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BEAUTY SKINCARE

DOES THE NIP + FAB – TEEN SKIN FIX PORE BLASTER WORK? – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

With the transition from Summer to Autumn well underway, my skin, as usual, panicked and decided to bless me with some spots – hooray! The change in weather either causes me to break out or just get ridiculously dry skin for a little while before it finally settles down, does anyone else have this issue? Typically, most of the year round, I don’t suffer too badly with my skin. However, if I’m stressed or the environment around me changes, I tend to get a period of breakouts. It shouldn’t, but it always makes me feel incredibly self conscious. Instead of hiding away indoors I decided to invest in some skincare to see if I could banish the blemishes as quickly as possible. This involved spending an hour in Superdrug trying to decide what product to invest in. There’s so much available these days! It’s hard to make a decision without feeling like it was perhaps the wrong one and that there might be something way better available down another aisle. However, today I’m doing the work for you. If you aren’t sure, scroll down and have a read!

*This post contains affiliate links


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I use a lot of skincare by Nip + Fab and so far, so good. I love their products and they make my skin look and feel great. I wouldn’t say that I have “problem” skin but I do get little bumps and blemishes, particularly when I’m stressed. I have been prescribed topical gel that works but it can bleach things and leaves my skin feeling quite sensitive and dry. So I decided to dive into Nip + Fab’s Teen Skin range. I was slightly put off by the name, as it made me feel a bit silly buying something that’s aimed at teenagers at the peak of puberty however I went for it anyway and I now have zero regrets. I noticed there were lots of different products in the range, all aimed at blemishes and problem skin. I chose to try the 2 in 1 Scrub and Mask Pore Blaster first.


Nip + Fab 2 in 1 Teen Skin Pore Blaster Review

The product is aimed at congested skin and it works as a mask or as a scrub. I love multi-purpose products as I feel like I’m getting more for my money and as a student, that’s important when it comes to buying skincare. I don’t usually use scrubs as I feel like they can sometimes be too harsh on my face but this one isn’t at all! I can tell that it’s really getting to work but it’s doing so gently, which is why I enjoy this product so much! It doesn’t feel like you’re going to scrub yourself so that only your feet remain.

It stops my skin from breaking out any further as well as stopping any excess oil from building up. It contains volcanic pumice to exfoliate the skin, salicylic acid to unclog present and further breakouts and wasabi extract which acts as a powerful antioxidant. I simply wet my face and then massage the scrub onto my skin before rinsing it off with warm water. When I used it as a mask, I just apply a layer over my face and leave it to dry. Both methods have completely transformed my skin! I’m so glad that I discovered this product as it’s made such a huge difference to my confidence as well as my face. I’m looking forward to trying the other products within the range as I’m sure they will be just as fantastic and effective.


So, what’s the verdict?

I strongly recommend trying the Nip + Fab 2 in 1 Scrub and Pore Blaster. I haven’t experienced any issues with it so far and my skin had cleared up within a couple of days of using it! I’d say it’s probably not the right product for everyone’s skin, but it might. be worth a try if you also struggle to get rid of those pesky pimples once they appear. What are your holy grail products? Let me know in the comments.

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE โ€“ REVIEW

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? ย 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 youโ€™re just here for the review, keep scrolling!

Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโ€™t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ€“ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month plus ยฃ2.95 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.ย Iโ€™ve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโ€™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 ยฃ5.95*

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.ย Also, can we all just acknowlegde that it’s silver?!


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Gallinรฉe – Hydrating Face Cream – RRP ยฃ34.90 (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 –ย RRP ยฃ13

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 crazyย plus it smells of coconut and vanilla!


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Daily Concepts – Multi-Functional Charcoal Soap Sponge – RRP ยฃ6 (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 ยฃ26.25

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 ยฃ39

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 theย Gallinรฉe 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!ย The products inside the October box, together, are worth roughly ยฃ125 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 ยฃ12.95 per month, which always works out at fantastic value.ย 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 ยฃ5 off your first box!ย 

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

 

Categories
BEAUTY MAKEUP

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS – SOFT GLAM PALETTE {REVIEW & SWATCHES}

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s post is all about the latest addition to the Anastasia Beverly Hills family of eyeshadow palettes, Soft Glam. Since their cult favourite, Modern Renaissance, the ABH palettes have been somewhat of a collectors item within the beauty community. I have to say, they are some of the best palettes that I’ve ever used so I’m sure you can guess which direction that this review is going to go in…

This palette contains affiliate links


Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette Review & Swatches

As soon as I saw a picture of the palette online, I knew it would be full of neutrals and warm-toned shades. The name “soft glam” sounds loike a combination of subtlty and sophistication, which is right up my street! As much as I love embracing my crazy inner MUA, sometimes I love to keep it simple! I’m drawn to nudes and neutrals just as much as I am to vibrant and dramatic colours, so I know that I will still really enjoy using this palette. It seems to me that this is the kind of palette you can take anywhere and you’re good to go – which is ideal for people that travel a lot! The packaging, as expected, has the same gorgeous velvety exterior as the other ABH paletes, which I absolutely love! It looks and feels so luxurious and it’s so much nicer than the usual plastic and cardboard most other brands use. The only slightly “hmmm” part about this palette, is the price tag. At ยฃ43, it’s a rather expensive addition to any makeup collection. The question being, is it worth it?


Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette Review & Swatches

The palette contains 14 beautiful shades, including essential mattes to stunning shimmers. Just like I thought, the shades are warm-toned and neutral, perfect for both day-time looks as well as night-time glam. They’re also the kind of shades that can work all year round, meaning you can easily get your money’s worth when it comes to usage! So many looks can be created with this palette, from elegant and understated to bold and glamorous. There is a slight overlap with some of the shade from the Modern Renaissance palette (Tempera, Burnt Orange and Cyprus Umber), which is kind of frustrating as I paid a lot of money in the hope that this palette would be a totally new addition to my collection, however, I do love all three of those shades and I’m quite glad to have some replacements. I’ve been wearing the shadows for a couple of weeks now and I have reviewed every single one below!


Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette Review & Swatches

Tempera – Ultra-matte beige with warm undertones – One of my favourite base shades ever. I always use this before I apply anything else to my lids. It always makes my eyes look bigger and brighter, and it compliments any shadow that I wear it with. It’s velvety soft and yet it’s so richly pigmented, I don’t know how they do it. It blends like a dream without losing any coverage either, 10/10! 

Glistening – Iridescent gold with orange undertones – This shade doesn’t have the same “wow” factor that the other shimmers do as it’s not as pigmented. It blends out to be quite sheer on me, however when applied with a wet brush, I can build it up a fair bit. However it’s a shame it isn’t more intense. I guess the palette is called “soft” for a reason though, right? It’s probably the ideal shimmer for someone that prefers a subtle look. 

Orange Soda – Ultra-matte pastel peach – How gorgeous is this shade? I can see myself wearing this all year round as I love warm toned shadows! It’s pigmented and blends really well too. It tends to fade after a while so I like to combine it with other shades or just use it as a subtle transition into something darker. 

Rose Pink – Rose gold/copper with warm undertones – Now we’re talking, this shade is right up my street! I love anything rose gold – especially when it comes to makeup! It’s pigmented but can sometimes be difficult to apply so I like to use a good base as well as setting spray to help it along a bit.

Sultry – A medium-dark coppery chocolate brown – YES – I love this shade! The colour payoff is amazing and it adds a touch of drama to any look. I love using this on the outer part of my lid to create some depth. I nearly always use it with a damp brush to make it more intense. 

Bronze – Metallic bright bronze-gold – The sparkle that this shade gives off is amazing, I feel so glam when I’m wearing it and I always get compliments whenever I have it on. It’s so bright that it makes me look ten times more awake! Again, I tend to apply it with a wet brush, which always intensifies the payoff.

Mulberry – Ultra-matte deep mulberry/plum – The formula is velvety soft and it blends beautifully. I was worried it would be patchy but it was totally fine and applied evenly.


Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette Review & Swatches

Dusty Rose – Ultra-matte dusty mauve – I love this shade. It’s so elegant and even on it’s own looks lovely. It’s super pigmented and it applies evenly too. I reckon it’s the perfect springtime shade and would also look gorgeous in summer. I don’t actually own any shades quite like this either, so I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with it over the last couple of weeks.

Fairy – Multi-dimensional bright yellow-gold – Isn’t that the perfect name for this shade? It’s so soft and gentle and yet so pigmented and bright! I’ve been wearing this almost every day and I blooming love it. I always apply it on top of a concealer instead of a primer to intensify the brightness and it works a treat!

Burnt Orange – An ultra-matte deep orange – This shade is so pigmented! I didn’t even have to try to get it to swatch well either! It blends really well so I love using this in the crease as a transition shade and also on it’s own for a more subtle look. 

Sienna – Ultra-matte earthy brown with red undertones – I love this shade! I’m getting some strong autumnal vibes, so as soon as September rolls around, I can see myself wearing this a lot! 

Rustic – Ultra-matte cinnamon brown – I think browns are the shades that I reach for the most! Rustic blends out for a subtle look but can also be built ip up to be quite bold too. I love wearing this on it’s own with a tiny bit of shimmer on the lid. However, as lovely as it is, you may be able to see in the photo above, that it darkened in random places, which made it look a little bit patchy. 

Cyprus Umber – Ultra-matte dark coffee brown – I feel like I’m repeating myself here but it’s another brown shade that I reach for all the time! This shade comes in so handy for adding a bit of depth to a look or for creating a smokey eye. Also, I have to say that the pigmentation is insane too, I’m very impressed. 

Noir – Ultra-matte carbon black – I love it when palettes include black shades! There was a time where I used to wonder how they could ever be used, whereas now I’m using them all the time. Just like Rustic, it can turn a day-time look into night-time glam in seconds. I often blend this along my lower lashline to make my eyes look bigger and brighter. It’s not as creamy as the other mattes in the palette, so it takes a bit more work to blend out. 


I actually really like this palette. I was a bit worried that it would be a tad too subtle for me as I tend to go for shades that I can go all out with. However although the shades are mainly neutral, are all rich in pigmented and with that comes the option to go all out if I wanted to, or I can keep it simple. That’s why I like this palette, it gives you the freedom to create what you want and even just looking at it, I can see so many different combinations! Some of the shades needed a bit of help from primers and wet brushes but I didn’t expect them to be as intense as some of the shades in their other palettes, as after all, it’s been named “soft” for a reason. I’m experimenting with the whole “less is more” idea, so I reckon this palette will come in handy when trying to create some more natural looks. I also think that ABH have been working on their matte formulas as they all felt velvety to the touch (more so than usual) and blended out beautifully. However, a couple of the mattes seemed to darken slightly in random places which isn’t ideal for a high-end palette. My main issue with this, is that I paid a lot of money for this palette, so in all honesty, any flaws aren’t going to go down well. If you’re going to charge a lot, the quality needs to be as close to flawless as possible.

So in conclusion, I like it! It’s a fantastic palette and I’m glad that I added it to my collection. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty close! The weird dark patches with some of the matte shades are a bit annoying but I can get over that as I’m able to use the shades and still get my money’s worth. I can see myself taking this on holiday with me as well as using it in winter so in my opinion it’s a palette that can be used all year round. Not only does it come with 14 gorgeous shades that can create so many different looks, but it also comes with a generously sized mirror, making it ideal to travel with for on-the-go use. Not everyone wants to go for the perky pinks or the vibrant violets, so I would recommend this palette to anyone that’s looking for something more delicate with a hint of glamour too.

Check out the Soft Glam palette here!

Want to know what the other Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes are like? Check out my reviews of Modern Renaissance, Subculture and Prism palettes to find out!

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N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY MAKEUP

I HEART REVOLUTION: COTTON CANDY CHOCOLATE PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently writing this in Majorca! I’ve spent the last few days soaking up the sun and floating in a ring in the sea (it’s a hard life but someone has to do it). I’m flying home in two days, so I’m sure the holiday blues will kick in when I have to go back to university for my third year! That’s going to be the worst wake up call EVER. One thing that I’m sure will get me through, is the Makeup Revolution Cotton Candy Chocolate Palette, which I’m going to be reviewing today!

This post contains affiliate links*


The Cotton Candy Palette is part of the I Heart Makeup chocolate bar series, Read my reviews of the Mint Chocolate Bar Palette & Golden Bar Palette if you want to know more about the range. This palette retails at ยฃ8.99 and you can grab it on the Makeup Revolution website or from Superdrug.


