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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX NOVEMBER 2019: FROZEN II – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s been a busy month for me! I’ve been planning all of my Blogmas content for this year and I cannot wait for you to see it. The November Birchbox only encouraged the festive fun to continue, just wait until you see the box! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling. 

Read my review of the October box here

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

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

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

This month’s box is in collaboration with Disney, who they also teamed up with last November for the release of The Nutcracker and The Four Realms (read that review here). However, this time we’re celebrating the well anticipated sequel, Frozen II. As a Disney lover, I think this is a fabulous festive design! I can also see why it was chosen, as female characters from Frozen represent strength and beauty – very fitting for a beauty subscription box! However, for those that don’t particularly love Disney, I can imagine this probably felt a little too childish and may struggle to relate to the theme. It’s probably going to be fairly hit and miss with the subscribers. That doesn’t mean that the contents should be dismissed though as there some lovely products in this box! Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

Lise Watier – Rouge Gourmand Lipstick in “Gingerbread” – RRP £23

Although the sample is tiny, I am a big fan of the Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipstick! During the colder months, I tend to search high and low for hydrating lip products that aren’t glosses as the wind and my hair tend to clash with that. This lipstick offers hydration without the stickiness and that’s exactly what I’m looking for! It contains castor seed oil which apparently means it will never settle into fine lines. I hate when my lips are dry and a lipstick only makes them look worse so fingers crossed, this one will come to the rescue and keep them looking moisturised throughout Winter! It’s also worth mentioning that this also actually plumps the lips too – yes please!

Bodyography – Lip Pencil in “Heatherberry” (Full Size) – RRP £11

I think I have a slight addiction when it comes to lip liners! I seem to get through so many of them. In my opinion, they really complete a makeup look and they completely transform the appearance of my lips! The Bodyography Lip Pencil has such a beautifully soft formula. I hate when lip liners are dry and this one seems to simply glide on. It’s so easy to outline and fill in my lips with and so far, I haven’t noticed any feathering or bleeding which is always a good sign. I can definitely see this becoming a new staple of mine. I’d also never come across Bodyography before, who believe in “beauty with a conscience” and are actually cruelty-free, paraben-free and sulphate-free!

INC.redible – Flower Power Hydrating Sheet Mask (Full Size) – RRP £5

I blooming (pardon the pun) love the INC.redible Flower Power Hydrating Sheet Mask! This is exactly what my skin needs a this time of year; nourishment and hydration! A real multitasker, the mask also smoothes, refreshes and protects the skin too. It’s packed with goodness featuring ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen and vitamin E! After giving it 15 minutes, I was thoroughly impressed with the results. My skin felt absolutely amazing. I didn’t personally experience any negative reactions but if you have sensitive skin or if you feel any tingling, Birchbox have advised you to remove the mask immediately!

Sebamed – Clear Face Cleasing Bar – RRP £4.69

I am a huge fan of this brand and their blemish busting skincare. It would’ve been nice to have been sent a full sample of the Sebamed Cleansing Bar as the sample is tiny! However, I still enjoyed using it and I am definitely considering purchasing the full sized version. The bar contains lots of ingredients to combat pimples and blackheads which help to reduce breakouts and keep skin clear. This couldn’t have come into my life at a better time as my skin seems to be going through a rough patch at the moment. I’m currently putting this to the test and I want to give it a little more time so I’ll keep you updated. So far so good though!

Number 4 – Jour d’automne Blow Dry Lotion – RRP £26

I’ve received a few samples from this brand through Birchbox before and so far, I’ve loved everything! However, I don’t actually blow dry my hair very often so I doubt that I will get much use out of the Jour d’automne Blow Dry Lotion. For the sake of the review, I did still give it a whirl and I was pleasantly surprised! Not only did it offer thermal protection but it also helped my hair to dry so much faster. I have long and thick hair so getting it to dry is usually a fairly lengthy and frustrating task. Anything to make that process quicker gets a yes from me! On the occasions that I do decide to pick up the hairdryer, I will definitely be picking this product up too.

I really enjoyed the November box. In my opinion, the design is gorgeous and I think it will be a big hit with the Disney fans among the Birchbox subscribers. I also loved the products! I know I will use a majority of them and I can see myself repurchasing some too! However, I do think that Birchbox could have been slightly more generous with the sample sizes. That being said, we still got to try out £69.69 worth of beauty products that we otherwise may not have come across! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments. 

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

N xxxx

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LIFE

STAYING IN FOR HALLOWEEN

Hey Everyone,

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

SNACKS

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

CANDLES

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

DECORATIONS

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

MOVIES & BLANKETS

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

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

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

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

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

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

Hey Everyone,

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

Read my review of the Forever Flawless Optimum Palette here!

PACKAGING & PRICE

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

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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

1ST ROW SWATCHES

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

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Row Swatches

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

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

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

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

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

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

3RD ROW SWATCHES

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT DO I THINK?

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

Get the Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Haunted House Palette here

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

N xxxx

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BEAUTY GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX OCTOBER 2019: DEVIL – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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

*This post contains affiliate links

About Glossybox:

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

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

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

STYLondon – Velvet Touch Devil Palette – RRP £15

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

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

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

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

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

MCoBeauty – Black Eye Define Crayon Liner – RRP £15

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

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

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

Whittard of Chelsea – Sticky Toffee Pudding White Hot Chocolate

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

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

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2019: REACH FOR THE STARS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

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

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

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

Ciaté London – Fierce Flicks Eyeliner – RRP £15

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

Vitamasques – Evening Goggle Eye Mask – RRP £5.99

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

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

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

GLOV – Moon Pad – RRP £8.90

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

Philip Kingsley – Body Building Volumising Shampoo – £19.50

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

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

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

N xxxx

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BEAUTY HAIR

MY CURRENT FAVOURITE HAIR PRODUCTS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s post is all about hair products. I have to admit, up until halfway through university I pretty much ignored the whole haircare thing. Obviously, I washed it regularly and occasionally spritzed it with heat protectant when I remembered. Other than that, I barely knew anything about how to look after it properly and I very rarely invested in new hair products. One afternoon I was doing my usual lap of my local TK Maxx when I realised that they weren’t just selling shampoos and conditioner. There were hundreds of serums, masks, sprays and treatments too! I grabbed a few bits to get me started and since then, I’ve never looked back!

I thought it would be a nice idea to share my current favourite hair products with you! As usual, if you have any suggestions, go ahead and tell me in the comments – I love hearing about your favourites too! I’ve also written a post about some of my favourite face masks – check that out too!

*This post contains gifted products and affiliate links

Herbal Essences – Daily Detox Conditioners

I usually try be as sensible as possible with shampoo and conditioner and go for products that actually work and don’t just smell good . These do both! They smell absolutely incredible and they keep my hair really healthy. The Crimson Orange & Mint conditioner works on making your hair look fuller whilst the Golden Raspberry & Mint conditioner works on giving your hair a deep cleanse. I also use the shampoos in the range too and my hair has never looked or felt better!

This hair mask was gifted to me

Lee Stafford – Cactus Crush MUCHo Moisture Mask*

I love a hair mask but this has got to be one of the best that I’ve tried. The Lee Stafford MUCHo Moisture Mask provides “instant and long lasting hydration to quench hair’s thirst”. I like to curl and straighten my hair a lot which means the ends of my hair can often feel quite dry. This mask has not only helped my split ends but it has made all of my hair look glossy and healthy again! It’s the perfect mask for anyone that wants to give their hair the moisture boost that it needs.

Schwarzkopf – Gliss Shine Tonic

The Schwarzkopf Shine Tonic has been one of my favourite hair products for a couple of years now. It’s basically a spray that adds a shimmering shine to your hair in just one spritz. I like to use it right after I’ve straightened my hair to give it a sleek and shiny finish. It literally completes the look for me. I don’t go anywhere without this stuff! Also, it smells amazing too.

Pantene: Repair and Protect

The Panetene Repair and Protect Dry Oil was something I discovered earlier this year. I’d heard a bit about hair oils before, but I just couldn’t shake the whole greasy strands thing from my mind (thanks but no thanks). That was certainly enough to put me off for a while. However, after I’d done some research, I realised that some oils don’t actually leave any residue. I decided to invest in this little bottle of goodness and I’m so glad I did! I apply three pumps of oil to the middle of my hair down to my roots. It dries without a trace! No stickiness whatsoever! My hair looks so much healthier which is absolutely down to this stuff.

