Tag: Skincare

BIRCHBOX NOVEMBER 2018: THE NUTCRACKER & THE FOUR REALMS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date November 9, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX NOVEMBER 2018: THE NUTCRACKER & THE FOUR REALMS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m packing to go away with my boyfriend for the weekend. We’re going to the Harry Potter Studio tour on Saturday, as well as seeing The Cursed Child in London on Sunday. I’m super excited and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Are any of you Harry Potter fans? Let me know which of the films or books are your favourites! I think the Deathly Hallows (plus the final two films) are my favourites – the plot thickens and it becomes much more serious and interesting! Speaking of movies, this month’s Birchbox was in collaboration with Disney to celebrate the release of their new film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. I always loved the story as a child but I’m intrigued as to how they’ve turned it into a film with a bit of a twist. As usual, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling! RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

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

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

When I found out that Birchbox were collaborating with Disney this month, I was so excited to see the packaging that they would come up with! Look at how beautiful it is! I love the micture of dark reds and the reflective gold text, it looks so magical and festive! I think this month’s products are focused on preparing for the party season ahead, which I love! I’m no party animal but I definitely love a good pamper evening during Winter, especially after a long day of Christmas shopping or being out in the cold. I love a pamper night all year round but there’s something much more satisying about it when it’s dark and freezing cold outside!

Manna Kadar Cosmetics – Diamond Dust Roller Shadow in Enchanted – RRP £15 (Full Size)

I’m a sucker for all things eyeshadow related, so to be honest, I’m happy with anything, but a gold roller shadow is a whole new level. I didn’t even know that roller shadows existed?! I also love this brand, I’ve recieved lots of their products over the years and I’ve enjoyed them all so I know that I’ll enjoy this one too. Last month we were given the choice of two shades to receive and so I chose Enchanted which is a beautiful sparkly golden colour. It can be applied not only as an eyeshadow but also on the tops of your cheekbones or as a glossy lip topper! I really love multi-use products because they’re perfect to travel with and they barely take up any room in my makeup bag! When swatching the shadow, I noticed that it was quite subtle once blended out. I reckon it should be applied in layers to intensify it or it can always just be left as a touch of sparkle on it’s own. It’s exclusive to Birchbox so if you want to try it, head on over to their shop!

Lottie London – Slay All Day Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Werk it – RRP £3.95 (Full Size)

I seem to have a bit of an obsession with liners, whether that’s for my eyes or lips, I will always find an excuse to add another one to my stash! That’s probably why it was so easy to welcome this one into my collection. Birchbox have never sent me anything by Lottie London before, however I’ve always loved their branding and I use their makeup brushes all the time so I was excited to try their makeup for once! I love nude liners as I wear nude lipsticks all the time so they always come in handy. I love that it’s long-wearing, so it can stay strong throughout the many hot chocolates that I get through every day. Plus, this liner can be sharpened! One of my biggest pet peeves is when liners can’t be sharpened because it leaves you with barely any product once you’ve used the part that you can see. I can’t wait to use this! Keep an eye out for my Instagram posts as I’m sure I’ll be talking about it and sharing some pictures of the looks I’ve created.

Polaar – Night Cream – RRP £32

Birchbox have sent me a Polaar suncream before and I absolutely loved it so I reckon this product will be something I end up using a lot. I’ve always liked the idea that some skincare can get to work whilst I’m fast asleep, minimal effort required! This moisturiser is packed with boreal algae, which reacts to the blue light of the moon (I know, it sounds like something Brian Cox came up with) which in turn, boosts your cell renewal. If all of that can happen whilst I’m out of it then I’m down!

WUNDER2 – WUNDERKISS Essential Lip Scrub – RRP £14.95 (Full Size)

I’ve known about the wonders of lip scrubs for such a long time, but I just couldn’t get over the whole friction and lumpy bumpy situation. However, when I saw this in my November box, I was actually really excited to try it! It doesn’t look as “lumpy bumpy” (as I creatively put it just now) and it seems pretty tame. I like that it’s almost like a crayon which makes it much easier to apply and be accurate without getting the scrub up my nose or on my forehead or something (believe me I’m capable).

Spacemasks – Self-Heating Eye Mask – RRP £3.50 (Full Size)

Yes to self-heating face masks! Typically, when it comes to eyes, I’m used to using things that are cooling to reduce swelling or puffiness but I’m intrigued about using something warm. Apparently we are to expect soothing results! I reckon I will be using this when I’m needing some down time, possibly just before I go to sleep. It seems like the perfect thing to pop on before bed when I’m not doing anything or even if I’m busy, it’s still something I can make time for! I love the packaging too – it’s reminding me of Glamglow for some reason?

In conclusion, I think this may be one of my favourite boxes so far! I loved every single product. The focus of it being on preparing for the party season ahead was absolutely perfect! I know that I will use everything and I’ll most likely by replacements too. 4/5 of the products were full size which is insane. I’ve unsubscribed from lots of beauty boxes because so many are reluctant to give out full sized products whereas Birchbox are always generous. The products, together, are worth roughly £69 and consdering that I pay £12.95 per month, that works out at great value! You may have noticed a difference in my photography and that’s because I was lucky enough to get a new camera for my birthday! I’m still experimenting but I definitely prefer how it looks now, what do you think?

N xxxx

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box! Get 2 boxes for just £5 plus £2.95 P&P using the code FRIYAY. You’ll not only receive the November box but also a surprise box containing 5 customer favourites!

