Tag: Review

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MANCHESTER PLACES

VISITING THE FEEL GOOD CLUB IN MANCHESTER

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Last weekend I visited the Feel Good Club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I had a lovely catch up with an old friend and we ended up staying there for almost six hours. I had such a lovely time and luckily I remembered to take lots of photos, so I simply have to share it with you all!

What is the Feel Good Club?

The Feel Good Club is a coffee house but not just any old. It’s also a space for anyone and everyone. It’s a coffee shop with a real focus on mental health and wellbeing and it’s the first of its kind in the city. Their mission is to make you feel good every time that you visit! Not only do they serve delightful delicacies and cosy cuppas, they also offer the opportunity to take part in yoga classes and movie nights, to listen to guest speakers and to visit pop-up galleries showcasing local artists and businesses. If that wasn’t enough for you, their staff members are Mental Health first Aid trained to help support their customers in the best way possible. Something I was particularly impressed with was the way they displayed supportive and positive messages on billboards across the city, encouraging people to keep going. Also, get this – on Fridays, they open the space up for “Freelance Fridays”, to encourage self-employed people to use the venue for free as a place to network and feel part of a community!

Adverts in Manchester city for the Feel Good Club with positive mental health messages

What is their story?

The Feel Good Club was created by wives, Aimie and Kiera Lawlor-Skillen. They wanted to design a space where people could talk about mental health openly and honestly and where people would feel happy and safe. They originally started the initiative online, creating a huge community across various social media platforms. After being such a huge hit, the couple wanted to take it a step further and bring it to life, so The Feel Good Club opened in 2020! Despite the pandemic giving them all kinds of unexpected challenges, Manchester received the coffee house with open arms and it proved to be extremely popular.

The feel good club in Manchester
The feel good club in Manchester

My Experience

We ended up choosing this coffee shop because my friend said she had heard great things about it…little did we know we would end up spending the whole day there! The moment I stepped foot in the place I felt calm. It was so bright and cheerful. It’s very open, which I love as I can often feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. There were lots of seating options, including the windowsill with some cushions which looked perfect for days where you need to study or get some work done.

The place is filled with joy and colour. It’s such a positive place to be and the vibes were immaculate *chef’s kiss*. Towards the back of the room, they had a little section dedicated to their own merchandise and some goodies from local businesses. One of which, Fruit Loop Studios, need a shoutout of their own – check out their Etsy page here. There was even a little affirmation station where customers could write a positive and encouraging note for someone else to discover. It was such a human place, with a real focus on mental health at the core.

Biscoff stuffed cookie at the feel good club in Manchester
Avocado on sourdough bread at the feel good club in Manchester
Tea and stuffed cookies at the feel good club in Manchester

Obviously I had to be all millennial about it and order myself something avocado related (with a sprinkling of radish and spring onion) but let me tell you this was DELICIOUS. I also had some Earl Grey with vanilla supplied by local business Tea Keepers, which was heavenly. We were there so long that we needed to eat something else later on, and that ladies and gentleman is when I fell in love with a biscoff stuffed cookie. I mean look at it? I limited myself to a bite every few minutes to make it last as long as possible. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

What did I think?

I absolutely love this place. It set me up for the week and that was on a good day so I can only imagine how fantastic it is to visit on a bad day. I felt calm, relaxed and comfortable enough to spend the day there which is unusual for me as I normally feel a bit boxed in after a while in a coffee shop or restaurant. The prices weren’t stupid either which is always a bonus for a city-based hangout. I love that they encourage freelancers to use the space to create a community of their own. It’s also lovely to see somewhere promoting local businesses in almost every aspect of what they do. I will absolutely be going back, maybe with my laptop to do some work, in the future. I can see myself being in there alone and feeling safe and totally chilled, which again is rather unusual for me. I look forward to seeing what else they do with the space and whether or not they open up any more Feel Good Clubs across the country. I can see them doing very well in other cities too – especially as a place for people to take a break after a stressful day or to stop by in their lunch breaks. I’m excited for them, I really am. If you’re visiting Manchester, or you’re here already, be sure to go and see it for yourself!