This spray was gifted to me

Lee Stafford – Cactus Crush THirsty SPRay

The Lee Stafford THirsty SPRay has been a real saviour for my hair. As I’ve mentioned, I use a lot of heated tools so I’m always looking for products to keep the ends of my hair hydrated. This spray contains cactus, wild lime and kalahari melon oil to give hair a moisture boost and that, it absolutely does! My hair no longer looks dehydrated thanks to this stuff. It made for the perfect holiday companion after my hair had been exposed to a lot of chlorine and sunshine. It’s also really lightweight and can be applied to wet hair – no oiliness. It also smells absolutely flipping delicious. You know those products that you can still smell hours later? This is one of those!

What are your favourite hair products? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY SKINCARE

FOREVER LIVING – SONYA DAILY SKINCARE SYSTEM*

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Over the last couple of days I’ve been having a. massive sort out of my bedroom so I’m currently perched in the tiniest square of space left on my bed (the rest is beneath piles of clothes and god knows what). I was kindly gifted the Sonya Daily Skincare Kit from Forever Living UK which launched last year so I’m really excited to share the products with you and tell you what I think!

*This post contains gifted products

The Forever UK Sonya Daily Skincare System, retailing at £82.84, was designed specifically for those with combination skin, even claiming that “combination skin has met its match”. I would say that I have combination skin as it doesn’t ever seem to fit into a specific category so I was immediately keen to see how this system would work for me. The bag includes four products; a gel cleanser, a soothing gel moisturiser, an illuminating gel and a refining gel mask, all of which contain a high concentration of Aloe and other moisturising ingredients. I’ve always liked gel products as they often feel lightweight and refreshing on the skin. Aloe Vera is known and used for its ability to moisturise and soothe the skin. During these summer months, I like to keep my skin hydrated so anything with those properties appeals to me a lot at this time of year!

Sonya Refreshing Gel Cleanser

The Sonya Refreshing Gel Cleanser features Aloe Vera and Baobab oil to moisturise and soothe skin. It also contains apple amino acids to support combination skin and acacia concinna fruit extract to wash away dead cells, dirt and makeup. It doesn’t have a particularly pleasant scent, it just smells very clean and fresh. The cleanser itself is so gentle on the skin, my skin is always left feeling very soft. I like using this first thing in the morning as it really wakes me up and preps my skin for the day.

Sonya Illuminating Gel

The Sonya Illuminating Gel was immediately the product that I was the most excited about. It ultimately helps to keep skin looking younger, more even and radiant – yes please! It features liquorice root and algae to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots, red clover flower extract reduces the appearance of pores and five Asian botanicals to even out skin tone by softening and smoothing the complexion. Again, the scent is nothing special but seems to be slightly stronger than the cleanser. I was worried that it would leave my skin feeling tacky or sticky but it’s actually really quick-absorbing! Although I haven’t noticed anything particularly more “even” in my skin’s overall appearance, it definitely leaves me glowing.I like to use this before I apply my makeup as it gives my skin a lovely and natural radiance that provides the perfect base for my foundation. 

Sonya Refining Gel Mask

The Sonya Refining Gel Mask is an overnight mask (I love these) thats controls oil, moisturises and brightens the appearance of the skin – all whilst you sleep! It’s infused with carrot seed oil, basil oil, artemisia pallens flower oil and soybean oil (all the oils!) and also features apple fruit extract and clover flower extract which both moisturise the skin. Finally, it contains  Korean bamboo extract and liquorice root extract, which together, help the skin to soften and glow. A miracle in a tube? I have definitely noticed that my skin doesn’t look as dull since I started using this mask. I like the fact that it absorbs quickly as I hate going to bed feeling like my face is going to stick to my pillow! I really like this product and I can see myself using it every week for the rest of summer! 

Sonya Soothing Gel Moisturiser

The Sonya Soothing Gel Moisturiser uses powerful and moisturising ingredients to hydrate and soften the skin. I’ve been using this every evening and I have definitely noticed a difference when I wake up in the morning. My skin feels so fresh and so much softer! I like that it dries quickly as I really don’t like it when products leave my skin feeling greasy or oily. It gives me that “dewy” look that I love during the summer months. Overall, my skin looks healthier after using it.

Have you tried any of the Forever Living Products? What did you think? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY SKINCARE

BEAUTY PAPIER: DAISY TONER

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Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m just about ready to relax this weekend after a really busy week. I’ve been blogging all day every day and I finally feel much more on top of things now! I’m back with another review and this time I’m reviewing one of the coolest skincare products that I’ve ever seen; Beauty Papier’s Daisy Toner.

Beauty Papier, are a fairly new-ish brand that uses lots of natural ingredients to bring luxurious products to our skin. They currently only have two products available to purchase on their website; the Daisy Toner and Blotting paper so I’m really excited to see what else they come up with!

The Daisy Toner (200g) retails at £25, which is rather pricey, especially for what could potentially be a daily product. However, it is fancier than your average toner and it definitely feels more luxurious. Inspired by traditional herbal medicine, the Daisy Toner is infused with real chrysanthemum flowers. I love how you can literally see the ingredients floating around inside the bottle, it looks so natural and delicate. The petals have infused the toner with the most gorgeous and refreshing scent – it literally smells like a breath of fresh air in there.

The Daisy Toner purifies, hydrates and softens skin without having any drying effects. I hate skincare that dries out my skin so this product quickly became a favourite of mine. The toner can be used both morning and evening, however, I like to use mine first thing as it really wakes me up and preps my skin for the day. It’s also alcohol and paraben free.

Let’s talk results because I have definitely noticed a big difference. My skin looks brighter and feels softer. I’m currently doing everything I can to keep my skin hydrated, especially since we’re transitioning into a colder season. I don’t want my tan to go anywhere fast either! This toner has helped so much when it comes to hydration. It’s kept my skin glowing for weeks! It’s not just me that’s noticing a difference either, I’ve even received a few compliments about how good my skin looks. I will definitely be using this more often!

CHECK OUT THE TONER HERE

Overall, I think this is a great toner. It hydrates, it brightens and it softens the skin all whilst smelling incredible too. It’s very natural and free from alcohol and parabens. The only issue I have is with the price. However, I understand that it’s a rather quirky and luxurious product so I wouldn’t expect it to be cheap. If you have the budget for it, it’s worth trying! If not, there are so many different toners out there that you can also put to the test. My current favourite is the infamous Pixi Glow Tonic, which I’ve reviewed here! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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"UPDATING MY WARDROBE" SERIES FASHION

UPDATING MY WARDROBE: CYCLING SHORTS & DALMATIAN PRINT

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Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m back with a new fashion post today and I’m finally confessing my love for cycling shorts as well as sharing a new animal print favourite with you!

*This post contains gifted items and affiliate links

When I finally invested in some of those cycling-style shorts (Primark, £1.50 not see through, thank me later) that every influencer and their mum is successfully styling out – I started to panic. What tops I could wear with them? I didn’t want to whip out my sports bra and crop tops and look like an extra for the Call On Me video. I’m not a huge fan of flashing the old groin out in public (under clothes, obviously) – I don’t think I’m cool enough to pull off that crop top and cycling shorts gym girl look, you know? Anyway, so I was about to return the shorts when I remembered the other 90% of my wardrobe (oversized t-shirts and sweatshirts) were also options worth considering. Problem solved! These shorts go so well with longline t-shirts and jumpers – the perfect summer to autumn transition outfit. Whack on a pair of chunky trainers and you’re good to go! Also, because Primark don’t sell their clothes online, I’ve tagged similar ones below!

I Saw It First – Black Cycling Shorts // Boohoo High – Rise Cycling Shorts // Stradivarius Legging Short

I’ve already written about my love for oversized t-shirts in my previous “Updating My Wardrobe” post but this one is different. Look at the print! I didn’t even think Dalmatian print had made it into the fashion world but I was so wrong. Apparently its been a thing for ages and I’ve just been living under a rock. I flipping LOVE it! it’s like polka dots but more satisfying. I love how well it goes with bright colours too (hence all of the red in this outfit). This particular top end gifted to me from I Saw it First and is currently £5 in the sale so, go and grab it whilst you can! It’s also available in black, grey, nude, white and sand. I’ve tagged them all below!