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, BIRCHBOX, Birchbox Review, Christmas, December, Festive, Makeup, November, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Subscription Box

BEAUTY SKINCARE

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

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date October 30, 2018
4 Comments on DOES THE NIP + FAB – TEEN SKIN FIX PORE BLASTER WORK? – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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

*This post contains affiliate links

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

Nip + Fab 2 in 1 Teen Skin Pore Blaster Review

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

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

So, what’s the verdict?

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

N xxxx

Tags Acne, Advice, BEAUTY, Blemishes, blogger, Favourites, Lifestyle, Nip + Fab, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Spots

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date October 12, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been well and truly slapped across the face with third year! It’s here in all of it’s sobbing, sweating and panicking glory. I’ve spent the last few days chasing around my supervisor in order to figure out my dissertation. One day, I found him having breakfast next door and then another time I had to get a toddler to him me find him (that turned into half an hour of babysitting instead) so I’m sure you can tell I’m having a FABULOUS time dealing with that. I don’t like it when he turns up and I don’t like it when he doesn’t so that doesn’t leave me with very much, does it? You would have thought that with the amount university costs us, we would be given, at least, a competent member of staff to help us through the hardest part – but apparently not! Anyway, rant over! Today’s post is another Birchbox review! I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling!

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

This month’s box is focused on winding down in preparation for the transition from summer into autumn. I’m so excited to slow down a bit, as these last few months have been hectic! I’m looking forward to having cosy evenings in with all the autumnal scented candles on the go – anyone else? I think these products are going to be perfect for this season! It’s usually at this time of year that my skin needs the most help. How gorgeous is this box? I love the phrase as well as the floral design, I will definitely be using this one for storage!

BeautyPro – Thermotherapy Warming Silver Foil Mask – RRP £5.95*

Well we all know I love a good face mask. I’m always looking for new ones to try and so I was really pleased to find this one in my box this month! I’ve never tried a sheet mask before so I’m really keen to see what this one does for my skin. It targets tired and dehydrated skin to leave you with a “youthful glow” which sounds pretty promising and it’s during Autumn that my skin needs the most moisture! It suggests leaving it on for 20 minutes which is perfect for when I’m in the bath or whilst I’m chilling in bed. It’s a self-warming mask, great for nights in on those really cold evenings after I have to walk home from university. Also, can we all just acknowlegde that it’s silver?!

Gallinée – Hydrating Face Cream – RRP £34.90 (Full Size)

It’s a no from me already. When it comes to putting something on my face, I want it to smell good. If it’s going on my feet or something then I’m not particulalry fussed but when it’s right up in my grill, I don’t want something that smells like dodgy milk mixed with fake tan… well that’s what I get every time I try this cream. I just can’t get past it! It’s such a shame because like I mentioned earlier, I need as much hydration as possible at this time of year so I probably would have liked it had it not been for the smell. I have to say that it left my skin feeling moisturised but I won’t be reaching for it any time soon, nor would I pay that price for a full sized version either!

Winky Lux – Disco Gloss in Far Out – RRP £13

Me: oh dear god no, not another unicorn themed makeup product, get away from me, absolutely not, EW

Also me: *adds straight into makeup collection*

Right so I was totally mistaken about this product. When I first saw it, I practically threw it across the room in a state of panic as I HATE glittery crazy coloured products – they just aren’t my thing. Basciallu, anything that reminds me of this really annoying unicorn phase that the world is having is a no from me. I decided to try it anyway and I’m so glad I did! Once applied to your lips, it’s pH adjusting formula reveals a lovely glossy effect – no purple to be seen anywhere! It completely transforms when I apply it and now I’m obsessed. The glitter doesn’t look too crazy plus it smells of coconut and vanilla!

Daily Concepts – Multi-Functional Charcoal Soap Sponge – RRP £6 (Full Size)

I’m so excited about this! I feel like charcoal skincare products have become very popular in the last few months and they’re all over the shelves now. I often use charcoal masks to draw out impurities and to keep my skin really clean and clear. We all love a multitasker and this sponge happens to be a 2-in-1! It acts as a body wash as well as an exfoliator – which will save me so much time in the shower.

Number 4 – Lumiere d’Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect – RRP £26.25

I normally avoid leave-in products as I don’t usually have time to sit and wait for something to get to work. However, since being at university, where breakdowns are more regular than breakfast, I’ve learnt to make time. Nothing is more important than slowing down and making sure you take care of yourself. Whether that’s running a hot bath, putting a face mask on or using some leave-in conditioner! Self-care, people – do it! Apparently this spray is great for strengthening, repairing and detangling as well as taming flyaways! I don’t tend to get tangled hair but I do need something to keep it strong as I’m always using curlers and straighteners on it. I’ve used a hair product from this brand before and I loved it so I have high hopes for this one.

Joop! – Wow! Woman Eau de Toilette – RRP £39

I’ve never tried any Joop scents before so I’m really interested to see how often I end up wearing this one. It smells absolutely amazing! The fragrance features rose, peonies, amber, patchouli and raspberry. I’ve never come across anything like it before, it’s musky but fruity at the same time. It’s definitely going to be one of my favourite scents over the festive periods – it’s gorgeous! It’s also a scent I can see myself wearing day and night too!

