Tag: January

GLOSSYBOX JANUARY 2020: SLEEP & REFRESH – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 17, 2020
No Comments on GLOSSYBOX JANUARY 2020: SLEEP & REFRESH – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope the New Year is treating you well so far. I’m stunned that we’re already halfway through the month? How did that happen? I thought January was supposed to go by slowly! Either way, it’s time for another Glossybox review and I’m so excited to share this month’s goodies with you. I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below. If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling!

About Glossybox:

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

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

This month’s theme is all about ditching those January blues and creating a new and revitalising beauty regime to prepare us for the year ahead! I couldn’t think of a better time of year to discover a handful of new beauty products. I’ve definitely been staying well within my comfort zone when it comes to my current skincare routine. It’s definitely time for a change! January’s box includes five amazing goodies, (four of which are full-size), to help us achieve that dreamy “no-makeup makeup look”.

Bybi – Strawberry Booster – RRP £12

I absolutely love using oils and serums so the Strawberry Booster from Bybi Beauty caught my eye straight away! Made from 100% Cold Pressed Strawberry Seed Oil, this product is the ultimate skin-softener. Rich in antioxidants and omega 3 and 6, it’s perfect for those with dry or flakey skin (especially if the winter weather has been treating you and your face poorly). It’s created from upcycled seeds from the juice industry – what an amazing concept! It smells very subtly of strawberries which is so refreshing in the morning. I was worried it would be greasy but my skin absorbs this stuff in no time at all. It leaves my face feeling SO soft and hydrated, I cannot get enough of it. I will definitely be repurchasing this product. Also a great tip is to add this to your moisturisers, serums or balms for an extra hydration hit!

Basic Beauty – Tweezers – RRP £15.50

Next up, we have some tweezers from Basic Beauty! I have to admit, I definitely don’t need another pair of tweezers but these are just so cute! I love the shape of them as it makes plucking ten times easier! The easy-grip design is great because there’s no way I want to slip up whilst performing brow surgery thank you very much. Also, they’re pink – what’s not to love?

ModelCo – Clear Brow Gel – RRP £14

I flipping love this brand! I religiously use their highlighters so I’m always keen to try anything else that they do. The Clear Brow Gel from ModelCo couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve literally just run out of my usual go to brow gel so I was really excited to put this to the test! It’s vegan and cruelty-free which is always a bonus. It’s designed to work alongside other brow products or on its own. I personally like to use a pomade so it’s been perfect for setting my brows in place after I’ve filled them in. It doesn’t leave them feeling crispy or rock hard either which is fabulous as I cannot stand that straw-like texture. It’s a yes from me!

Beauty Pro – CBD Oil Infused Mask – RRP £5.95

If you haven’t heard all of the hype for CBD oil products, where have you been because it sounds kinda peaceful there?! The Beauty Pro CBD Oil Infused Sheet Mask leaves skin feeling deeply hydrated and revitalised. It’s the perfect solution for those days where your skin looks and feels like it needs a real boost! Not only does it help to calm and soothe your complexion, but it also reduces the appearance of angry blemishes! It contains Lavender which makes it a great mask to use before bedtime! I will definitely be buying more of these, I absolutely loved it.

Context – Micro-derm Regenerator – RRP £6.50 (Full-Size Worth £27)

I didn’t actually know what this was until I gave the back of the product a good read. The Context Micro-Derm Regenerator is actually both a cleanser and exfoliator in one! It’s removes dead skin cells for a brighter and complexion as well as to protect it using key ingredients such as; macadamia, sunflower and Vitamins A, C and E. I’ve actually really enjoyed giving this a try. My skin feels much softer and it definitely looks brighter and clearer. However, I probably won’t repurchase this as it’s on the pricey side plus I actually have some great cleansers that cost much less. That being said, it’s still a great product and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to test it out.

Nakd Salted Caramel Fruit & Nut Bar

An extra treat was included in the January Glossybox. A delicious Salted Caramel Fruit & Nut Bar from Nakd! I literally ate this as soon as I’d got a photo of it. Self restraint…what’s that? It was delicious though and I will definitely be buying some more for the snack cupboard!

I’m so happy with the January Glossybox edit! It’s been a pretty tough start to the year for me, so receiving this box of goodies really cheered me up. We received four full-size products, a deluxe mini and an extra tasty treat too! I love the way that all of the products work well together, i.e. the tweezers and the brow gel or the oil, mask and cleanser. It’s the perfect self-care package, which I think lots of people need in January.

