*This post contains gifted products and affiliate links
Hey Everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m not sure who I think I am all of a sudden, but I’ve actually been going out (as in out out) and I’ve actually been enjoying it – it’s almost like I’m a young person at university or something. However, the absolute highlight of my week was receiving a beautiful (and very generous) PR package from Pixi, which included two of their new Eye Reflections Palettes and a set of eyeshadow brushes. I thought you might be keen to see a review as everyone seems to be Pixi crazy right now, including me! They have quickly become one of my favourite brands, especially when it comes to skincare, so you can imagine my excitement when they sent me some makeup to play around with…
First up we have the Reflex Light eyeshadow palette, featuring 12 gorgeous shimmer shades. It retails at ยฃ24.I have to admit, although I tend to prefer a palette that includes both mattes and shimmers, these are some of the best shimmers that I’ve ever come across – ever. I’m actually really glad that we get so many in one palette. I also love warm tones! The only other warm toned palette that I own is the Naked Heat by Urban Decay, which I absolutely love. I feel like some of these shimmers would go so well with the mattes from the Heat palette too! That being said, if you aren’t too keen on the idea of using multiple palettes at once, or you aren’t a huge fan of warm-tones and shimmers in general – this palette will not be the one for you. Pixi do have a few other palettes in the range that might take your fancy though, click here to have a browse. However, if you’re already into this – just wait until you see the swatches…
When I say that these are the best shimmers that I’ve used, I mean it. The texture is beautifully softy and buttery. In terms of pigmentation, as you can see Pixi aren’t playing around with these eyeshadows. They’re almost like foils in how they feel and apply – when applied wet I reckon they will be out if this world! Every single shade is amazing, there isn’t a single on that I’m disappointed with. I can also see myself using all of them too – whether I’m doing a quick one-swipe sparkle or whether I’m going full glam for a night out. I cannot recommend this enough if you want some pigmented warm tones and shimmers in your makeup collection, especially given that the palette only costs ยฃ24!
Pixi also sent across three of their eyeshadow brushes; E01, E02 and E03! Not only do the brushes look nice but they feel nice too. They all feel so soft and they don’t malt which is always bonus. I’ve been using the fluffy brush almost every day as it’s literally perfect for blending out eyeshadow flawlessly. The tapered brush is great for packing shades into the inner and outer corners if you’re trying to layer and build a more intense look. I’ve also been using the flat brush to apply shimmer shades and glitters as it lets me be so precise.Unfortunately they don’t seem to be available online however I can almost guarantee that their other brushes are just as good! I will definitely be investing in some of them now.
I absolutely love the eyeshadow palette. It’s pigmented, wearable and affordable, what more could I need? What do you think of Pixi’s eyeshadows? Have you tried any of their makeup? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to give me a follow on my socials – come and say hey!
I hope you’re all doing well and that you had a lovely Valentine’s Day, no natter who you spent it with or what you did! I explored a lovely little town called Matlock with dad yesterday. We sat and watched the world go by whilst sharing a huge slab of white chocolate and raspberry cake. Anyway, it’s time for another Birchbox review and I’m really excited for this one! This month, we received some amazing products and I can’t wait to tell you about them! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much is costs and all that jazz below!
Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt have to worry about lifelong commitments or contracts. In fact, you can cancel anytime 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 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 stil look forward to receiving their boxes every month. Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve 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 boxes to store makeup in too as they’re too pretty to throw away! If you want to try Birchbox for yourself, click here and use my referral link to get ยฃ5 off your first box!
This monthโs box is all about celebrating love, which makes sense because after all, it’s February and that means Valentine’s Day is upon us once again! Birchbox have collaborated with the gifting gods from notonthehighstreet to remind us all about acts of thoughtfulness and kindness. I think it’s a lovely idea, especially as lots of us are feeling a bit down in the dumps after the January blues and could definitely do with a pick-me-up. Let’s see what’s included shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.
If you’ve read my recent post about my latest makeup obsession, then you’ll know how much I love liquid eyeshadows. Powder formulas can get a bit boring so it’s nice to just sweep some shimmer onto my lid and be able to leave the house within five minutes – no blending necessary. It’s described to add a “subtle hint of colour” but I certainly wouldn’t call it subtle…as you can see from the swatch, she is PIGMENTED. I was expecting a sheer formula, perhaps something that needs building but this is on another level. I’m not complaining though, it just may disappoint those of you that were hoping for something more natural looking. It’s really smooth and buttery, making is easy to apply and shift around the lid until it looks exactly how I want it to. It dries pretty quickly and when it does, it’s going nowhere fast! Ten hours after application, it still hadn’t budged and it only came off with makeup remover.
This smells absolutely amazing! I already have a lot of love for Anatomicals. I’m a huge fan of their packaging too, I love how vibrant and eye-catching it all is, plus they know how to make puns like it’s nobody’s business. It’s like they’re a conveyor belt of beauty related humour and I love it! It makes a change from the boring packaging we see everywhere else, right?
I spend so much time thinking about skincare and makeup that I forget to about my hair! Given that I love to fry it with straighteners on a regular basis and I’m guilty of forgetting heat protectant on a few occasions, I should probably change this! When I’m straightening my hair, I’m usually in a rush to get out of the house so I don’t have time to faff about with sprays and creams. The idea of a hair mask sounds so appealing – you can even be doing something else whilst it’s on. For example, when you have those heavy duty baths/showers, where you have to wash your hair, shave and exfoliate (if you know, you know), you could apply this mask, leave it for 5-10 minutes whilst you’re faffing around with everything else! Meanwhile, the mask is repairing damage, improving texture and shine, deeply hydrating AND sealing split ends – one heck of a multi-tasker!
Since I started wearing makeup, I’ve learnt that the key to flawless eyeshadow is blending. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right brushes for this though and the Luxie Tapered Blending brush is perfect for the job! It’s so soft and fluffy, great for creating seamless eyeshadow looks. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and hypoallergenic. With brushes like this, it barely takes any effort to get the look you want.