This month’s box had a bit of everything – makeup, skincare, haircare and even a fragrance too! It’s always nice to discover some new products as well as revisit some familiar brands and this box had a great mixture of the two. I’m looking forward to using all of these bits and pieces when the weather gets a lot colder and I’m in need of some cosy pamper evenings. The only thing that I know I definitely won’t be using is the Gallinée Face Cream as I just can’t get past the smell. With subcription boxes, I am lenient when it comes to anything that I don’t particularly like – they can’t get it right every single time! The products inside the October box, together, are worth roughly £125 which is crazy! Although one of the products isn’t for me and some of the products are sample sizes, I wouldn’t have been able to try them with my student budget anyway so I’m grateful for the opportunity in the first place. The subscription costs me £12.95 per month, which always works out at fantastic value. Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

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

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

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

Tags 2018, Autumn, BEAUTY, Beauty Box, Beauty Subscription, BIRCHBOX, Birchbox Review, blogger, Makeup, October, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2018: ETSY – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 14, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2018: ETSY – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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

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

This month’s box is in collaboration with Etsy, the wonderful online marketplace for the creative community. I absolutely love buying my art supplies from Etsy, there’s such a vast range of things available and there’s something for every occasion! If you haven’t checked them out before, you’re missing out! Birchbox decided to feature ten Etsy sellers to create a selection of box designs for subscribers to receive. One of my favourite aspects of the makeup world is the packaging and I love when brands push the limits and create beautiful looking products. The box that I received was created by The Lovely Drawer (@thelovelydrawer) and it features a beautiful eye-catching pattern. I love the combination of colours, it’s definitely a keeper!

Dirty Little Secret – Eye Shadow Crayon – Fetch (full size) – RRP £10.50

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

CLĒ Cosmetics – Melting Lip Powder – Red Cherry (sample) – RRP £15

I’m all for original thinking and innovative ideas but this just seems a bit unnecessary to me. I put powder on my eyes, on my cheeks, on my brows but on my lips?! It’s a no from me. I just can’t see why I would opt for this when I could easily go for my usual lipstick formula that I know isn’t messy. The idea behind this product is that it melts from a powder into a matte lip tint. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and it’s full of Vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated. It sounded great to me until I swatched it. The powder clumped up into little balls making it not only difficult to blend out but difficult to imagine on my lips. Don’t get me wrong, I am open minded about every product that I try, so I went into this hoping for the best, however it just didn’t work for me. It looked patchy and lumpy! After that experience, I certainly wouldn’t pay £15 for it.

Dr. Botanicals – Pomegranate Superfood (full size) – RRP £14.90

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

Luseta Beauty – Keratin Smooth Conditioner (sample) – RRP £19

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

Rituals – Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel – RRP £8.50

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

I really liked this box! I think it was great value for money and I will use most of the products on a regular basis. Yes, the lip powder isn’t for me, however when I subscribed to Birchbox, I knew I wouldn’t always receive products that I loved! If it was a whole box of products that I disliked, I’d be less lenient but one or two every now and again is fine with me. The products inside the August box, together, are worth a whopping £67.90 and considering that the subscription costs £10 plus £2.95 P&P per month, that’s such good value. I never feel like Birchbox are being stingy when it comes to products, which is why I’m still subscribed years later! Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

CLICK HERE TO READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW!

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

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

Tags 2018, Art, August, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blog, blogger, Design, Etsy, Photography, Photos, Products, Skincare

BEAUTY

GET GLOWING: SUPERDRUG’S NATURALLY RADIANT RANGE

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 3, 2018
32 Comments on GET GLOWING: SUPERDRUG’S NATURALLY RADIANT RANGE

Hey Everyone,

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

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

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

*This post contains affiliate links

Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE HOT CLOTH CLEANSER HERE

Refreshing Complete Cleanser – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE CLEANSER HERE

Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE GLYCOLIC TONIC HERE

Glycolic Overnight Peel – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE PEEL HERE

Renewing Night Cream – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE NIGHT CREAM HERE

Brightening Day Cream – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE DAY CREAM HERE

Moisturiser and Serum – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE MOISTURISER AND SERUM HERE

Brightening Radiance Balm – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE RADIANCE BALM HERE

Brightening Eye Cream – £5.99

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

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

CHECK OUT THE EYE CREAM HERE

So, what’s the verdict?

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

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

What should I try next?

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Cleanser, Moisturiser, Natural, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Superdrug

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JULY 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

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

This post contains affiliate links

BLANX TOOTHPASTE

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

Check out the toothpaste here

ASOS FULLER BUST RANGE

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

KIKO SMART HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Behold! A hydrating, dewy and amazing foundation has been discovered – except this one only costs £5.90! I’ve been using it every day this summer. It gives my skin such a healthy, radiant glow and the coverage is perfect for those gross, hot and clammy days. I feel like I have nothing on and yet my skin looks flawless. It applies beautifully and blends like a dream! I never thought to look in KIKO for a foundation but everything I’ve tried by them before, I’ve ended up using every day and I’m yet to be let down. I love that their makeup always looks and feels so luxurious and yet it costs half the price of the expensive products that I wish I owned.

ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – LIP OIL

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

Click here to read my review of the full range

ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – BODY SORBET

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

Click here to read my review of the full range

Tammi x Revolution Palette

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

Click here to see my full review of the palette

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

SHANE DAWSON – THE SECRET LIFE OF JEFFREE STAR

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

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

N xxxx

Tags 2018, BEAUTY, blogger, Favourites, Makeup, Makeup Revolution, Monthly Favourite, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Summer, Zoella, Zoella Beauty

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JULY 2018: SAY YES TO ADVENTURE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date July 13, 2018
4 Comments on BIRCHBOX JULY 2018: SAY YES TO ADVENTURE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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

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

CLICK HERE TO READ MY JUNE BIRCHBOX REVIEW!