Dalmatian // Black // Grey // Nude // White // Sand

What do you think about the whole cycling short trend? Is Dalmatian print for you? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2019: SUMMER LOVIN’ – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently enjoying my last day in Spain before coming back home and I know the holiday blues are waiting for me back at Gatwick. However, as much as I’ve had the nicest time relaxing, I’m also ready to get back to work and start blogging! Speaking of which, today I have a lovely new Birchbox review for you. Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much is costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling. 

About Birchbox –

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

Get your Birchbox now! (affiliate link)

This month’s box is about all things summer; the warmth, the longer days and the contagious breezy cheeriness that comes with it. They couldn’t have picked a better design for this box, it really captures the vibrance of the season. It also gives me some strong Camden Market vibes, I love it! I’m glad we’ve gone back to the usual drawer design as I was not a fan of last month’s… I tend to find that summer beauty boxes can be quite hit and miss. For example, sometimes you can be sent something like fake tan (I don’t use it) or a garish shade of nail varnish that you’d rather burn than use. However, I thought I’d still give it a go so let’s see what’s inside shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

ModelCo – Mermaid Glow Highlighter (Full Size) – RRP £10

We’ve received a few ModelCo products and I’ve loved them all so far. I’m aware that they’re also becoming a bigger and better brand by the minute, frequently collaborating with supermodels and fashion icons such as Hailey Baldwin and Karl Lagerfeld. I did have high hopes for this product when I opened up my August box however, I’m not sure if it lives up to those expectations. I’m all for colourful makeup, but I’m just not feeling a rainbow highlighter. I would have preferred a single colour rather than this bold combination. In the swatches, you can see how it has a very cool undertone to it and I just think it looks really strange on the cheekbones. I don’t fancy looking a sickly shade of green all day nor do I want to look freezing cold and blue.

NUXE – Detoxifying and Glow Mask – RRP £19.50

I absolutely love NUXE as a brand. I’ve been using their skincare for years and I’m yet to be disappointed by anything. These guys create eco-friendly jars for their products to reduce their impact on the environment which spares almost 1,500 trees per year! We need more brands doing things like this please! I have a bit of a thing for face masks too – I’ve actually written a post called “5 Face Masks You Need in Your Life” so check that out if you’re mask obsessed like me! This Detoxifying and Glow mask from NUXE promises to purify and illuminate the skin. It features an interesting combination of rose and charcoal. I like to apply this when my skin is looking dull and lifeless to give it the boost that it needs. It leaves my skin looking smoother and brighter. It’s a yes from me!

Balance Me – Hyaluronic Plumping Mist – RRP £18

Balance Me are one of my favourite brands to use when I really want to treat myself – especially my skin! I didn’t even know this product existed in their range so I was really pleased to find it in my August Birchbox! This mist contains hyaluronic acid, which is known for its hydrating and reviving properties. It can be used under or over makeup (love that), leaving your skin looking brighter and healthier. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how my skin looks, it’s plumper and so much more hydrated! I’ve been giving myself a spritz on holiday and it’s helped to cool my skin down and soothe it after days spent in the sun.

Anatomicals – Scrub Tropicana Coconut Body Scrub – RRP £1.50 (Full Size)

I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with Anatomicals. I’ve actually featured them in quite a few posts, most recently in my August Favourites! I love their packaging, I love their witty sense of humour and I love the scents of their products. This Coconut scrub is gentle but also effective in exfoliating and removing dead skin. It’s also really hydrating! My skin felt so soft and smooth after I used this for the first time, I will absolutely be purchasing this once I’ve run out!

Spectrum Collections – Marble Small Fan Brush MA10 (Full Size) – RRP £4.99

Firstly, I love Spectrum Collections, their brushes are pretty, fabulous and affordable. Now, I appreciate that our boxes are quite small and there are limits as to what will and won’t fit inside. There’s nothing wrong with the brush, it’s just I prefer normal sizes. Even on holiday, I’ve brought my normal makeup brushes with me and ironically left the “travel-friendly” ones back at home. Maybe I’m just being ultra-fussy but I’m just not a fan (pun unintended). Either way, the brush is still high quality and very pretty to look at. It’s great for applying highlighter precisely as it doesn’t pick up too much product. Yes, I would’ve preferred a bigger product but I can’t actually fault the brush itself!

Overall, I’m happy with the August box! I definitely would change the highlighter if possible and I would have gone for a larger makeup brush but when it comes to a subscription box – you never know what you’re going to get! I’m always prepared to receive something that I’m not a huge fan of. I do, however, love everything else! The skincare pieces are definitely the strongest products this month, especially when NUXE and Balance Me are involved! I know I will get lots of use out of these products and I will definitely be repurchasing some of them too. I was also impressed that we received 3 full size products this month! The value of the products inside the box, altogether comes to £53.99. We received a lot of budget-friendly things this month which explains why the total value is lower than usual. Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beaut boxes? Let me know in the comments. 

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box! Also, get a FREE full-size dusky pink Ofra Liquid Lipstick (worth £16!) with your box. Use code LAGUNA.

N xxxx

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BEAUTY SKINCARE

THE PIXI VITAMIN C RANGE*

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been a busy little volunteering bee over the last few days so it was so lovely to come home one day to another gorgeous little package from the lovely Pixi Beauty! They kindly gifted me some of their latest releases from their new Vitamin C range. I can’t wait to show you everything and share my thoughts! If incase you’re Pixi crazy like me, you can read my review of their Glow range here!

*This post contains gifted products and affiliate links

I have to admit, until I tried this range, I had no idea how important Vitamin C was for our skin! Not only does it brighten our complexion but it softens and it boosts luminosity, leaving skin looking beautifully radiant! The range also claims to provide antioxidant protection and strengthening probiotics!

Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser (£18)

The Pixi Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser is so refreshing I can’t get enough of it. It promises to brighten and cleanse “with stable Vitamin C for potent antioxidant effect”. The texture of it is quite similar to their toners. It’s very watery so I definitely wouldn’t use it to remove my makeup as it doesn’t lather whatsoever. However, it’s perfect for a quick morning cleanse! I like to use this first thing as it makes my skin look so much more alive and ready for the day! I reckon this bottle will be completely empty by the end of summer…

Vitamin-C Tonic (£10)

Now we all know and love the Pixi toners, but the Vitamin-C Tonic has something new to bring to the table! It features probiotics to strengthen the skin’s barrier and willow bark and fruit extracts to gently exfoliate. It also corrects dark spots by brightening and balancing the complexion! I use this straight after the Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser and my skin has never loved me more for that winning combination! I look so much more energised and I have a glow that lasts all day, even underneath my makeup. It’s also nice to use this after cleansing in the evening to exfoliate my skin before bed and I no longer wake up with dull and lifeless skin. Yes please!

Vitamin-C Serum (£26)

The Vitamin-C Serum might just be my favourite product in the range! As well as containing Vitamin C, it also features ferulic acid. This amazing stuff helps to reduce the effects of sun damage, evening skin tone and refining texture – not to mention correcting dark spots too! I can see this being a real summer skincare staple. I’m taking no chances with my skin this year as I’m going on holiday soon and I want it to be as healthy and damage-free as possible! It will definitely be travelling with me. I love how lightweight the formula is! It’s not sticky and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky or gooey. I like to use this after cleansing and toning with my other Vitamin-C goodies first thing in the morning. My skin definitely looks much brighter and more balanced since using this serum. I will definitely be repurchasing!

Vitamin-C Lotion (£24)

The Vitamin-C Lotion is a moisturiser that aims to brighten and hydrate the skin to encourage a natural radiant glow. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula is perfect for the hot weather as it’s easy and comfortable to wear. No stickiness or greasiness whatsoever! My skin always looks so much brighter after using this magical stuff. I’ve actually been wearing this on its own with no makeup and so many people have told me I’m glowing!

Vitamin-C Caviar Balm (£24)

The Vitamin-C Caviar Balm was the product that had me the most intrigued! The leave-on mask promises to “promote healthy collagen synthesis” and “enhance a lit-from within glow”. It’s also packed with antioxidants and amino acids to help keep skin hydrated and radiant, which sounds dreamy to me. On those days where my skin has needed a real moisture hit, this product gives it much needed boost. I’ve been using this on the days where my skin feels a bit hot from the sun and it works a charm. It’s so refreshing and cooling! This is definitely another summer skincare staple!