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY MAKEUP

PRIMARK PS LIQUID EYESHADOWS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m back with another Primark makeup review! They have recently launched a brand new PS makeup range featuring lots of nude shades and subtle shimmers. This includes two gorgeous liquid eyeshadows that I got my hands on in my local store so I thought I would put them to the test and let you know my thoughts… Love Primark makeup? I’ve also reviewed their popular ‘Nudes’ makeup range as well as their ‘Glow’ setting spray, go on, have a read!

Sadly, the new range only features two of these dual-ended liquid eyeshadows, which is such a shame as I personally would have bought more had there been any! The first eyeshadow includes a gold and a nude shade – a winning combo for any soft-glam makeup lovers. The second includes a metallic pink and a dusky rose matte shade. I love that the shades can be worn together or worn alone.

The tubes are split in half; one end is metallic eyeshadow and one end is just matte – both sections containing 2ml of product. Each end also has a flocked wand/doe-foot applicator. I like that they contain two products and yet take up so little space. I will definitely be taking these on holiday with me to save room! The design and the packaging is super pretty too. I love the simple gold foil effect against a white background, it makes the eyeshadows look more expensive than they are. Also, I love that they made the metallic end clear and the matte side frosted – it’s those extra details that really make an impact. There doesn’t need to be any mess involved either. The products aren’t loose and the packaging isn’t going to shatter and turn my carpet into a shimmering pool of regret. Also, these eyeshadows retail at just £3 each which is amazing.

Let’s start with the matte shade shall we? Well, oh my goodness, I was not expecting that! Firstly, the formula is a dream. I had to do a double take when I swatched it. It applied so well and it was super easy to blend and work with. Secondly, can you see that pigment?! It’s completely opaque – sorry, £3 – what?! It dried nice and quickly and once it had, it was there to stay. It actually took some effort to remove which I find reassuring. I don’t want that stuff slipping and sliding around on my lids thank you very much!

The metallic shade is truly gorgeous. I can see myself wearing this shade all the time – on nights out or just for some simple daytime glam. My only issue with it is that it takes a while to dry. If I was in a rush, I wouldn’t want to risk using this. However, if you have the time to wait for it to dry, it’s totally worth it because, I mean, look at it!

This matte pink shade is so pretty! I love wearing pink and purple so I can see myself reaching for this particular shade a lot. It was also very pigmented, completely opaque and really easy to move around and blend. Again, it dried quickly and from that point onwards, it didn’t budge until I removed it with some micellar water. I’m so tempted to apply some holographic eyeshadow topper over this, I think it would look stunning!

Let’s talk about this metallic shade. There’s no denying it’s beautiful, however, I did struggle a little bit with getting it to form a decent layer. When I tried to blend it out it did get a bit patchy. It took some layering to get it where I wanted it. That being said, once I put a little more effort in and took the time to work with it, it looked beautiful. I would definitely wear this shade on a regular basis, especially paired with the matte shade too – what a combo!

So, whats the verdict?

In terms of what I didn’t like, other than a slight struggle with the pink metallic eyeshadow formula, there’s nothing to complain about. It wasn’t as if that was an issue I couldn’t resolve, I just spent a little bit more time applying it and it turned out fine. I would definitely recommend using an eyeshadow primer as a base just to give the product something to stick to.

In terms of what I loved, the matte formula particularly blew me away. I cannot get over how pigmented it is and how easy it is to work with. Although I had a tiny bit of an issue with the formula, both of the metallic shades are really good. When applied correctly, they look lovely. I will definitely be using the gold shade all the time, it’s just so me. Given that Primark didn’t even sell makeup at one point, they’ve come such a long way with their beauty products. I’m extremely impressed with these eyeshadows. The fact that they retail at only £3 each is incredible! The wands make it easy to apply to product, without faffing and having to use lots of different brushes and tools. The shade range is currently pretty poor, but fingers crossed, they’ll bring some more! I really recommend giving them a try, for £3 a pop, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

What do you think of these liquid eyeshadows? Be sure to let me know in the comments and don’t forget to follow me on my socials!

N xxxx

Categories
BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

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

Hey Everyone,

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

Read my review of last month’s box here!