Patches are some of my favourite skincare must-haves! I always have some in to target blocked pores, blackheads and impurities. Apparently these strips only take 10-15 minutes and then you’re able to “wave goodbye” to all the bad stuff immediately. However, I tried this patch last night and I just didn’t notice any difference, at all. I also noticed how expensive they were too. Had it been a great product, I might have repurchased them but I definitely won’t be. I’ve found cheaper alternative that are much more effective!
I’m really impressed with this month’s box. We received four full size products when typically it’s only one or two. There was such a variety, we had makeup, skincare, haircare and an beauty tool too! Although I was disappointed by one of the products, I’m okay with that. When you subscribe to something like Birchbox, you have to be prepared to receive something you might not like at some point and I guess that’s what happened here! I know that I will use everything else though, especially the makeup and the blending brush. Altogether, the products inside the February box are worth roughly ยฃ45, which is less than usual but still good value. The subscription itself costs only ยฃ12.95 per month! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beaut boxes? Let me know in the comments. Check out last month’s Birchbox review!
I hope you’re all doing well! The Gods from Revolution have blessed us once again with some amazing new products. This time, we’re delving into the wonderful world of liquid eyeshadows with their latest release, the Eye Glisten range. I pretty much turn into Gollum when anything glittery comes my way so there was absolutely no chance that I was going to be able to resist these. Grab a cuppa and apologise in advance to your bank account – especially if, like me, you love anything pretty and shiny. Like always, I’ve included links, photos and swatches!
All links in this post are affiliate links.
The Eye Glisten range includes five, dual-ended liquid and foil eyeshadows. One end features a metallic shimmer and the other a glitter gel (I know, I’m drooling too) and they retail at ยฃ6 each. The shadows can be found on Beauty Bay, Revolution’s website or in Superdrug stores now!
The tubes are travel-friendly in size, each containing 2.2ml of product. The flocked wands allow for smooth and easy application – no mess and no faffing around with brushes and tools. I’m all for using glitter but I hate having to use a small army of other products to help it stay put. With these, you get two products in one tube and two applicators – space-saving and practical! Does anyone else overpack when it comes to makeup and going on holiday? I’m absolutely awful for it! “Oh but I might end up needing that neon pink shade” “I simply have to bring that palette because it has a gold in it” and before I know it, my whole makeup collection is in my suitcase. Now, I reckon I could get away with packing a few of these instead!
Look how neat and tidy it is! The wands make it a quick, easy and mess-free experience!.The last thing I want is my hands, face and dressing table looking like something that’s supposed to be hanging above a dance floor. It makes the whole process much more appealing when you don’t have to worry about cleaning up the aftermath. It also means that we can be precise when applying the product. The trouble with loose glitter is that within a few minutes, I’ve either put too much on or it’s gone down my bra. It will be so much easier to control with a wand (if only it were the kind from Diagon Alley), so I can layer the product it gradually and build it up at my own pace!
From Top to Bottom: Adored by You, It’s Fate, Yours Truly, Dreamland & Desired
Here we have the glitters and nope I can’t handle it either. They are gorgeous! I think the colour selection is fantastic, there’s a bit of everything and I think the shades will work on everyone. They can be layered with other eyeshadows or applied along the lash line to create the perfect glitter liner! Imagine what could be created with these during the festival period! The texture is a little bit difficult to manoeuvre – imagine glitter glue but a tiny bit more stubborn and clumpy. They may take a bit of work to get them how you’d like them to look but it’s totally worth it!
From Top to Bottom: Dreamland, Yours Truly, It’s Fate, Adored by You & Desired๏ปฟ
Now onto my favourite part. Can we just take a minute to appreciate these beauties? Look how stunning they are! I absolutely love some shimmer on the lid but there aren’t many (good) liquid eyeshadows that don’t require a small loan to purchase. I think my prayers have been answered with these twinkling tubes and finally, I can blink and blind the world as often as I like. The texture of all of the shimmer shadows is smooth and velvety and they dry after a minute or so.
Desired
Desired – Glitter (Top) & Shimmer (Bottom)
Desired– Red Copper Glitter & Red Copper Shimmer – I didn’t expect the glitter to be this rich in colour at all. It’s so bright and vibrant, it’ll look stunning on any skin tone. The liquid shadow is mind-glowingly pigmented, I still haven’t recovered to be honest. I think this will look beautiful when used with the Naked Heat palette, don’t you think? It would’ve been the perfect festive combination too! A dab of these two along with a forest green and BAM you’ve got Lapland on your lids.
Adored by You
Adored by You – Glitter (Top) & Shimmer (Bottom)
Adored by You – Iridescent Pink Glitter & Frosted Rose Gold Pink Shimmer – Calling all baby pink fans, glisten up, your time to shine has come. The glitter is a lot less chunky than Desired, so it took a little less work to move it around. I tried to capture half and half – what it looks like in the light and what it looks like normally. You can see how beautifully it reflects the light – I’m getting some strong unicorn vibes people. The shimmer is stunning. It’s pigmented, buttery and easy to blend. I can’t wait to use this with some pink shadows! I’m thinking Modern Renaissance…
Dreamland
Dreamland – Glitter (Top) & Shimmer (Bottom)
Dreamland – Yellow Gold Glitter & Deep Gold Shimmer – WOW. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I swatched this. What in the name of glistening goddesses did we do to deserve such a product? I’m totally obsessed with Dreamland. The glitter is gorgeous and it looks stunning along the lash line and in the inner corners of the lid. Again, it reflects the light beautifully and it will make you feel like a queen. The shimmer is something else. It’s more pigmented than some of the palettes I’ve paid ยฃ45 for, which hurts a little to admit but credit where credits due! 11/10! It came in the post yesterday morning and I’ve already been stopped and asked about it three times. It’s one of those products.