PACKAGING

Just like the other palettes in the range, it’s designed to look like a chocolate bar. It’s clear to see that it was influenced by candy-floss with that pretty baby pink and cream colour scheme. The one thing I’m not a huge fan of, is how chunky the palette actually is. I appreciate the creativity but I find it difficult to store. I use a filing system and these palettes take up a lot of room.


WHAT’S INSIDE?

The Cotton Candy Palette contains 18 shades; 14 shimmers and metallics and 4 mattes. I wish there had been a bit more variety. The best thing about having a palette that contains a bit of everything is you can rely on it to create lots of looks on its own. I will definitely need to reach for other palettes to create more looks. It’s a shame as there’s so much space inside the palette. I think it could have been split more evenly. Most of the shades are neutrals and pinks which is ideal if you like playing around with those colours. There’s also a good variety of warm and cool toned shades. Also, it’s scented people! We’re not talking Willy Wonka’s factory, it’s kind of a fake chocolate smell, but it’s nice! I hate when eyeshadows smell of chemicals so this makes for a nice change.


FIRST ROW

Topped A champagne gold metallic – Quite powdery but when applied carefully it looks great! 

CarnivalA light rose gold metallic – Not that pigmented but it is buildable and it looks gorgeous on! It’s such a pretty shade for Autumn. I love using bronze shades, particularly pinky ones! 

EnjoyA taupe matte – My least favourite shade in the palette! As you might be able to see from the swatches, it’s patchy and it took a lot of effort to get any pay off. Ironically I didn’t exactly enjoy it! 

Fancy – A light copper satin – Similar soft feel to Carnival however this one has more pink in it. It’s quite subtle at first but it’s also buildable and it’s a lovely shade for the inner part of the lid.

FairgroundA matte taupe with a gold shimmer – I’m slightly disappointed with this matte shade too! It’s not very pigmented and it takes a while to build it up

SweetheartA burgundy red satin – I love this shade! It’s so pretty and it will look so stunning during Autumn and Winter along with some other warm toned shadows. It also feels silky soft and applies beautifully.


SECOND ROW

Made To ShareA warm light brown matte – This matte is much more pigmented than the others and I actually quite like it! I can use it as a transition shade but other than that I probably won’t use it all that much.

Fairy FlossA pastel pink shimmer – It’s quite similar to the shade Topped in that it’s powdery and glittery at first but when applied bit by bit and with a wet brush, it looks gorgeous! I love wearing pinks so I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of this one!

StrawberryA pink metallic – My favourite shade in the palette! It’s nicely pigmented and it’s just as good as some of my more expensive metallics! 

CloudsA silver-grey metallic – I don’t actually own a good silver metallic shade and I’ve been looking for one for ages so I was happy to find this one inside the palette! It’s slightly chalky but it still looks lovely on! 

Spun SugarWarm rose metallic – I love this shade! It’s pigmented and easy to apply (especially with a wet brush) and I can see myself using this one a lot! I love that it has a pink shift to it, it looks so elegant and pretty! It’s a more subtle pink than the shade “strawberry”. 

Sweet Tooth Cream metallic shimmer – Annoyingly, this is also quite powdery and glittery so the fallout is a bit annoying but I still use it to glam up my makeup looks! I think they just need to work on their shimer formula a little bit more. 


THIRD ROW

Pretty In PastelMetallic pastel purple – My second favourite shade in the palette! Look how pigmented it is, it’s ridiculous. I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of this shade in particular, especially when the weather starts compliment these colours a bit more in Spring!

ConfectionLight metallic bronze with a white Shift – This is such a stunning shade! I love anything champagne coloured as I find these shades are the most flattering on me. I tend to wear metallic shades like this every day paired with a neutral matte.

So SweetA light pink metallic with a white shift – I would have liked this to be slightly more pigmented, it’s just not quite bold enough for me.

Treat For YouDeep cinnamon matte – This is the kind of shade that I wear every day. It’s perfect for depending the crease. It was slightly patchy when swatched but on the eyes, it looks flawless.

Puff Deep muted purple with pale pink shift – Although I’m a fan of warm toned makeup looks, every now and again I like to experiment with pinks and purples. I can see myself using this to create some berry toned smokey eye looks all year round. Imagine this with the shade Strawberry and Fairy Floss.

DreamsDeep copper metallic with a slight shimmer – I bloody love this shade. It’s the perfect copper and you know me and my bronze eyeshadows – I can’t get enough of them. It’s pigmented, buttery and it can work with so many different looks.


WHAT DO I THINK?

In terms of things that I don’t like, I think there could have been more matte shades. There needs to be more of a variety, perhaps some darker and lighter. When it comes to creating makeup looks, I tend to use the palettes that have the most in them, that way I don’t have to reach for anything else. If I’m travelling, I can pack lightly. It’s just so much easier to be creative! We definitely could have had some fun, bright colours in there. Perhaps some pinks and purplest to fit with the theme? I might sound picky but it would have made such a difference!

That being said, this palette only costs ยฃ8.99. Given that it contains a whopping 18 shades and I like nearly all of them, it’s really great value. Even though I think it could be improved, I really like the design, the colour theme and the formula of most of the shades. I love the packaging but it I think it would be slightly better if it was bit less bulky and chunky. That won’t stop me from buying more of these palettes though!


What do you think of this palette? Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments! Donโ€™t forget to follow my socials โ€“ come and say hey!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY

MOPBOX: SEPTEMBER 2018 โ€“ LET IT GLOW*

Hey Guys,

How are you doing? I’m currently ignoring the fact that I need to be packing for a holiday that I’m going on in less than 24 hours. I’m going to Mallorca with my boyfriend and his best friends (another couple). We’ve only been on family holidays together so I’m excited to be going away with just him. I’ve also never been to Mallorca so I’m looking forward to exploring a new place. I plan on sunbathing as much as possible and topping up my tan so that during Autumn I don’t look like a ghost (although I could make that work for Halloween).

*Paid AD &ย Giftedย Items


This is a paid collaboration, however all opinions are my own!

Today’s post is another collaboration with MOPBOX, a new makeup-only subscription box, here in the UK! I’m a makeup addict so this is exactly the kind of subscription that I need in my life. Subscriptions are open on the first of every month and stay open until the 28th (unless the boxes all sell out) and your box is then shipped around the 30th viaย Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For postal service. You can choose from three different subscriptions; monthly, 3 months or 6 months.ย If you sign up for 3 or 6 months, you pay monthly with a saving, instead of an upfront payment, however, cancellation is at the end of your plan if you choose to subscribe to either one of these!


WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Each box features a stylised makeup-look to create and it also includes the makeup, tools and brushes to help you do it! Thereโ€™s also a magazine inside, with a step-by-step guide showing you exactly what to do. I think these boxes will be so inspiring for any budding makeup artists or for anyone looking to boost their confidence in order to express themselves through makeup!


HOW MUCH IS IT?

Monthly Subscription –ย ยฃ24/month

3 Month Subscription – ยฃ23/month

6 Month Subscription – ยฃ22/month


IS IT WORTH IT?

Last month’s box was amazing. I was extremely impressed with the products that were included. The sizes were all very generous and the brands were all great too. One of my pet peeves with most beauty subscription boxes is how reluctant most of them are to include decent sized products. I would happily pay more per month to receive normal sized beauty products than tiny little ones that I can’t really test properly. From what I’ve seen, the boxes from the last two months (August and September) are definitely worth the money.

CHECK OUT MOPBOX HERE

READ MY REVIEW OF LAST MONTH’S BOX


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This month’s theme is focused on creating a glowing makeup look – perfect for the last stretch of summer! I love using products that make my skin look radiant as I use lots of liquid products and I don’t really like to ย have a matte face. I am still haunted by the days where I wore so much powder that I probably looked like a cake (year 8 throwback).ย Just like last month, we received another lovely magazine which provides information about every product including their RRPs (I find this info helpful when working out if I am getting my money’s worth). There is also a step-by-step guide, teaching you how to create this month’s look, featuring tips and tricks from industry professionals!ย Just by flicking through the magazine, you can tell that that MOPBOX is different from the rest.


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Phase Zero โ€“ Metal Foil Eyeshadow in “Gold Roses” โ€“ RRP ยฃ4.75

I practically jumped for joy when I discovered that this product was included in my September box. I love anything gold and when it comes to eyeshadow, it’s a staple in my makeup bag. I always go for a shimmery base, whether I wanted one or not, it just seems to happen every time. The texture of this foil shadow is difficult to explain. It reminds me of the Kylie Cosmetics Wet Set – it’s kind of springy and wet and it applies so smoothly as a result. Swatching it was a piece of cake as it’s so pigmented! I always worry with cream shadows whether or not they will take a lot of blending however this one takes seconds. The quicker you work, the easier that it blends out!ย It’s even better on the eyes as it stays put for hours when applied properly (using last month’s MOPBOX brush).ย Although we received it in a Summer box, it will be amazing to work with during Autumn with warm orange and red shades.


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Elizabeth Arden – Maximum Volume Mascara in “Black 01” – RRP ยฃ22

I was shocked that they included such a high end product in this month’s box. The mascara itself nearly costs as much as the whole box – wow?! I’m always changing my mascaras up as I have extremely boring lashes that just go in a straight line unless forced (anyone else?). This product actually works for me which is very rare! I love how well it separates my lashes and makes them look much longer – another rare find for me! Normally I don’t like to spend too much on mascaras however this one is clearly worth the money.


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Model Co – Highlighting Trio – ยฃ16

Well, you know me and my cream products – I’m obsessed! I just love radiant and glowing makeup looks and this is the kind of product that I search high and low for. The fact that three shades are included in one little pot is perfect for saving space in your makeup bag plus I can see myself using all three to contour, highlight and as a blusher too! The formula is so creamy and smooth, it’s so easy to apply over foundation and it also blends really easily too. I’m also a huge fan of Model Co’s products anyway so I knew that it was going to be good before I’d even opened it!


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So Susan – Haute Light Pencil – RRP ยฃ15

Sometimes I find that using black eyeliner can just be too much and it makes me look terrifying. I’ve been looking for a good white or cream liner for ages to try and brighten my eyes instead and all of a sudden this one arrived! Last month we received a So Susan palette and it was great quality so I had my hopes up for this product. So far, it’s living up to my expectations and it’s been a staple in my makeup bag since I received it! I absolutely love it. Don’t worry about it being dramatic either, it’s very natural and creamy rather than white so you won’t look crazy.ย My eyes are the one thing that I actually like about my face so I love using products that enhance them and make them stand out more. This pencil is an absolute yes from me!


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NYX – Lip Lingerie in “Bedtime Flirt” & “Push-Up” – RRP ยฃ7

I’ve been debating about buying these for such a long time. I’ve only heard good things but I just couldn’t make my mind up as there are so many shades available! I was so happy to receive these two minis in this month’s box as it gave me a chance to properly test them out. I tend to wear reds at this time of year but I wear nudes a lot too so I can definitely make these shades work! They swatched beautifully and they lasted a long time – I carried on with my day as usual and they were still there when I was getting into bed! I’m so impressed with the formula and the staying power! I love that we received two in this box as well!


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Sunkissed – Hello Sunshine Powder – RRP ยฃ3.99

My skin is normally somewhere on the darker side of pale (not white and not quite olive) and I tan very easily so I always use warm shades when it comes to contouring or bronzing products. I just find that cool toned shades look awful on me! Typically, I also go for bronzers with a slight shimmer to them however this one is matte so I’m interested to see what I can do with it. Also, how generous is this pan? It’s HUGE! This is what I mean, you really do get your money’s worth with MOPBOX! Even though this bronzer only retails at a few pounds, it just goes to show that subscription boxes don’t always have to include sample sizes.


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Bourjois – Khol and Contour 16hr Pencil – RRP ยฃ4.99

Although I mentioned previously that I don’t always like to use black eyeliners, when I need to add some drama to my makeup looks, this is the kind of product that I look for! I’ve always loved Bourjois (I’ve been using their foundation for over 7 years now) so I was keen to try this pencil out as I knew the quality would be good. I was right! It’s pigmented and easy to apply. It’s the kind of product that can turn any daytime look into a night-time look in seconds! When they say “16H” – they mean it! It’s so long-lasting and it’s smudge proof so whether you’re sobbing in the toilet with your pals or you’re dancing the night away on the sweaty dance floor, this pencil has got your back!


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MOPBOX – Powder Brush – RRP ยฃ16

I just can’t get over the quality of the MOPBOX makeup brushes. This month we received a large powder brush – perfect for setting powder or bronzer! It’s so soft and you can tell that it’s high quality too just by the weight of it. I’m so impressed with this brush and I’ve been using last month’s almost every day, more than some of my high-end brushes! I’m really excited to see what other brushes we will receive!