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greenfrog Botanic – Argan Oil Body Lotion – RRP £9.95

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

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

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

Mélusine – Jade Roller – RRP £15.50

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

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

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

N xxxx

Categories
2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

MY FAVOURITE APPS OF 2019

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 10! Today’s post is all about the apps that I’ve been loving throughout 2019. I’ve included all of the apps that I consider to be staples and must-haves so that you can download and enjoy them too!

Check out my favourite apps of 2017 and 2018!

FILMM

This is an absolute must-have for Instagram stories! Earlier this year, YouTuber/Blogger, Zoe Sugg, collaborated with the founders of A Color Story (Emma Chapman and Elsie Larson) to create “Filmm”. Created for creators, the app includes new video effects and filters to add all kinds of funky things to video clips. You can add light leaks, grain and dust to your videos and photos as well as filters and music! Filmm is free to download but you can also purchase packs containing more filters and effects. There’s also a subscription available to get everything for one price. I personally love using this app as it gives my videos a lovely home-made vibe. The effects aren’t just static filters but they actually move with the videos, making them look so realistic!

LIGHTROOM

I only started using this app properly earlier this year. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it – especially as a blogger and influencer! Lightroom is an editing app that allows you to edit everything from the exposure and contrast of a photo to removing haze or adding grain to it. It literally lets you edit every aspect of an image until you’re happy with how it looks. It really allows you to be a perfectionist with your work – which I love! You can also create your own or download presets, ready to copy and paste so that all of your images have the same edit. I love using presets for my Instagram themes – they have made a huge difference to my photography! There’s absolutely no going back now that I have this app in my life – it’s an everyday staple for me!

APPLE PODCASTS

I absolutely love podcasts. I listen to at least one episode of a podcast every single day. They’re perfect to have on in the background whilst I’m working, cleaning or even on a walk or a run. The Apple Podcasts app is basically a library for IOS users to access over 750,000 shows. There’s a category for everything; Comedy, Sports, True Crime, History and even Fiction! I’m not only constantly entertained and inspired by podcasts, but I can learn from them too. You can keep up to date with your favourite shows or you can download episodes so that you’ve always got some stored for those long and boring journeys. I feel like I’m always recommending podcasts to friends and family – I actually think I listen to them more than I watch TV or movies.

I’ve written two posts about the podcasts that I listen to; My Favourite Podcasts in 2018 and 3 Podcasts to Make You Laugh, so give them a read if you need something new to listen to!

SLEEP CYCLE

I’ve been struggling with sleep since I was a kid. I’ve been having very intense lucid dreams since I was about twelve years old, so I’m used to waking up in the middle of the night feeling confused and questioning what’s real etc. It usually means that in the morning, I’m still extremely tired. I currently have no problem with falling asleep, but during the night, I know my sleeping pattern is very inconsistent and easily disrupted.

I noticed this app and I thought it would help me understand my sleep cycles much more. Sleep Cycle offers a variety of features to help users track and analyse their sleep. It also has an inbuilt alarm that gently wakes you up during a light sleep in the morning. I love this as I never feel like it interrupts my sleep as I’m usually just stirring as it starts to go off. Now, I understand my sleeping pattern so much more thanks to the detailed analysis that the app provides. Also, I love that I don’t have to have anything under my pillow or attached to me. I can just put my phone on my bedside table and I’m good to go!

Pinterest

I know Pinterest has been around for a while! It’s just that I’ve been using it so much this year that it simply felt wrong not to mention it. Pinterest is probably the most inspiring app that I own. There’s everything available from makeup ideas and motivational quotes to storage hacks, DIY tips and tricks. There’s also plenty of beautiful and inspiring images to look at. You can discover so much just by typing a word or phrase into the search bar and hey-presto, you’ll have hours worth of content to scroll through! It’s very therapeutic to use. You can create and organise boards by theme and save what you find, it feels a lot like digital scrapbooking! As someone that likes to be creative, this app has been an amazing source of inspiration, motivation and ideas for me!

I can’t really fit everything that this app has to offer into a small paragraph, but it’s absolutely worth downloading if you don’t already have it!

Follow me on Pinterest!

I’m always looking for new apps to use, so let me know your favourites 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!

Read about my favourite apps of 2017 and 2018 here!