It’s Fate
It’s Fate – Glitter (Top) & Shimmer (Bottom)
It’s Fate – Cool Gold Glitter & Champagne Gold Shimmer – I’m so glad that they included a cooler gold in the collection. Sometimes I’m not in the mood for a bright yellow gold on my lids, so It’s Fatemakes for the perfect alternative. The Glitter is a bit stubborn to shift, which is a shame as it’s such a beautiful colour. The shimmer is perfect, I cannot wait to wear it with some neutral mattes as an every day look!
Yours Truly
Yours Truly – Glitter (Top) & Shimmer (Bottom)
Yours Truly – Muted Pink Glitter and Rose Gold Shimmer – I love anything pink and shimmer but rose gold always steals the show. For those of us that couldn’t rob a bank in time to buy the Huda Nude palette, look no further – we can get our hands on a pink glitter and shimmer for ยฃ6 a pop! I can see myself using this a lot during Spring, as I seem to be drawn towards all things floral and delicate at that time of year. The glitter was less chunky than some of the others and I was able to get it to a semi-opaque layer on my lid without it looking really patchy. The shimmer is another masterpiece and I have nothing to complain about here! Smooth, pigmented and pretty – what more could I want?
So, what’s the verdict?
In terms of what I didn’t like, there’s barely anything to say. The only thing I think could be improved, is the texture of the glitter. It’s literally like glitter glue and like I mentioned before, it can be quite stubborn to move around. It can also clump quite easily which makes it difficult to apply smoothly. If it were slightly more fluid in formula but still had the same wow-factor to it, I think it would be perfect. Something similar to the Collection Glam Crystals Liquid Eyeshadows?
Although there’s room for the tiniest of improvements, I think it’s obvious that I’m a big fan of these products. The shimmers are ridiculously good, there’s nothing to complain about. Let’s just take a minute to remember that Revolution are a drugstore brand – not a high-end one and yet they’re releasing products that are easily on par with the likes of Stila. These shadows are priced at ยฃ6 each and the quality is that of a product twice the price. It does make me wonder how some brands get away with slapping such hefty price tags onto products are are only bit better than these and in some cases don’t even come close. The shadows can be worn day-to-night at the flip of a tube and application is made really easy with the flexible, flocked wands – anyone could do it! The shade range is amazing but I hope we get some other options! I already need more and I’ve only had them for a day! I absolutely recommend these, whether you’re buying for a pal or for yourself, these are definitely worth purchasing.
I’m back with another review and this time I’m going to be talking about a Juvia’s Place palette. I’ve been wanting to add some colour to my makeup collection for a while, instead of playing it safe with neutrals and bronze/gold shades (very guilty). This is definitely new territory for me but when I think of colourful makeup, I think of this brand so I think it’s worth starting here! I’ve never owned or used any of their products before but I’ve only heard and seen incredible things so I thought I would share my thoughts with you! Today’s review is about the infamous Zulu palette! I noticed this palette a while ago and all I can say is that the pigmentation blew my mind and that was only through watching someone else swatch the shades, so I simply had to get it and try it for myself!
So let’s get straight in there with the facts. How much is it? The Zulu Palette retails at ยฃ20 but sometimes it’s on sale and if you have student discount, you can get an even better deal on in some circumstances. I’ve noticed that all of their products are reasonably priced and I like that you can have access to great quality makeup, without having to spend a fortune on it. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the Zulu palette on the Juvia’s website itself or through BeautyBay.
PACKAGING
I know that in most cases, it’s what’s inside that matters, but packaging is often the first thing that we see. It makes a big difference as to whether or not I end up making the final purchase – especially if I’m buying something online. If there’s one thing that Juvia’s Place know how to do, it’s packaging. The use of bold and vibrant colours is stunning. I love the beautiful Egyptian Goddess on the front, the level of detail in the illustration is amazing. The background colour is a pretty, pastel pink shade with a holographic tint to it. It’s clear that a lot of time went into designing this packaging and I really like that. It makes them stand out from other brands. We see so much of the same thing being churned out by brands over and over again, it’s nice to mix it up!
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Okay bright colour fanatics, take a deep breath and feast your eyes on these. There’s 9 eyeshadows included: 6 mattes and 3 metallic shades. I guess, some would argue that the palette is fairly small in terms of how many shades you get, right? In this case, I think less is more. First of all, let’s address the size of the pans. They are huge – I don’t think I have a palette with pans this big in my whole collection. Already, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Secondly, as you’ll see below, the quality is amazing. I’m sick of investing in expensive palettes, only to discover some of the shades are high quality. This is one of the first palettes that I’ve purchased, where every single shade is amazing. There isn’t one that’s worse than the others. They’re all on the same level in my opinion and that’s rare! I’d rather have less product at a higher quality than splash out on something where I barely get my money’s worth. That being said, I do have a tiny suggestion for improvement – I would love the shadows to be labelled! It’s difficult when writing a review and when recommending shades to people when nothing has a name.
1ST ROW SWATCHES
Matte Orange – I don’t think I’ve ever used an orange eyeshadow quite like this one. It’s extremely pigmented and yet the formula is buttery and soft. The colour payoff is insane and yet there’s no kickback or fall out. How have they managed this? It’s a great shade for darkening the crease when creating a colourful warm-toned look.
MatteYellow – The formula is soft and buttery and it’s incredibly pigmented. It can blend out to be slightly less bold as it appears in the pan but it’s buildable and you could certainly get a really intense pop of colour.
Matte Brown – I thought this shade was going to be quite dark but I think that’s just how it looks in the palette and in the pan. Perhaps it’s in contrast to all of the brighter shades adjacent to it? Either way, it’s not a disappointment, it’s still a beautiful shade. It’s like the perfect, warm-medium brown. I use this almost every day, in my outer corners to create a smokey eye look and there’s no going back now. This is my go-to brown.
2ND ROW SWATCHES
Matte Turquoise – Turquoise has always been my favourite colour so of course, I was practically drooling when I swatched this shade. It felt slightly powdery to the touch but it appleid exactly like the others: pigmented and without fallout or kickback. It blends out to be slightly less intense as it would appear in the palette, but it’s easy to build. I actually prefer the opportunity to build a shade to my desired level of intensity.