Overall, I really like the Pixi Vitamin C range. I think the Vitamin C range is absolutely perfect for summer as it keeps our skin moisturised and hydrated, as well as protected and balanced. Since I started using these products, my skin definitely looks much brighter. I’ve also found that this range has been really healing for my skin too. My blemishes are healing much quicker and I’m sure that’s down to the exfoliation that the tonic provides. It’s been so lovely using this on really hot days so there’s no doubt that these goodies will be going straight in my travel bag for when I go on holiday. I’m really pleased that they’re continuing to expand their skincare ranges as now, there’s something for everyone! I’m excited to see what they will bring out next…

What are your favourites? Have you tried this range yet? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

MAKEUP REVOLUTION: WILD ANIMAL COURAGE PALETTE REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been doing a lot of volunteering over the last couple of weeks so I’ve been a busy bee but nothing can stop me throwing myself at a new Makeup Revolution launch! Today, I’m reviewing the Courage palette from the Wild Animal range. These really caught my eye because the packaging looks amazing but also the variety of shades included is amazing! I just knew I would get a lot out of these palettes so I may have purchased them all… at least that means you guys have three new reviews to read! I’ve included lots of photos and swatches to help you make your mind cup – be sure to let me know what you think in the comments!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links

PACKAGING & PRICE

This packaging for this palette is just gorgeous. It’s similar to their usual plastic style casing however it does feel very weighty and luxurious which I love. It just feels like a good quality palette and that’s before I’ve even opened it and seen the shades! Given that leopard print has made a comeback this year, it feels very fitting to have a whole palette kitted out in such a bold design. How much is it? The Courage Palette retails at £10 which such a great price for 18 eyeshadows. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the Courage Palette from Makeup Revolution’s website itself or through Superdrug (which does student discount and has a point system too) or Beauty Bay!

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Makeup Revolution treated us to 13 shimmers and 5 mattes, as well as a massive mirror that takes up the other half of the palette! I’m kind of disappointed that the shades don’t have names as it makes life a whole lot easier, particularly as a blogger when it comes to reviewing and recommending shades. In terms of the colour scheme, this is the dreamiest of warm, bronze and golden palettes. I know it’s July but imagine using this in Autumn! It’s just so damn pretty. I’m a warm-toned kind of girl too so I can see myself using all of these shades – even that khaki one too!

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Given that the shades aren’t named (sigh), I can’t really talk you through them all in my usual style. However, I do have some favourites that I’ve just got to mention! In this row, the shimmer shades are so soft and smooth. The mattes are also very pigmented and easy to blend. I really like this formula. My favourites from this row are the second, third and fourth shades!

2ND ROW SWATCHES

This is definitely my favourite row in the palette, it’s like Autumn in six shades. The first four are mind-blowing, particularly that red/cherry one. It’s so pigmented it’s unbelievable. I cannot believe this is included in a £10 palette! The matte shade second from the bottom was ever so slightly patchy but I expect with a bit of bending and building it will look fine. The last gold shade is also absolutely gorgeous and it feels so buttery!

3RD ROW SWATCHES

This row is probably my least favourite. The matte shades are so pigmented, especially that first one! It’s a proper chocolatey brown and I really enjoy using shades like this to smoke out my makeup looks. It also looks makes such a difference when I apply this along the waterline too! My eyes look so much wider and greener. The third shade is gorgeous, it’s quite unique too as it’s a cool toned bronze with silver flecks in it and I don’t think I have a shade like it in my collection. I love the khaki shade here too as I really want to start using more greens in my makeup looks! I feel like khaki is a safe place to start as it’s not too in your face and I reckon I might be able to pull it off!

WHAT DO I THINK?

I think this is a great palette. It only costs £10 and you get 18 shades to play with. A majority of the shades included are shimmers but I’m glad they’ve included some mattes in there too as it means full looks can be created from just using the one palette and if you like to travel light, that makes a huge difference. If you’re into browns, coppers and burgundies, this is a palette that I’m sure you will enjoy. The formula of the shimmer shades is absolute madness – I honestly don’t know how they do it but I’m more than happy to pay this kind of price instead of the £40-£50 that some brands are asking for! The packaging hasn’t let me down either, it’s their usual style but the design and the gold exterior makes it look and feel so luxurious. There’s also a huge mirror included which always comes in handy.

In terms of what I don’t like, I have very little to say. I think one or two of the mattes could do with being a little less patchy but overall, they’re easy to build and blend so I’m not too bothered. I also would have liked the shades to have names as I find that easier as a blogger but also it’s just an extra detail that I often enjoy about palettes (maybe I’m weird).

Get the Makeup Revolution Wild Animal Courage Palette

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

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

TESTING PRIMARK’S – ‘HYDRATE’ SETTING SPRAY

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! My review; “Testing Primark’s “Glow’ Setting Spray” has quickly become one of my most popular blog posts and so I figured I’d give the people what they want! Today, I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on their Hydrate setting spray. I’ve also reviewed their ‘Nudes‘ makeup range if you’re interested in seeing how their makeup performs too…

Since I put the Primark Glow spray to the test, I am a setting spray convert. I never used to believe in them, I thought they were more of a gimmick than anything else. Since then, I haven’t gone a day (when I’m wearing makeup) without giving my mug a spritz. In this new range, there’s three sprays to choose from; glow, hydrate and matte. This time, we’re giving Hydrate a closer look!

According to Primark, Hydrate is a setting spray infused with Rose Water, Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera. I don’t have dry skin so I wouldn’t say I need a really intense hydrating setting spray in my life, but then again, I cannot stand when my makeup goes cakey or looks dull. This spray sounds like the perfect combination – it’s not too much, it’s just enough. It claims to hold your makeup in place, whilst leaving your skin looking refreshed and hydrated. It retails at £4 for a 110ml bottle, which is amazing value. Unlike when I use some high-end setting sprays, I won’t have to worry about using it on a daily basis, as it’s not expensive to repurchase and replace. Again, the packaging is really simple, this time the bottle is an aqua green. It’s not glitz and glam but I mean, it was only £4. It’s still serving me some NARS vibes with that font though.

So, what do I think? I LOVE it! Firstly, it dries pretty quickly and my skin doesn’t feel sticky or look too shiny. My makeup looks so much more fresh and flawless because I think it absorbs any excess powder and gives my face the hydration that it needs. It smells so good too! It smells like sugar and sweets which is a lot nicer than those sprays that smell like chemicals. A little goes a long way as a lot of product is released with each pump. You definitely won’t need heaps and heaps which makes it perfect for those mornings where you need to spritz and sprint! Also, this is the perfect spray for those days where the weather is particularly drying. If I have to brace the cold winds outside, I always make sure I have this spray on me to give myself a pick me up once I’m back inside! I reckon it will also be extremely refreshing on a really hot day too, especially if you’re feeling all clammy and flustered (we’ve all been there don’t judge). I’m so glad that I picked this spray up because it’s just amazing. I’m going to have to stock up on it before it gets discontinued (please god no) or people read this and go and buy it all…

I can no longer justify spending nearly £20 on a bottle of setting spray when this one, priced at only £4, ticks every box for me. If I didn’t know where it was from, I’d have guessed a high-end brand, never Primark! I’m so impressed with it. It’s totally worth giving it a try and if it’s not for you, don’t forget there’s also two other sprays in the range; glow and matte. If you’d like me to review the matte spray, let me know and I’ll test it out! What do you think of setting sprays? Do you have any favourites? Have you tried Primark’s new range? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY SKINCARE

THE PIXI GLOW RANGE*

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Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Life is currently a bit hellish given the whole dissertation and final year situation but that isn’t going to stop me from sharing the gorgeous Glow range from Pixi with you! I’m a super fan of the Glow Tonic itself (read my review here) so as you can imagine, when they added to the range I was over the flipping moon. They kindly gifted me their latest launches and I’m beyond excited to show you everything and share my thoughts!

*This post contains gifted products and affiliate links

Pixi Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel (£18.00)

The Pixi Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel is just dreamy. I’ve been using this every day for the last week and I think I’m in love. It’s the perfect cleanser to use first thing in the morning as it’s very refreshing and wakes me up, leaving my skin looking bright and radiant! I’ve also noticed that my face feels softer which means my makeup sits better on my skin too! It contains glycolic acid, horse chestnut extract, aloe and ginseng, all of which help hydrate and purify the skin. It’s a yes from me!