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST  

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2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX DECEMBER 2019: MERRY METALLICS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 13! It’s already time (where does the time go, seriously?!) for another Glossybox review! Today we’re going to be looking at their December edit; Merry Metallics. 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 theme is focused on adding some glitz and glamour to our beauty routine during the festive season. We’ve been treated to five full-size goodies to keep our skin glowing throughout Winter (which is much needed during dark and dreary December here in the UK). When this box arrived, I felt like I was opening a Christmas present and that was before I’d even looked inside! Although for most people December is about giving, sometimes we need a reminder to look after ourselves too! With this month’s Glossybox treats, some more “me time” is certainly achievable! Whether you have a Christmas party to go to or you just like adding some sparkle to your complexion, these five beauty products will keep you ravishingly radiant.

Lasplash Cosmetics – Golden Gatsby 3D Faux Mink Lashes – RRP £9.75

I was thrilled to find a pair of falsies as gorgeous as the Golden Gatsby 3D Faux Mink Lashes from Lasplash inside my December box. Inspired by the glitz and the glamour of the 1920s, these lashes are designed to add an instant hit of volume and definition. They feature a two-tone effect which will provide you with the bold statement look that your inner flapper girl deserves this Christmas. They’re also cruelty-free! I absolutely adore the packaging, they would make for some pretty little stocking fillers for the lash lovers in your life! I’d never heard of this brand before but upon doing some research, I noticed that they are stocked on Beauty Bay!

Steve Laurant – Loose Glittery Powder – RRP £14.60

The Loose Glittery Power from Steve Laurant in the shade “Rose Gold” immediately caught my eye. This is a multi-purpose powder that can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner or as an iridescent highlight! It’s extremely pigmented and yet it’s so easy to blend and work with. Also I love the fact that you can control how much product comes out – nobody wants a glitter spillage right before they need to leave the house! The packaging looks so luxurious and sleek, I’m very impressed.

Bellapierre – Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in “Venus“- RRP £20

I absolutely adore liquid eyeshadows, in fact I’ve written a review all about some of my favourites here if you’re in need of some recommendations! The Bellapierre Liquid Shadow Eye Candy is blooming gorgeous. I absolutely love that you can create the perfect dazzling eye makeup look in one swipe! It’s special formula means that the product sets almost immediately so there’s no drips or smears. It’s also guaranteed to be crease and smudge-free, which I can actually vouch for! This stuff stays in place all day and night.

L.O.V Cosmetics – The Fateful Lacquered Lip Stain – RRP £7.99

I believe that 5 different shades of this lip stain were sent out to the Glossies, however I’m actually pretty chuffed with the shade that I got! I received The Fateful Lacquered Lip Stain in the shade “710 Elusiv Endurance” from L.O.V Cosmetics in my December box. To my surprise, this isn’t a matte product! I actually prefer this as I find matte lip products can be too drying at this time of year. It’s still able to provide maximum durability and high coverage but with high-shine instead! It doesn’t smudge either, which I’m so happy about! The formula feels amazing, it’s like liquid velvet. I’ve also noticed a plumping effect, which I love as it makes my lips look so hydrated and full!

Original Source – Sweet Rhubarb & Raspberry Shower Gel – RRP £2.30

I have a lot of love for Original Source, so I was very excited to see their Sweet Rhubarb & Raspberry shower gel inside this month’s box! First of all, this stuff is packed with essential oils to keep our skin glowing throughout December. Secondly, it’s made using 100% renewable energy and the bottle itself is recyclable! Finally, it’s paraben-free and vegan! What a powerhouse of a product! It smells absolutely incredible, like crumble to be exact. I can’t get enough of this stuff, I will absolutely be repurchasing!