The total value of the products together, is £53.95, which is slightly less than last month but it’s still great value. It was great to have the opportunity to try out some products that I’d never seen before from some brands that I’d never heard of before. I will be repurchasing a couple of bits too. I flipping loved the oil and the face mask and I need more in stock ASAP! Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

Tags 2020, BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, blog, blogger, Eyeshadow Palette Review, Glossybox, January, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Skincare

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX x ROCHELLE HUMES JANUARY 2020: JUST THE WAY YOU ARE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 14, 2020
No Comments on BIRCHBOX x ROCHELLE HUMES JANUARY 2020: JUST THE WAY YOU ARE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to the first Birchbox review of 2020! This month’s box is actually part of an exciting Birchbox collaboration, so keep reading if you want to see who it’s with! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling!

Read my review of last month’s box here!

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

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

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

This month’s box is in collaboration with Rochelle Humes! This time we’re celebrating everything that makes us who we are, by embracing all of our flaws and imperfections. So, Rochelle decided to fill our January boxes with goodies that are tailored to our individual wants and needs! I’m not sure how this more personalised method of product selection actually took place, but I like the sound of it! Also, I thought that’s what Birchbox did anyway but either way, I’m keen to see what’s included in my box this month. I absolutely LOVE the design! The use of gold and marble together makes the box look so luxury! I will definitely be reusing this box to store makeup in. Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

The Beauty Crop – Glow Milk in “Pear Pressure” – RRP £15

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with liquid highlighters. They’re either the perfect amount of dewy or they’re crusty and gross, there doesn’t seem to be an in between for me. I was really keen to put the Beauty Crop’s Glow Milk to the test. I abso-freaking-lutely LOVE this stuff. It’s so easy to create that effortless glow from within look, all you need is a couple of drops and voila! One thing that I really love about this product is that it’s very hydrating and doesn’t sit on the skin. It blends so beautifully with my foundation too! The packaging is gorgeous, I love the milk carton idea – so cute! I will definitely be buying another bottle of this.

Laura Geller – Eye Dew Crayon in “Pewter” – RRP £13

In all honesty, I haven’t had the best experience with eye crayons. The main reason being that they often end up sliding all over the place during the day and they crease (hell no). I tend to use eyeshadows or liquid shadows that I can confidently set in place and go about my day. However, I was still willing to give the Eye Dew Crayon from Laura Geller a go! After putting it to the test, I don’t think it’s for me. I blended it out across my lids and it pretty much vanished, I didn’t seem to be able to get much from it in the first place – even alongside a primer too! I noticed that it had started to crease within a couple of hours and I just can’t be having that. It’s such a shame because the colour looked quite pretty but I’m afraid it’s just not for me. That being said, I’ve actually found it to be a great eyeliner for along the lower lash-line!

Greenfrog Botanic – Argan Oil Body Lotion – RRP £9.95

I’m always after products that can keep my skin hydrated and moisturised and the Greenfrog Botanic Argain Oil Body Lotion has just become a new favourite of mine! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever owned a moisturiser that smells quite as good as this stuff. I don’t feel sticky or greasy whatsoever after I’ve used it either, which is a big win for me as I absolutely hate that feeling. It’s made from 85% natural ingredients and the bottle itself is fully recyclable! I will be purchasing another bottle of this now that I know it exists – thank you Birchbox!

Skyn ICELAND – Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – RRP £25

I nearly always wake up with puffy and irritated eyes in the morning so I love anything that’s designed to cool and soothe that area in particular. I’ve tried some products from Skyn ICELAND before and I’m yet to have a negative experience with them! Their Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels promise to “de-puff, brighten and counteract crepey skin” within 10 minutes! I can confirm that after using these bad boys, my eyes no longer felt puffy and scratchy, I felt refreshed and ready to go! I think I need a pack of these in my bedside table at all times!

Mélusine – Jade Roller – RRP £15.50

I have wanted to try a facial roller for SO long but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend so much on something that might just turn out to be a pretty little gimmick. I was so excited to receive one in my January Birchbox as it finally gave me the opportunity to try one of these things out! The Mélusine Jade Roller claims to tighten pores and boost radiance (both of which I could do with) whilst also improving the appearance of fine lines and reducing puffiness! I actually like to keep mine in the fridge so that it’s extra cool and refreshing when I use it first thing in the morning. It really preps my skin the day ahead and my makeup applies so much better now! I can’t say I’ve noticed a HUGE difference but it’s only been a week so I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

I’m actually pretty pleased with the January box. The design is gorgeous and the idea behind it is also an important one – especially with how miserable January can be for some (myself included)! It’s nice to be reminded that we’re pretty damn good as we are, imperfections included. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the eye crayon, I loved all of the other products that I received in my January Birchbox! I was able to try new brands and new products that I’d never heard or seen before which is always good fun. I actually got to put £78.50 worth of products to the test, which is amazing value! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beauty products? What did you think of this box and these products? Let me know in the comments!