Overall, this was another fantastic box. There isn’t a single thing I would change or improve here – everything is amazing. It’s very rare that I don’t have something negative to say about a subscription box as there’s usually something that doesn’t suit me etc. but in this case, I have nothing but praise! MOPBOX is just ticking every box for me. I understand that some of you may be thinking well if she’s being paid to write this post, she’s probably biased. Well if you’ve read my disclaimer page, I wouldn’t recommend anything to you unless I would buy it myself. So regardless of the fact that this is a collaboration, I would subscribe to MOPBOX anyway if I wasn’t working with them. If you’re looking for a new beauty subscription or you want to become more familiar with makeup and how to use it in different ways, this is definitely the box for you!ย What do you think of these products? Do you have any suggestions for how they could improve or anything that you really love? Let me know in the comments! Iโ€™ve included all of my social media below so be sure to come and say hey!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

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N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

MAKEUP REVOLUTION – OPULENCE HIGHLIGHT COMPACT – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m all about keeping that summer glow going for as long as possible soย today I’m reviewing a particularly shimmeryย Makeup Revolution product! You may have noticed that I’m a huge fan of their brand and I love to talk about them here on my blog. You may have also noticed that each week they seem to be one step closer to drugstore domination and I’m so here for that.ย I love that they still follow all of the trends in the beauty community whilst every product affordable, high quality and inclusive of all different skin tones too. It’s refreshing to finally discover a brand that can offer all of those things without charging us a fortune! Are you a fan of Makeup Revolution? What would you like me to review next?


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Today I’m reviewing an exciting new product from Makeup Revolution. This is the Highlight Compact in their Opulence series! I chose this particular compact because I tend to suit more warm toned highlighters than the more cool toned ones. I was so excited when I saw these being teased on their social media channels! I’ve been using lots of their highlighters as part of my usual makeup routines so I had high hopes for this one. It retails at ยฃ8 and is available to purchase online as well as in a majority of Superdrug stores in the UK.


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I think we’re all thinking it. Yep. Move aside Bobbi Brown, a new shimmer brick is in town.ย I know that they aren’t exactly the same, but the beautiful textures and the variety of shades packed inside a luxury little compact is pretty similar, right? Makeup Revolution describe it as a luxury highlighter compact without the expense so it seems like that’s what they’re getting at. If I can get my hands on something similar without having to break the bank – tell me more!

The packaging itself is gorgeous. The white and gold colour scheme looks so luxurious and expensive too! It definitely looks just as good as some of my high end products.ย It might be small but it contains four satin highlighter shades, great for anyone wanting to save some space in their makeup collection.ย You can either wear each shade separately or swirl your brush around the compact to create a glowing combo. I love that there’s a mirror too, which makes it a great product to travel with for on the go use!


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So here we have the swatches. The pigmentation is amazing and whenย applied with a setting spray, they look even better. Depending on what look you’re going for, definitely keep that in mind as a little bit goes a very long way. I’m not sure how I feel about the texture of the highlighters. It’s difficult to put my finger on what it is exactly but she shades felt a bit powdery and chalky when I was swatching them. This could just be because they are so densely packed, so I’d recommend applying them a little bit at a time if you want to avoid any clumping on your cheek bones. That being said, this product is still amazing for the price. I actually use these as eyeshadows too. I’m used to a more powdery consistency when it comes to my eye makeup so I find that these work really well with some matte shades too.ย I’ve used them to create a halo eye look and I got so many compliments so I’d recommend using the compact as a 2 in 1!


Granted, it’s not the best highlighter that I’ve ever used, which funnily enough is from I Heart Revolution, but it’s still a great product.ย Despite my being picky about the texture of the shades, I have still been using it and I’ve figured ways around that. I apply the shades in small amounts, sometimes with my finger to make sure I have full control of what is going where. I use the products lightly to begin with and then I can increase the intensity if I wish.ย I also use the shades as eyeshadows which means I get maximum use out of the compact. The packaging is definitely a winner as it looks so luxury and expensive.ย This compact is also available as a blusher and an eyeshadow and both are equally as gorgeous! If you look closely at the eyeshadows, you’ll see what I mean by the textures of the highlighting compact. They’re both really similar which I’m assuming means they designed this range with multi-use in mind, or they just used the same formula across the board.

Let me know if you’d be interested in a review of the other two as I’d be more than happy to do that!

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N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS PRISM PALETTE {REVIEW & SWATCHES}

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m trying to get organised before I go on holiday to Mallorca in a week. I have a list of things to do that just keeps growing every day, no matter how much I seem to get done! I have lots of exciting content scheduled to go up for you guys whilst I’m on holiday so if you aren’t subscribed, make sure that you are so that you get notified with every new post!ย At the end of every post, I link all of my social media so that you can see what I’m up to in-between posts, I’d love it if you gave me a follow – come and say hey!

Today I’m going to be reviewing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism palette! I know some of you will be thinking “didn’t this come out last year?” and you’d be right in thinking that! It did come out ages ago, however, I only just caved and bought it so I thought I would post a review! There’s just something so collectable about the ABH palettes, I feel like I need them all.ย I know lots of you are makeup lovers too, so if any of you are considering purchasing the palette, keep reading!

This post contains affiliate links

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I already own two ABH palettes (Modern Renaissance & Subculture) so I reckon I have some knowledge about the quality of their eyeshadows and what to expect.ย You may be familiar with the high price tags, however for those that aren’t, they usually retail at ยฃ43. Just like the others, the Prism palette is covered in a beautiful crushed velvet material featuring a gold geometric design. There’s something so luxurious about this packaging, it partially justifies that price tag.


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The Prism palette contains 14 shades including some ultra-matte, duo chrome and metallic pigments. It’s definitely a palette for those that enjoy experimenting with bold and bright colours! I bought it purely because of the variety that it offers – think of how many unique looks that can be created from these 14 shades! The paletteย comes with a dual-ended soft blending brush which actually does a fab job. There’s a generously sized mirror for on-the-go use which makes it perfect for travelling with. ย It’s also the kind of palette that can work all year round for lots of different occasions. For example, we’ve got bright pops of colour for Spring and Summer and the darker neutrals and shimmers for Autumn and Winter. Just looking at it makes me want to be creative! I love that the shades are all labelled too as I always lose this flimsy sheets that some palettes come with. Want to see some swatches? Keep reading…


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LucidAย duo chrome with warm gold undertones and flecks of pink-ย I love using this as a brow highlight or for my inner corners. It can sheer out on the lid so I’d recommend applying and building it with setting spray on your brush.

EdenA pink/coral matte with warm orange undertones – Very pigmented. It’s almost fluffy to touch! So smooth and easy to apply.

UnityA light beige/nude matte – Slightly too dark to use as a base shade for me but I use this if I want to add a really natural bit of depth added to my eye makeup.ย I’m usually not that fussed about these kind of shades, they’re not the most interesting but handy to have in a palette. It’s also pretty pigmented and it swatched beautifully.

SphinxA metallic bronze with warm orange undertonesย – This is a pigmented shadow however I’ve used better. I like my bronze and golds to be blinding and this takes a few applications to achieve that. It’s not sheer but it’s also not full coverage.

OsirisA midnight blue/purple shimmer with flecks of silver – It’s nice to have a cool shimmer shadow within the palette, which is what I meant when I talked about the variety that this palette has to offer. This shade was very easy to swatch and blend out as it’s very buttery and soft.

SphereA bright yellow matteย with green undertones– I was really excited about this shade when I first saw it. I love using bright colours in my inner corners to add some drama so this seemed like the perfect shade (I know it looks like a mustard yellow but it’s much brighter than that). It’s not the most pigmented and it can sort of blend into a sheer base on the lid which isn’t what I was hoping for. It’s buildable but I was hoping for a more pigmented matte. I’ve been using it to blend warm shades together and I reckon I’ll get some more use out of it during the Autumn months.

ObsidianA deep black matte – I’m just not a fan of this shade, it’s my least favourite in the palette. It was difficult to move around when swatching and on the lid, plus it was semi-sheer and patchy in some places. For the price of the palette, this should’ve been much better than it was.

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DimensionDuo chromeย grey/silver shimmer withย pink flecksย – I love this shade. It’s so pigmented! It blends like a dream and it barely takes any effort to achieve full coverage. I like how unique this shade is too, it’s unlike any other shadow that I’ve come across, so I’m happy to pay a little extra for something new in my collection. It was quite dry which made fallout a slight issue when applying. I tend to use setting spray when applying shimmer shadows as not only do they apply better but they last longer too!

Parallel – A warm and dark chocolateย brown matte –ย Everyone needs a shade like this in their life. They’re so handy for making any look smokey and dramatic. I use this shade all the time to darken any look for some nighttime glam! It’s pigmented and blends out pretty well for such a dark shade.ย 

PyramidA metallic yellow gold – Now we’re talking. This shade is fab! I love using this all over my lid – it’s too pretty to only use a tiny bit of it so I go all out! It’s also the kind of gold that works all year round for any occasion so you definitely get your money’s worth.

ThroneMetallic dark blue with flecks of green – I’m unsure about this shade. It’s pigmented and it looks pretty but I think it’s a bit too dark and it just doesn’t look very flattering on me. If it was a little bit lighter I reckon I’d use it all the time.

SaturnTerracotta Matte – I’m a big fan of warm shades pretty much all year round. I use them almost every day as I find they’re the most flattering for my skin tone. This shade is exactly what I look for in every palette I buy – I get so much use out of it!

EternalMetallic Copperย – My favourite shimmer shadow in this palette! I just love a copper shade and although I have a stupid amount of them, it’s always nice to get a new one every once in a while. It’s so creamy and buttery that it blends beautifully across the lid.

LureAshy lilac matte – ย I’ve somehow managed to forget to swatch this shade – I’m so sorry! However, I have been wearing it so I can still review it for you, there just isn’t a swatch photo! I wear lots of pinks and purples so I’m always looking for new shades to create these looks. This lilac is so beautiful! I was worried it would be powdery after feeling the texture of it in the pan however it’s nicely pigmented and it looks beautiful on the lid or in the crease.


There we have it ladies and gents – the Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism palette! The packaging is gorgeous, I love the dramatic combo of black and gold as well as how the box itself is more matte than the others in the series. It feels so luxurious and I guess that’s one reason why I’m happy paying more than usual. The range of colours included is amazing! I like paying for palettes that are different from the rest and the Prism palette really stands out in that sense. So many different looks can be created from these fourteen shades. The shadows themselves are very nice quality. There are one or two that I would tweak and I think that the price should be lower if there are going to be shades lacking in pigment. However a majority of the shades are extremely pigmented and apply beautifully. I would really recommend this palette to anyone that is looking to be creative with their eye makeup. It’s definitely a palette for those that aren’t afraid to experiment with colour however if you’re looking for something more subtle, this probably isn’t the one for you! What do you think of this palette? Let me know in the comments below! Want to see what I’m up to in-between posts? Check out my social media below! I’ve also put links below to my reviews of the other palettes in this series!

READ MY REVIEW OF THE MODERN RENAISSANCE PALETTE

READ MY REVIEW OF THE SUBCULTURE PALETTE

 

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N xxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2018: ETSY โ€“ REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

Of course, I’m back with another Birchbox review! I really love writing these posts as it gives me a chance to zone out and talk about beauty products which is my favourite thing to do! I’ve been subscribed to Birchbox for such a long time that opening and reviewing their boxes is just part of my routine now! Are any of you subscribed to a beauty box? As usual, I’ve included lots of information below about what Birchbox offers etc. but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling!

Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโ€™t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ€“ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month! 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 over a year now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโ€™ve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโ€™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 in collaboration with Etsy, the wonderful online marketplace for the creative community. I absolutely love buying my art supplies from Etsy, there’s such a vast range of things available and there’s something for every occasion! If you haven’t checked them out before, you’re missing out! Birchbox decided to feature ten Etsy sellers to create a selection of box designs for subscribers to receive. One of my favourite aspects of the makeup world is the packaging and I love when brands push the limits and create beautiful looking products. The box that I received was created by The Lovely Drawer (@thelovelydrawer) and it featuresย a beautiful eye-catching pattern. I love the combination of colours, it’s definitely a keeper!