Pixi Glow Tonic (£10)

The Pixi Glow Tonic is practically superglued to my skincare collection. It’s going absolutely nowhere as it’s a huge staple for me. It’s something that I recommend to absolutely everyone. I’ve never actually suffered from severe acne or bad skin but whenever I have had blemishes, they leave a mark for months. I was so self conscious of these marks and dark spots that I didn’t go anywhere without makeup. The glow tonic has helped my skin to heal so much! I now no longer struggle with scars or marks anywhere near as badly as I used to. It basically exfoliates, tones and tightens the skin for healthier looking skin (and a gorgeous glow too). I strongly recommend giving this product a shot as it’s completely transformed my skin and I can’t go without it now! It’s suitable for all skin types and it’s alcohol free too.

I’ve written an in-depth review about this stuff so if you want all of the details, head over to my post and give it a read.

Pixi Glow Tonic Serum (£26.00)

The Pixi Glow Tonic Serum is effectively the glow tonic but in a thicker and more concentrated form. It has the same gorgeous scent too. I was concerned that it would leave my skin feeling greasy and sticky but because of its lightweight formula, my skin absorbs it quickly, free from tackiness. I’ve been using this, as instructed, after I’ve cleansed and before I moisturise. It makes my skin look hydrated and dewy, which is exactly the look that I want when I’m going barefaced for the day! The packaging is also really lovely, I like the concept of using a pipette as it ensures I don’t overdo and waste any product! It goes exactly where I want it to go.

Pixi pHenomenal Gel (£24.00)

The Pixi pHenomenal Gel is pretty much the perfect lightweight summer moisturiser. It’s definitely going to be coming with me on holiday this year. It’s so soothing and cooling – I might start keeping it in the fridge! My skin absolutely loves this stuff and it gets such a boost from it. I like to use this before I apply my makeup as it provides a fresh and hydrated base. It’s also pH neutralising to help balance the skin. It doesn’t have the same scent as the other products which is a shame, but as I’m finding it to be so effective I don’t really mind.

Pixi On-the-Glow (£18.00)

The Pixi On-the-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick just isn’t for me folks. I rarely have any issues with Pixi products but unfortunately I just didn’t get along with this. Initially, I thought the concept was really cool; an on-the-go moisturiser that’s solid so it doesn’t leak or need squeezing, no fuss, just apply and go. When I actually tried it on my skin, I found it to be really thick and it just didn’t sit right. When I do use it on my face, I apply it to any dry patches (with my fingertip) as sparingly as I can so it doesn’t build up. It claims to be suitable for hair too but honestly, I couldn’t think of anything worse – I feel like its would make it really oily and greasy. I’ve actually been enjoying using this as a lip balm instead of a moisturiser and it works really well. It also means that my satin lipsticks sit nicely on top of it too. I reckon this moisturiser would be perfect for those that struggle with really dry skin as it’s extremely hydrating.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Pixi Glow products. I’m so glad that they’ve expanded the range as the Glow Tonic is a cult favourite and it was only a matter of time before we were all desperate for more of that magical formula! What are your favourites? Have you tried this range yet? Let me know in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY SKINCARE

TESTING ALDI’S PINK CLAY SKINCARE RANGE

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well. I know that this is my month off but when Aldi releases new sellout products, you just can’t wait around! Today, I’m putting one of their new skincare ranges to the test. I want to see if their beauty bargains are merely just cheap and cheerful or whether they actually give those more expensive ranges a run for their money. In this review, I’m focusing on their Lacura Pink Clay skincare collection, which has received a lot of attention within the beauty community. It includes a mask that they launched last year two new products that they have launched this month; a hot cloth cleanser and a face scrub. Want to know what I think? Let’s get started!

*This post contains affiliate links

Pink Clay Mask – £5.99

As you can imagine, I practically sprinted to my local Aldi in order to get my hands on this. If you haven’t noticed already, it’s takes “inspiration” from a certain brand called Sand & Sky. Their Australian Pink Clay mask went viral last year, which was great for those that can can fork out £40 for their little pink tubs of goodness, but for those of us who can’t, Aldi heard our prayers and launched an almost identical product for £5.99. Their Lacura mask promises to detoxify, brighten and purify (all things that my skin is in desperate need of) all whilst remaining cruelty free. It contains ingredients such as Kaolin, Bentonite and Pink Clay.

Inside, we get an adorable little brush for application and a 60g jar of product. I always apply my masks with a brush as it’s far less messy and I find it spreads them more evenly without wasting any product on my hands. I expected this brush to feel cheap and flimsy but it’s actually great quality. Good work, Aldi!

In terms of a scent, it smells so clean and fresh. The texture is where I thought Aldi might slip up, I was expecting something runny and difficult to apply. However, this mask is thick and creamy. It feels expensive and high-end! It feels a little bit tingly at first but that stops after a few seconds and then it starts to dry really quickly. As instructed, I leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with warm water. The results have been very telling. This thing WORKS! My skin immediately looked cleaner and brighter and after a few uses, my whole face was glowing and there wasn’t a blemish in sight. I’m mindblown. I’ve tried the Sand & Sky mask too and honestly the results are no different. For £5.99 you’re getting yourself a damn good face mask people!

Pink Clay Hot Cloth Cleanser – £3.99

If you’ve read my review of the Superdrug Naturally Radiant range, you’ll know that I love a good cleanser. I can’t afford to be using something that costs a fortune – especially if I’ll be using it every day, so I’m always looking for dupes and bargains. This Aldi Pink Clay Hot Cloth Cleanser only costs £3.99 so I thought it was definitely worth testing! The cleanser promises to give you “naturally healthy looking skin” by cleansing and exfoliating. It’s cruelty free and it contains lots of natural ingredients featuring Mangosteen, Australian Kakadu Plum and Macadamia Oil. It also claims to be suitable for any skin type. The tube contains 200ml of product and every single part of the packaging can be recycled – YES ALDI!

This hot clot cleanser comes with a muslin cloth, with can be used to wash the product off and to help remove any makeup. I ditched makeup wipes a while ago because they were awful for my skin and they don’t do the environment any good either. These cloths can be reused over and over again – just pop them in the washing machine!

In terms of a scent, it smells beautiful – very fresh and it kind of reminds me of the Emma Hardy Morninga Cleansing Balm. It feels so luxurious on the skin, I feel like I’m using something super expensive. I apply a small amount to my face (dry) and once I’ve soaked the muslin cloth in hot water, I rinse it off! It really is that simple. My makeup comes off in one go and my skin is left feeling silky soft and squeaky clean. I’ve already noticed that my skin looks much brighter and I’m having less breakouts which is always a win! I’m really impressed and I will definitely be repurchasing. I highly recommend giving this a try if you want a good cleanser in your life

Pink Clay Exfoliating Face Scrub – £2.99

I never used to bother with face scrubs until I realised that exfoliating was actually regularly really important. Aldi introduced this £2.99 scrub just over a week ago and I just had to try it out. This Pink Clay Face Scrub claims to refine and mattify the skin, removing dead skin cells and absorbing excess oil.

Just like the other products in the range, it smells lovely. I always apply it to wet skin and massage for 30 seconds, as instructed and I use warm water to rinse it off. I also found out that it can be used as a mask! All you have to do is leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off – we love a multi-tasker here on Nina Louise Law and I think we’ve found a new one to add to our favourites. I absolutely love how clean it makes my skin feel and I can see there are visibly less blackheads and spots after a couple of weeks. My skin looks more even and balanced which is something I need as it scars really easily. This is definitely worth trying out – I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know!

So, in conclusion, the Aldi Pink Clay Skincare range is a MUST for anyone looking to save some money whilst still being able to invest in great high quality skincare. I would recommend using all three products as part of your skincare routine, as they all work so well together. I think that’s the most effective way of achieving the best results. My skin is so much cleaner, clearer and brighter and I can’t believe that I managed to get my hands on the whole range for under £15. I highly recommend trying these out and please do let me know what you think in the comments – I’d love to hear about your results too! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would give me a follow – come and say hi!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX APRIL 2019: YOU’RE A GEM – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Although I said that I wouldn’t be posting over April due to deadlines and exams, I couldn’t just forget about my monthly Birchbox review, could I? I was over the moon when this beautiful little box arrived at my flat this week, I don’t think I have ever needed a pick-me-up more in my life! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much is costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling.