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

N xxxx

Tags 2020, BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, BIRCHBOX, blog, January, Makeup, New Year, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JANUARY 2019 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been settling back into university for my second term and let me tell you, it’s not much fun preparing to graduate. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel but I have a lot of things to do to get there! I’m working on my dissertation whilst also running my own study – is this what adult studenting feels like? If so, I think I’ll go back to first year if you don’t mind. I’m back and blogging though and that means I have a new monthly favourites for you! Can you believe it’s already time for this? January has already been and gone and of course, that means I have some new things to share with you.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Blue Algae Blemish Rescue Face Mask

This. Mask. Is. Amazing. I don’t know what I used to do without it to be honest. Every time I have a spot attempting to get it’s own postcode, I apply a layer of this and within a day or so it’s completely gone! It smells amazing, it’s not too expensive and it’s effective – the perfect combination, right? I’ve written a post called 5 Face Masks That You Need in Your Life, so be sure to give it a read!

Makeup Revolution – Eye Glisten Foil & Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadows

Even though it’s only January, this is already one of my favourite makeup releases of 2019. These are the Eye Glisten – Foil & Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadows from Makeup Revolution! They’re just so pretty and sparkly, I can’t stop using them. I really hope we get some more shades at some point because I need more immediately, if not sooner. I’ve actually written a review of all five shades so be sure to check that out if these make you feel all weird and tingly too.

Peppermint Tea

I grew up drinking normal tea, hot chocolate and Earl Grey and that is IT. Like the true brit that I am I never dreamed of venturing beyond the realms of the average steamy beverage until I discovered peppermint tea. If someone had mentioned it to me a few months back, I would’ve said “I’ll pass thanks” but now, I can’t stop drinking it. It’s probably the healthiest addiction that I have, in comparison to The Sims and chicken nuggets. It’s just so refreshing and it’s perfect for drinking after dinner. It’s also my go-to when I have a stomach ache or if I’m feeling anxious! The fact that it only costs 75p for 40 bags at Aldi, makes it even more tempting.

Afterspa – Facial Scrubber

This is the ultimate skincare assistant. I always make sure I take my makeup off before I go to sleep but sometimes I just cannot be bothered to do it properly. You know when you’re so tired you can hardly keep your eyes open? That’s where this comes in handy because it does the work for you! It removes dead skin cells, dirt and impurities which is exactly what I need whilst my skin is having its annual January crisis. I actually received it in my January Birchbox and you can read my review of it here.

Thermal Water Bottle

I noticed that the rest of the world has slowly becoming obsessed with these “Chilly’s” bottles and the only thing stopping me from joining them was the hefty price tag. As much as I’d like to carry my tea out and about with me, there’s no way I’m paying £30 to do so. I started looking around to find a cheaper alternative and voila! That’s where the love of my life, T.K. Maxx saved the day. I was on my way to the till after my weekly trip to the store (yep I know, I’m absolutely wild) when I saw an entire shelf of these bottles and they only cost £7.99! Due to my love of animal prints, I went for a snakeskin design and I practically skipped home to start using it. Since then, I’ve been using this bottle almost every day, to take hot drinks to university with me. Typically, I’ll have peppermint tea or lemon and ginger but since my boyfriend has kindly given me his cold, I’ve been taking Lemsip in recently. It’s the perfect cold weather companion! In summer, it’ll be great for keeping drinks cold too.

I Heart Revolution – Bronze & Shimmer

Ladies and gents, say hello to my little friend, the Bronze and Shimmer duo from Makeup Revolution. I have quite the collection of highlighters and bronzers ranging from Benefit to Bobbi Brown and Urban Decay to Too Faced and yet this still comes first, every time. To make it even better, it only costs £6! I’ve written an entire post all about it here, so check it out if you’re interested! This monthly favourites is going to seem like one big plug of my own content but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, sorry not sorry!

NETFLIX – SEX EDUCATION

This series is so good! I finished it in two days because I just couldn’t stop watching! It follows a teenage boy with a mother that is a sex therapist (awkward) whilst we attempts to start a sex clinic at his high school. It’s quirky, hilarious and different from most of the other gloomy serial killer documentaries that I spend most of my time watching. There’s talk of a second series too! I love how they’ve made it timeless, with a mixup of the retro and the modern, whilst also featuring elements of British and American culture. It sparked debate on social media, as nobody could work out when or where it was set!

There we have it, my January favourites! What have you been loving over the last few weeks? Let me know in the comments and be sure to check out my social media – I’ve linked it all below!