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Dirty Little Secret – Eye Shadow Crayon – Fetchย (full size) – RRP ยฃ10.50ย 

I’ve actually tried out one of the Dirty Little Secret Lipsticks before and I really liked it so I recognised that polkadot pattern on the packaging straight away! I love cream shadows so a crayon is right up my street. I chose the shade “Fetch”ย as I tend to wear pinky-champagne style shimmer shades most of the time as I find them to be the most flattering on me! The great thing about crayon shadows is how easy they are to apply – one swipe and you’re good to go. I find that the creamier the product, the easier it is to blend, especially compared to powders, which comes in handy on those super busy mornings.ย My dad’s always referred to my makeup as “slap” (he has a way with words, right?) and for once it’s true, you could probably slap this crayon on and you’d come off looking great. I love that this product is multi-purpose as I’ve been using it as a highlighter too! It lasts ages and doesn’t crease whatsoever (one of my pet peeves).


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CLฤ’ Cosmetics – Melting Lip Powder – Red Cherry (sample) – RRP ยฃ15

I’m all for original thinking and innovative ideas but this just seems a bit unnecessary to me. I put powder on my eyes, on my cheeks, on my brows but on my lips?! It’s a no from me. I just can’t see why I would opt for this when I could easily go for my usual lipstick formula that I know isn’t messy. The idea behind this product is that it melts from a powder into a matte lip tint. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and it’s full of Vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated. It sounded great to me until I swatched it. The powder clumped up into little balls making it not only difficult to blend out but difficult to imagine on my lips. Don’t get me wrong, I am open minded about every product that I try, so I went into this hoping for the best, however it just didn’t work for me.ย It looked patchy and lumpy! After that experience, I certainly wouldn’t pay ยฃ15 for it.


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Dr. Botanicals – Pomegranate Superfood (full size) – RRP ยฃ14.90

Most of us have seen some of the Dr Botanicals products floating around our Instagram feeds. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a fantastic skincare brand that sell some of my favourite face masks! Whenever I’m trying to tackle spots and blemishes, I usually use a drying treatment which leaves my skin feeling like the Sahara desert – you can’t win can you? I use this mask whenever my skin needs a moisture boost and it works so well for me. It’s actually an overnight mask, so you can apply it before bed and whilst you sleep, it gets to work! I love the idea that there is minimal effort required. Sometimes when I apply a face mask, I’m already dreading the lengthy washing-off process, but this mask doesn’t require any effort until you wake up and even then it’s so quick and easy to remove. In fact, my skin usually absorbs every last drop so I rarely have anything to scrub off anyway! It’s so hydrating and refreshing, my skin completely transforms overnight. If I need my makeup to go particularly well, I always use this the night before as it prepares my skin perfectly! 10/10 would recommend!


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Luseta Beauty – Keratin Smooth Conditioner (sample) – RRP ยฃ19

I’m awful with heat protection for my hair. I straighten my hair a lot and I occasionally remember to spray some protectant however it’s just so easy forget! I love that this nourishing conditioner can easily become part of my haircare routine. It repairs and strengthens damaged hair and it only takes a couple of minutes for it to get to work! I use this straight after shampooing my hair and I leave it to sit for a while before rinsing it off. My hair feels so soft and silky afterwards – I love it! I’m definitely going to invest in the full sized version of this product.


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Rituals – Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel – RRP ยฃ8.50

I’ve heard so much about Rituals however I had never tried any of their products until I received this one! I love foaming products for the shower as it just makes life so much easier and it leaves my skin feeling so squeaky clean and soft. This shower gel is fragranced with sweet orange and cedar wood which smells SO GOOD! It takes minimal effort for the gel to transform into a foam so don’t worry about standing there and trying to work it into a lather for ages. I will probably be purchasing the full sized version of this product too! I can see myself using this every day, as I love the scent and the way it makes my skin feel.


I really liked this box! I think it was great value for money and I will use most of the products on a regular basis. Yes, the lip powder isn’t for me, however when I subscribed to Birchbox, I knew I wouldn’t always receive products that I loved! If it was a whole box of products that I disliked, I’d be less lenient but one or two every now and again is fine with me. The products inside the August box, together, are worth a whopping ยฃ67.90 and considering that the subscription costs ยฃ10 plus ยฃ2.95 P&P per month, that’s such good value. I never feel like Birchbox are being stingy when it comes to products, which is why I’m still subscribed years later! Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

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CLICK HERE TO READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW!

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get ยฃ5 off your first box!ย 

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

Categories
BEAUTY

GET GLOWING: SUPERDRUG’S NATURALLY RADIANT RANGE

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s review is about Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant skincare range. Your girl has been a busy bee over the last couple of months, as I’ve been trying out these products for you.ย I’m super excited to share my thoughts with you!

So, it turns out that my favourite place to look for affordable and effective skincare is Superdrug. I don’t really fancy paying my life savings for a pot of moisturiser small enough to store a jelly bean in it. I’ll admit, some of those high end products are fantastic and they smell like a luxury spa weekend, however if I can get something equally as good for a quarter of the price, I am DOWN! If you’re anything like me in that respect, keep reading as this could be the skincare range for you.

The Naturally Radiant range features a variety of products, all of which are infused with plant extracts and focus on awakening the skin’s natural glow. I always find that whilst on holiday, my skin gets this amazing glow and that only lasts a little while after I’ve returned back home. I bought this range hoping that I can keep that glow a little longer! What were the results?

*This post contains affiliate links

Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser – ยฃ5.99

“Enriched with nourishing Cocoa Butter, this rich and creamy formulation melts into the skin and cleanses away make-up and impurities, whilst also providing gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling renewed, soft and ultra clean.”

For quite some time, I’ve been admiring those who have their life together enough to be using the famous Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (I am not one of those goddesses). I’ve also been wondering how on earth I’m going to afford to have that as one of my regular products and the answer is – forget it unless you sell one of your kidneys… so, I was THRILLED to discover this little beauty! I’ve been using this every single night to help remove my makeup and it does a fab job! It smells absolutely divine and the formula is so creamy that you barely have to put in any effort! It gently exfoliates too, leaving my skin feeling super soft and smooth. Plus, it comes with one of those fancy cloths!

CHECK OUT THE HOT CLOTH CLEANSER HERE


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Refreshing Complete Cleanser – ยฃ5.99

“Formulated with a unique energising complex and infused with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts to help revive skin’s radiance. The creamy formula is designed to gently but effectively remove impurities, excess oil and melt away make-up leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and comforted.”

I LOVE this product! It’s the most amazing cleanser and yet it’s so affordable – I just can’t get my head around it. You know those cleansears that lather up beautifully? This is one of those! Whenever I can’t be bothered to tackle the tedium of wiping my makeup off I use this bad boy and it does the job. I also use this first thing in the morning and I look so much healthier for doing so! This is a must if you’re looking for a new face wash or cleanser – it’s so good.

CHECK OUT THE CLEANSER HERE


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Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid – ยฃ5.99

“Highly concentrated in Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the refreshing tonic also refines pores, retexturises the skin’s surface and smoothes fine lines, providing a brighter, healthier and more youthful complexion.” 

This stuff is the BOMB. After a couple of days, my skin looked softer, brighter and much healthier. Every morning and evening, after cleansing, I apply it with a cotton pad and wipe over my face before moisturising and it works wonders! If you have any spots, be warned that it feels like a tiny flame has been taken to them for a brief few seconds but it actually seems to help them heal faster (no pain no gain).

CHECK OUT THE GLYCOLIC TONIC HERE


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Glycolic Overnight Peel – ยฃ5.99

“The refreshing gel formula also refines and retexturises the skin’s surface, providing a brighter, more youthful complexion.” 

Okay so this is my favourite product in the range. It’s one of those products that literally work overnight and the results are immediately noticeable – what more could you want? I apply a tiny amount to my face after cleansing, leave it to get to work overnight and I was it off first thing in the morning. I can’t even begin to explain how soft my skin feels – this stuff is addictive! I’ve received so many compliments about my skin since I started using this, I can’t imagine not having it as part of my routine. I haven’t worn make-up for ages and it’s down to this little tube of goodness. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out! 10/10!

CHECK OUT THE PEEL HERE


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Renewing Night Cream – ยฃ5.99

“Enriched with nourishing Sugar Beet extract and skin renewing Fruit Acids, this intensive formulation delivers rich and long-lasting moisturisation, whilst helping to refine skin’s texture as you sleep, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking more youthful” 

I love the idea of overnight skincare. Who doesn’t want to have amazing products getting to work whilst you literally get your beauty sleep? It’s such a simple way of waking up with radiant and glowing skin – barely any effort required! If I need my makeup to go particularly well the next day, I always use this cream the night before, that way, I wake up and my skin is super smooth and soft, ready for my foundation etc. I really recommend this to anyone that doesn’t enjoy waiting for moisturisers to get to work, you’ll be asleep for this and when you wake up it’ll be done!

CHECK OUT THE NIGHT CREAM HERE


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Brightening Day Cream – ยฃ5.99

“Enriched with nourishing Sugar Beet extract, this lightweight formulation provides all day moisturisation, helping to smooth and soften skin’s texture, whilst also protecting against UV rays to keep skin looking youthful.” 

I’m now on my third pot of this stuff – it’s SO good. It’s the only moisturiser that I would keep buying again and again and I recommend it to everyone! I apply this every morning before I put on my makeup and it makes for the perfect base. I love that it’s also SPF15 just for extra protection during the day – it was great on holiday! If you’re looking for a great moisturiser, this is a product really worth trying. I’ve noticed that my skin tone looks so much more even and refined, any discolouration is long gone and any scarring has healed!

CHECK OUT THE DAY CREAM HERE


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Moisturiser and Serum – ยฃ5.99

“Enriched with nourishing Fruit Acids, this rich velvety formula delivers long-lastings moisturisation, whilst also helping to refine skin’s texture and clarity for a smoother, more radiant complexion.”

I like using this product on the days where my skin is particularly dry. During the Winter months, the skin around my nose gets particularly dry and irritated and I can tell that this will be an amazing product to keep me moisturised! I love the formula too, it’s silky soft, almost gel-like! Again, I’ve noticed my skin is able to maintain a healthy glow for much longer, since I started using this product.

CHECK OUT THE MOISTURISER AND SERUM HERE


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Brightening Radiance Balm – ยฃ5.99

“Enriched with Sugar Beet extract and light reflecting pearls, this lightweight formulation instantly illuminates the skin, whilst also delivering rich and long-lasting moisturisation for a more supple, smooth and intensely luminous complexion.”

My second favourite product within the range. On days where my skin is clear and I’m feeling confident to go make-up free, I just put this on! My skin looks so pretty and healthy it’s like a magic trick. My skin has never looked this good before, I can’t believe it’s down to such an affordable product?! Before you apply the balm, look at the product in your hand – you can literally see the shimmer!

CHECK OUT THE RADIANCE BALM HERE


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Brightening Eye Cream – ยฃ5.99

“Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream is formulated with a naturally revitalising blend of ingredients and infused with Mulberry and Kiwi extracts to help brighten and smooth the eye area and help reduce signs of fatigue.”

Okay so you know those gross lines that your foundation can sometimes sit in beneath your eyes? No thank you! Since using this eye cream, they’ve completely disappeared. Also don’t you hate those mornings where you wake up and your eyes are puffy? Fear no more! Dark circles? Got it covered! It does everything it claims to do. No – it’s not too good to be true. I can’t explain how good this is other than “it’s good, buy it and try it!”

CHECK OUT THE EYE CREAM HERE


So, what’s the verdict?

This range is absolutely amazing. The packaging, the quality and the pricing, it’s all amazing. As a blogger I see heaps and heaps of expensive skincare all over my social media channels and all I can think about is “how can I afford to use that?”. I used to think that good skincare was only for those that could afford the crazy price tags however this demonstrates that that isn’t the case! Quite often, these products are on offer (half price/buy one get one free) so you end up saving a lot more than if you were investing in some pricier skincare on a regular basis.

If you have fairly oily skin and you don’t want it getting any oilier, I wouldn’t recommend using this range as it’s so moisturising and hydrating that it probably wouldn’t help. However, if you have dry skin or you’re looking for something to help fade any scarring and give your skin a natural glow for an affordable price – this is your calling! It’s super easy to get your hands on too either in store or online! Superdrug are really changing the game with their skincare and I’m desperate to try some of their other ranges.

What should I try next?

