fantastic for being able to discover and find out more about new brand and products. There are also lots of benefits from being a member of the Glossyboz community. For example, by participating in suverys and referring friends, subscribers can earn GLOSSYCREDITS to spend on beauty treats. The Glossybox monthly subscription plans start from £10 and there are 3, 6 and 12 month options to choose from. You can create and edit your beauty profile to ensure that you receive products that are best suited to your skin/hair type and perosnal preferences. The boxes are beautifully packagaed, it’s genuinely like receieving a present in the post.

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

This month’s box is all about embracing both our angellic and devillish sides. I receieved the ‘Devil’ edit and I couldn’t be happier about it. The sassy packaging and the darker makeup is right up my street. I have dark features so they usually tend to suit me more than pastels and lighter shades do. All of the items in this month’s box are full size which I love. Also, the box itself looks incredible. It was literally like opening a present! I really feel like I’m getting my money’s worth wiht Glossybox.

STYLondon – Velvet Touch Devil Palette – RRP £15

The Devil Palette from STYLondon is basically Autumn in a grid. These colours are absolutely perfect for this time of year. I’ve actually never heard of this brand before, but they’re cruelty free which is always great! The formula of the powders was something I was really impressed with. All of the shades were beautifully soft and easy to apply. They were silky smootth and velvet to the touch (clue’s in the name I guess). I was also extremely impressed how pigmented this palette was. The one thing that I’m not a huge fan of is the packaging. It looks a bit basic and cheap. It has the potential to look absolutely gorgeous but right now I’m just not feeling it. I know it’s mostly what’s inside that counts but sometimes the packaging can really make a difference to the overall feel of a product.

Lord & Berry – Maximatte Lipstick Crayon “Devil Red” – RRP £15

I’ve receieved a lot of Lord & Berry products in various beauty subscription boxes and I’ve only got positive things to say! I was delighted to find the Maximatte Lipstick Crayon in the shade “Devil Red”. It’s at this time of year that I star whipping out all the darker shades in my lipstick collection. I just feel like you can’t go wrong with some red lippy throughout Autumn and Winter. This is such a beautiful rich shade of red. I love that the finish is matte. I actually only trust red lipstick with a matte finishes, otherwise throughout the day they’re justs so high maintenance. Not to mention after a sip of coffee, I look like an extra from The Vampire Diaries. I love that I can also use this lippy as a liner too! It means I don’tt have to carry multiple products around at once. Yes please!

Bubble T Cosmetics – Devil’s Dust Foaming Bath Powder – RRP £4.99

Now I love anything that can make my bath experience that little bit more extra and luxurious. That’s why I practically squealed when I saw the Bubble T Cosmetics Foaming Bath Powder in the October Glossybox. Scented with hibiscus & acai berry tea, this powder smells like absolutely amazing. The whole bathroom smelt like a fruit smoothie and my skin was left smelling even better. I did notice that although it claims to have a foaming formula, I didn’t see many bubbles appearing after I’d poured it into the tub. However, just because the scent was unreal, I will definitetly be purchasing some more sachets of this stuff!

MCoBeauty – Black Eye Define Crayon Liner – RRP £15

This is another brand that I’ve never heard of but I’m glad to have discovered them through Glossybox. They’re actually working with Love Island Australia, which I’m completetly hooked on at the moment. Anyone else? The Black Eye Define Crayon Liner is perfect for me as I flipping love gel forumulas. They’re so velvety and easy to work with! This liner is so beautifully creamy and easy to apply. The pigment is also out of this world, we don’t want patchy liner over here thank you very much. Can we also talk about the fact that it’s got an in-built sharpener? Why is this not a thing that all brands are doing? I think that’s such a fabulous idea. I’m quite a perfectionist when it comes to lining my eyes so I love how precise I can be with this product.

Que Bella Beauty – Plumping Gold Peel off Mask – RRP £2.49

So we all know that here on Nina Louise Law, face masks are something of an obsession. I just can’t get enough of them! Obviously I was over the moon to find the Que Bella Beauty Plumping Gold Peel off Mask inside my October Glossybox! I love skincare that offers plumping and brightening results. This mask is moisutirsing and conditioning because it’s enriched with sodium hyaluronate and organic rose water. It also contains real gold powder – not sure what this does but it makes me feel fancy so I’m cool with that. I like the fact that it’s peel off too. I really feel like that helps to remove dead skin cells and leaves my skin looking and feeling fresh! I will absolutely be purchasing some more of these.

