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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 2019: REACH FOR THE STARS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been at my boyfriend’s for the last few days and we’ve been absolutely hooked on Prison Break. I cannot believe I’ve never watched it before! Apparently I’m not allowed to watch it unless we’re together so it’s going to be a while until my next hit. However, I came back home to a lovely little Birchbox which I am definitely allowed to enjoy by myself! I cannot wait to share this one with you as it might just be one of my favourite boxes. Ever. Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox 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 Birchbox:

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 contracts. In fact, 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 to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for years and I still look forward to receiving their boxes every month. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve been sent 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 boxes to store makeup in too!

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout! (affiliate link)

This month’s box is about pushing yourself you be the best version of yourself. Since coming back from university I have felt like I’m stuck in a bit of a rut. I feel like I’m disappointing people because I haven’t gone straight into a swanky new job and I just miss university life and the routine that came with it. I’ve written all about graduation and post-graduation, so check out this post if you want to know more about my experience. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve really been trying to push myself to achieve something every day, big or small. It’s like this month’s theme was made for me! The packaging is beautiful. I absolutely love the glossy gold stars and moons against the dark blue background. I think this will be a really popular box design with the Birchbox subscribers. Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

Ciaté London – Fierce Flicks Eyeliner – RRP £15

I go through phases with black eyeliner and I’m currently obsessed with it. I’ve been absolutely rinsing my stash so I was actually on the lookout for a new one. I normally go for paintbrush style liners but The Fierce Flicks Eyeliner is more of a felt tip style – which is also a style that I’ve used before. The first time I wore this I was absolutely stunned – it literally did not budge. I tried smudging it with my fingers and still, nothing! I have to admit, I do prefer to use something slightly finer but that’s just my preference. It is still possible to create fine lines if you just use the tip of the pen. It’s also jet-black and ultra pigmented so it doesn’t look patchy whatsoever and I don’t have to layer it up. Overall, I think this is a really great eyeliner and I will use it, I just think I’m quite picky when it comes to the style of liner that I use.

Vitamasques – Evening Goggle Eye Mask – RRP £5.99

Now, I flipping love a mask of any kind so I was buzzing to find The Vitamaques Evening Goggle Eye Mask inside my October box. My job means that I spend most days staring at a screen and sometimes that can really take its toll. I’ll end up with aching eyes or migraines in the evenings and that’s where this mask has been a game changer. It contains centella (apparently an amazing healer), amino acids (to strengthen skin) and hylauronic acid (deep hydration). I put this on whilst I was in the bath and it made such a difference. It was very relaxing and my eyes felt better than ever afterwards. I think it just helped to relieve the stress and tension that had clearly been building for a long time. I am a huge fan of this product!

This Works – In Transit Camera Close-Up – RRP £32

I already have a lot of love for this brand and own a lot of their products, but nevertheless, I still enjoy receiving things from them in my Birchbox every now and again. The In Transit Camera Close-Up is a real multi-tasker. It can be used as either as a mask, moisturiser and a primer. Three in one! I tried this out as a primer and within minutes, any redness was reduced and my face looked fresh and bright. There was definitely an airbrushing effect after I’d used it. I love the idea of a product being designed for close-up inspection, not today pores! I’m not the biggest fan of the price tag but then again, the clue is in the name, this stuff works.

GLOV – Moon Pad – RRP £8.90

I was extremely excited to see this inside my October Birchbox. Personally, I barely ever used cotton pads anyway as I tend to use reusable cloths instead. Throughout the year, lots of brands have launched reusable makeup remover pads, which I think is an amazing idea! The reason they’re doing this is that most cotton pads are not biodegradable and are terrible for the environment. One Moon Pad replaces over 400 single-use cotton pads. GLOV also chose some powerful words on their packaging “It’s just 1 pack of cotton pads. Said 7 billion people.” Imagine if everyone were to start using these? It still gets rid of all of my makeup and any dirt or impurities and yet it’s miles better for the environment. Also, you get 5 in a pack for £8.90 which is amazing value! It’s a big yes from me.

Philip Kingsley – Body Building Volumising Shampoo – £19.50

I’ve been using the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer for years and I love it so I had high hopes for the Body Building Volumising Shampoo! It contains cellulose and keratin proteins to help strengthen and condition hair. It even thickens the appearance of each strand! I can imagine that this will be popular with people who have thin or thinning hair. After I used this, my hair was left feeling beautifully soft and smelling amazing. It also gave me some great volume too which is what I was hoping for. My hair looked much fuller and healthier – both of which are always what I’m after when it comes to haircare.

I’m so happy with this box. I think this has got to be my favourite so far! The design is beautiful, the theme is perfect and the products are all fabulous! The value of the products inside the box, altogether, comes to £81.39. I think thats great value! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments. 

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout! (affiliate link). You can also get a free MAC mascara with the code: “MAC” at checkout!

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