I’m really happy with the December box! First of all, se received five full-size products, all of which are perfect for bringing some sparkle into the festive season. The total value of the products together, is £54.64, which although roughly £30 less than last month, is still fantastic value! There wasn’t a single product that I disliked in this box, I know that I will use everything and go on to repurchase some products too! This month really felt like a Christmas gift to the subscribers! 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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2019 BEAUTY BIRCHBOX BLOGMAS

BIRCHBOX DECEMBER 2019: READY, SET, GLAM – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 12! Somehow we’re almost halfway through December and that means it’s time for another Birchbox review. After last month’s box, I was expecting great things when this little package arrived! 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)

Whether you’re planning on making the most of the mini bar or you’re already caught up in the Christmas chaos, don’t forget to take some time to wind down! This month’s box is focused on the glitz and the glamour of the festive season – just in time for Christmas parties, big nights out and a fair amount of recovering… The packaging is absolutely gorgeous! It’s been a while since we received our products in a bag so I was pleased that they mixed it up a little this month. The pouch looks and feels luxurious, especially with that glittery star on the front! It would make for a lovely Christmas present either for yourself (I won’t judge) or for a fellow beauty lover in your life. 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.

Forgive Me Suzie – Eyeshadow Palette in “Eye-Swear” – RRP £9

As most of you will know, I’m absolutely nuts about eyeshadow so, of course, I was very excited to see this pretty little palette in my December Birchbox. From Forgive Me Suzie, a British cruelty-free and vegan brand, the Eye-Swear eyeshadow palette is a Birchbox exclusive! It contains five beautiful warm-toned shades suitable for daytime looks or nighttime glam. I’m glad that it features matte, metallic and shimmer shadows as it means lots of different looks are possible to create. I was very impressed with the level of pigmentation too! That being said, it’s definitely more of an Autumnal selection of shades, which is a tad disappointing. I will definitely still be using it but I would’ve preferred to see something with bright reds, silvers and glittery shades.

Birchbox – Eyeshadow Brush – RRP £4

A girl can never have too many eyeshadow brushes. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself… This brush is the “perfect partner” to our palette, to blend our eyeshadow to perfection! The bristles are soft and densely packed, which is usually a sign of great quality when it comes to brushes. I will definitely be getting plenty of use out of this!

Daily Concepts – Mother of Pearl Soap Sponge – RRP £6

Who doesn’t love multi-tasking skincare? This sponge not only gives skin a radiance boost but it also exfoliates! Both of which are very much needed during the colder months. It’s worth nothing that this little sponge can be used roughly 60 times before it needs replacing! Amazing!

ikoo – Infusions Thermal Treatment Hair Wrap Detox and Balance Mask – RRP £5.95

I was blown away when I realised that this was a hair mask! It’s basically a sheet mask for your barnet, that helps to repair damage, clam any scalp irritation and seal those pesky split ends. I use my hair straighteners quite a lot so anything to prevent damage is a necessity in my haircare routine! Packed with plenty of natural ingredients such as blackberry, blueberry and sea kelp extracts, this mask helps to soften hair and leave it shiny. I’ve one hundred percent noticed a difference since using this! It smells amazing for one, but my hair actually feels a lot softer and looks a lot healthier. That being said, I would prefer a pot or a tube because a hair wrap is a bit more complicated to put on. It’s a cool concept though!

Brave.New.Care – Twinkle Twinkle Hair And Body Shimmer – RRP £11.50

Another exclusive, Brave.New.Care cannot be found anywhere but Birchbox! I don’t think I’ve ever been excited to see a pot of shimmery liquid in all my life. Look how sparkly it is! This pretty little pot is not only meant to moisturise our bodies but it’s also designed to soften our hair too! Like I said, we love a multi-tasking products – especially ones that make us glow like lightbulbs. Also, this stuff smells absolutely incredible. It’s so fresh and minty! Personally, I prefer to use this on my legs as it gives them a glow that I could never normally achieve! I don’t know how I feel about shimmery hair though…

Anna Sui – Gel Foundation Primer – RRP £22

In my opinion, applying a primer is the most important part of a makeup routine! If you want your foundation to stay in place, you’re going to need a good base (rhyme unintended but I’m proud of it ngl). This primer has a gel-like formula, which I love as it’s so lightweight. It hydrates and plumps the skin to provide the perfect base for your makeup – what more could you need? It literally feels like I’m dipping my face in velvet. Also, it absorbs any excess oil so that your makeup stays in place all day – nobody wants their cheeks sliding off now, do they? I love this stuff!

Candy Kittens Wild Strawberry Sweets

Funnily enough these are some of my favourite sweets! I just love the flavour. In fact, they’re made from completely natural flavours and real fruit juice! They’re also gluten-free too! They’re great stocking fillers if you know someone with a sweet tooth. Personally, I’ll be demolishing mine all by myself.