Whittard of Chelsea – Sticky Toffee Pudding White Hot Chocolate

As an extra treat, us Glossies receieved a sachet of Whittard of Chelsea’s Sticky Toffee Pudding White Hot Chocolate. I cannot even begin to explain how good this stuff was, I was actually in shock for a while after my first sip. I didn’t even know flavours like this existed? Upon doing some research, I also found that they do some other crazy flavours; Peanut Butter, Raspberry Ripple and Rocky Road – no you aren’t dreaming. I will definitely be making an order very soon as I simply have to give some of those a try.

Overall, I’m really pleased with this month’s box! We received five full size beauty products that, together, are worth £54.48 which I think is pretty good value. I’ve known beauty boxes have a higher value than that but at the same time, Glossybox go the extra mile. For a beautifully packaged box that contains five products, all of which are full size plus a special treat, that’s already worth a lot to me! Are you subscribed to Glossybox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE – REVIEW

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Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been well and truly slapped across the face with third year! It’s here in all of it’s sobbing, sweating and panicking glory. I’ve spent the last few days chasing around my supervisor in order to figure out my dissertation. One day, I found him having breakfast next door and then another time I had to get a toddler to him me find him (that turned into half an hour of babysitting instead) so I’m sure you can tell I’m having a FABULOUS time dealing with that. I don’t like it when he turns up and I don’t like it when he doesn’t so that doesn’t leave me with very much, does it?  You would have thought that with the amount university costs us, we would be given, at least, a competent member of staff to help us through the hardest part – but apparently not! Anyway, rant over! Today’s post is another Birchbox review! I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling!

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site in order to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is so great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for a long time now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the older boxes to store makeup in too as the designs are too pretty to throw away!

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This month’s box is focused on winding down in preparation for the transition from summer into autumn. I’m so excited to slow down a bit, as these last few months have been hectic! I’m looking forward to having cosy evenings in with all the autumnal scented candles on the go – anyone else? I think these products are going to be perfect for this season! It’s usually at this time of year that my skin needs the most help. How gorgeous is this box? I love the phrase as well as the floral design, I will definitely be using this one for storage!

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BeautyPro – Thermotherapy Warming Silver Foil Mask – RRP £5.95*

Well we all know I love a good face mask. I’m always looking for new ones to try and so I was really pleased to find this one in my box this month! I’ve never tried a sheet mask before so I’m really keen to see what this one does for my skin. It targets tired and dehydrated skin to leave you with a “youthful glow” which sounds pretty promising and it’s during Autumn that my skin needs the most moisture! It suggests leaving it on for 20 minutes which is perfect for when I’m in the bath or whilst I’m chilling in bed. It’s a self-warming mask, great for nights in on those really cold evenings after I have to walk home from university. Also, can we all just acknowlegde that it’s silver?!

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Gallinée – Hydrating Face Cream – RRP £34.90 (Full Size)

It’s a no from me already. When it comes to putting something on my face, I want it to smell good. If it’s going on my feet or something then I’m not particulalry fussed but when it’s right up in my grill, I don’t want something that smells like dodgy milk mixed with fake tan… well that’s what I get every time I try this cream. I just can’t get past it! It’s such a shame because like I mentioned earlier, I need as much hydration as possible at this time of year so I probably would have liked it had it not been for the smell. I have to say that it left my skin feeling moisturised but I won’t be reaching for it any time soon, nor would I pay that price for a full sized version either!

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Winky Lux – Disco Gloss in Far Out – RRP £13

Me: oh dear god no, not another unicorn themed makeup product, get away from me, absolutely not, EW

Also me: *adds straight into makeup collection*

Right so I was totally mistaken about this product. When I first saw it, I practically threw it across the room in a state of panic as I HATE glittery crazy coloured products – they just aren’t my thing. Basciallu, anything that reminds me of this really annoying unicorn phase that the world is having is a no from me. I decided to try it anyway and I’m so glad I did! Once applied to your lips, it’s pH adjusting formula reveals a lovely glossy effect – no purple to be seen anywhere! It completely transforms when I apply it and now I’m obsessed. The glitter doesn’t look too crazy plus it smells of coconut and vanilla!

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Daily Concepts – Multi-Functional Charcoal Soap Sponge – RRP £6 (Full Size)

I’m so excited about this! I feel like charcoal skincare products have become very popular in the last few months and they’re all over the shelves now. I often use charcoal masks to draw out impurities and to keep my skin really clean and clear. We all love a multitasker and this sponge happens to be a 2-in-1! It acts as a body wash as well as an exfoliator – which will save me so much time in the shower.