N xxxx

Categories
MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JULY 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well. I recently finished my jury service and it was such an amazing experience. As a criminology student, it’s bascially my dream to be sat in a courtroom every day so I was actually really excited when I got the letter in the post! The case, (obviously I can’t go into much detail) was a fraud case, which is known to be one of the most tedious ones to go through. There were hundreds of articles to look at (bank statements and recipets) and there were so many figures and statistics to keep in mind all day, every day! I really enjoyed working so closely with a random group of people too! It’s like the relationships that you make on holiday, they’re different and it often feels like you’ve known eachother a lot longer than a few days! That’s what it felt like working with these 11 other people.ย We all got to know eachother so well over those two weeks and it was surprisingly fun to spend all day with eachother, discussing the case and on one occasion, trying to complete a hue jigsaw puzzle when we were given a four hour break. Have any of you guys completed your jury service? If so, what did you think of it?Summer is going by way too quickly and it’s already the end of the month which means it’s time for my July favourites post! I’ve got a few bits and bobs that I’ve been loving over the last few weeks. Don’t forget to let me know your favourites in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links


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BLANX TOOTHPASTE

I was lucky enough to be sent these toothpastes by Blanx and I haven’t stopped using them since. I feel like every teeth whitening product always promises those pearly whites to be instant but these really do work . I noticed a difference straight away and within a week my teeth looked completely different! There’s probably something in the fact that I’m tanned too, so the contrast probably made it more obvious. Either way, I’ve had compliments and I feel great about them, so that’s good enough for me! Do you use any teeth whitening products?

Check out the toothpaste here


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ASOS FULLER BUST RANGE

Hello and welcome to the big titty committee! The place where you can’t walk into Primark and buy a cheap and pretty little bra, but instead you have to heave your melons into Bravissimo and get fitted into some thirty pound chunky cups if you don’t want back ache. I’m planning on doing many youtube videos (as you can probably tell, I could do with a rant), but if you didn’t know, I have big boobs and with that comes the nightmare of not only finding things that fit me but also things that I can afford. Apparently most places didn’t get the memo and decided to charge sky high prices for basic underwear if you’re bigger than the average size. I considered getting an operation because it was just too much to deal with and I was so fed up with not being able to buy into the latest trends UNTIL I discovered that ASOS do a fuller bust range and thank god I did. There’s no going back now and certainly no need for breaking the bank every time I need to buy a bikini or a new bra. I now scroll through their huge selection of affordable underwear without panicking about spending too much or looking like an old lady – I can even buy bralettes and strapless bras that work perfectly well but are half the price! If you haven’t checked them out yet, please do as they’ve been an absolute game changer for me.


KIKO SMART HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Behold! A hydrating, dewy and amazing foundation has been discovered – except this one only costs ยฃ5.90! I’ve been using it every day this summer. It gives my skin such a healthy, radiant glow and the coverage is perfect for those gross, hot and clammy days. I feel like I have nothing on and yet my skin looks flawless. It applies beautifully and blends like a dream! I never thought to look in KIKO for a foundation but everything I’ve tried by them before, I’ve ended up using every day and I’m yet to be let down. I love that their makeup always looks and feels so luxurious and yet it costs half the price of the expensive products that I wish I owned.


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ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – LIP OIL

I absolutely love this! I use it all the time to make sure my lips stay moisturised whilst I’m going in and out of the sun. It’s so easy to carry around with me too, I’ll definitely be buying another one. I also love anything cherry scented too, so this was a winner straight away for me! I’ve always avoided lip oils as the last thing I want is to feel sticky and gross but this doesn’t seem to work like that. It feels like a lip balm but way more moisturising and adds a lovely gloss to my lips!

Click here to read my review of the full range


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ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – BODY SORBET

This is my favourite moisturiser ever, I think I’m addicted to using it! The texture is so light and fluffy, it’s absorbed in seconds so I never feel greasy or sticky afterwards! There’s a very subtle shimmer to it too, which makes my skin glow when I’m out in the sun. I love using it after I’ve been sunbathing as it keeps my tan looking fresh and will hopefully make it last a lot longer! There’s so much product inside the pot too, I doubt I’ll finish it any time soon but I know I’ll buy another one as soon as it’s empty!

Click here to read my review of the full range


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Tammi x Revolution Palette

I’ve already reviewed this so I’ll keep it short and snappy. It’s pigmented, it’s colourful and it’s affordable, what’s not to love? I’ve been using this most days to create bright makeup looks whilst I’m on holiday, as I don’t own another palette quite like it! I love that it’s easy to travel with and that it also comes with a generously sized mirror, meaning it can be used anywhere!

Click here to see my full review of the palette


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Image Source:ย https://www.youtube.com/user/shane/

SHANE DAWSON – THE SECRET LIFE OF JEFFREE STARย 

I was completely hooked on this series! Shane’s videos have always been the ones that I drop everything for but this was a whole new level. I was cramming as much of this as I could because it was just such an interesting topic. I’ve been watching Jeffree’s videos for a while now and I’ve always been intrigued by his glamorous lifestyle so I was super excited when Shane announced he would be making a documentary on it. I hope Shane continues to make these amazing series because I just love them and it appears millions of others do too, judging by the views he gets!


 

I hope you’ve all had a lovely month and I’ll be back next time with a review of Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant skincare range, so stay tuned for that! Don’t forget to let me know everything that you’ve been loving lately as I always look forward to hearing your recommendations!

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

MOPBOX: AUGUST 2018 – FESTIVAL FEVER*

Hey Everyone,

Today’s post is super exciting as it’s in collaboration with MOPBOX, a new makeup-only subscription box, here in the UK! You know how much I love makeup so this is a dream come true for me!ย Each box is shipped on the 26th of every month via a ‘signed for’ postal service. You can choose from a monthly subscription, a 3 month subscription or a 6 month subscription – whatever suits you! I’d personally go for the monthly subscription and this only costs ยฃ24 per month, which I think is amazing value for what you get. Each box features a stylised makeup-look to create and it also includes the makeup, tools and brushes to help you do it! There’s also a magazine inside, with a step-by-step guide showing you exactly what to do. I think these boxes will be so inspiring for any budding makeup artists or for anyone looking to boost their confidence in order to express themselves with makeup! It stands out from other beauty subscriptions and I think it will be really popular!

*Paid AD & Gifted Items

CHECK OUT MOPBOX HERE


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Look at all these goodies! This box was created with a festival look in mind which is perfect for this summer – especially with all of this gorgeous weather that we’ve been having! This month, we were sent makeup, tools, a makeup bag AND glitter – I’m already thinking that this is a winner given that it only costs ยฃ24 and you get ยฃ62.94 worth of products!


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I really love that the boxes include a little magazine with information about the products, a step-by-step guide and a sneak preview of next month’s theme! It makes you feel part of a community as well as giving you lots of tips and tricks. I think it shows how much thought and effort goes into this beauty subscription box compared to some other well known ones.


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Lord & Berry – Scuba Pro Mascara – RRP ยฃ16.00

I am a huge fan of Lord & Berry products, so I was delighted to find this mascara inside my box! I feel like mascara is such a must for a festival – even though my lashes are extremely straight and boring, it makes a huge difference believe it or not! It’s such a quick and easy fix for tired eyes and at a festival I can imagine this would be a really popular product for on-the-go top-ups PLUS it’s waterproof so it’ll protect you from those unpredictable showers that the UK is known for!


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So Susan – Liquid Powder Eyeshadow Palette – RRP ยฃ11.50

You know how much I love my eyeshadow so of course I was glad to find this beauty tucked into my box! This palette features eight gorgeous shadows, hot-poured and solidified to form a creamy firm powder. It’s also cruelty-free! I absolutely love warm/berry toned eye looks and this palette is perfect for creating those type of makeup looks! I think summer is the perfect time to experiment with colour and this palette allows me to do just that. I’ve never heard of So Susan before so it goes to show that MOPBOX want to showcase some less well-known brands which I think is a really nice idea.


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Model Co – Rose Glow – RRP ยฃ14.95

This has got to be my favourite product in this month’s box! I love highlighters so much, I think they’re your perfect summer companion and they just make such a difference to my makeup looks. Not to be dramatic, but I can’t imagine my life without them – they’re an essential! I already own quite a few products by Model Co, so I know that they’re a great brand and that their makeup is always fantastic quality! I like that this highlighter is a collaboration with Hailey Baldwin too as she’s becoming increasingly popular as the months go by which shows that MOPBOX are keen to stay on trend. I tend to go for a dewy look most of the time so cream highlighters are my best friend, they’re super easy to apply and blend out and you’re totally in control of where it goes and how much you use! This highlighter in particular is pigmented and creamy and it’s got a rose-gold tint to it to give you the healthiest glow you ever did see!


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The Glitter Army – Glitter Bag (6g) – RRP ยฃ4.50

This summer has made me a bit glitter-crazy which is so strange because this time last year I couldn’t stand it! I think it grows in popularity during the festival season, when our Instagram feeds are packed with creativity, colour and glitter. I wouldn’t have known what to do with it if I hadn’t seen the countless tutorials that have come out this year. I’m starting to love it more and more, it allows me to be creative and the possibilities are endless! This bag is packed with gorgeous silver glitter and as I’m sure most of you are well aware, a little bit goes a LONG way so it’ll last ages!


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Curlers

I mentioned earlier that I have the most boring lashes ever. I’m lucky in that they’re quite long but I literally can’t get them to do anything and they’re determined to stay dead straight. That’s where curlers come in super handy! I was glad to see a pair in this box because they really do help me out when I’m trying to stop my lashes being so stubborn. I always find that after I’ve curled my lashes I look so much more awake which is a must if you’re pulling all-nighters at a festival!


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MOPBOX – Small Blending Brush – RRP ยฃ8.99

In my opinion, you can never have too many makeup brushes and on those days where I can’t be bothered to wash them, I’m glad that I have an extensive (and growing) collection as there’s usually a clean one to use! Blending is so important when it comes to eyeshadow as without it you might look like you’ve been punched in the face which isn’t the best look for a festival. Blending allows you to create effortless and beautiful looks and that’s exactly what this brush is designed for! It’s always good to have a stash of blending brushes as they come in so handy!


Overall, I think that this box was amazing. The quality, size and type of products is fantastic for the price. I think it will be such a popular subscription and I think there’s definitely a gap in the market for something like this. I often feel like I don’t know what to do with all of the things I get sent by some other subscription services, whereas with MOPBOX, I’m told exactly what each product is for and I’m also given a stgep-by-step guide and a look to create so nothing can go to waste! I love that they stay on trend and I think this will appeal to so many different audiences. I also love that they included a makeup bag too and it’s little things like this that make you feel like a valued customer. I really recommend giving this a try if you’re anything like me and you love makeup! What do you think of these products? Do you have any suggestions for how they could improve or anything that you really love? Let me know in the comments! I’ve included all of my social media below so be sure to come and say hey!

CHECK OUT MOPBOX HERE

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTERESTย 

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP WITH FEATHER AND DOWN*

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Is anyone else finding it difficult to get anything done in this heat? I’m literally melting away as I’m typing this. Either way, I have some lovely bits and pieces to share with you! I was kindly gifted these by Feather and Down, however all thoughts, of course, are my own! If something takes your fancy, you can buy it in Boots, however I’l also include links to everything so you can order them too!

* Unpaid AD & Affiliate Links


C8F00CEC-11D4-4AF4-A451-CB500C00A433.JPGToday, I’m going to be reviewing some of the Feather and Down Sweet Dreams range! ย After finishing my second year at university, I have never valued relaxation and wellbeing more. With the stress of deadlines and exams, I decided I needed to spend much more time concentrating on my health and one way that I did this was through using products containing lavender. Not only does it help me sleep but it keeps me calm and collected – particularly the night before an exam. I absolutely love the packagaing, it looks so elegant and luxurious – perfect for a pamper evening!


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All Purpose Sleep Balm – ยฃ7.00

I’ve used sleep balms before and I’ve found them so helpful when I’m trying to drift off. This particular balm contains Lavender and Chamomile essential oils (it smells unreal) to keep you calm and relaxed. It’s not sticky either so don’t worry about getting stuck to your pillow! Apparently, massaging it onto your pulse points (temples, neck and wrists) makes it last longer due to your heartbeat! I apply this just before I get into bed and I have the best night’s sleep as a result!

CHECK OUT THE BALM HERE


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Melting Shower Cream – ยฃ6.00

In summer, I prefer to have showers as baths are just too hot for me at this time of year! This shower cream is amazing! Not only does it keep you clean and fresh, it also melts into an oil when you massage it onto wet skin, leaving you feeling soft and silky. I used to hate using oily products until I realised how good they were for my skin. I’ve started putting oils into my bath too, to help me relax and also to keep my skin moisturised and nourished. This shower cream smells incredible too, featuring lavender and chamomile – perfect for bedtime. If you take a shower before bed, the warm water actually causes your body to relax and eases any tension built up throughout a long and stressful day!