I’m pretty chuffed with the December box (or bag in this case). I think the design will be appealing to anyone that loves a bit of sparkle. The pouch is so festive and it looks and feels so luxurious! I love every product. The only thing I’m a little unsure of is the hair wrap, which no doubt works wonders, it’s just a bit of a faff to get it on in the first place. That being said, I can’t expect everything to always be perfect when it comes to a subscription box! We got to put £58.45 worth of products to the test, which isn’t quite as good as last month’s box but it’s still pretty impressive! 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 ICONIC London Illuminator with your box (worth £30!) Use code PEARL to pick a shimmery pink or BRONZE for a deep copper.

N xxxx

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2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS MAKEUP

TOO FACED GINGERBREAD EXTRA SPICY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 4! Today, I have another palette review for you and this one is particularly festive. I was lucky enough to receive the Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette for my birthday (thanks dad), so I’ve been putting it to the test over the last few weeks. I’m so excited to finally share my thoughts with you!

*This post contains affiliate links

The Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette launched earlier this year as part of their 2019 holiday collection. If you didn’t already know, it’s actually a follow up to their incredibly popular Gingerbread Spice Eyeshadow palette, that was released last year. They had a lot to live up to!

PACKAGING & PRICE

There’s no doubt that this palette is a stunner. Too Faced are known for their cute and themed packaging, it’s something they always do well! The palette is housed inside a tin, which features the cutest little gingerbread couple on the lid. Inside, the palette has a generously sized mirror which has a decorative border featuring the same little characters. If this packaging doesn’t make you feel all festive inside, I don’t know what will. How much is it? The Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette retails at £39, which is the standard price for most of their eyeshadow palettes. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the palette from Too Faced’s website itself, or through other retailers such as Look Fantastic, Selfridges, ASOS, Debenhams and John Lewis.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Inside, there are 18 eyeshadows, including a variety of mattes and shimmers. Sticking with the holiday theme, each shade has it’s own festive name inspired by Christmas sweets and treats. Not to mention, the palette has a sweet, lightly spiced scent, which is dreamy. It features a great selection of rich and warm-toned shades that can create looks for every occasion. It’s the perfect palette to create some spicy daytime looks as well as some smouldering smokey eyes.

Swatches of the first row: Vanilla Waffles – Drizzle it

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Vanilla Waffles – Cream/light beige with a matte finish – This shade is buttery soft to the touch and it blends like a dream. It’s pretty much the perfect base for me! It’s also great to use if you go slightly overboard with a darker shade, as it lightens and brightens in seconds.

Cookie Cutter – Light-medium peach with flecks of pink/gold glitter and a frosted finish – This shade is so gorgeous. It reminds me of the shade “Bang Bang” in Urban Decay’s Naked Cherry palette, which is one of my favourites! Its the tiniest bit chunky so I tend to apply it wet and in small amounts so that I can get it to look smooth on my lids.

Soft and Sweet – Medium pink/coral with a matte finish – In terms of texture, this shade is slightly powdery. Once blended, it can sheer out a little so I’d recommend building it up over a primer.

For The Graham – Light brown with warm undertones and a matte finish – This is an every day shade for me, I love using it as a transition into something darker for Autumn and Winter looks. It’s a basic shade but it’s a staple. Like Soft and Sweet, it’s slightly powdery but it’s easy to work with over a primer.

In a Pinch – Bright orange with warm undertones and a matte finish – I love this shade. It’s pigmented and easy to apply and blend with or without the use of a primer. It a perfect matte shade for those that love creating simple warm-toned looks.

Drizzle It – Reddish rose gold/copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – The pigmentation of this shade is so intense! It’s definitely one of my favourite shades in the palette. I love how festive it looks on my eyes, it works beautifully alongside Vanilla Waffles and Soft and Sweet.

Swatches of the second row: Lick the Spoon – Cookie Call

2ND ROW SWATCHES

Lick the Spoon – Medium peach with silver reflects and a frosted finish – The pigmentation of this shade is gorgeous! It’s not as buttery as I’d hoped it would be so it does feel slightly dry. However, if you use a wet brush and a patting motion, the pigment should pack onto the lid nicely.