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

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

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

Manna Kadar – Long-Wear Powder “Trifecta” – £15

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

CHECK OUT THE POWDER HERE

Browcote – Waterproof Brow Gel – £6.99

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

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE

What’s in it for Me? – Shower Scrub – £7

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

CHECK OUT THE SHOWER SCRUB HERE

Merci Hand – Hand Cream in ‘Cherie Cherry’ – £4.90

This packaging is so dreamy! It reminds me of a lollipop or an old fashioned diner – not sure if anyone will know what I mean by that?! I absolutely love having a tube of hand cream in my bag at all times and I get through lots of them throughout the year. The first thing I noticed about this product was the amazing scent – it’s honestly divine. It’s the perfect fruity floral fragrance for summer! I also noticed how quickly it skins in, as I hate hand creams that leave a sticky residue behind and this one doesn’t! I really recommend getting one of those for on-the-go moisturising, plus it’s currently on sale and it’s going for £1.96!

CHECK OUT THE HAND CREAM HERE

Balance Me – Congested Skin Serum – £16

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

CHECK OUT THE SERUM HERE

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

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

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

Tags BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blog, Cosmetics, Lifestyle, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription, Trends

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JUNE 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Guys,

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

This post contains affiliate links

Soph X Revolution – Extra Spice Palette

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

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT THE PALETTE HERE

Zoella Beauty – Let’s Spritz – Body Mist

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

CHECK OUT THE BODY MIST HERE

Natural Collection – Hydrating & Radiance Primer

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

CHECK OUT THE PRIMER HERE

Beautanics Beauty – Fill + Tame Brow Gel

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

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE

BlanX PRO – Glossy White – Toothpaste

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

CHECK OUT THE TOOTHPASTE HERE

Image Credit – Netflix

Netflix- The Staircase

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

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

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Cosmetics, Favourites, June, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Products, Review, Skincare, Summer

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JUNE 2018: 5TH BIRTHDAY – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date June 15, 2018
4 Comments on BIRCHBOX JUNE 2018: 5TH BIRTHDAY – REVIEW

This post contains affiliate links

Hey Everyone,

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

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

CLICK HERE TO READ MY MAY BIRCHBOX REVIEW!

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

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

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

Ella Eden – Compact Eyeshadow “Julia” – £12.99

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

CHECK OUT THE EYESHADOW HERE

Benefit – POREfessional Pearl Primer – £27.50

Right so let’s get it out in the open, I’m not sure about this primer. It’s not that it doesn’t work or that it isn’t a good, product but the price is just far too much for me. I have found drugstore primers do just as well if not better so I just can’t justify spending that much. However, receiving it as a sample was a lovely treat! It’s pretty much the same as the original POREfessional primer, except it contains pink pigment to brighten the skin. I’m all for a dewy look so I’m totally down for this primer however the price is a real put off for me. If you’re looking for a dupe, check out the Natural Collection Hydrating and Radiance Primer (it costs £2.99 plus you get more product so you can’t go wrong really).

CHECK OUT THE POREFESSIONAL PEARL PRIMER HERE

Number 4 – Jour d’automme Smoothing Balm – £24.50

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

CHECK OUT THE SMOOTHING BALM HERE

Polaar – Velvety Sun Fluid Face & Body – £25

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

CHECK OUT THE SUN FLUID HERE

Amika – Bombshell Blowout Spray – £14.99

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

CHECK OUT THE SPRAY HERE

Whittard of Chelsea – Teabags

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

CHECK OUT THE TEA HERE

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

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

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

Tags 2018, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cosmetics, Hair, Holiday, June, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Summer, Tea

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

MAY 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

Somehow we’re nearly halfway through the year and so a May Favourites post is due! I swear every month goes by quicker than the last? This month has been full of exams for me and I still have one more to do and then freedom is mine. I cannot wait for summer, I am so ready! I’ve been coming home inbetween every exam to make sure I’m looking after myself so I’ve definitely had time to think of some of my favourite bits and pieces this month and I’m excited to share them with you!

Dove – DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion*

This was actually recommended to me by my mum. I’ve never ever been a fake tanning kinda gal, it just looks like a disaster waiting to happen, especially with me involved and so I’ve just stuck to some good old sunbathing whenever the UK treats us to some rays. However, mid-convo with my mum I noticed that she was looking rather bronzed and I asked what on earth she was using and this was the product that she recommended! It’s so simple to apply and it smells amazing PLUS it’s not actually a fake tan, it’s pretty much a buildable self-tanning moisturiser and it’s really subtle. It’s perfect for someone like me that is too scared to experiment with fake tan. You don’t have to worry about waking up looking like a streaky wotsit or scrubbing the next day, it’s so easy! I noticed a difference after two days of using it and I’m definitely going to have to get myself a bottle now!

CHECK OUT THE LOTION HERE*

Superdrug – Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser

I will be giving this a separate review as well as some of the other bits that I’ve been loving from this range however this month it’s just been so perfect for keeping my skin looking hydrated and fresh. With exam stress, that extra brightening boost is exactly what I need! I use this every morning and it really does make such a difference. Also, whilst the weather has been really muggy and humid it’s the best way to stay feeling fresh and clean. Speaking of muggy – is anyone else unbelievably excited for Love Island?! I cannot wait!

CHECK OUT THE CLEANSER HERE*

CaseApp – Iphone and MacBook cases*

I have a post about these gorgeous cases coming up very soon, however I just have to mention them in my favourites this month! It makes me so happy to see these beautiful prints every day and I can’t recommend them enough! They offer hundreds of pre-made designs as well as the opporunity to customise your own cases and skins. If you want 20% off go ahead and use my code: NINALOUISELAW20

CHECK OUT THEIR SITE HERE

*I was sent these in exchange for a review, however all opinions are my own and I wholeheartedly recommend these products anyway! I don’t earn anything from the code or review either.

Revolution – Strobe Lighting Palette*

I reviewed this earlier on in the month however so many of you commented and messaged saying that you also loved it, it just can’t not be in my May Favourites post! I absolutely love this palette and it’s been so perfect for giving me a summer glow. I can’t wait to take this on holiday with me as it’s compact and easy to travel with plus you get three shades in one palette!