Metallic Green – This is where I feel like I enter a whole new dimension. This shade is absolutely stunning. If you were to say, Nina, I know a bright green metallic eyeshadow that you’ll love, I would probably laugh in your face. I’m so surprised at how much I love this shade. It’s so buttery and creamy and it blends like a dream.
Metallic Aqua – Another incredible shade. I can see myself absolutely rinsing this in summer. It’s just so pretty! I think it’s my favourite colour in the palette.
3RD ROW SWATCHES
Metallic Pink – I’m still not quite over this. I think it’s of my all time favourite eyeshadows – ever. I’m obsessed with the way that the colour shifts between a peachy pink and a rusty gold. I’m so glad that they chose to add a duo-chrome to the mix because it continues to make this palette more unique! As you can see, it’s pigmented, it looks stunning and it is pink, what’s not to love?
Matte Pink – The definition of “hot pink”. They’ve absolutely aced the formula too. It’s buttery and blends out really well, despite how pigmented it is! I can see myself using this shade a lot during Spring, as I tend to go for use lots more pinks and purples. It’s really pigmented and bold but it still blends really smoothly. Another formula I’m very impressed with.
Matte Purple – I cannot wait to be creative with this one. It’s so bold and vibrant, I was expecting it to be difficult to blend but of course, in true Juvia’s Place style, it’s perfect.
WHAT DO I THINK?
I can’t believe that this palette only retails at ยฃ20. You can also get it on sale AND use a student discount to grab it at an even better price – an absolute steal if you ask me. If you’re into colour and pigmentation that is out of this world, this is a palette you absolutely cannot miss out on. There isn’t a bad shade in there, which is a rare find. I’m also extremely impressed with the formulas, there’s no fallout and they all blend like a dream. Some of the most expensive brands out there are still producing chalky, patchy and rubbish eyeshadows, but with the Zulu Palette there isn’t a bad swatch in sight. I like that the mattes aren’t as intense as they look because it gives me a chance to build them up to the intensity level that I want!
If I were to suggest any improvements, firstly, I wish the shadows were labelled. It makes reviewing so much easier but it also means I can refer to individual shades when I post pictures of looks or when I recommend them to friends. Secondly, I’d say that there could be at least one more metallic in there – I’m just being greedy but that formula is to die for and I need more. It makes reviewing so much easier but it also means I can refer to individual shades when I post pictures of looks or when I recommend them to friends. Secondly, I’d say that there could be at least one more metallic in there – I’m just being greedy but that formula is to die for and I need more.
Let me know what you think of this palette in the comments! What bright coloured palettes or eyeshadows do you like? Don’t forget to follow my socials – come and say hey!
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 youโre just here for the review, keep scrolling! RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.
Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime 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. Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve 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 monthโs 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?
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!
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 ยฃ5.90 seems too good to be true!
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)
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.
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 ยฃ72 which is pretty good given that the subscription costs only ยฃ12.95. Are you subscribed to Birchbox? Are you subscribed to any other beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently drowning in work for my dissertation so I won’t be posting as regularly as I’d like to but please bare with me whilst I try and get my life together! Final year seems to be a bit like a circus act – keep all of the plates spinning at once and you’ll be fine. Let one drop and you’ll be missing lectures to catch up on lectures! I just need to keep spinning for a bit longer and it’ll all be worth it (I hope).
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I have another review for you today and this time it’s looking at one of Urban Decay’s Liquid Moondust Eyeshadows in the shade “Chem Trail”. They had a sale just after Christmas and I snapped this up as soon as I saw it! I’m always attracted to anything glittery, shimmery and sparkly so as you can imagine it was only a matter of seconds before we reached the checkout together. I hadn’t heard much about them and I couldn’t figure out if that was because they weren’t great or because they were the underrated dark horse that we hadn’t discovered yet. So, let’s find out.
The Liquid Moondust eyeshadows retail at ยฃ15.50 each, which I think is a bit much. I think ยฃ10 would be a more reasonable price for the 5g of product that we get. The packaging is really pretty. I love the cosmic theme and the way that it catches the light at certain angles. Urban Decay have always done their branding and their packaging right – despite taking the mickey with prices most of the time. When you open up the pretty little box, you’ll find something that looks like Tinker Bell created it herself. I love that you can see the product through the clear tube and the way that the silver font adds some more sparkle.
It’s a no from me. Eyeshadow brushes are ideally meant to be soft and big enough to spread product quickly. This is tiny, stiff and just awkward to use. It’s more of an eyeliner brush which isn’t what it’s sold as so I’m a bit confused as to why they went for this design. Am I just being weird about it? Let me know in the comments what you think.
Note that this swatch shows how the product sits when it’s immediately applied to the skin, not what it looks like blended out – that was too difficult to capture in a photo, which I think says enough anyway!
The formula isn’t chunky thank god. There’s nothing worse than attempting to blend and instead you’re just dragging huge clumps of glitter around. It dries quite quickly too and it didn’t budge until I removed it with a makeup wipe. I would have preferred it to be be more pigmented though, as when I blended it out, it practically disappeared into a very subtle shimmer. When I say blending, it was a bit of a nightmare with that brush…
So, what’s the verdict?
In terms of what I don’t like… If you’re looking for something that makes people stop and ask “what eyeshadow are you wearing?”, I don’t think this is the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a sheer and barely there shimmer on your lids, I’m sure that you will love this product. I might sound really harsh, but for me, this eyeshadow just doesn’t compare to some of the others that I own. If the formula was a little more like the Makeup Revolution Eye Glisten range, I would be buying every shade available! Most of the time when it comes to glitter, I like to go all out, like a glitter ball (don’t judge me) but this is much more…subtle.