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Number 4 – Lumiere d’Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect – RRP £26.25

I normally avoid leave-in products as I don’t usually have time to sit and wait for something to get to work. However, since being at university, where breakdowns are more regular than breakfast, I’ve learnt to make time. Nothing is more important than slowing down and making sure you take care of yourself. Whether that’s running a hot bath, putting a face mask on or using some leave-in conditioner! Self-care, people – do it! Apparently this spray is great for strengthening, repairing and detangling as well as taming flyaways! I don’t tend to get tangled hair but I do need something to keep it strong as I’m always using curlers and straighteners on it. I’ve used a hair product from this brand before and I loved it so I have high hopes for this one.

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Joop! – Wow! Woman Eau de Toilette – RRP £39

I’ve never tried any Joop scents before so I’m really interested to see how often I end up wearing this one. It smells absolutely amazing! The fragrance features rose, peonies, amber, patchouli and raspberry. I’ve never come across anything like it before, it’s musky but fruity at the same time. It’s definitely going to be one of my favourite scents over the festive periods – it’s gorgeous! It’s also a scent I can see myself wearing day and night too!

This month’s box had a bit of everything – makeup, skincare, haircare and even a fragrance too! It’s always nice to discover some new products as well as revisit some familiar brands and this box had a great mixture of the two. I’m looking forward to using all of these bits and pieces when the weather gets a lot colder and I’m in need of some cosy pamper evenings. The only thing that I know I definitely won’t be using is the Gallinée Face Cream as I just can’t get past the smell. With subcription boxes, I am lenient when it comes to anything that I don’t particularly like – they can’t get it right every single time! The products inside the October box, together, are worth roughly £125 which is crazy! Although one of the products isn’t for me and some of the products are sample sizes, I wouldn’t have been able to try them with my student budget anyway so I’m grateful for the opportunity in the first place. The subscription costs me £12.95 per month, which always works out at fantastic value. Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box! 

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*RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop

 

Categories
INTERIORS LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS

FAVOURITE AUTUMNAL CANDLES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! As you might have figured from some of my other posts, I absolutely love candles. I use them every single day! As soon as October rolls around or the slightest hint of orange starts appearing on the trees, I am practically sprinting to my nearest Homesense or T.K Maxx to stock up on autumnal candles. I talked about T.K. Maxx/HomeSense in my homeware post and they have some amazing candles for this season. The fact that autumn comes with its own specific scents is merely an excuse to fund my addiction further.

All but one of the candles I’m showing are from DW home (you’d have thought I was paid me the amount that I bang on about them) and they all cost me £2.99 each. There’s one candle by Pecksniff’s, who are a UK company that sell beautiful fragrances and cosmetics. When I was younger, my mum and I sometimes used to stay in a hotel that provided Pecksniffs products as their toiletries in guests bathrooms. We absolutely loved one of their body lotions, which was made from a blend of nutmeg, geranium, coriander and orange essential oils.

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  • Caramel Pumpkin – I have never been a fan of the smell of pumpkin, however, when it’s mixed with scents that compliment it, it smells so good! There are delicious hints of caramel, toffee and vanilla as well pumpkin in this candle, I LOVE IT.
  • Blackcurrant Pumpkin – There’s something so warm and rich about a blackcurrant scent, the smell of berries mixes so well with vanilla and pumpkin making the perfect candle for autumn.
  • Salted Caramel – I feel like 2017 swept in a craze for salted caramel, whether that was in coffees, chocolate bars and room sprays- it was everywhere. When I smelt this, my mind immediately took me to a sweet shop, filled with fudge, toffees and caramels (which kind of reminded me of Werther’s Originals).

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  • Pumpkin Spice – There’s nothing that smells more like a crisp autumnal day than this. The scent is rounded out with buttery notes of vanilla and the warm spices of pumpkin and cinnamon.
  • Pumpkin & Spiced Maple – This smells unreal and it’s so long-lasting. Walking back into the room after it’s been lit for a while, you are hit with warm and inviting hints of pumpkin and cinnamon.

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  • Pumpkin – I was a little bit terrified of this candle given I don’t particularly enjoy (understatement) the smell of pumpkins anyway. However I was pleasantly surprised,  it smells so good and works so well during autumn. It’s definitely one for a cosy evening in, as it’s such a comforting and warm scent.
  • White Pumpkin – This candle smells like a creamy mix of cupcakes complimented with nuances of toasted nutmeg, spicy cinnamon and of course, even more, pumpkin (surprise surprise)

I hope this inspired all the candle lovers amongst you and I will be posting something similar to Christmas candles as that’s a whole different thing altogether. I would love to hear about what scents you like to have around your house during Autumn- let me know as I’m always looking to try and buy new candles (any excuse).

N xxxx

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