N xxxx

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Tags 2019, BEAUTY, blogger, January, Monthly Favourites, Netflix, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2019: SHAKE YOUR POM POMS – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 15, 2019
No Comments on BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2019: SHAKE YOUR POM POMS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into the first month of 2019 but somehow, here we are and of course that means another Birchbox review is coming your way! Even though I’ve been subscribed to Birchbox for a long time, I still feel excited when one of their lovely little boxes arrives at my door every month. Before I dive in, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling! RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

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

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

This month’s Birchbox is focused on beating the January Blues by making each day more vibrant – even if it’s dark and gloomy outside! As usual, the packaging is gorgeous. I love how bright and colourful it is, definitely one to keep on show! I’ll probably store some of my makeup in it as it’s far too pretty to get rid of. Is there anyone out there that actually throws these boxes away?

CLĒ Cosmetics – Essence Moonlighter Cushion in Apricot Tinge – RRP £22 (Full Size)

In all honesty, at first glance, I wasn’t too sure about this. I nearly always use a powder highlighter as I just seem to get on better with a a dry formula. However, I wanted to give this product a shot so I kept an open mind whilst doing swatches and it turns out that I bloody loved it! The Moonlighter Cushion is enriched with luminescent pearl powder to add a gorgeous gleam to your skin. It’s sponge-like texture allows for a precise amount of product to be picked up and applied. A little bit goes a long way! It has a really refreshing and cooling sensation on the skin, something that makes it stand out from the other highlighters in my collection! I expected it to be darker in colour but it’s actually a pearly white shade when swatched! It’s so easy to apply and because it’s liquid-based it doesn’t appear cakey or cling to any dry patches. It’s also full-size and I understand that Birchbox can’t always do this, but sometimes it’s really nice to have the whole thing rather than a tiny sample – especially if it’s a product that I really like!

Dr. Botanicals – Cleansing Bar in Pomegranate – RRP £5.90 (Full Size)

If you’ve read my latest post, 5 face masks that you need in your life, you’ll know just how much I love the Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate range. I was so excited to find this cleansing bar in my January Birchbox! It promises to restore our skin’s natural glow and I don’t know about you, but mine seems to have been left in 2018, so I would quite like it back. Although it acts as an exfoliator, it’s not rough whatsoever. In fact, it lathers beautifully for a gentle and soothing cleanse, leaving the skin radiant and glowing. Despite how hard it has to work, it also manages to smell amazing too. Also, I was expecting it to cost a small fortune but £5.90 seems too good to be true!

Philip Kingsley – Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo – RRP £24

I’d say my hair is more on the damaged/lifeless side of things, rather than flaky or itchy so I was unsure of how this would help me until I read the description. Apparently you don’t need to have those issues to benefit from using this product! This shampoo was created to help maintain a healthy scalp but also to encourage a good haircare routine. It gently cleanses to soothe irritation and clear product build-up, leaving your hair silky, soft and shiny. The 3 S’s that you need in your life (as opposed, to straggly, slimy and split ends)

Afterspa – Facial Micro Scrubber – RRP £7 (Full Size)

I already use their makeup removing cloths and my god they’re good so my expectations for this scrubber were pretty high. The dual-sided scrubber can be used every day for exfoliation on the face and neck. It wipes away any dead cells, dirt, oil and impurities, leaving skin feeling cleaner and healthier. You can use it alongside your favourite cleanser too – so it can easily fit into your skincare routine.

Lord & Berry – Line/Shade in Purple – RRP £14

Now, I’m sure the perfectionists amongst you will have picked up on something wrong, just as I did. The top of the pencil seems to have been sliced off in transit but I couldn’t find it anywhere so who knows! I actually love using coloured pencils along my waterline, they quickly make an everyday makeup look a bit less boring! This liner is waterproof, so it stays put all day without budging. I like that it’s an actual pencil too as there’s nothing worse than those stingy ones that you can’t twist up or sharpen. I can’t wait to get creative with this!

Birchbox – Pom Pom Hair Ties

This month we were given a little something extra in the form of two cute little Pom pom hairbands! Like socks, hair ties seem to disappear without a trace so I always like to top up my supply! I always go for the boring pack of brown ones so for once, I will have something colourful to use!

As usual, we received some amazing bits and bobs. This month had a real variety! We had skincare, makeup and makeup and even three full-size products too! I’m sure I will get lots of use out of everything, particularly the skincare as my face has decided to hate me right now. Altogether, the products inside the January box, are worth roughly £72 which is pretty good given that the subscription costs only £12.95. Are you subscribed to Birchbox? Are you subscribed to any other beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

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

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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Tags 2019, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, Birchbox Review, blogger, Haircare, January, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG JANUARY 2018: REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date February 16, 2018
No Comments on PAPERGANG JANUARY 2018: REVIEW

Ohh Deer, a company I have SO much love for, was founded in order to allow illustrators and artists to showcase their work and find people that would be interested in buying their designs. The company sells the most amazing quirky and arty products – I simply can’t get enough. I love the fact that Ohh Deer offers artists the opportunity to get noticed and therefore get something back for all their hard work that otherwise we might not have seen. Some of their clients include Paperchase, ASOS, John Lewis and Oliver Bonas (my all-time favourite shop) and some of their collections have been specifically designed for the Tate Galleries and the Science Museum!