READ MY REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT THE PALETTE HERE*

Revolution – Fast Base Foundation Stick*

I honestly cannot rave enough about this product. It’s honestly my favourite foundation and believe me I’ve tried a fair few. This is just the perfect mixture of everything I look for in a foundation PLUS it costs £5 too which is just nuts. It’s just as good if not better than the higher end foundation sticks that I’ve tried and that’s really saying something given it’s a drugstore product. I reviewed this foundation a while ago so feel free to click the link below to see what I thought of it as well as swatches.

READ MY REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT THE FOUNDATION STICK HERE*

Natural Collection – Liquid Eyeliner*

I seem to go through phases of using eyeliner and recently I’ve definitely started digging it again. I decided to try this product out earlier on this year and it’s just so good! I love how easy it is to apply and how affordable it is too! If you’re looking for something that just does the job and doesn’t break the bank, I would strongly recommend giving this one a try! Again, I’ve reviewed this eyeliner and some other products within this range too so click the link below to give it a read.

READ MY REVIEW HERE

CHECK OUT THE EYELINER HERE*

Image Source – Project Casting

I managed to watch this in two days whilst I was supposed to be revising and I have zero regrets about it. I honestly didn’t want there to be a second series after Season 1 as I believed it would be unecessary however the way this Season 2 played out and the issues that it raised and portrayed was just so moving and it started some much needed conversations across the globe. I like that this Season focused on lots of different characters and their personal stories as well as Hannah’s trial.

Image source – Netflix

I managed to watch this in less than two days too (I’m truly wasted on blogging, maybe I should be trying to watch things in record time instead?) and again, I have no regrets. This is the best series that I’ve watched all year. Every episode unlocks a new element to the story and the acting is just incredible (I’m a HUGE Dexter fan). The series was also filmed in the village where my family live so I was spending most of my time saying “Oh look it’s that road!” or “It’s the station!”. There’s just something so cool about seeing somewhere you recognise on TV. That happened in an episode of Black Mirror and I feel like it’s my claim to fame (even though High Wycombe isn’t exactly the Crown Jewels of the UK)

I hope you’ve all had a great month and that if you’ve had exams you’re just about coping! If you want any tips for last minute revision, I’ve written a post all about that so click the link below if you’re interested! As usual, leave a comment letting me know what you’ve been loving and feel free to follow me on my social media too, come and say hi!

READ MY REVISION TIPS POST HERE

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags 2018, Cosmetics, Iphone, Macbook, May, Monthly Favourites, Netflix, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX MAY 2018: PALM LEAVES & WARM BREEZE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 18, 2018
4 Comments on BIRCHBOX MAY 2018: PALM LEAVES & WARM BREEZE – REVIEW

Hey Guys,

I’m so nearly finished with my exams and I can’t wait for freedom! I’m really looking forward to spending some more time on my blog and being able to throw away all my revision cards (there’s quite literally hundreds). Either way, I have Birchbox looking out for me with their wonderful boxes! Below, I’ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review – keep scrolling!

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

Click here to read my April Birchbox review!

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

This month, Birchbox have brought the rainforest to our doorsteps with this gorgeous tropical print packaging. I am obsessed with all things banana leaf and tropical print so this was immeidtaley a favourite of mine. I actually wrote all about my favourite tropical interior bits HERE. This box is so pretty and I will definitely be using it to store things in!

The theme for this month appears to be concentrating on the (hopefully) warmer and sunnier days ahead. It’s been so nice to have a taste of summer over the last few days and I cannot wait to enjoy the weather properly once my exams are out of the picture. This month’s box has a good variety of products which I’m like as I enjoy trying loads of different products in my spare time and it’s boxes like this one, that allow me to do that! It was also great to recieve products from brands that I hadn’t heard of as I love discovering new things within the beauty community.

Doucce – Luscious Lip Stain in “Steaming Red” – RRP £21*

I’m actually a huge fan of Doucce and I’ve been using their products for a while now so I have high expectations when I saw that this lip stain was included this month. This lipstain actually went above and beyond what I was hoping for and it’s become my new go-to lip product. It’s so pigmented that you don’t have to touch it once it’s applies which is a big bonus for me as I hate doing that. It dries matte and it dries super quickly too so you dont have to worry about sitting and waiting for it to dry whatsoever, you’re good to go almost immediately. It almost applies like a liquid lipstick except the formula is much softer and hydrating. This products smells incredible too! I will definitely be buying this again once I run out.

CHECK OUT THE LIPSTAIN HERE

Greenfrog Botanic – Geranium and Peppermint Botanical Bodywash – RRP £8.95*

This smells like a breath of fresh air, it’s honestly incredible! It’s a totally organic, cruelty-free and vegan product too which I know will win lots of people over. There’s something nice about using really natural products when it comes to skincare and this definitely ticks that box! It contains aloe vera which is so soothing and moisturing for the skin and will be perfect after days spent in the sunshine. It’s also a great product for sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.

CHECK OUT THE BODYWASH HERE

Native Unearthed – Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm – RRP £7.99*

I was totally intrigued by this from the minute I saw it. A deodorant balm?! It’s actually a nice alternative from using chemical-filled products to prevent body odour and it still managed to do everything you need it to. Filled with antibacterial coconut oil, soothing shea butter and sweat-absorbing arrowroot, this deodorant forms an invisible shield after you apply a pea-sized amount to your clean pits – simples (I can’t shake the image of the insurance meerkat now). It’s definitely not something I will be using everyday but when I need someting for on-the-go use, it’s super quick and easy to apply and will be perfect for my travel bag.