About Birchbox –

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

This month’s box is about embracing the beautiful season that is, of course, Spring! The healing power of crystals is also referenced and although this isn’t something that I believe in, I love the idea of self-care and positive vibes – especially during my final term at university! This month, we have received cosmetics and products for our skin, body and hair! Two items are full sized too. The design is absolutely gorgeous, I love the bright and bold colour scheme. It also flips open, like a jewellery box rather than the usual sliding drawers that we get. Although I was originally digging this new style, it’s actually really flimsy and it’s already coming apart. Normally, I’d re-use the boxes as storage but I’m not sure how long this one will last. Either way, let’s see what’s inside shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

ESTATE Cosmetics Dew Me Baked Highlighter – in Lit (Full Size) – RRP £10

This highlighter is from the brand Estate cosmetics, which I’ve actually never heard of, but I love being introduced to new brands so I’m cool with that! The packaging is fairly basic, but it’s quite cute and girly too. I like the way that it opens, no fancy bits and bobs, it’s pretty straightforward. The highlighter itself is stunning, I just love the shade. If you have skin with yellow undertones like me, I think this beautiful vanilla shade will be a great match for you. Typically, I find the consistency of baked highlighters to be quite powdery but this one feels soft and silky. It’s really easy to apply and blend and for those that want a more intense glow, it’s can definitely be built-up to a blinding level.

Benefit – The POREfessional – RRP £28

Probably the most disappointing product that I received. I have actually been sent this by Birchbox before but that wasn’t the main issue for me. Could it get any smaller? I feel like Tinkerbell could just about get what she needed out of this tube. It would’ve been nice to be sent something slightly larger so we get a chance to properly use the product . Either way, I do actually really like this primer. It feels so silky soft and leaves my skin looking airbrushed every time I use it. I like using it on my nose and under my eyes to reduce the appearance of pores and lines. It’s just a bit too pricey for me so I tend to find cheaper alternatives but it’s nice to try it every now and again…even if it’s miniscule.

Vitamasques – Diamond Eye Pads – RRP £4.99

I love anything that can get rid of puffiness from my eyes! Some mornings I wake up and they just feel really irritated or scratchy and it’s products like this that I keep ready and waiting for those days! It contains caffeine to hydrate, brighten AND de-puff, all in 10-15 minutes so you’re getting a fabulous multi-tasker here. The packaging, although really difficult to photograph, is so pretty! I love that it’s completely holographic – it looks so luxurious and glam! I’m definitely going to save this for when I really need it – no doubt I’ll be getting puffy eyes as soon as it starts getting colder in Autumn (joy). Is anyone else absolutely dreading waking up to a dark sky every morning?

Human+Kind – Body Souffle – RRP £16.45

Who doesn’t love a moisturiser during summer? I always like to keep my skin as hydrated as possible whilst it’s hot and sunny outside – protect your skin kids! I usually have a hand cream in my bag all the time and I now make sure that I moisturise every single night before bed. I’ve used some products from Human+Kind before and I’ve loved them so I knew that this would be a new fave of mine. Their packaging is always so bright and pretty – it just screams summer. It also smells incredible and contains aloe vera and lots of botanical oils! I will definitely be taking this on holiday with me to keep my skin hydrated every day!

Beaver – Cherry Blossom Conditioner – RRP £19.40

If you’ve read my post all about my first tattoo, you’ll know that cherry blossom is one of may favourite things ever. I love the fragrance of it almost as much as I love the flowers! This conditioner smells UNREAL. It’s like they’ve bottled up a tiny piece of heaven. It has a strengthening, balancing AND detangling formula that keeps hair hydrated and nourished – another must during summer! I’m really impressed with the size of the sample too – it’s enough to get a good few uses out of it. I will also be taking this on holiday with me as all my hair will definitely need some TLC after being exposed to all of that chlorine every day!

Overall I’m really happy with this month’s box. I’m slightly disappointed with the size of the POREfessional sample but because of how much I love everything else, I’m okay with that. I absolutely love the highlighter, the eye pads, the body souffle and the conditioner – all of which I know that I will get so much use out of. The value of the products inside the box, altogether comes to £78.84, less than last month but still really good value. The subscription itself costs only £12.95 per month, which I think is more than worth it if you get to try a variety of products that you wouldn’t normally invest in! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beaut boxes? Let me know in the comments. Check out last month’s Birchbox review!

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

N xxxx

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LIFE

GETTING MY FIRST TATTOO

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! In the midst of all of my deadlines and a very important final year at university, I accidentally stumbled into a tattoo parlour and booked in for a two hour session. I think the main thing holding me back, was the unknown. How much will it hurt? What if it goes wrong? What does it feel like? Will they be nice? Can I bring someone with me? I thought I would talk you through the process itself and answer as many of those questions as possible. I hope that this helps those of you that are scared or apprehensive about getting tattoos and for those of you that have been there and done that, I hope you like how mine turned out!

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

First things first, make sure that your blood sugar levels aren’t low on the day. The most common cause of fainting whilst getting a tattoo is because of the sudden drop in your blood sugar levels. It’s how your body naturally reacts when it feels pain so that is totally normal! My session was booked in for 1 o’clock so I had time for a proper breakfast and then I topped up on some sugary snacks and drinks whilst I was waiting. Once I arrived, my tattoo artist, Magda, sat down with me and showed me the design, which I LOVED! She printed off a few different sized templates for me to choose from and once I had made a decision, she stuck it to my ankle so that I could see where it would sit and how it would look.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

I couldn’t figure out what all of the wires and the equipment was for when I first looked at it. It all looked so intimidating and I started to panic a tiny bit. I think that’s natural when you start to see all of the actual tattooing gear.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

It was when I saw the bed that my nerves really kicked in. I’m sure lots of you will be thinking what’s all the fuss about, it’s just a tattoo, right? Well it was my first ever experience of getting one and it wasn’t just a small symbol either. With two hours ahead of me, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I was shaking like a leaf and I couldn’t stop fidgeting! I made the mistake of sending my Dad this photo and he kindly replied “Looks like an operating theatre…” – lovely, thanks Dad? Magda suggested that I should lie on my side so that she could easily access my ankle and my leg and so that I would be comfortable.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

I climbed on and lay there shaking (pathetic I know) whilst I clung onto my pal for support – her fingers actually went purple at this point. I asked Magda to count down from three so that I knew when it would begin and so I could see what it felt like before we carried on.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

Let’s talk pain. Yep, it hurts. Not all the time, but it does hurt. Some people say it does and some people say it doesn’t – I think it totally depends on where you’re getting the tattoo and the shading that your design requires. The best way that I can describe it is that it’s like a persistent, sharp cat scratch. It’s actually more of an annoyance than anything else. We’re talking claws out, get off me you little shit kind of scratching.

Some parts were more painful than others. For example, the back of my leg was really painful but the front was something I became used to after a while. Like I said, I think it totally depends on the location of your tattoo. The shading was also quite painful but again, it was bearable once I knew what to expect. When it was time for my second tattoo, I was totally fine with it and I was even disappointed when it was all over!

What does getting a tattoo feel like? My first Tattoo experience

Excuse the blotchiness and the unflattering angle but this was the finished design! When we first moved into our house, my Dad planted a Cherry Blossom tree in our garden. We had a swing set right underneath where the blossom would fall. We used to spend hours in the garden playing on the swings, particularly during the Summer. It was one of our favourite things to do! After Ben died, I knew I wanted a tattoo that represented something that we had together. I wanted something that at first glance, people wouldn’t understand, something unique and personal.

That’s when I knew I wanted Cherry Blossom. One year, whilst we were playing in the garden, we both came face to face with a bee that seemed to be leaking something all over the paving stones. I started screaming that the bee was having a wee and Ben began to howl with laughter (we were only little, hence the toilet humour) and it became one of my favourite and funniest memories!

What does getting a tattoo feel like? My first Tattoo experience

This one was designed with my mum in mind. Every night before I went to sleep, mum would come into my room and talk to me about my day. If I was anxious or worried about something she would say the following Chinese proverb to me: “Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.”. The words clicked with me and they began to really mean something as I got older and was able to grasp the literal meaning behind it. It continues to shape me today and it has been the most soothing of thoughts at some of the hardest times in my life.