CHECK OUT THE SHOWER CREAM HERE


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Pillow Spray – ยฃ7.00

I’ve been using this product for a while now. It was so helpful when I was extremely anxious about my exams late at night (there’s a theme here) and I couldn’t get to sleep. I simply sprayed this onto my pillow and I was able to calm down and drift off! Lavender and chamomile actually help to reduce anxiety in order to experience a better night’s sleep. In fact, lavender increases the brain waves that are associated with relaxation, so as you can probably tell, this pillow spray contains all the right ingredients!

CHECK OUT THE PILLOW SPRAY HERE


I absolutely love these products and I can’t find a single thing wrong with them. They’re not only beautiful to look at but they’re a joy to use! I’ve never found anything that works this well at helping me drift off. I will definitely be using these around exam time next year when I’m going to need all of the sleep that I can get!ย I feel so pampered and relaxed after using these products and I can’t see myself not using them now as they’re part of my night-time routine. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products before as I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you use to help you sleep?

I’ve linked all of my social media so come and say hi!

I’ll be back soon with another post!

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTEREST

Categories
BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JULY 2018: SAY YES TO ADVENTURE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I’m back! I’ve been very busy recently as I’m committed to jury service (last week and this week) so I haven’t been able to post as frequently as I’d like to. I hope you can bear with me as I’m doing my best to keep up with everything! I post regularly on my instagram (pretty much every day) so go ahead and give me a follow as I’m always active over there – @ninalouiselaw. Today, I’m unboxing and reviewing the July Birchbox! I love these posts because discovering new beauty products is my favourite thing to do and I know lots of you enjoy doing that too! Anyway, below Iโ€™ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review โ€“ keep scrolling!

Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโ€™t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ€“ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month! 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 over a year now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโ€™ve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโ€™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!

CLICK HERE TO READ MY JUNE BIRCHBOX REVIEW!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!

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This month’s box is absolutely beautiful! Instead of the usual drawer-like boxes that we receive, this one came with a lid which I love as I can use it as storage in my bedroom! I love the abstract watercolour design too, it’s so pretty and summery. It also happens to match the colours in my room too so I’m very happy about this!


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This month is all about being bold and trying something new – which I am all for! I really enjoy stepping outside my beauty comfort zone and experimenting with new products. This month I’ve been pushing myself in all kinds of ways, whether that’s academically, with my blog, with my makeup or with my anxiety, so this box came at a great time! As usual, we were sent a variety of products including skincare and cosmetics.


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Manna Kadar – Long-Wear Powder “Trifecta” – ยฃ15

I’ve mentioned before that I have received lots of Manna Kadar products and I love all of them! They have a lot of multi-tasking products that often come as a “2-in-1” or a “3-in-1” which I absolutely LOVE. It means you can carry less makeup and still have everything you need at the same time. This powder is a 3-in-1 brow, eye and cheek product (wow, as it can act as a bronzer, eyeshadow or brow filler. I was so surprised at how buttery and smooth it felt when I was swatching it – it was so easy to apply. I love that it adds a pop of colour wherever I need it which is perfect for the summery warm makeup looks I like to create at this time of year!

CHECK OUT THE POWDER HERE


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Browcote – Waterproof Brow Gel – ยฃ6.99

I’ve been using a lot more brow products to get the look that I want and recently, I’ve been investing in brow gels and brow mascaras! I really like how they can make it look as if you have nothing in your brows and it’s also so much quicker to do if you’re in a hurry. This award-winning brow gel keeps your brows in place all day as well as being waterproof! One of my pet peeves is a brow gel that leaves your brows feeling cripsy and crunchy and you’ll be pleased to know that this one doesn’t do that!ย It doesn’t clump up any powder or pencil that I’ve used before it either.

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE


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What’s in it for Me? – Shower Scrub – ยฃ7

I’m a shower girl when it comes to summer so I’m always looking for scrubs to keep my skin smooth and exfoliated! This scrub smells incredible! It features walnut shell, almond oil, orange and jasmine flower extracts – WOW. It’s such an uplifting and energising scent, it’s perfect for those early morning showers to wake you up. I love using this before I go in the sun, to scrub away any dead skin cells so that my tan can sit on fresh skin plus this will make it last longer!

CHECK OUT THE SHOWER SCRUB HERE


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Merci Hand – Hand Cream in ‘Cherie Cherry’ย – ยฃ4.90

This packaging is so dreamy! It reminds me of a lollipop or an old fashioned diner – not sure if anyone will know what I mean by that?! I absolutely love having a tube of hand cream in my bag at all times and I get through lots of them throughout the year. The first thing I noticed about this product was the amazing scent – it’s honestly divine. It’s the perfect fruity floral fragrance for summer! I also noticed how quickly it skins in, as I hate hand creams that leave a sticky residue behind and this one doesn’t! I really recommend getting one of those for on-the-go moisturising, plus it’s currently on sale and it’s going for ยฃ1.96!

CHECK OUT THE HAND CREAM HERE


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Balance Me – Congested Skin Serum – ยฃ16

This is my favourite product in the July box! I love skincare but particularly things that keep my skin clear and blemish free! I’ve used some of Balance Me’s cleansers and face washes before and they are fantastic. This serum contains Chamomile, anti-bacterial may chang, calming lavender and eucalyptus which together, make the ultimate spot-fighting team. It smells like one of those really expensive and luxury spa treatments! It’s also non-drying which is great as that’s quite common when it comes to spot treating skincare. Another product that I really recommend!

CHECK OUT THE SERUM HERE


I was really pleased with this monthโ€™s box and I know that Iโ€™ll be using all of these products over the summer period. As usual, all of the products are fantastic quality as well as some being award-winning!ย Iโ€™ll definitely be keeping the beautiful little box to keep bits an pieces in! What do you think of this box? Would you be happy with it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments as usual, I love to hear from you! Iโ€™ve linked all my social media below so come and say hi!

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTHโ€™S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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

Categories
BEAUTY

TAMMI X REVOLUTION PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been doing a ridiculous amount of summer sales shopping this week and I’m feeling no regrets about it! Where have you been doing your summer shopping? This post is looking at the Tammi x Revolution collaboration palette, called Tropical Paradise and as usual, there’s going to be a full review including photos and swatches!

Revolution have been bringing us some amazing collaborations recently and this has to be one of my favourites! Tammi Clarke (makeupbytammi) is a youtuber who creates some of the most gorgeous makeup looks. She experiments a lot with colour and it always turns out beautifully! I knew her palette would be bright and vibrant and it’s exactly that and more…

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The packagaing is beautiful, apparently inspired by the carribean where Tammi’s hometown is! I just love the mixture of reds and oranges – it makes me feel warm to look at! I love that the font is a beautiful rose gold shade (you know how much I love that colour). The palette itself, is rose gold and reflective, much like Soph’s Extra Spice palette. It looks pretty and all but it just seems a tad plain to me. It would be nice if each of the collaborations had a really different look to them when it came to the palettes themselves.


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Tammi, as a woman of colour, designed a palette to suit women of a similar skin tone to her – hence the amazing colourful and pigmented shades, however, I think there’s something for everyone included! Here it is in all of it’s glory, just look at those shades (dribbling emoji) Does anything scream “summer” more to you than this? I think not! The Tropical Paradise palette retails at ยฃ10 and it include includes 23 beautiful shadows, 11 shimmers and 12 mattes. We have a mixture of the bold and bright as well as some neutral shades, so there is plenty to play around with! I was expecting a layout similar to Soph’s and many other palettes, however, I was happy to discover that more has been packed into this one! It separates the more vibrant shades from the basic neutrals which makes the palette nice and simply to use. I always find that when shades are separated into categories, I can plan my look much quicker!


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  • Pina Colada – A white/yellow shimmer –ย I love using this in the corner of my eye! I look so much more awake afterwards.
  • Queen Lou – A pink prosecco Shimmer – Pinky/prosecco shade and it’s just so pretty! I like using this to create a pink/purple smokey eye! It’s a great shade to put on the inner part of the lid.
  • Tropical – A warm orange Matte –ย I love using this to create warm makeup looks so it’s been an amazing shade for summer!ย 
  • Coraline ย A pinky purple MatteSuch a beautiful colour, I can’t wait to use this during autumn, it makes me think of the colour of the leaves!
  • Exotic – A cool gold (if that makes sense) –ย I love shades like this, they’re my go to for an everyday bit of glam!
  • Caribbean –ย A flirty pink shimmer –ย This shade is just so pretty! I love it – it’s the perfect pink. It’s so pigmented and easy to apply.
  • Purpy Purps ย A rich purple matteThis is pretty much Vimto in the form of a shadow, plus I am obsessed with the name! It applied slightly patchy whilst I was swatching however I reckon it’s buildable.
  • Treasure – A copper shimmer –ย Again, shades like this are a must for me. Anything remotely gold or copper is right up my street! Look at that pigment too!ย 
  • Adventure – A warm chocolatey brown matte –ย Everyone needs a shade like this for basic smokey eye looks!
  • Rich Soil – A grey/brown matte – Another great shade for adding some drama to a natural look.ย 

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  • Moonlight – A bright white shimmer –ย The perfect white to illuminate any look! It’s so pigmented too!
  • Enchanting – A chocolate brown shimmer – This shadow is so rich and pigmented, a little bit goes a long way!ย 
  • Burning Heat – A pumpkin spice shimmer –ย This reminds me of everything Halloween – I’m excited to see what I can do with this during Autumn. It’s super pigmented!
  • Majestic – A grape purple matte –ย I’m slightly disappointed with this shade. Don’t get me wrong, it’s pigmented and beautiful however it’s very similar to Coraline and Purpy Purps. I just wish we’d been given another colour! Maybe a shimmery blue instead?
  • Paradise – An emerald green shimmer –ย This is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like a christmas green shimmer and it’s so pigmented that it blew my mind. I only needed to touch it once and that was my swatch complete! Really stunning shade.ย 
  • Carnival – A Purple shimmer – I really love how rich in pigment this shade is. My eyes are green, so shades like this make the colour really pop! Imagine a look with Carnival and Caribbean
  • Golden Sands – A true gold shimmer – This reminds me of a brick of gold! It’s literally the perfect gold shimmer shadow – I use this pretty much every day. It just adds so much glam to my look, I can’t resist.
  • Rainforest – Deep green matte –ย It’s pigmented and smooth to apply however I probably won’t get much use out of it unless I’m being super creative!ย 
  • Waterfall – A Yale blue matte – I don’t own a shade like this so I was happy to see it!ย It’s EXTREMELY pigmented and it practically glides onto the skin.
  • Midnight Stroll – A black matte – Everyone needs one of these in their life! When Halloween comes around you’ll be rinsing these shades! I always find a use for them, even if it’s just running it along my lower lashline as it adds some definition and makes me look so much more awake! (I somehow forgot to swatch this, but it looks as you would expect)

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  • Coconut Cream – A pale cream matte – The perfect base shade! I use this every day. It’s also super creamy and easy to apply.
  • Nutmeg – A caramel matte brown –ย I love using this as a transition shade, it’s a must in my routine!ย 
  • Isle of Spice – A cinnamon brown matte – I love using this to warm up my makeup looks, it’s another great transition shade but also works for a simple and natural look too.ย 

WHAT DO I THINK OF IT?

Okay, so I absolutely love this palette! I think it’s a real reflection ot Tammi’s style and if you like her makeup looks, you’re going to love this! She often posts little tutorials on her instagram that demonstrate how to use the palette, so if you’re unsure of where to start, check it out. The shimmer shades are absolutely BOMB and there are none that I think need improving. The quality is amazing, considering they easily beat some of my higher end palettes! Most of the matte shades are highly pigmented but they may need a tiny bit of work to build them up! I like that this palette is different from the basic ones that come out all the time, it’s clear that thought and creativity went into it!

IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?

You’re paying ยฃ10 for a palette that is pigmented, well designed and great quality! I think that’s a fantastic deal if you ask me. Some high end palettes cost ยฃ40 and for a fraction of the price, you’re getting the same high quality – yes please? If you like being creative and colourful with your makeup, this is definitely the palette for you, however if you prefer a more natural look, I’d say put your ยฃ10 towards a different palette with some nmore natural shades in it.


I hope you enjoyed this review! I always enjoy writing about Makeup Revolution as I think they’re such a fantastic brand! It’s nice that they’ve been able to combine affordable prices with great quality makeup so that more people can afford it! People of all age groups are buying from them and I think that’s such a positive thing. I used to think that I had to spend a huge amount to have really good makeup but that isn’t the case anymore! Go ahead and check out my socials below, I’d love to hear from you!