That being said, it’s still extremely pretty once it’s blended out and you’ll be looking like Edward Cullen in no time – by that I mean the shimmering, not the fake six pack or the yellow eyes. It’s probably not going to be your night on the town ally but more your summer sidekick. It’s perfect for those days where you quickly need to slap something on sharpish but still look like you’ve made an effort. If you want to go for that “no makeup” makeup look, it would look stunning all over the lids when fully blended out. It’s also exactly what you need when you want to add a touch of sparkle along the lash line, in fact, it’s almost like it was intended for that to be it’s primary use.
If any improvements were to be made, hands down, I’d want a doe-foot applicator, just to make application (shock) a bit easier. I don’t want to faff around with whatever that thing is when I’m trying to get my eye makeup done. I need something that can blend! I think the formula could do with being much more pigmented and less watery. Annoyingly, if you don’t use the product for a while, it separates and all you’ll get is a glittery puddle on your face. Not a fan of that – none of my other liquid eyeshadows do this so that’s a bit of a let down. However, I do really like the way that the shadow works as a subtle shimmer on the eyes. Come to think of it, it could even blend out to be a shimmery highlight on the cheekbones. I’m definitely going to have a play with it and see how I can make it work for me.
I hope you’re all doing well! Ladies and gents, we are gathered here today, to witness the beauty that is the Naked Cherry Palette! Urban Decay’s Naked palettes have always been popular in the beauty community and every time a new one is released, we all go nuts. When we heard about the potential release of a cherry themed palette, we all nearly lost our s#!t. For a start, I love all things cherry! Whether that’s the fruit, the scent or the colour – I’m obsessed. In fact, I was so keen that I ordered the palette during the early release period!
I wanted to review it straight away, so waiting for Blogmas wasn’t easy! I’m glad I did though, as I’m sure lots of you will be adding this to your Christmas lists or buying it for someone special! They’d definitely have to be special considering that the palette retails at a whopping ยฃ42, which is actually ยฃ3 more expensive than the other Naked palettes. Naturally, I assumed that the Naked Cherry would be as close to perfection as possible, otherwise why charge such a high price? Am I right people?
The packaging is stunning! It’s almost the same as the Naked Heat Palette; a glossy plastic exterior with “Naked” embossed on the front. The crimson compact is a beautiful addition to any makeup collection. Not to sound incredibly boring, but I actually prefer the plastic packaging compared to the velvet exterior that certain brands *cough ABH* go for, as they get dirty so quickly! It’s nice to have palettes that are easy to clean, that don’t look gross after a few uses. I love the use of the cherry images too! Inside there’s a full size-mirror, perfect for on-the-go use! The palette also comes with a double-ended brush, which isn’t my favourite, but I have others that I can use instead, so I’m not hugely bothered by this. One end is fab for precision but the other is quite rigid and isn’t great for blending. Next time, I’m hoping for something fluffier! I know this sounds fussy but it actually makes blending a heck of a lot easier, especially for those of us that haven’t got all day to sit and buff shadows into perfection. Apparently, the palette is subtly scented of cherries … all I’m getting is a hint of plastic and a clay-like smell. I’m kind of gutted that they didn’t follow in the sweetly scented footsteps of Too Faced and make this a cherry scent-sation (sorry, I had to). It would’ve been a nice touch, you know?
The Naked Cherry Palette features 12 all-new cherry-hued shades. The range of shades included are fantastic; a gradient ranging from natural neutrals through to dark, rich berry tones. There’s a brilliant balance of mattes (7) and shimmers (5) which is something I always look for when purchasing new palettes. I once (accidentally) bought a palette that only had mattes in it and I’ve never been so disappointed in my life, I could only create basic looks that had no glam (worst nightmare) and it totally limited what I could do with it. There’s so much creativity to be had with the Naked Cherry Palette and I can see lots of amazing looks being created. If you want to add a subtle shimmer you can, but if you want to create a dark and smouldering look, you can do that too, the choice is yours! Top tip: if you’re ever unsure of where to start with a new palette, look up what others are doing on Pinterest and you’ll find plenty of inspiration there!
Hot Spot – Pale ivory matte – I was actually so surprised at how pigmented this one was! It swatched beautifully with only a tiny bit of fallout.
Caution – Matte peachy beige – This shade literally couldn’t be a better match to my skin-tone! I’ll definitely be using this as a base before applying anything else as it’s PERFECT. It’s also surprisingly pigmented too although it does feel a tiny bit powdery.
Bang Bang – Metallicpink-coral with gold shift – I was so excited about this shade when I first saw it. It was quite dusty so I’d say a little bit goes a long way with this one. It’s so pigmented already but I noticed a huge difference when I applied it with a wet brush. It’s literally the perfect sparkly pink!
Feelz – Dusty warm rose matte – In terms of coverage, it wasn’t quite as pigmented as the first two shades in the palette, so I was a little disappointed when I swatched it. However it can be intensified with a primer! I feel like it could have been better though, which isn’t much fun to say after I’ve paid this much money…
Juicy – Matte, soft & warm peach/coral – I really love using shades like this in Spring, when all of the flowers are out and everything is looking much brighter and prettier! Is it just me that tries to tie their makeup in with the seasons or…? It’s somewhat semi-opaque, and it took a bit of work to get it all the way there, however because it’s so pretty, I’m up for using it with primers to get the most out of it!
Turn On – Soft metallic rose pink– This is what I’m talking about people! I absolutely LOVE this shade. It’s pretty, it’s pigmented and it’s rose gold – what more could you want? It looks so bright and shiny on the lid and adds a touch glam to any look in seconds. However, I’m not sure what I’m going to say when someone asks what I’m wearing in public – “oh it’s just turn on on my lids, orgasm on my cheeks and a few coats of better than sex on my lashes”. If you want to get everything you can out of this shade, apply it with a wet brush or finger – trust me!
Ambitious – Metallic Rusty-copper shimmer – I was kind of disappointed with this one. It looks very pretty when applied carefully, however if you’re wanting to go all out on the lid, it seems to lose it’s shine and becomes quite dull after a while. I’m not sure whether or not that’s intentional but I’m not the biggest fan. I tend to use a very thin layer of it to try and keep it subtle and sparkly.