I thought the best symbol to represent these words was a semi-colon: not quite a full-stop but a pause before continuing. I’ve been struggling with chronic anxiety and depression since childhood. There have been times when it’s been manageable and there have been times when it’s just unbearable but it’s been a huge part of my life for many years. The one thing that has remained consistent is the support from my mum. I knew that the semi-colon was also a symbol for mental health so it all began to click into place from there! Mum has always loved painting in watercolour, so I wanted to incorporate that with the proverb that she has always told me.

What does getting a tattoo feel like? My first Tattoo experience
What does getting a tattoo feel like? My first Tattoo experience

*UPDATE – I returned for my touch-up and I asked for a couple of small changes. Don’t get me wrong, my original tattoo was beautiful and I was really happy with it but once it had healed and I had gotten over the initial excitement of it all, I realised it wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. I had a chat with my tattoo artist and she was more than happy to include these changes in my free touch-up! I explained that I wanted something that looked like a watercolour painting, much softer and almost like you could see the water splashes and where the paint had bled. After an hour, I basically had the tattoo that I had always dreamed of.

If you compare the pictures, you’ll see how much it has changed. There’s so much more detail and the whole thing looks softer and more delicate. Moral of the story is, if you have ANY doubts about a tattoo that you’ve had done, say something! Even if you’re worried about it being an awkward conversation (a professional wouldn’t allow that anyway), it’s on you for life so it’s more than worth it just to make sure you’re happy.

Do you have any tattoos? Are you planning on getting one? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to follow me on my social media – come and say hey!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX MARCH 2019: YOU GO GIRL – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well and that you’ve had a great week so far! I’ve been enjoying the first week in a while where I haven’t had to work on my dissertation. I literally spent all day every day over the last two weeks in the library! People must have wondered if I had anywhere else to go. Good job scanning our student cards on the barriers goes towards our attendance…Thanks to Birchbox, I had some new beauty treats to come home to after a long day at the library and that means it’s time for another review! 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 don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or contracts. In fact, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is 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. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the 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 £5 off your first box!

This month’s box is all about celebrating women, which is fitting given that international Women’s Day was on Saturday! Birchbox have provided us with a selection of beauty products that can help keep us feeling fresh and glam even when life is feeling pretty hectic. This box couldn’t have come at a better time either because with all of these deadlines, it’s been easy to forget about self-care! Let’s see what’s inside shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

The Beauty Crop “You Go Girl” Bronzer Compact – in Sardinia Sand – RRP £8 (Full Size)

Apparently Spring is on it’s way but knowing the UK, the weather is bound to go in all kinds of directions before that day arrives. After getting a taste of that summer sunshine a few weeks ago, I’m more than prepared to add some colour to makeup routine! When it comes to bronzer, I’m painfully predictable, I mainly stick to Benefit’s Hoola most of the time. It’s the perfect shade for contouring on my skin tone and I just love the formula. That’s why I fell in love with this bronzer from The Beauty Crop. I was a tiny bit unsure when I first saw it but as soon as I’d done swatches, I was obsessed. I simply apply it with a big fluffy brush and voila, I look sun-kissed even if I haven’t left the library for a week!

Chella – Eyebrow Defining Gel – in Clear – RRP £15.50 (Full Size)

I can’t believe that I never used brow gels as they’re now a staple in my makeup bag! This one in particular is a new favourite of mine. It’s clear, so it’s perfect for setting your brows in place on top of powders, pencils or pomades and would also work on it’s own too. It tames and locks brow hairs into place so that they don’t budge all day! It also doesn’t give that horrible straw-like texture that some other brow gels do. I’d definitely recommend giving this a try if it’s within your budget, but it is quite pricey and this is the full size version of the product too!

Generation Clay – Detoxifying Clay Mask – RRP £28.50

This was the product that we were able to choose in advance, to be included in this month’s box. I love clay masks and I find that they offer the most benefits for my skin. This one in particular, is packed with activated charcoal to draw out any impurities, whilst hydrating and boosting the skin too! It also reduces the appearance of pores and prevents a build up of oil. Who would’ve thought that one mask could be capable of all of that within 10 minutes? I’ll let you know how I get on with this over on my Instagram, so be sure to give me a follow (@ninalouiselaw)!

Caudalie – Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum – RRP £29

I really love Caudalie’s skincare so I was really pleased to find this product in my March Birchbox! This serum is 97% natural and it’s oil free, so you don’t have to worry about feeling like an eel after you’ve applied it to your skin. Apparently, it uses the “power of grapes” (never heard that one before?) to rejuvenate and hydrate dry skin. With the stress of third year finally catching up with me, I’ve never needed a skincare saviour like this more! I can’t wait to see the difference that it makes to my skin.

BOD – Glitter Body Scrub – in Pink Salt & Coconut – RRP £4.99

I have to admit, I tend to use scrubs on my face but not so much on my body. However, the fact that it’s pink and glittery had me really keen to use it. The first thing I noticed when I tried this product, was that the glitter literally just fell off whilst I was scrubbing and the scrub itself felt quite harsh on my skin. I’m all for some exfoliation every now and again but this was really rough and I would’ve preferred something softer.

Charlotte Tilbury – Scent Of A Dream – RRP £49

I don’t know about you, but I had no idea that Charlotte Tilbury produced fragrances! This perfume features lemon, peach and black pepper, complimented by floral notes of jasmine, tuberose, violet, patchouli- and amber base notes (phew!). It’s not as sweet as the perfumes that I usually go for but it’s definitely growing on me. I probably won’t repurchase it but I’m glad I was able to try it!

Some of the items included just weren’t for me. I was excited for the scrub, but I was disappointed with how rough it felt on my skin. I was excited to try the perfume but it just wasn’t to my taste. I would have preferred a choice when it came to the fragrance, just because it’s something that really depends on an individuals’ taste and could even lead to the purchasing of the full-size product. I know I will use all of the other products, so I still feel as though I got my money’s worth to an extent. The value of the products inside the box, altogether comes to a whopping £134.99. I’d say I thoroughly enjoyed £81 of that and on any normal day, there’s no way I’d be able to spend that on products. I still think this month was good value! The subscription itself costs only £12.95 per month, which I think is more than worth it if you get to try a variety of products that you wouldn’t normally invest in! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beaut boxes? Let me know in the comments. Check out last month’s Birchbox review!

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

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

TESTING PRIMARK’S – ‘GLOW’ SETTING SPRAY

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I decided to treat myself to a mooch around my local Primark as it had been far too long and I was beginning to get withdrawal symptoms. Of course, I was met with fast fashion and the latest beauty trends at unbelievable prices, ah the wonderfully worrying world of “How did they produce this that quickly?” and “Why is everything so cheap?”. There’s nothing quite like it. Speaking of Primark Beauty, if you haven’t already read it, I reviewed their ‘Nudes’ makeup range a while ago, and people still seem to be enjoying it! Give it a read if you want to find out a bit more about Primark’s makeup – who knows, you might even need a new setting spray to keep it all in place…

Whilst rummaging through what was left of the makeup section following an arrival of several heavily made up little girls (I’m not sure how to feel about this, given their makeup looked better than I could ever aspire mine to be… SOS) I stumbled across a new range of prepping and setting sprays. I’ve always been a sceptic when it comes to these. They’ve always been raved about in the beauty community, Urban Decay’s “All-Nighter”, being one of the best (and most expensive) sellers. I was never sure if they were worth investing in so, I decided to take the plunge! There were a few to choose from, Matte, Hydrate and finally, the one I chose, Glow.

According to Primark, Glow is a setting spray, infused with Vitamin B5, illuminating pearls and Aloe Vera. I liked the sound of this because I tend to go for a dewy look, I’m not a matte kind of girl and this seemed to tick all of the boxes. Not only does it claim to hold makeup in place, but it leaves your skin looking fresh with a healthy and radiant glow. It retails at £4 for a 110ml bottle, which I think is incredible value! If this turns out to work as well as some of those high-end setting sprays on the market, I think Primark are onto something. Also, I wouldn’t have to worry about using it every day, as it’s cheap to replace and purchase on a regular basis. I actually really like the packaging too, it’s nothing out of the ordinary but for £4, I wasn’t expecting it to be made of gold either. I’m getting some NARS vibes with that font too- anyone else?