CHECK OUT THE DEODORANT BALM HERE

NUXE – Aquabella Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel – RRP £12*

I have been loving and using NUXE products for quite some time now and so I was really pleased to find this product in my May Birchbox. I mentioned in my April Favourites post that I’m using a skin treatment that dries it out so anything to help keep my skin feeling fresh is a must right now! This exfoliating gel definitely gets to work but it’s also super gentle and it leaves your skin feeling fabulous. I tend to use this every evening before bed as a cleanser and it’s been working a treat ever since I opened it!

CHECK OUT THE GEL HERE

Eyeko – Skinny Liquid Eyeliner – RRP £16*

I haven’t been wearing any liquid eyeliner for the past few weeks until I found this in my May Birchbox. I LOVE felt-tip style liners as I feel like they are much more precise than any other type and I can get a great wing whilst using them. This is so easy to use and I was able to get both eyes lined in minutes. It also lasts all day and that’s something I always look for when it comes to eye products. This is a fabulous product and I highly recommend giving it a try! It’s also a Teen Vogue winner so I can’t be the only one that rates it!

CHECK OUT THE EYELINER HERE

Overall I really enjoyed this month’s Birchbox and I was really impressed by the gorgeous packaging let alone the amazing variety of products that were included. The lip stain is probably my favourite product as I can see myself using this every day and it’s already a staple in my makeup bag! Let me know if any of you recevied this box and what your thoughts are on the products inside! Don’t forget to follow me on my social media which I’ve linked below – come and say hi!

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Click here to get your first Birchbox for £5 this May by using the code MAY5 (Offer runs from Tuesday, 22nd May to Thursday, 31st May)

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

Tags BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cosmetics, Design, May, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

APRIL 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

I feel like I say this every month but where the frick has April gone? This year seems to be going by so fast! I have exams in two weeks so I would give anything for time to go by a little bit slower thank you very much. Either way, it’s time for my monthly favourites post and I have a few bits and pieces to share with you! It seems that most of these are beauty/skincare – probably because since I’ve been staying at home, I’ve been looking after myself a bit better!

L’Oréal – Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask*

This mask is AMAZING! I will be doing a separate review on it so I’ll keep this short but I couldn’t not include this in my favourites! It genuinely works AND it smells amazing – what more could you want? I’ve been using this every week and my skin is definitely benefiting from it. It’s been clearer and brighter and that’s exactly what I need right now. I noticed so many people were using these masks and I’m so glad I jumped on the bandwagon even if Dad says I look like a smurf when I have it on! I’ve linked the product via ASOS because any fellow students can get 10% off!

BUY THE MASK HERE

Anatomicals – Bye Bye Miss American Dry – Cherry Body Lotion

I am such a huge fan of Anatomicals and their products – the packaging is always amazing to! I love the bright and contrasting colours and the products always have the best names (I’m a pun lover). I have always loved anything cherry scented and this ticks all the boxes. It’s the nicest thing to put on after my bath and it leaves my skin feelings so soft and moisturised! They don’t seem to have it available on their website but I’ve found it on fragrance direct so I’ve put that link below!

BUY THE BODY LOTION HERE

Anatomicals – Boob Tube – grab your melons shower gel

Speaking of Anatomicals, I have another of their products to share with you! Not only does this smell incredible, it’s also designed to remind us to take 5 minutes to check out our boobs and make sure everything is okay (something I often forget to do) I was actually sent this in a Birchbox last year along with a little leaflet full of information from the charity CoppaFeel (an incredible breast cancer awareness charity). Whilst you’re pampering yourself and lathering up take a few minutes to “grab your melons” as they wonderfully put it and check everything out! I think it says a lot about Anatomicals too, in that they wanted to collaborate with a charity to create a brilliant product! I wish more brands did this.

BUY THE SHOWER GEL HERE

Coconut Lychee Candle

This candle is heavenly! I bought it last year because I spotted it in my local Homesense and I couldn’t leave it behind. The packaging sums my life up too (donuts – 40% of my diet along with a large amount of chicken nuggets) Unfortunately it isn’t branded however this is a scent I always go for when it comes to my bedroom hence why I picked it up anyway! If this is your kind of scent though, I’d recommend having a look because you never know what you will find! If I ever find out the name of this brand I will let you know asap x

Nip + Fab – Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask*

So I’ve been using a treatment for my skin that tends to dry it out and as someone who is used to having quite oily skin this has been a bit of an issue for me. I use moisturisers but I just can’t find anything that really really works. I remembered that I had this bad boy in my box of face masks and I decided to try it again. The Bee Venom (don’t panic) controls the facial muscles and increases blood circulation which gently plumps your skin (basically a temporary and VERY subtle botox) and it contains AC Moisture Plex which maintains the skin’s natural level of moisture. This has helped SO MUCH and it’s made my skin so much less flaky and dry.

BUY THIS MASK HERE*

Zoella Beauty – Snowella Christmas Range

I have actually written a review of all of these bits and pieces so click here to read that! Either way, I have been OBSESSED with this range recently! I came back home for the Easter Holiday and it meant that I had access to a bath (don’t worry I’ve been showering at uni) and it meant I could finally use all of these lovely products. I’ve been really enjoying having pamper evenings (candles & oils – the full works) and these products have made my baths ten times better. I don’t know what I’m going to do when it runs out because eventually it won’t be available anymore! If you do want to get hold of any of these bits, the good news is you can and Feelunique stocks them (click the link below)

BUY THE SNOWELLA RANGE HERE

READ MY REVIEW HERE

Cath Kidston Meadow Posy Hand Cream

I was sent this in my April Birchbox which was in collaboration with the iconic British brand Cath Kidston! I was so happy to receiving this gorgeous little product, I immediately stashed it away in my handbag and I’ve been using it every singly day. My hands are SO much softer and they smell amazing! If you like fresh and floral scents and you haven’t tried this – you definitely should!