WHAT IS PAPERGANG?

Ohh Deer decided to create a monthly subscription service for stationery addicts, such as myself called, Papergang! Each month you will receive a box filled with brilliant papery goodies and desk accessories. Some examples are notebooks, greeting cards, wrapping paper and art prints. It costs £10.95 and then a £2.95 for shipping which in my opinion, after receiving their boxes, is a great deal. Every box has a different design and theme by a different artist and for every 4 boxes, 1 tree is planted in partnership with the fantastic charity, Tree aid. To find out more about their connection with this charity here.

I am a huge stationary addict and this subscription box is probably my favourite out of the many I am a part of. I always look forward to opening my box every month and using all my new bits and pieces! Most of the products you receive are exclusive the Papergang subscribers for a while before they get sold in Ohh Deer’s shop.

This month’s artist Jacqueline Colley, brings us adorable doodles of Cadillacs, dinosaurs, cactuses and more in her Palm Springs range. Her use of bright and feminine colours are perhaps influenced by her background in women’s fashion. Jacqueline travelled to Palm Springs in 2016 and was inspired by the architecture and the cacti varieties – you can tell just from glancing at her prints!

Follow Jacqueline –

Insta – @Jacquelinecolley

Website – Jacquelinecolley.co.uk

Every month Papergang provides us with a little monthly calendar card. I absolutely love these as I stick them in a frame and they’re the perfect size for my desk! This month’s calendar features more illustrations from Jacqueline Colley, but with a succulent theme which I LOVE.

1 x A4 Deskpad – £7.95

I absolutely love desk organisers, I find them so helpful! I’m so much more productive when my tasks and notes are all laid out in front of me on something pretty and patterned compared to when I scribble them down on a post-it that is nowhere to be found a day later. These deskpads help me prioritise what tasks I need to complete and when I need to do them – a much needed service to my student self! I also love the doodles section as I am constantly doodling on notebooks and in margins so now I have o excuse to vandalise anything but this little section every week!

1 x Washi Tape – £2.50

I have quite the collection of wash tapes (check out my January Favourites post to see a few!) so I was super happy to find one of these in this month’s box! Jacqueline’s doodles are featured on this tape, including a flamingo pool float, a dinosaur and a variety of cacti! I use washing tape to make my notes stand out, to decorate scrapbook pages and to make my bullet journal pretty!

1 x Pack of Stickers – £3.95

I’ve always loved stickers, as a little girl I used to put them on EVERYTHING. My walls, my drawers and even my bed frame! Now, I’m quite picky with them. However, these are ADORABLE. I absolutely love the warm toned illustrations on these and they make my bullet journal look so pretty and colourful. I’ve found myself using these more than I thought I would too! I’ve received sticker sheets in a few of my Papergang boxes and I’m yet to be disappointed!

1 x Pencil – £5.95

Back at home, we’ve always had those wind-up style pencils and I’ve always thought they looked a bit ugly and mechanical. I mean, they do the job but they don’t look pretty on my desk (haha yes, it’s the small things in life for me, I’m wild aren’t I?). I also tend to write with a finaliser or a black biro, however when I need to sketch, I need to use something that can be erased asap (my skills are next to none when it comes to drawing). I was delighted to find this pretty little pencil in this month’s box (might have something to do with the whole pink and rose gold design…). I also love the phrase engraved on it too! This idea of quirky messages on the sides of pens and pencils seems to be trending and I’m loving it! Last month’s box also had a set of three pens with little messages on too – check out my review here!

1 x Enamel Pin – £5.95

I’ve been meaning to stick some pins on my denim jacket for quite some time now and this made me actually do it. I was so excited when I saw this pin inside my January box, I literally went and stuck it on straight away! I think pins add a sense of identity and quirkiness to your clothes, especially if you want to make something look slightly different and more your own.

There wasn’t a single item in this month’s box that I was unsure about, I love everything. I also adore Jacqueline Colley’s illustrations and I’m more than happy to have them on my desk now! This box values at £21.30 and considering I paid £13.90 (monthly subscription fee and postage) That’s pretty awesome value!

If you would like to subscribe, my invite is here!

If you want to know any more about Ohh Deer, click here!