So, how well does it work? I swatched some eyeshadow on my hand and then gave it a spritz of Glow. Firstly, I noticed that it did take a while to dry – roughly two-three minutes and that’s with lots of wafting, fanning and blowing too. Once it had dried, it felt quite tacky on the skin which had me worried at first but after a while it felt smooth and almost like it wasn’t there at all. I tried to smudge my eyeshadow but it was going absolutely nowhere. The tiniest bit of product shifted but 99% of it remained exactly where I had put it. It also has a fresh and pleasant scent, I was kind of expecting to be knocked out by chemicals! Nobody wants to leave the house smelling like a scientific experiment so it’s nice that they’ve paid attention to this detail.

In all honesty, I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, and I have to admit, it’s giving the likes of Urban Decay a run for their money. I cannot recommend this setting spray enough, for the price, the look and the quality – it’s absolutely worth trying out. Don’t forget, if Glow doesn’t sound appealing to you, there’s two other sprays in the range. If you’d like me to review the others, let me know and I’ll test them out! What do you think of setting sprays? Do you have any favourites? Have you tried Primark’s new range? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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BEAUTY MAKEUP

MAKEUP REVOLUTION: FOREVER FLAWLESS OPTIMUM PALETTE REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

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Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today, I’m reviewing one of the latest additions to the Makeup Revolution family. The Forever Flawless range was released a few weeks ago and I’ve been putting the palettes too the test ever since. I thought I would review the one that caught my eye first; The Optimum Palette! As usual, I’ve included lots of photos and swatches to help you make your mind up – be sure to let me know what you think in the comments!

*This post contains affiliate links

PACKAGING & PRICE

I was immediately impressed with this packaging. It’s different from their usual style, this time made from tin, it feels more sturdy and luxurious than some of their other palettes. I’m a huge fan of all things marble so the palette’s exterior had me ready to purchase before I even know what was inside. I also love the rose gold raised font too, it looks so classy! How much is it? The Optimum Palette retails at £10 which is a bargain and a half for 18 eyeshadows. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the Optimum Palette from Makeup Revolution’s website itself or through Superdrug (which does student discount and has a point system too)

WHAT’S INSIDE?

As you can see, Makeup Revolution have been generous with just about everything in this palette, there’s 18 shades: 10 shimmers and 8 mattes, as well as a generously sized mirror. Can we also appreciate that each shade is individually named INSIDE the palette, with no flimsy plastic sheet in sight! It makes life so much easier when writing reviews and recommending shades to people. In terms of the colour scheme, is anyone else getting some strong ABH Subculture vibes? I just love the rusty, retro look, I feel like it’s almost mid-century modern with the occasional pop of bright colour too – right up my street!

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Peak – Champagne shimmer – This is perhaps the shade that I use the most. It is the PERFECT inner corner highlight and it also looks stunning under the brows too. It’s really pigmented and looks even brighter when applied wet.

Warrior – Grey shimmer with khaki undertones – This is such an unusual shade, I can’t quite work out whether or not its more grey or more green. However, the combination is so unique! I love using this on the outer corners, paired with some other brighter silver shades. Again, it’s really pigmented and feels very smooth and buttery.

Perfect – Matte light beige – I love using this as a transition shade along with some other neutral or earthy toned shadows. It’s great for creating the base for smokey a smokey eye look too. It’s pigmented and applies really well.

Parallel – Lilac shimmer – This shade really caught my eye amongst the other shadows in the palette. It’s so bright and sparkly! I love using this with some pinks and burgundy shadows – it works really well with some shades from the Urban Decay Naked Cherry Palette (I’ve reviewed that here).

Flawless – Medium warm-toned matte brown – It swatched ever so slightly patchy and on the eye it doesn’t look as dark as it does in the pan, however, it’s easy to build up if necessary.

Mineral – Gold/grey shimmer – This is another shade that is just so unique. It’s a combination of gold and grey but I also think there’s a tiny bit of green in there too. It’s buttery and soft, just like the other shimmers in the palette.

2ND ROW SWATCHES

Prime – Matte light beige – This shade is very similar to “Perfect” in the first row. I can’t help but feel like it could have featured a totally different shade instead, so that we wouldn’t have an almost duplicate shade. However, it’s equally as buildable, pigmented, smooth and buttery to apply.

Fighter – Deep matte turquoise – I was excited for this shade until I swatched it. The colour payoff is disappointing, it’s patchy and it also stains too. I doubt I will be using this shade that much, unless it’s along the lower lash line.

Advantage – – I’m still not over how pigmented this shade is. I use this all the time, as I love creating warm-toned looks. It’s just one of those shades that makes you say “wow” every single time you use it. It’s so silky smooth and buttery too.

Greatest – Blue/green shimmer – It looks more green in the pan than it does on the eye however, I like this shade a lot. I don’t usually go for blues but this is just so pretty. Its pigmentation is very impressive, it’s another one of those buttery smooth shimmers that Makeup Revolution have absolutely smashed.

Outstanding – Silver shimmer – Ironically, the name isn’t fitting for this shade. I find that it has quite a chalky/powdery consistency which can make it quite hard to apply and sometimes it can look patchy. It’s stunning when it’s on, it’s just I wish it was easier to get it on my lid! Other than that, I really like this shade, I don’t own anything quite like it either. It’s quite fun to pop in the inner corners too.

Onyx – Matte black – This is the one shade that I am the most disappointed with in the palette. The colour payoff just isn’t there and it’s very patchy. I’ve found some use for it by building it up to create a smokey look but it takes a bit of time to do that. If it was more pigmented, it would be a great shade. It’s always useful to have a matte black shade in a palette but only if they’re done right.

3RD ROW SWATCHES

Choice – Rose/copper shimmer – I absolutely love this shade. It’s stunning! It’s pigmented, easy to apply and looks even better when applied wet. I love applying it with “Peak” for a strawberries ands cream style look – I literally can’t stop using it. I also like using it with my Urban Decay Naked Cherry palette as it goes really well with some of the matte pinks.

Own – Plum purple/red – This shade is super pretty. It can be a bit chalky in consistency but once applied it can blend out beautifully. It looks stunning paired with “Choice”. I’ve always liked shades like this, I think they bring out the green in my eyes more than other colours do.

Energy – Dark gold shimmer – This is your classic gold, that you probably already own, but will always need more of. I use shades like this all the time, it goes with so many other colours and always makes a boring look turn into something glam and sparkly. Again, this is a really pigmented shade, it’s buttery and smooth and also when applied wet, stands out even more.

Capital – Matte orange/terracotta brown – I use these terracotta type shades all the time. They’re my go to for putting in the crease so I know I’ll get plenty of use out of “Capital” all year round. It also works beautifully with some of the shimmers shades in the palette like; “Energy” and “Advantage”. It’s very smooth and easy to blend out too.

Maximum – Deep matte navy – I’ve found I has a lot of build-up in the pan and it can look quite patchy on so it needs a few applications to make I opaque. I’m not too sure if I will use this shade all that much. If it was more pigmented, I’d be using it a lot more.

Unmatched – Brown shimmer with red/pink shift – I never usually use brown shimmers, I’m more of a champagne or gold kind of girl but “Unmatched” has actually been a shade that I’m using a lot. I like using it in my outer corners and along the lower lash line. It’s creamy and buttery and looks beautiful on its own as well as when applied wet.

WHAT DO I THINK?

For £10, I think we’re onto a bargain here folks. You can often get Makeup Revolution products on offer at Superdrug too – not forgetting the points system or the student discount! If you’re into rusty tones and bold shimmers, this is a palette that will fit very well in your makeup collection. I have to say that the formula of the shimmer shades is incredible. Every single shimmer is buttery, creamy and pigmented! They easily give high-end brands a run for their money. I love the colour scheme, it’s quirky and different from your usual gold/brown/neutrals palettes. I like that there’s something for everyone: those that want to play it safe and those that want to be bold and try something new. The packaging is lovely too, it feels much higher quality than the usual plastic that you find in the drugstore. Thanks to the generously sized mirror, it’s super easy to travel with and although sturdy, the palette feels lightweight and easy to carry around.

The one thing that I’m not so impressed with is the formula of the matte shades. It seems to be quite hit and miss, some are perfect and some are chalky and patchy. I’m not sure why that’s the case but then again, this is a drugstore brand and the palette itself is fairly cheap so I can’t expect unbelievable results every time. That being said, only a few of the matte shades are like that, the rest are fine, plus those that are patchy or chalky, can still be worn but it takes patience to build them up and apply them.

Get the Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Optimum Palette

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

N xxxx