Spicy Mami – Deep copper with orange and gold flecks and a satin finish – This shade confuses me a little bit. It looks as if it’s going to be a one-swipe metallic wonder however it actually takes a little bit of work. I always apply it on top of a primer using a wet brush to get the most out of it. It’s not as glittery as it looks, it actually has more of a satin finish to it.

Extra Spicy – Deep orange with warm red undertones and a matte finish – I was actually really impressed with the pigmentation of this shade. It was a tiny bit powdery in the pan but it still applies and blends really easily.

Half Baked – Dark copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – I find myself reaching for this shade all the time. It’s just so pigmented and pretty! It works beautifully with Soft and Sweet or Butterscotch. It’s also really smooth and easy to work with – I love it!

Butterscotch -Bright, light orange with yellow undertones and a matte finish – This is my favourite matte in the whole palette. I love using this on its own to give a more subtle hint of warmth to my makeup looks. It’s nicely pigmented and easy to blend out too.

Cookie Call – Deep reddish brown with purple undertones – This shade didn’t swatch particularly well and I think that’s because it requires some building. Once I’ve got it to a level of intensity that I’m happy with, it looks fine! I have to admit, it’s not the most festive of colours but it does work well with a few of the other shades in the palette.

3RD ROW SWATCHES

Plenty of Dough – Medium peach with warm undertones and a matte finish – Another slightly drier matte, but when used wet or over a primer it’s good to go.

Candy Queen – Light copper/gold with a metallic finish – This shade is so pretty! It’s probably the shade that I reach for the most actually, even on the days where I’m aiming for a more “natural” look, I can’t resist! Also, just skip straight to using this with a damp brush – thank me later.

Gingerbread Glam – Reddish-brown with warm undertones and a matte finish – This honestly blends like a dream, it’s another go-to matte shade for me.

Hot Tamale – Berry red with warm undertones and a matte finish – Such a pretty shade! I can’t create a pink makeup look without it. It’s very pigmented so be patient with it when it comes to blending.

Cinna-moan – Dark copper with warm/red undertones and a matte finish – Once blended, this shade has a habit of sheering out a little too much. However, it’s easy to build up with a couple of layers of application.

Midnight Snack – Dark black base with flecks of blue/turquoise glitter and a sparkly finish – I wasn’t too keen on this shade at first as it just didn’t seem particularly festive or cheery. That being said, it’s actually a great shade to create some smoky looks – perfect for a Christmas party! It works really well with Hot Tamale.

WHAT DO I THINK?

Overall, I really love this palette. The colour scheme is gorgeous and it compliments the original palette beautifully. It’s definitely going to be a popular palette for the holiday season, I reckon it will sell out pretty fast. If you’re into creating warm-toned looks, using pinks, oranges and coppers. For those that want something more icy and cool-toned, this probably won’t be the one for you. In terms of formula, some of the mattes and a couple of the metallics needed some building but there was nothing that a wet brush and a primer couldn’t fix. I also noticed that a few shades were drier in texture so, again, using a wet brush can help with this! The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. It’s so festive and colourful!

*Get the Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy 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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2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS MAKEUP

URBAN DECAY- NAKED HONEY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 3! Over the years, Urban Decay have launched many a palette. In more recent years, we were treated to the Naked Heat (2017) and the Naked Cherry (2018), both of which practically caused the beauty community to lose their minds with excitement and hysteria. This summer, they released The Naked Honey Palette, the latest and permanent addition to the series! I near enough collapsed when I saw how beautiful that this palette was. I’ve had it in my makeup collection since September but I wanted to save my review for Blogmas as I feel like it would make the perfect Christmas gift!