READ MY SOPH X REVOLUTION REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTERESTย 

N xxxx

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS

GET ORGANISED WITH THE MINKY STYLING DOCK

This product was sent to me in exchange for a review

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m counting down the days before I go on holiday and I’m so excited! Are any of you going on holiday this summer? Today, I’m going to be talking about a very cool storage solution that I was kindly sent in exchange for a review and as usual all thoughts are my own! If you’re looking for something to keep your life more organised, keep reading…

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This is the Styling Dock by Minky Homecare! It’s the perfect storage solution for anyone that hates tangled wires and derelict hair tools. It’s heat resistant silicone body helps to prevent any accidents, which is super important, particularly if you have any kiddies running around. It’s made up of three storage compartments for hairdryers, tongs, wands and brushes and it includes two storage pots for any small accessories like clips, grips and hair bands! I’m always unsure of what to do with my straighteners or curlers after I’ve turned them off as they’re still extremely hot so it’s really helpful to have something to put them into whilst they cool down. Fun story – at Christmas, I stood on my straighteners and I couldn’t walk properly for a week – AGONY I TELL YOU – so I can’t stress enough how much I love this product (plus how much I need it obviously).

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The dock also includes removavle cable reels – perfect for travel and a hook that allows the entire unit to hang from a rail. I love that I can tidy my cables away without having them all over my floor. I’m possibly one of the most clumsy people that I know and I’m always tripping over, so it’s definitely for the best that I’m using this to keep everything out of my way!

CHECK OUT THE STYLING DOCK HERE


This is such a fantastic product. It doesn’t look clunky or ugly and it stores all of my tools in one space. It’s meant that my dressing table is clear and tidy and it’s also made my bedroom floor a much safer place for my feet! I love how versatile it is and how easy it is to adjust to my needs. I use every compartment and I can chop and change what I’m storing, whenever I want to! I really recommend this to anyone that needs to keep their hair tools safely stored and out of the way, it’s a 10/10 from me. How do you store your hair tools? I’ve linked all of my social media below so come and say hi!

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTEREST

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

ZOELLA BEAUTY: SPLASH BOTANICS – REVIEW

Hey Guys,

I’m so excited about this post! I’ve been waiting so long for this range to drop and now I can finally review it for you – plus I need an excuse to buy it all anyway. I’m too excited to ramble any further so let’s get straight into the post!

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Zoella has launched her new summer beauty range, Splash Botanics,ย which consists of seven brand new products. This range is absolutely beautiful, the packaging is amazing and the scents are to die for. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know how tropical print mad I am. I literally live and breathe for some banana leaves, succulents and all things fruity so this range immediately appealed to me. Not only does it appeal to me but it will certainly appeal to many as tropical prints are everywhere right now so hats off to the branding team for this range! The prices are all very reasonable too which I think is great as so many of her audience are students who will no doubt be on a budget (I abso-frickin-lutely am). As usual, it seems like so much thought went into this range and every individual product has been well thought out and planned to perfection. I think this is, hands down, Zoella Beauty’s best range yet.


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Botanic’eau – Body Mist

I have been loving and using all of Zoe’s fragrances all year round (particularly Let’s Spritz) so I was extremely excited to get my hands on this! I’ve used all of her fragrances so far and I love them all! They’re all so lovely and because Zoe releases them with seasons in mind, there’s always one that’s perfect for you at any point in the year.

Firstly, this packaging is unreal – I love that you can see the beautiful tropical print through the bottle – this definitely reflects how creative Zoe and her team have been with this range in particular. The bottle looks so elegant and expensive that it could definitely pass as something other than a drugstore fragrance. It also happens to smell pretty damn good too, with a green, water and floral scent, featuring freesia and iris flours. It’s perfect for hot summer days as it feels so lightweight and fresh.ย It’s a fragrance for all occasions, I would wear it during the day as well as on a night out. It’s also only priced at ยฃ8 which is amazing vaue, given that it contains 45ml and a little bit goes a long way.

CHECK OUT THE BODY MIST HERE


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So Soft – Lip Oil

This might be my favourite thing in the range and given I’ve never really enjoyed using lip oils, that’s saying something! It’s cherry scented (my absolute favourite) and it’s enriched with almond, jojoba and argan oils so it’s super hydrating and moisturising. It doesn’t oily or sticky at all and it’s extremely lightweight – I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything when I have it on. After a few days of applying this product I’m already noticing a huge difference as my lips feel so much more nourished and soft. Zoe mentioned that she had been trying to make this perfect for so long and you can definitely tell by the formula as well as the packaging. I love having this in my handbag for on-the-go use as it’s very travel friendly too! It’s priced at ยฃ5 which I think is really great for such a nice quality product.

CHECK OUT THE LIP OIL HERE


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Lagoon Love – Bath Milk Powder

I loved the bath milk powder that Zoe bought out in the Snowella range so I knew this would be just as good, if not better! For a beautifully moisturising soak, simply empty the sachet under warm running water and swish it around until completely dissolved. It features hydrating coconut water and radiance-boosting lychee so obviously it smells fantastic! It’s priced at ยฃ3 per sachet.

CHECK OUT THE BATH MILK POWDER HERE


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Make A Splash – Moisturising Body Wash

This is such an amazing product! It feels so thick and luxurious on the skin and the formula leaves me feeling fresh and moisturised! It’s so creamy too which I didn’t expect from a drugstore body wash.ย I tend to use this for shaving my legs as it lathers so nicely and it keeps my skin feeling silky soft afterwards. It’s also great for a morning shower as the fragrance is so refreshing and energising!ย Again, it features coconut water and lychee so the fragrance is the same as most of the other products in this range.ย It’s priced at ยฃ6 which is pretty good for a big bottle of product.

CHECK OUT THE BODY WASH HERE


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Quench Me – Body Sorbet

I was so intrigued by the whole “sorbet” aspect as I’m always looking for new products to keep my skin moisturised all year round but I can’t say I’ve ever tried a “sorbet”. I genuinely love this product! The gel-like formula is so lightweight and fluffy and my skin absorbs it almost instantly. I absolutely hate applying thick and greasy moisturisers during summer so it was a relief to find something that’s almost like applying fluffy whipped cream to your skin. It practically glides on and I’ve been using A LOT at once. Very very impressed!

CHECK OUT THE BODY SORBET HERE


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“Beautiful” – Cosmetic Bag

I seem to collect makeup bags. I don’t even travel that much and yet I have a drawer overflowing with them. However, that didn’t stop me purchasing this one! Look at that gorgeous tropical print! Even the zip is in the shap of a tiny leaf – what more could you want? It’s a great size too so I’ll definitely be taking this on holiday with me as I think I could fit a fair amount into it. It’s also really lovely quality which I think is why it’s priced at ยฃ10 – I would happily pay this for something that keeps more than ยฃ10 worth of products protected!

CHECK OUT THE COSMETIC BAG HERE


I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! I think this whole range is fantastic and there isn’t a single product that I don’t love or use regularly. The scent is also to die for, let alone the beautiful tropial packaging. Let me know what you think of this range in the comments! I’ve linked all of my social media below so come and say hi!

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTEREST

N xxxx

Categories
MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JUNE 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Guys,

Somehow June has been and gone and what a month it’s been! What have you all been up to? I finished my exams, I’ve moved back home for the summer and I’ve already been on a mini break to Manchester all in the space of a few weeks! I feel so refreshed and ready to produce some good content! I’ve been working so hard on my photography and I hope some of you have picked up on that – it’s mainly because the lighting is ten times better now that the sun is out and I have much more time on my hands. Anyway, here are the things that I have been loving over June!

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Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos

Soph X Revolution – Extra Spice Palette

I’ve reviewed it already so I’ll keep this short – “obsessed” doesn’t cover how much I love this palette! It’s fantastic and the quality is unreal. Pretty much every shade is super pigmented and it’s so affordably priced – I’m extremely impressed with it, plus I love Soph as a creator and I’m more than happy to support her. Click below to read my review where I have lots of photos and swatches!

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT THE PALETTE HERE


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Zoella Beauty – Let’s Spritz – Body Mist

I’ve raved about this multiple times on my blog but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t my favourite fragrance ever! I wear it every single day and it smells incredible. I must have been through at least five bottles of this since the start of this year! It features Raspberry and Cassis, making it a gorgeous fresh and fruity spritz.ย Itโ€™s so long lasting, I find I can still smell it on me right at the end of the day when I sprayed it ten hours before. Very impressed!

CHECK OUT THE BODY MIST HERE


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Natural Collection – Hydrating & Radiance Primer

I discovered this a while ago and I’m so glad I did! If you’ve read my June Birchbox review, you’ll know that I wasn’t a fan of how pricey Benefit’s POREfessional: Pearl Primer is, I’m all for treating yourself to great products however when it comes to every day use, it can become very expensive. That’s where this bad boy comes in, as it also focuses on illuminating the skin, which I find to be perfect for summer when I want my skin to be glowing.

CHECK OUT THE PRIMER HERE


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Beautanics Beauty – Fill + Tame Brow Gelย 

I’ve always been a powder girl when it comes to filling in my brows but recently I’ve been loving and using this brow gel. It gives me a much more natural look and it’s just so easy to apply. I tend to do a few strokes in each brow and if there are any gaps, I’ll go over with a tiny bit of powder and I’m good to go. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to tame those brows, I really recommend giving this product a try! It’s also a really great colour for me too – I use the shade brunette.

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE


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BlanX PRO – Glossy White – Toothpaste

Iโ€™ve been using this every day for a while now and Iโ€™ve noticed a HUGE difference! Itโ€™s rare that a toothpaste with whitening properties kicks in as quickly as this but honestly itโ€™s amazing! Iโ€™d really recommend checking these guys out if you want to blind everyone when you flash your nashers!

CHECK OUT THE TOOTHPASTE HERE


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Netflix- The Staircase

Oh my goodness. This is one of the best things that I’ve ever watched. I can’t even explain how good it is. As a criminology student, I love anything that focuses on crime or murder as it’s something that I’m really interested in. This series gives a very very real insight into a very very real case and you’re there throughout the whole thing. You get to go to the hearings, you get to hear the verdict, you get to see the crime scene photos – it’s just so moving and gripping. I’m actually sad that I’ve finished it! I’m still in two minds about what actually happened that night.


What have you been loving this month? Let me know in the comments! I hope you’ve all been enjoying this lovely weather and any fellow students are loving freedom from university just as much as I am. I’ve put links to all of my social media below so come and say hi as I love to hear from you!

TWITTER | FACEBOOKย |ย INSTAGRAM |ย PINTEREST

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JUNE 2018: 5TH BIRTHDAY – REVIEW

This post contains affiliate links

Hey Everyone,

June is flying by and that means another Birchbox review is coming your way! I’m enjoying the freedom from exams now and I feel much more like myself again. I keep catching myself watching TV or lying on the sofa and suddenly panicking, thinking I should be doing revision instead! I get my results in a couple of weeks so I just want time to move a little faster so I can find out and put those horrible exams behind me. Does anyone else feel like the exams aren’t quite over until the results are in? Anyway, below Iโ€™ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review โ€“ keep scrolling!

Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโ€™t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ€“ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month! 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 over a year now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโ€™ve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโ€™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!

CLICK HERE TO READ MY MAY BIRCHBOX REVIEW!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!


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You may have noticed, June’s box came in a tin. I’m so used to our cute little drawer-like boxes that this came as a bit of a surprise when I first saw it but I actually quite like it. I’ve already got it displayed on a shelf in my room because it’s just so cute! It reminds me of the biscuit tins I would find in my Grandma’s kitchen if you know what I mean?!


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This box is all about Birchbox’s 5th birthday! I love the British tea party vibes, perfect for some summer evening shindig inspiration. As usual there’s a great variety of productsincluded in this box (there’s actually 6 this month). We have some makeup, haircare and even tea bags!


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Ella Eden – Compact Eyeshadow “Julia” – ยฃ12.99

I am a sucker for a shimmer shadow so I was super excited to receive this! As usual, we were offered a choice between two products and in this case it was between the shades “Faith” or “Julia”.ย I usually wear something light and shimmery on my lid so I chose the shade “Julia” just because I can see myelf wearing this a lot! It’s so easy to apply and it’s extremely pigmented which means it hardly takes any effort at all. Not only is the colour-pay-off incredible but it’s also really long-lasting and stays put all day. I’ve been applying it with a wet brush and it’s just mindblowingly sparkly as a result. It’s also cruelty-free!