N xxxx

Tags Art, blog, Design, England, Inspiration, January, Lifestyle, Ohhdeer, PAPERGANG, Photography, Review, Stationery, Subscription

LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG DECEMBER 2017: JADE WALSH REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 15, 2018
No Comments on PAPERGANG DECEMBER 2017: JADE WALSH REVIEW

WHAT IS PAPERGANG?

This month’s box, created by Jade Walsh, combines two trends; tropical leaves and primary colours. I am LOVING tropical leaves designs at the moment. There’s something relaxing about them and they look good in any room. The main reason that this trend has come about, is due to he famous banana leaf wallpaper by Don Loper, for the Beverly Hills Hotel. Primary colours return every Spring, which makes for a refreshing start to a new year after the darkness of December! I’ve always loved bright and colourful stationery so I was thrilled to discover that this would be a main theme in this month’s Papergang box!

Every month Papergang provides us with a little monthly calendar card. I absolutely love these as I stick them in a frame and they’re the perfect size for my desk every month! The patterns are also so cute too.

1 x 2 Pack A5 Notebooks – £5.95

I love a notebook and I get through at least one a month – especially now that I’m blogging more regularly as I need to plan posts in advance (I try to anyway). The designs on these are so cool – they remind me of painting in school with all of the really bright coloured poster paints. One is plain paged (left) and one has gridded paper – maths book style (right).

3 x Pack of Pens – £7.95

I have an ever-growing collection of biros however I can never seem to find any – can someone tell me where all the biros get to? They’re like hair bands they just seem disappear… I was really excited about these as I am currently lacking black ink pens – somehow a pink highlighter just wouldn’t do for writing revision notes. These pens all look so pretty too which as I’m more likely to take care of them (hopefully they’ll stick around for longer too)

1 x A6 Notepad – £3.95

This might be my favourite item from this month’s box. I constantly need lists and things like this make it so much easier and they also encourage me to be far more organised. The pad consists of 60 pages which allows for a fair bit of list making! It’s a great sized pad for travelling with as it fits perfectly in my bag!

1 x Greeting Card – £2.50

The design is the same as one of the notebooks – a colourful tropical print. I love receiving cards in my Papergang boxes as it means I always have a stock of cards to choose from when needed, I rarely have a last minute panic anymore as these boxes ensure that I’m always prepared!

As usual, this box really impressed me. These products are all really lovely and are of high quality too so I feel like I got my money’s worth for sure. I also love the theme of this month as I definitely need some more colour in my life right now. Let me know what you guys think of these products and whether or not you would enjoy using them!

If you want to grab this month’s box click here.

If you would like to subscribe, my invite is here!

If you want to know any more about Ohh Deer as a company, click here!

N xxxx

Tags 2018, Art, Bullet Journal, Design, England, Inspiration, January, Lifestyle, Ohhdeer, PAPERGANG, Product Review, Review, Shopping, Stationery

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2018: OHH DEER – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 12, 2018
26 Comments on BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2018: OHH DEER – REVIEW

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month! 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. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the older boxes to store makeup in too as the designs are too pretty to throw away!

If you want to see last month’s review, click here!

This month’s beautiful box is in collaboration with the British stationery gods over at ‘Ohh Deer‘. I absolutely bloody love this company – I’m even subscribed to their stationary subscription service too (click here for my November Papergang box review).

The January Birchbox is a pretty good mixture of skincare and makeup. This month seemed to have less well known brands than some of the other months, but the products are still all lovely. We were also given a cute little sheet of stickers too which I’m loving as they’re perfect for putting in my bullet journal/blog planner.

(FULL SIZE) Lord & Berry – Blusher Crayon in Peach : RRP £8

First up we have a crayon blusher. I picked this last month in advance (Birchbox usually offers this for every box – you can pick one of two products) because I knew it would be a good colour for more summery makeup looks. At first I was a bit terrified when I swatched this because I’d gotten so used to wearing dark coloured makeup over the Winter months but I reckon it’ll be an easy transition once Spring arrives (asap please because I’m fed up of it getting dark by 4 o’clock). I also like that it’s super creamy in it’s consistency so it’s easy apply and to blend in. I wasn’t sure about the whole ‘crayon’ idea however it’s meant I’ve been able to put the blusher exactly where I want it. I use a dewy foundation anyway so I prefer makeup that glides onto my face rather than putting something powdery or dry on top of it. I’ve also always loved using peachy/coral coloured lip and cheek products during Summer so I will definitely be keeping this around to test whilst I’m on holiday! It will definitely save me some space in my makeup bag as I won’t need to carry a whole compact and a brush. If this product takes your fancy, get yourself one here.