Bing – Mattemuted pink-mauve – I really like this shade! The coverage is amazing and what I’d hoped all of the mattes in the palette would be like. It feels very smooth and buttery and is incredibly easy to blend. More like this please Urban Decay!
Devilish – Pink-plummatte with warm undertones – I found this one a bit patchy and I’m not sure why, given how nice the formula of Bing was. I’m usually able to increase it’s opacity by using a primer and layering it slightly, so I still enjoy using it.
Young Love – Metallic magenta/cranberry pink – Isn’t it beautiful? Another formula that I absolutely love! I like that it’s cool toned too, as it means I can combine it with purples and blues for an icier look this Winter. When applied dry, the sparkle seems to fade much faster but if I apply it wet, it looks amazing for hours!
Drunk Dial – Metallic Burgundy Plum – I love using this shade in the outer corners of my lids, especially when I want to darken a look and add some drama. It’s pigmented and the colour payoff is amazing. It’s also so creamy and buttery to blend out – another formula I am a huge fan of! Again, it loses it’s sheen after a while so I always apply it wet.
Privacy – MatteDeep reddish-brown – I always hope for a dark brown shade in every palette because let’s be honest, we’d be lost without them. They’re key for making smokey eyes in seconds and they’re perfect for defining any look. I’d describe it as semi-opaque, you can see in the swatches it was slightly patchy, but all it takes is a little more work than usual and it looks gorgeous as a result. Sometimes it can sheer out slightly after a few hours so I’d recommend applying it with a tiny bit of a pigmented black shade in order to keep it looking dark and dramatic for as long as possible!
So, what do I think?
In terms of what I didn’t like, my main concerns are around the formulas and the price tag. A few of the matte shades required a fair bit of building and I noticed a few of the shimmers tended to sheer out after application. This isn’t the end of the world, it’s just a tiny bit annoying. I think the price tag is excessive. I’m all for brands trying new things and learning from their mistakes, but if a price tag as hefty as ยฃ42 is going to be justified, I’d expect everything to be near enough perfect. Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m paying this much, I don’t really want to have anything bad to say about it. It makes me wince a little when I think of what else I could spend my money on *bank account cries in the distance*.
That being said, I think Urban Decay are onto something special! I like that they’re beginning to create palettes based on a particular themes – we got the beautiful oranges and browns in the Naked Heat and now we have the pinks and plums in the Naked Cherry! It makes me excited for what they will release next. I actually like this palette a lot, despite the fact that I think there’s a few improvements to be made. I love the shades, the colours, the packaging and the theme – it has a lot going for it! I love the balance between mattes and shimmer and I think that the palette is going to be loved by those that are just starting out as well as the experienced MUAs out there. It oozes creativity and I can’t wait to see what people are doing with it! Would I recommend this palette? Yes definitely! But only if you’re happy to use lots of wet brushes and primers! If you love cherries, all things pink and purple – go for it!
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 5! Today’s post is an updated version of my MAC lipstick collection! You all seemed to love last year’s so I thought I would turn it into a Blogmas tradition and show you my newest additions.
When it comes to lipstick, I rarely venture beyond the realms of MAC Cosmetics. I’ve tried looking for dupes and I’m yet to find anything that ticks all of the boxes. I fell in love with their iconic and sleek black packaging and there’s no going back now! I can appreciate that at ยฃ15 (roughly) they’re pretty pricey and understandably for some that can be offputting. However, they regularly have sales with huge discounts plus they are now available on ASOS, so with student discount, you can grab yourself a bargain! I tend to buy their lipsticks gradually, so that I can save up and treat myself when I most need it.
This was the first MAC lipstick that I ever had. It was given to me as a gift and I think it was the reason that I got hooked! Taupe is a warm, muted brown shade with a matte finish. It’s so pigmented, which is why I’m still not even halfway through, as I only seem to need the tiniest amount! I particularly love wearing it during Autumn as it’s got some warm colour undertones but it’s also quite dark. It also carries me through to Winter, with it’s cinnamon-like undertones. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know how much I love to wear warm toned eyeshadow, so Taupe ties in perfectly!
See Sheer is one of MAC’s lustre lipsticks and it’s a warm coral, almost grapefruit pink.ย I felt like I was really branching out with this shade when I bought it. I used to go for nudes and neutrals so this was a step out of my comfort zone! I find that it adds a perfect pop of colour and really brightens up my face, which comes in handy when my skin is as dull as dishwater during Winter. It glides on, providing sheer to medium coverage, but it’s definitely buildable! I just love the formula as it’s so creamy and moisturising and it’s so easy to apply. It doesn’t last all day, but I don’t mind reapplying it every now and again.
Everyone was raving about this lipstick – I have a feeling it has something to do with Kylie Jenner, and before I knew it, I had bought it! This time last year, Velvet Teddy was my favourite matte lipstick and as you can see from the photos above, it’s looking pretty well loved! I don’t use it anywhere near as much, but I do still love it. It’s a warm brown with a red undertone – perfect for autumn! Although it has a matte formula, it’s not drying whatsoever. I usually never have to touch it up either as it stays on all day!
Cosmo is probably one of the lipsticks that I wear the most. It’s a warm peachy pink with brown undertones and it’s a great one for pairing with simple everyday looks. I just love the glossy satin finish and the way that it adds a subtle pop of pink – not too much! I tend to wear this everyday to uni as it’s glides on quickly and isn’t high maintencance once I have it on.
Muscu-linity
I managed to get hold of Muscu-linity, in last year’s Black Friday clearance, so unfortunately it’s no longer available to purchase. It’s a warm but muted beige-brown and it has a sheer finish. Again, I love the glossy look of this formula – it’s a great one for summer as it compliments my tan. It also keeps my lips looking hydrated too.