READ MY REVIEW HERE

BUY IT HERE

ModelCo Baked Highlighter – Moonshine

Again, Ive reviewed this HERE so I will keep it short! This highlighter is INCREDIBLE and I never want it to end. I particularly enjoy using baked products because I think they give my cheeks a lovely sheen and I look healthier. It’s the glow you’ve all been waiting for – baked highlighters are where it’s at people. I also love that this highlighter has a blend of some light and dark shades which saves me having to buy lots of separate ones. Unfortunately we got sent a pretty small sample and I may have to purchase the real thing however it’s a tad pricey. I have used some products from ModelCo before and I only have great things to say about them so that may justify paying a bit extra.

READ MY REVIEW HERE

BUY THE HIGHLIGHTER HERE

I know this month was pretty beauty focused but I hope you still enjoyed it! I’ve also been loving photography over the last few weeks and I’ve been working really hard at the photos on my blog so let me know if you think this is paying off (I hope it is anyway). Also let me know if there’s anything that you’ve been loving that you think I should try too as I love to hear your suggestions! Don’t forget to follow me on my social media to keep up with what I’m doing and my latest blog posts – come and say hi!

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

*Anything marked with an “*” are affiliate links, which means I earn commission through every click, however all opinions are my own!

Tags BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, Cosmetics, Favourites, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Zoella, Zoella Beauty

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX APRIL 2018: CATH KIDSTON – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date April 24, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX APRIL 2018: CATH KIDSTON – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

How are you all? I’m so glad that I’m finally able to review my April Birchbox! I have been at home for a while, so I wasn’t able to get hold of all of my post that arrived back at my flat. I’ve only just managed to get my hands on it and I have some really exciting posts coming up as a result! Below, I’ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review – keep scrolling!

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

Click here to read my March Birchbox review!

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

This April, Birchbox have teamed up with British brand Cath Kidston to bring us a little sunshine! As soon as I heard that this month’s box was in collaboration with Cath Kidston, I knew that the packaging would be amazing! I don’t tend to shop there very often but I’ve always loved the way that they present their products and the beautiful designs that they bring out every year. The box is so pretty and I will definitely be using it to store things in!

The theme for this month is focused on doing things to brighten up your day. I love this concept as sometimes it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with all of the negative things going on and I end up losing sight of all of the great things. It’s been so nice to have some sunny weather and to see the flowers all coming out as these little pops of colour make me so happy and I love that this packaging reflects that! Even when things are getting me down I just know that looking at this gorgeous box will brighten my day for sure! This box has a great variety of products which I’m happy about as I like to try lots of different products in my spare time.

ModelCo – Baked Highlighter in “Moonshine”– RRP £24*

I have used the ModelCo mini contour stick which I have used religiously, every single day since I received it last year, so I had high hopes for this product when I first saw it! As most of you probably know already, I absolutely love highlighters and I have a scarily big (and growing) collection so I was super happy to receive another one this month! This highlighter is gorgeous and I love that it has a bronze tint to it which will make it perfect for summer. It’s really pigmented and easy to blend out however it’s such a shame that we were sent such a small sample. I think, personally, I would rather have one less product as opposed to a tiny sample of this one as it would be worth having some more to play around with.

CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTER HERE

Beautaniq Beauty – Fill + Tame Brow Gel – RRP £8.60*

I have to say I’m more of a powder girl when it comes to my brows but I reckon I’ll use this because the colour is almost spot on. I also like how small the brush is, which makes it easy to control and apply, particularly if you prefer a more natural look. I love the packaging – it makes a change from the typical brow products you see around and it’s much prettier to look at! I like the fact that the formula is not only vegan but it’s also enriched with aloe leaf extract which keeps your brows nourished instead of straw-like (something I will do anything to avoid when it comes to brow gels).

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE

Cath Kidston – Hand Cream – RRP £2.50*

I’ve really been loving hand creams recently! I have one in my bag at all times and I’m slowly getting through my current tube so this came at the perfect time. It smells AMAZING and apparently it’s their signature scent – I can totally see why. It contains notes of jasmine, orange flower and vanilla! As well as smelling great, it actually works (always a bonus) and I will definitely be buying more of this. Also this packaging is to die for, it’s adorable!

CHECK OUT THE HAND CREAM HERE

Lumene – Valo (Light) Overnight Bright Sleeping Cream – RRP £22.50*

I really like the idea that whilst you sleep your skincare can be getting to work as I don’t always have time to really treat my skin. The formula is rich in anti-oxidants and targets dehydrated and fatigued skin (hello yes I’ll take ten please). It features Cloudberry seed extract, vitamin C and Hydraulic acid which all work to replenish your skin’s moisture levels! It leaves your skin refreshed and balanced which is definitely something I’m going to need with exams rapidly approaching.

CHECK OUT THE CREAM HERE

Marcelle – BB Cream Golden Glow Illuminator – RRP £22.50*

I’ve been sent this before and I actually really enjoyed using it last summer. It’s pretty much like a bottle of pure glow! It makes me look more awake and much healthier -the perfect holiday companion when I didn’t want to wear lots of makeup. If I were to label my skin type I would say dewy/oily, so I always go for products that work with that. This cream hydrates my skin as well as controlling shine (I don’t want to be blinding people when the sun hits my face) I always go for a dewy look when it comes to everyday makeup so this product fit right into my collection. I’d really recommend getting hold of this – it’s one of my faves!