CHECK OUT THE EYESHADOW HERE


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Benefit – POREfessional Pearl Primer – ยฃ27.50

Right so let’s get it out in the open, I’m not sure about this primer. It’s not that it doesn’t work or that it isn’t a good, product but the price is just far too much for me. I have found drugstore primers do just as well if not better so I just can’t justify spending that much. However, receiving it as a sample was a lovely treat! It’s pretty much the same as the original POREfessional primer, except it contains pink pigment to brighten the skin. I’m all for a dewy look so I’m totally down for this primer however the price is a real put off for me. If you’re looking for a dupe, check out the Natural Collection Hydrating and Radiance Primerย (it costs ยฃ2.99 plus you get more product so you can’t go wrong really).

CHECK OUT THE POREFESSIONAL PEARL PRIMER HERE


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Number 4 – Jour d’automme Smoothing Balm – ยฃ24.50

You know that episode of Friends where Monica’s hair goes absolutely nuts due to the heat? Well, that’s usually me in summer so this product was a winner in my eyes before I’d even tried it! This balm targets frizz by restoring softness and by protecting against humidity and heat damage. It’s like my dream hair mask! It works a treat during the warmer and muggy weather – speaking of muggy is anyone else finding Love Island really dull this year?! I’ve been watching the Australian one (traitor I know) and it’s actually really good!ย Anyway, I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a frizz free summer!

CHECK OUT THE SMOOTHING BALM HERE


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Polaar – Velvety Sun Fluid Face & Body – ยฃ25

I think I’ve always used the highest factor of suncream possible on holiday because there ain’t no way this girl is gonna burn thank you very much (I also want to take care of my skin). Seeing as this sunscreen is pretty high at 30, I’m definitely willing to give it a shot – probably on the really hot days we have here in the UK (if we ever get any again). It offers high UVA and UVB protection, it fights sunburn and premature ageing as well as being super moisturising for the skin which is exactly what you want when you’re spending a day in the sun. It was definitely a good idea to include this in the June box as I’m sure lots of people are getting ready to go on holiday and will need some sunscreen in their travel bag!

CHECK OUT THE SUN FLUID HERE


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Amika – Bombshell Blowout Spray – ยฃ14.99

I already absolutely love Amika and their products as they smell freaking AMAZING and the packaging is gorgeous to (plus they actually work of course). This spray works on damp and dry hair and BOOM you’ve got yourself some volume as well as heat protection, which I definitely need! It’s so lightweight and easy to apply that it’s super easy to add it into your usual routine. I won’t even attempt to describe how good this smells but all I can say is that it’s extremely good!

CHECK OUT THE SPRAY HERE


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Whittard of Chelsea – Teabags

This month we were treated to these lovely goodies from Whittard of Chelsea! I am a tea drinker through and through and I probably spend hours every week just sitting and sipping so there are perfect for me! The three flavours included are; Earl Grey, Mango & Bergamot and Lemon & Ginger. I’m actually a lover of Earl Grey and I’ve been drinking it since I was little, I just find it helps me relax and it makes me feel all cosy and chilled out. I love fruity teas during summer too so I’m really looking forward to trying these!

CHECK OUT THE TEA HERE


I was really happy with this month’s box and I reckon I’ll be using all of these products within a couple of weeks. I would have liked to see some more skincare in this box but then again we can’t have everything every month so I’m not too fussed. However, I do love that they included another gift in this box and switched things up a little to celebrate! I’ll definitely be keeping the gorgeous little tin and I think I’ll fill it with my polaroids from summer. What do you think of this box? Would you be happy with it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments as usual, I love to hear from you! I’ve linked all my social media below so come and say hi!

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTHโ€™S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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

 

 

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

SOPH X REVOLUTION: EXTRA SPICE PALETTE & LIPSTICKS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I’m super excited for this post as I’m reviewing the new Soph X Revolution palette and her new lipsticks! I ordered them as soon as they were released as I just knew they would all be amazing. I’m also a huge fan of Sophie and her channel so I was more than happy to support her with this! Some of you may have read my review of her first palette but if you haven’t you can read that here. Either way, I’m too excited to keep talking any longer so bring on the review!

*This post contains affiliate links


Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos

The packaging is pretty much a the opposite version of her first palete, this time with the case being rose gold and the palette itself being a matte nude/pink shade. It retails at ยฃ10 (wow)  The lipsticks are also a new addition to this collaboration – I totally wasn’t expecting these! There are three in total, all creamy satin nudes and they retail at ยฃ4 each.


Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos
Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos

This packaging, as you probably know is just SO ME! I absolutely love anything rose gold, so I’m considering framing it to be honest. It’s so pretty and sleek looking that I can’t wait to put it on my dressing table so I can see it every day! I love that she’s been able to create a second palette and I would honestly keep buying them if she brought out another ten. Soph said she wanted to create something that could be the “extra spice” in someone’s makeup collection and I reckon she’s done just that. I can see myself using this palette every day and it just stands out from everything else I own.


Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos

So this palette features 18 shades and JUST LOOK AT THEM – I cannot get over how stunning these colours are and there’s such a great variety! Soph picked every shade and named them herself! I love that each shade means something different to her and that the whole palette is a reflection of her personality. There’s a mixture of 6 shimmers and 12 mattes in this palette so there’s plenty to choose from! Compared to her previous palette, it’s definitely a bit more bold and vibrant however it still has a very generously sized mirror! Can we also talk about that fact that she definitely took on board our feedback and added labels to each shade within the palette! I love that, as I’m forever losing those plastic sheets that come with the names on.


Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos
  • Every Day – A duo-chrome pale purple with a white/iridescent shift – Super pigmented and creamy
  • Running Late – A matte orange with a light brown undertone – My kind of transition shade
  • Infinity – A silver/metallic shimmer – WOW, this is so pigmented and buttery 
  • Cheesecake – A matte chesnut brown with red undertones – A great shade for a smokey eye
  • Cookie Dough – A matte soft/light brown – Another good one for transitioning 
  • Dreams – A warm copper shimmer – So creamy and smooth, extremely pigmented

Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos
  • Vitamin C – A bright matte yellow – The only shade I’m disappointed with, I just found this was too patchy and the colour pay off wasn’t great
  • Sweet n Sour – A warm matte orange  – I can’t wait to use this for summery makeup looks
  • Twenty One – A cherry pink with red undertones – I’ve never used a more pigmented pink/red, this is incredible
  • Romance – A rich burgundy shimmer with a pink shift – I think I’m in love, this might well be my favourite shade in the palette
  • Enchanted – A matte purple with red wine-type undertones – This is such an interesting shade, it kind of reminds me of “Rowdy” in the Subculture palette!
  • Lakes – A matte olive/khaki green – Given that 90% of my wardrobe is khaki this is bound to come in handy

Soph x Revolution Extra Spice Palette Review, Swatches and Photos
  • Brownies – A very deep brown with purple undertones – Again, this was a tad patchy but with a few layers it builds up
  • Chocolate Orange  A warm brown with red undertones – I love shades like this for every day simple looks
  • Mulled Wine – A matte Ribena Purple – This shade is so vibrant and bright, it’s such a great shade for anyone into bold looks (aka me most of the time) 
  • LA Sun – A bright gold shimmer – Bloomin’ heck these shimmers are all just incredible, this one in particular is something else!
  • Aurora – An olive/khaki shimmer – It’s like shrek met a disco ball, I am loving this shade however it wasn’t as creamy as the other shimmers in the palette, it took a few swatches
  • Reputation – A matte charcoal black – I’m so glad she included a matte black shade again as I don’t own one and I always seem to end up needing it! It’s also great for really dramatic looks too!

Soph x Revolution Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

So, there’s three gorgeous nude shades in this collection. From top to bottom we have, Syrup, Fudge and Cake.ย Below, I’ve reviewed them all separately so keep scrolling!


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SyrupThisย is the kind of nude that most people could pull off. It’s a very simple brown nude, which typically I would run away from but I because of the creamy satin texture and finish, I’m absolutely loving it! I love that it’s so soft and silky on the lips too, as I hate anything drying and sometimes pale nudes can have “foundation lip” look to them which is a no from me but this bad boy is a 10/10 on that front.

Check out the shade Syrup here


Soph x Revolution Fudge Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos
Soph x Revolution Fudge Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

Fudge – This is a darker nude to Syrupย and I was originally kind of terrified of this shade as it looked so so dark. However, upon trying it on it didn’t swatch that way whatsoever! It actually came up on me as a kind of dark orange nude which I really like! I’d suggest swatching it before buying it just to double check it’s what you think it is as it will probably look very different on different skintones! Either way I love it and I reckon I will be wearing this shade A LOT during Autumn.

Check out the shade Fudge here


Soph x Revolution Fudge Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos
Soph x Revolution Cake Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

Cakeย – This is by FAR my absolute favourite lipstick in the collection. It’s pretty much ย your basic pink nude. I can tell this will be an everyday product for me and I actually prefer it to a majority of my high-end lipsticks which is crazy considering I only paid ยฃ4 for it?! It’s kind of giving me Velvet Teddy vibes, anyone else?

Check out the shade Cake here


Overall, I am EXTREMELY impressed with this collection. Soph has given us another fantastic palette along with three beautiful nude lippies. Firstly, the palette is an absolute dream. There are some things that I would change however, like the pigmentation of Vitamin Cย and Auroraย as I think they could both be even better. That being said, the other 16 shades are honestly very very good. The quality of the packaging is also amazing. The shimmers are so buttery and creamy and the mattes are super easy to blend out. I would easily pay ยฃ20 for this palette let alone the ยฃ10 that it actually retails at (wowza). The lipsticks are equally as fabulous too. I don’t know what they used to make them but I’ve never used anything that buttery or creamy before and there’s just no going back now! It’s safe to say that I am now a brown lippie convert. I would really recommend trying these out!


I really hope you enjoyed this review and found it helpful as I know lots of people are deciding what they want to order from this collection!

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY

ELIZABETH ARDEN – CREAM SHADOW “02 OVERBOARD” – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s review is slightly different but I thought it was worth a shot!ย Any fellow beauty nerds out there will know that this product was released four years ago, as part of the 2014 Summer Escape range! So how come I’m reviewing it now? Well anyone that knows me well, knows I absolutely love a visit to TK Maxx every now and again. They have an amazing selection of makeup and beauty products, often high-end outdated ranges. I’m always finding NARS, MAC, Too Faced and Bare Minerals bits and pieces! On one of my trips, I discovered this little gem and I simply had to buy it! I know lots of you are makeup lovers so I thought I would share my thoughts! You’re actually still able to get hold of this product via the American Elizabeth Arden website if you click here.


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I was immediately drawn the the beautiful packaging! I love the nautical vibes – perfect for summer! It almost hurt to throw the box away – does anyone else hoard unnecessary amounts of packaging? I’ve never tried anything by Elizabeth Arden before so I guess this is a first impressions post as well as a review!


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I really like that the pot continues to show off the gorgeous nautical print featuring a gold rope design across the navy lid. It’s also a screw cap so you don’t have to worry about the lid flying off at any point (always a bonus, nobody wants to open their makeup bag to find a jackson pollock remake). I love taking little pots like this on holiday with me because they barely take up any room and there’s still enough product inside to create some lovely looks.


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Today I’m specifically looking at Overboard, a shimmery blue cream shadow. LOOK AT THAT! I fell in love with this shade – it literally looks like the ocean. I love wearing colourful eyeshadows during Summer so I knew I could be creative with this one in particular. I don’t actually own anything like this either so I’m excited to add it to my makeup collection!


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I dont think I’ve ever come across anything so creamy and soft! It was a dream to apply and even easier to blend out! I layered it a couple of times for the purpose of the photo but it can be worn with just one layer for a subtle pop of blue. I was so surprised at how pigmented it was too, I was expecting it to be really sheer. The shadow also lasts really well too – I’ve worn it all day before and it hasn’t budged – even in this hot weather. I like to apply it on top of a shimmery silver shadow and then it pops even more. It’s also enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E to protect the eye area and soothe your skin.

CHECK OUT THE EYESHADOW HERE


Overall, I think this shadow is amazing. The quality, the lasting power, the packagaing – the whole lot is 10/10. I love love love it! I really recommend checking out your local TK Maxx because they have some little gems hidden amongst their makeup troughs, so get searching! Have you ever tried any Elizabeth Arden products? If so, what do you love or hate? What have you found in TK Maxx? I hope you enjoyed this post and I’ll be back soon with another!

I’ve linked all my social media below so come and say hi!

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N xxxx