Testosterone
I also picked up Testosterone in the Black Friday sale last year, so it’s no longer available now, but still there’s lots of alternatives to choose from. It’s a gorgeous warm coral shade and I’ve been obsessed with it during Winter. It adds a pop of vibrant, glossy colour to my lips without going too overboard, which is exactly what I love on those days where I’m not quite feeling a red yet. The finish is so dewy and creamy, it’s got to be one of my favourite formulas.
Patisserie is one of my newest lippies from MAC! I absolutely love this shade – it’s a neutral pink with a hint of brown – making it my perfect natural shade. I wear this one all year round, on any ocassion and it always pulls through! If you’re looking for a classic staple to add to your collection – this would be it.
Spirit is a pinky-warm brown with a satin finish. Itโs rich in colour and dries semi-matte and still leaves my lips feeling moisturised. I love wearing this colour during the sunnier months for a less intense and more natural look. I tend to pair Spirit with bold eye makeup if I want the focus to be on my eyes.
My dad gave me Retro for Christmas and it’s now one of my go-to Winter shades! It’s a beautiful warm plum shade – perfect for any festive functions! It’s a great transition shade from Autumn to Winter as it’s not quite a full on red and it still has some subtle brown undertones to tide you over.
Persistence might just be the perfect Autumnal shade ever. It’s a warm, peachy-brown cinnamon shade with a matte finish. I always opt for matte shades in Autumn as that’s usually the time of year that I’m snacking and drinking the most coffee (deadlines and stressv do this to me) so I want my lipstick to stay put.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! I’m sure I’ll see you in a year with another updated version as my addiction to MAC isn’t going anywhere fast.ย Let me know in the comments what your favourite MAC lipsticks are and whether you think I need to add any more to my collection.
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 4! Today’s post is focusing on the latest gifting goodies from Soap & Glory. I’ve always loved their playful packaging and perfect products but their 2018 Christmas range is a whole new level of wow. These items have been sent to me by Soap and Glory. How could I be so lucky? Although they are not sponsoring this review, I’m rewarded enough by being able to share these two gift sets with you! If these look tempting, do have a look at their extensive festive range.
Here we have the gorgeous Glitz The Girlย Gift Set! This twinkling trio retails at ยฃ8.50 and it includes a metallic lip gloss, kohl liner and face glitter.ย Scoop these up and see the sparkle! These are the perfect products for getting glamorous this Christmas!
It’s time to brighten your blinkers with the Eyes Queen Gift Set. This set retails at ยฃ18.50 and includes four fabulous products; a 2-in-1 brow pencil, mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow pencil. What more could you need to prepare your peepers for the festive period?
I really hope you enjoyed this post! It was such a pinch me moment when I received these pretty packages and I knew I had to share them with you! Tomorrow’s post is looking at my updated MAC lipstick collection – so stay tuned.ย If you’re looking for some more gifting guidance, click here to find the perfect presents to suit your pocket.
Welcome to Blogmas Day 1! I can’t believe we’re already here, it seems like yesterday that I was writing last year’s Blogmas content. I thought I would kick it all off with a post about my favourite lipsticks to wear over the festive period. It’s like I evolve from being nude and neutral-loving to dark and dramatic in the space of a season. I used to practically sprint away from anything red and now it’s a totally different story!
First up, we have Mac’s Retro. My dad actually bought me this one last Christmas! This tends to be my transition lipstick from Autumn to Winter. It’s a muted peachy-pinky brown so I’m still getting to wear something that I’m used to but at the same time it’s darker than my usual go-to shades. I love that it has a satin finish to it as it’s non-drying but still really pigmented. A cheaper dupe for this is Sephora’s Labyrinth City!
This is the beautiful Vixenin Illamasqua’s Lava Lips range! I originally picked it up because I was so intrigued by the marbled design however, upon trying it out, it quickly became one of my Winter favourites. The colours blend so well together to create a vibrant and intense pinky-red. It’s slightly different every time I use it and that’s why I love it! The finish, again, is satin, which keeps my lips feeling soft and moisturised. The packaging is also so sophisticated and sleek – I love everything about this lipstick! I can’t find any dupes for this as it’s just so unique!
Here we have one of Anastasia Beverly Hill’s matte lipsticks in the shade Rogue. It’s a dark brownish red that fulfils all my festive lipstick desires! It has warm undertones, which is why I enjoy wearing it at this time of year. It may be frosty outside, but my lips will stay rosy for as long as possible thank you very much. Not only is it really pigmented, but it’s ultra-matte formula ensures that it stays on all day.
This is one of Urban Decay’s lipsticks from their Vice range in the shade Plaid. I chose it because at this time of year I can’t resist deep berry tones! It’s a cool pinky-red with a sheer finish so it’s hydrating and always makes me look so healthy! Although the texture is quite thin, it’s still pigmented and it’s buildable if I ever wanted something slightly more intense.
A Peachy cinnamon shade, absolutely perfect for this time of year! It’s also perfect for anyone that doesn’t want to wear anything really dark or dramatic. It has warm, reddish-orange undertones, so although it’s almost a brown, it’s actually really flattering on and I’m still staying within my comfort zone! I love a matte lip in Winter too, especially with the amount of hot chocolates I get through every day, I need something that doesn’t budge! However, it can be a tiny bit drying, so I always make sure my lips are moisturised before applying it.
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I really hope that you enjoyed my first Blogmas post of 2018! My makeup routine completely changes over winter, so I’m always curious as to whether or not anyone else’s does too! Let me know in the comments what your winter beauty staples are! Tomorrow’s post is a HUGE gift guide that I’ve been working on for ages! I’ve included all kinds of bits and pieces to suit lots of different price ranges, so make sure you come back at 6pm to have a read!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m packing to go away with my boyfriend for the weekend. We’re going to the Harry Potter Studio tour on Saturday, as well as seeing The Cursed Child in London on Sunday. I’m super excited and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Are any of you Harry Potter fans? Let me know which of the films or books are your favourites! I think the Deathly Hallows (plus the final two films) are my favourites – the plot thickens and it becomes much more serious and interesting! Speaking of movies, this month’s Birchbox was in collaboration with Disney to celebrate the release of their new film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.ย I always loved the story as a child but I’m intrigued as to how they’ve turned it into a film with a bit of a twist. As usual,ย Iโve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if youโre just here for the review, keep scrolling!ย RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.
Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt 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 Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve 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!
When I found out that Birchbox were collaborating with Disney this month, I was so excited to see the packaging that they would come up with! Look at how beautiful it is! I love the micture of dark reds and the reflective gold text, it looks so magical and festive! ย I think this month’s products are focused on preparing for the party season ahead, which I love! I’m no party animal but I definitely love a good pamper evening during Winter, especially after a long day of Christmas shopping or being out in the cold. I love a pamper night all year round but there’s something much more satisying about it when it’s dark and freezing cold outside!
I’m a sucker for all things eyeshadow related, so to be honest, I’m happy with anything, but a gold roller shadow is a whole new level. I didn’t even know that roller shadows existed?! I also love this brand, I’ve recieved lots of their products over the years and I’ve enjoyed them all so I know that I’ll enjoy this one too. Last month we were given the choice of two shades to receive and so I chose Enchantedย which is a beautiful sparkly golden colour. It can be applied not only as an eyeshadow but also on the tops of your cheekbones or as a glossy lip topper! I really love multi-use products because they’re perfect to travel with and they barely take up any room in my makeup bag! When swatching the shadow, I noticed that it was quite subtle once blended out. I reckon it should be applied in layers to intensify it or it can always just be left as a touch of sparkle on it’s own. It’s exclusive to Birchbox so if you want to try it, head on over to their shop!
I seem to have a bit of an obsession with liners, whether that’s for my eyes or lips, I will always find an excuse to add another one to my stash! That’s probably why it was so easy to welcome this one into my collection. Birchbox have never sent me anything by Lottie London before, however I’ve always loved their branding and I use their makeup brushes all the time so I was excited to try their makeup for once! I love nude liners as I wear nude lipsticks all the time so they always come in handy. I love that it’s long-wearing, so it can stay strong throughout the many hot chocolates that I get through every day.ย Plus, this liner can be sharpened! One of my biggest pet peeves is when liners can’t be sharpened because it leaves you with barely any product once you’ve used the part that you can see. I can’t wait to use this! Keep an eye out for my Instagram posts as I’m sure I’ll be talking about it and sharing some pictures of the looks I’ve created.
Birchbox have sent me a Polaar suncream before and I absolutely loved it so I reckon this product will be something I end up using a lot. I’ve always liked the idea that some skincare can get to work whilst I’m fast asleep, minimal effort required! This moisturiser is packed with boreal algae, which reacts to the blue light of the moon (I know, it sounds like something Brian Cox came up with) which in turn, boosts your cell renewal. If all of that can happen whilst I’m out of it then I’m down!
I’ve known about the wonders of lip scrubs for such a long time, but I just couldn’t get over the whole friction and lumpy bumpy situation. However, when I saw this in my November box, I was actually really excited to try it! It doesn’t look as “lumpy bumpy” (as I creatively put it just now) and it seems pretty tame. I like that it’s almost like a crayon which makes it much easier to apply and be accurate without getting the scrub up my nose or on my forehead or something (believe me I’m capable).
Yes to self-heating face masks! Typically, when it comes to eyes, I’m used to using things that are cooling to reduce swelling or puffiness but I’m intrigued about using something warm. Apparently we are to expect soothing results! I reckon I will be using this when I’m needing some down time, possibly just before I go to sleep. It seems like the perfect thing to pop on before bed when I’m not doing anything or even if I’m busy, it’s still something I can make time for! I love the packaging too – it’s reminding me of Glamglow for some reason?
In conclusion, I think this may be one of my favourite boxes so far! I loved every single product. The focus of it being on preparing for the party season ahead was absolutely perfect! I know that I will use everything and I’ll most likely by replacements too. 4/5 of the products were full size which is insane. I’ve unsubscribed from lots of beauty boxes because so many are reluctant to give out full sized products whereas Birchbox are always generous. The products, together, are worth roughly ยฃ69 and consdering that I pay ยฃ12.95 per month, that works out at great value!ย You may have noticed a difference in my photography and that’s because I was lucky enough to get a new camera for my birthday! I’m still experimenting but I definitely prefer how it looks now, what do you think?
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 youโre 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 donโt 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 Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve 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 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!
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?!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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?
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
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?
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!
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.
OrangeSoda – 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.
RosePink – 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.
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.
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!
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 theMakeup 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!
Carnival – A 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!
Enjoy – A 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.
Fairground – A 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
Sweetheart – A 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 Share – A 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.
FairyFloss – A 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!
Strawberry – A 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!
Clouds – A 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 Sugar – Warm 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 Pastel – Metallic 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!
Confection – Light 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 Sweet – A 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 You – Deep 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 FairyFloss.
Dreams – Deep 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! Donโt forget to follow my socials โ come and say hey!
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! Thereโs 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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! Iโve included all of my social media below so be sure to come and say hey!
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?
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.
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!
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!
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!
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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.
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…
Lucid – Aย 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.
Eden – A pink/coral matte with warm orange undertones – Very pigmented. It’s almost fluffy to touch! So smooth and easy to apply.
Unity – A 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.
Sphinx – A 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.
Osiris – A 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.
Sphere – A 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.
Obsidian – A 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.
Dimension – Duo 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
Pyramid – A 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.
Throne – Metallic 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.
Saturn – Terracotta 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!
Eternal – Metallic 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.
Lure – Ashy 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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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 SoSusan before so it goes to show that MOPBOX want to showcase some less well-known brands which I think is a really nice idea.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 Iโll 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 donโt 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 Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve 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!
*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
I was really pleased with this monthโs box and I know that Iโll 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 Iโll 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! Iโve linked all my social media below so come and say hi!
Testosterone