*This post contains affiliate links

PACKAGING & PRICE

With a glossy plastic exterior, the packaging is the same as the other palettes in the Naked range. It’s not made from flimsy or cheap plastic either, it feels study, heavy and luxurious! The design is stunning, with what seems like a pool of honey on the front, behind gorgeous gold font. It’s simple, yet effective. How much is it? The Naked Honey Palette retails at £42. Which is their most expensive palette , given that it contains less product per pan than most of Urban Decay’s palettes, I’m expecting great things…Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the palette from Urban Decay’s website itself, or through various other retailers such as John Lewis, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Inside the palette, there are 12 eyeshadows: including mattes, shimmers and metallics, as well as a generously sized mirror! Sticking with the honey theme, each shade has it’s own name – my favourite being “Golden”! In terms of the colour scheme, the palette features a variety of neutral shades, including “classic golds, warm ambers and rich chocolate browns”. It’s the perfect palette to create some natural glam as well as bold, statement looks.

First six shades swatched (Flyby – Golden)

SWATCHES

Flyby – Pale beige with satin finish – This formula is absolute goals. It’s literally the perfect base shade for me; it’s slightly shimmery but still has great coverage.

Sweet – Peachy matte – This is another great versatile neutral shade. I can see myself using this to transition into darker shades a lot. It doesn’t have the sheen as “Flyby” but the formula is still beautifully soft.

Swarm – Light orange with yellow undertones and matte finish– This is the kind of shade that I wear on a daily basis. They can be used to create simple and natural looks as well as warm-toned glam. It’s very pigmented and really easy to blend too.

Amber – Rich amber/copper with metallic finish- This is one of those magical shades that can take a look from daytime to night-time in seconds. It adds such a gorgeous sparkle to my makeup. Amber is super pigmented yet it’s a total dream to blend. It doesn’t fade quickly either!

Keeper – Light-medium brown with orange undertones and matte finishh – This is another daily must-have shade for me. I love creating natural warm-toned looks so I know I’ll get plenty of use use out of Keeper. It has the same fluffy and smooth texture as Sweet and Swarm.

Golden – Bright, warm gold with metallic finish– Good grief. This is by far, my favourite shade in this palette. If I could bathe in it, I actually would. I’ve never known pigmentation quite like it and it has the most beautiful, sparkling finish to it. It barely takes a swipe for your lids to be glistening! There’s the tiniest bit of fallout but quite frankly, I couldn’t care less. It’s my new go-to!

Last six shades swatched (Honey – Sting)

SWATCHES

Honey – Bright gold with yellow undertones and metallic finish – This shade isn’t as outrageous as Golden, but it’s still gorgeous. It has a slightly firmer texture to it, however it does still apply smoothly and there is very little fallout. It’s perfect for anyone that prefers to use a cooler-toned gold on their eyes.

Queen – Medium brown with gold and bronze reflects – I like that this shade isn’t just a brown (it’s an M&S brown…such a dad joke I’m sorry) it has some olive undertones and some flecks of gold in it that make it more interesting. As you can see the pigmentation is fabulous!

Hive – Medium warm brown with warm undertones and matte finish – Another daily shade for me. I use shades like this all the time in my crease and along my lower lashline. The formula is really soft and easy to blend.

Drip – Medium brown with red undertones and matte finish – This shade looks so good when blended with some lighter shades like Hive or Swarm. I can imagine this will be a really popular shade for creating looks with this Autumn.

Hbic – Medium copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – I just feel good when I’m wearing this shade. It’s not as intense as “Golden” but it still packs a lot of punch and it looks a lot brighter when applied with a wet brush.

Sting – Dark brown with warm, purple undertones – This matte was the tiniest bit patchy but then again, that could be down to my poor swatching skills. It adds some dark drama to my eye looks, which is perfect for nights out. I like that it’s easy to blend as I don’t suit the panda look.

WHAT DO I THINK?

This has got to be my favourite palette from Urban Decay so far. Yes it’s pricey but in my opinion, it’s worth it for the quality of the shades inside. I love the colour scheme, it’s a great palette if you’re needing some warm-toned shades in your collection. It’s going to be so popular during Autumn, I can’t wait to see what people create with this palette! There’s a great variety of shades too, I like that I can play it safe or go all out with them. In terms of formula, they’ve nailed it. I was quite literally gobsmacked when I swatched “Golden”, it took me a few minutes to recover. I’ve received so many compliments when I wear that shade – I feel good wearing this palette! The packaging looks so luxurious, it definitely stands out in my collection. I absolutely recommend trying this palette!

Get the Urban Decay Naked Honey 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 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

Processed with VSCO with e3 preset

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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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