Marcelle – Waterproof Eyeliner in Charcoal : RRP £10.99

I always forget how much of a difference eyeliner makes. I keep thinking ” Something doesn’t look right, what’s missing ?” and it’s always eyeliner! This product really excited me as it’s waterproof. I hate getting panda eyes a few hours into my day or after a sobbing through an episode of Grey’s Anatomy so I tend to look for waterproof products – especially when it comes to eye makeup. This eyeliner stays put and doesn’t budge for a good few hours, I only had to touch it up once in a whole day – very impressed! Grab one here!

Thermaliv – Night Cream : £21

I have always loved night creams, masks and treatments as they’re so simple and easy to use. Just plonk them on and all you have to do is go to sleep to wake up feeling fresh faced and ready to go. This product contains sea chamomile and vitamin E which leaved the skin feeling nourished and plump. It is quite pricey though so I’m not sure if I would buy the full sized version once this sample has run out. However, if this sounds like something you’d be interested, you can get yourself one here!

Paul & Joe Beauty – Moisturising Foundation Primer in 01 Dragee : RRP £24

I’ve recently started using primers and I’ve really noticed a differenced in how my makeup applies once it’s on. It makes such a good base for my foundation so I was super pleased to see this product in this month’s box. This primer is enriched with botanical extracts providing extra moisture for your skin as well as having a subtle gold shimmer that creates a healthy and dewy look which I am all about. I really recommend this product, so if you want to check it out, you can do so here!

Afterspa – Amazing Makeup Remover : RRP £5.50

I cannot get over how unbelievably soft this product is. It removes any kind of makeup including mascara and waterproof eyeliner – SAY WHAT? It isn’t necessarily as easy as a makeup wipe but it certainly saves you some dosh given it apparently lasts up to 1,000 washes! All you have to do is soak it in warm/hot water and you’re ready to go. It’s a great idea plus it also is a great option for people that have sensitive skin. Grab it here if you want to check it out for yourself!

Overall I think this box is great value for money. One of the products is full sized and it costs £15 – whereas the box itself costs £10. I think there was a good mixture of skincare and makeup in this month’s box

Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

Go ahead and use my link (here) to subscribe and you will get £5 off your first Birchbox!

Tags BEAUTY, Beautyblog, BIRCHBOX, blog, blogger, Bullet Journal, Design, January, Lifestyle, Lord and berry, Makeup, Marcelle, Ohhdeer, Photography, Product Review, Review, Skincare, Spring

BEAUTY

LUSH: “THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” BOX REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 10, 2018
No Comments on LUSH: “THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” BOX REVIEW

Hey you!

Today I’m back with another Lush review except this time we’re going to be talking about their “The Night Before Christmas” box. I’ve always been a huge fan of Lush’s Christmas ranges, particularly the Snow Fairy collection, which I reviewed the other day! Check that out here. I also love Lush’s stance on animal testing which you can read more about here.

“Slip into a bath before Christmas and summon some well-deserved peace and tranquility.”

The packaging for this is just so gorgeous! I love the dark purple and the gold aesthetic plus I also love the moon and stars design. It makes me feel warm and cosy just looking at it! I feel like Lush are absolute pros when it comes to vibrant and colourful packaging – it’s partly why I look forward to any seasonal ranges.

This box includes two products; the Shoot For The Stars bath bomb (my fave) and the Christmas Eve bubble bar. I love that they both match with their deep blue colour and astrology theme.

SHOOT FOR THE STARS BATH BOMB – 200g

“Honey-scented sparkles of Brazilian orange and bergamot waltz in a swirling, cobalt sky.”

This is my absolute favourite bath bomb that Lush sells. I love the smell, I love the look and I LOVE how it makes my skin feel after I’ve had a bath. I love launching this one into the tub and waiting for the water to turn a gorgeous shimmery turquoise. The little gold stars smell like a mixture of toffee and honey and they release the most gorgeous shimmer into the water, making it perfect to sink into before bed. It’s such a warm and comforting scent to get you relaxed and cosy on a cold Winter’s night! I usually get a few of these in stock before they disappear after Christmas. I wish it was an all year round product! I really recommend trying this one out if you haven’t already.

CHRISTMAS EVE BUBBLE BAR – 100g

“Bubbles piled high smell lovely and bright. Uplifting ylang ylang puts moods just right.”

This was a new product for me, I’d never seen it before I opened this set, however it came out every year between 2009 and 2014 and was one of Lush’s most popular Christmas products. It was revamped and brought back, much to many people’s delight, last year! I usually crumble a small bit of the bubble bar under running water (or I just hold it under for a while) until soft fluffy bubbles begin to fill the tub! The scent of Christmas Eve is super relaxing and comforting, as it features both jasmine and ylang ylang. It’s more floral then I would typically go for as I am usually a more buttery/vanilla kind of girl – but I still enjoyed using this! I would recommend this if you enjoy floral, clean and fresh scents in particular.

This is definitely a lovely box to give or receive for Christmas as it contains two really lovely products and they are packaged so beautifully too. I really recommend buying Lush’s gift sets after Christmas when they are on sale as they’re obviously cheaper but you can also get a lot more for your money. I usually get a few in stock before they’re unavailable and then I can enjoy these products and scents all year round until they’re back again (thank god). Let me know what you thought of this set or whether you love or hate these products in the comments.

N xxxx

Tags Bath, BEAUTY, Beautyblog, blogger, Christmas, December, January, Lush, Luxury, Pamper, Photography, Product Review, Review

BEAUTY

THE BODY SHOP: CHRISTMAS SALE PICKS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 5, 2018
12 Comments on THE BODY SHOP: CHRISTMAS SALE PICKS

Hey guys,

Of course, your girl has been exploring the Christmas sales. I recently posted a few of my finds from Zoella Beauty and KIKO too if you’re interested! I haven’t been looking in The Body Shop that much actually, I used to love their products and somehow I just forgot about them. I went in for a snoop around when I went to Bath (here’s my post on that too) and I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve always loved how great their products are and where they stand on animal testing (here’s their page on being cruelty free). They have SO many products and there’s absolutely loads of different scents too. They now sell cosmetics and skincare as well as bath and shower goodies. I have heard amazing things about their makeup so I may have to test these out for myself! Let’s take a look at what I did pick up from their Christmas sale.

No, I didn’t go crazy, but I did get some amazing goodies and they were on sale so it would’ve been rude to walk away empty handed! Can we talk about these scents too? Frosted Berries is my kind of scent for Christmas. I absolutely love anything that smells fruity or like berries so this was an immediate yes from me. I’ve never known anything to be Vanilla Chai scented before so I was definitely curious about this one. It smells HEAVENLY. Even if you aren’t going to buy this, please just go and give it a sniff because my GOD it’s just too good!

Okay so this was £2.50. WHAT?! Yep that’s right, it really was that cheap. The Frosted Berries Shower Gel comes in a 250ml plastic bottle and has a gorgeous little wreath design on it too (festive points are to be given for this, it’s so cute). This shower gel smells absolutely unreal. It’s fragranced with Red Berries, Vanilla and Cranberry so it’s super rich and fresh smelling. I love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and smelling amazing for hours. You can get it here!

Of course, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the Frosted Berries Hand Cream too. This also smells incredible and you get 30ml of product, perfectly sized for your handbag! This also only cost £2.50 which is such a bargain. At first I was worried it was going to be one of those metal tubes that look like scrunched up tissue after the first use but it’s actually made of plastic so it won’t look gross. It’s also fragranced with Vanilla and Red Berries, but it’s especially enriched with Cranberry Seed Oil from North America. It’s a gel-cream formula so it really keeps your hands hydrated and soft. It doesn’t leave my hands feeling greasy either which is a yes from me. I love it! Grab it here if you’re interested.

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The Vanilla Chai Shower Gel also comes in a 250ml plastic bottle and has another cute little wreath design on it, I’m loving the festive vibes from these products. This is also priced at an extremely reasonable £2.50. It’s enriched with Vanilla extract and is fragranced with Vanilla (surprise surprise) and spiced up with Cardamon and Star Anise. I love the scent of this as it combines a buttery sweet fragrance with spices which I think is so perfect for the Winter months! Again, this shower gel lathers beautifully and leaves my skin feeling so soft. I really recommend this one, you can get it here!

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Guess what I picked up next? Yep, the matching hand cream. If you know me you’ll know I like sets so this was impossible to resist. If I love the shower gel, I’m obviously going to love the same scent for on the go use right? The Vanilla Chai Hand Cream comes in a 250ml squeezy tube, ideal for travelling with. Ten points if you can guess the price of this one too…yep, £2.50! The smell of this just makes me feel warm and cosy, do you know what I mean? It reminds me of being under a throw on the sofa with a warm drink. It’s also made from vanilla and spices so it’s the perfect festive scent in my opinion! It’s the same gel formula as the other hand cream, meaning it leaves your hands feeling super soft and hydrated and of course, smelling bloody great too. If you like the sound of this, you can grab it here!

The Body Shop had lots of products on sale and another scent in the Christmas range that caught my attention was called Frosted Plum, which you can check out here. Their Christmas range is still available on their website here, and I’m sure is still available in some stores around the country too. Let me know what you guys think of The Body Shop or if any of you have tried their Christmas products out too!

N xxxx

Tags Bath, BEAUTY, Beautyblog, Christmas, England, Festive, January, Pamper, Photography, Review, Sales, Shopping, Shower, Skincare, The Body Shop