CHECK OUT THE CREAM HERE

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed writing it! I also really enjoyed taking all of the photographs for this post (it gave me an excuse to use flowers again) Let me know if any of you received this box and what your thoughts were – I really liked it! It was nice to get some new things that I haven’t tried before and there was such a great variety of products this month too. Don’t forget to give me a follow on my social media to keep up with what I’m doing and to say hi – I love hearing from you!

N xxxx

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

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Tags April, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cath Kidston, Cosmetics, Floral, Flowers, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Unboxing

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX MARCH 2018: BE PRESENT NOT PERFECT – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date March 16, 2018
2 Comments on BIRCHBOX MARCH 2018: BE PRESENT NOT PERFECT – REVIEW

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

Check out my review of last month’s box here!

I really love this month’s box design, it’s so vibrant and fresh coloured which makes it perfect for Spring. Turquoise happens to be my favourite colour too! The boxes are always so beautifully designed and I nearly always keep them to store my makeup and stationery in.

The theme for this month is focused on being “present not perfect” which I believe is a great way of thinking. I know I have spent too much time worrying about how I look to the point where it’s actually stopped me doing things. For example, when I have bad skin I think about it so much that sometimes it means I’m not really listening. I think it’s so important to be present and involved in conversation but also so that I don’t miss out on the things that are important to me. It’s still okay to have ‘off’ days but don’t let the small things get in the way of what you want to do! I may do a post about mindfulness as it’s really helped me out on difficult days.

This month’s box has a great variety of products including some makeup and skincare – not to mention a makeup brush too! I love that there’s always a range of different items in each box as I like to try lots of different things out in my spare time. I feel like this box came at the perfect time too as it seems to be focused on “clear skin” which is exactly what I need right now!

BLAQ – Peel Off Mask – RRP £14

I was so happy to discover this product in my March Birchbox. I’ve never tried a charcoal mask before and the choice is always so overwhelming whenever I go into Boots or Superdrug.I’ve only used this mask once and it’s absolutely brilliant! It was super easy to apply and it dried within 15-20 minutes. It also came off pretty easily too which was a relief (didn’t fancy looking like a panda for the rest of the week). This mask definitely cleared up my skin, took all of the gunk out and dried out any spots that I had. I will definitely be using this up within the next week. Also, I would recommend applying it with one of those little spatula-like thingies as it’s very sticky and would make a bit of a mess otherwise. I used my face mask kit from Primark (it’s only £2 and it’s a lifesaver). This mask isn’t to expensive either which I like, but if you have any cheaper drugstore recommendations do let me know!

BUY THE MASK HERE

Benefit – BADgal BANG! – Volumising Mascara – RRP £21.50

Right so I’m going to get my first thought out the way – I’m not feeling the name of this product, it kind of made me cringe and I just can’t imagine being like “Oh could I get a BADgal mascara please?”. However the name has nothing to do with the product itself which actually happens to be fab. I’ve always loved using Benefit’s mascaras and I always have one of their minis in my handbag. I love the idea of a thickening mascara as I have very straight and boring lashes. I also love the “slimpact” shape of the brush as it’s narrow and will coat all of my lashes meaning I don’t have to faff about at weird angles. I’m really excited to give this a try as it’s promising some great things!

BUY THE MASCARA HERE

Manna Kadar Cosmetics (FULL SIZE) – Radiance Split Pan Bronzer And Highlighter Duo – RRP £17

I’ve been sent a lot of Manna Kadar beauty products over the years and I’ve always enjoyed using them. Often their cosmetics are very travel friendly in size and they’re usually a duo or a “3 in 1” kind of product. I was so surprised at how pigmented this bronzer and highlighter was. The only problem is, getting a bush into the bronzer and picking up enough product evenly on my brush will be a bit of a pain as it is a bit too small. I will definitely be using the highlighter as I reckon it’ll look stunning on the inner corners of my eyes and under my brows. However, if this is the full sized product, I probably won’t be paying £17 for another one as it just doesn’t seem worth it to me.

BUY THE DUO HERE

Sebamed – Clear Face Antibacterial Cleansing Foam – RRP £7.99

I was really happy to receive this product this month as it seems like a great product for problem skin. Recently with stress my skin has decided to abandon it’s usual routine and it’s been breakout central. I’ve been looking for cleansers that don’t irritate my skin or work too aggressively and I reckon this is it! I’ve been using this before bed and first thing in the morning over the past week and I’ve noticed such a difference. It’s definitely dried out any blemishes and has stopped any further breakouts which is exactly what I wanted! I’m also super impressed with the price as £7.99 for a great cleanser isn’t bad at all, especially if it actually does what it says on the bottle. I like the packaging too as it looks quite clinical and that automatically makes me think “clean” which is what I want my skin to be after-all!

BUY THE CLEANSING FOAM HERE

Spectrum Collections – C06 Tulip Eye Contour Brush – RRP £4.99

I’ve received a couple of Spectrum Brushes from Birchbox now and I couldn’t be happier about it! I absolutely love Spectrum and their products are so affordable yet they’re always of such great quality. This brush is perfect for blending out smokey eyes (I tend to do these every day so yay) as it’s tapered so it means I can be more precise when blending darker shadows. It’s so fluffy too and I’m all about fluffy brushes, I find them so much easier to work with. All Spectrum brushes are animal-friendly as well as gorgeous so they’re definitely a brand worth checking out!

BUY THIS BRUSH HERE

I’m really pleased with this month’s box. As usual, there’s a great variety of products

Overall, I am really impressed with this month’s box. I love receiving boxes with a variety of products as after all, that is why I signed up for Birchbox in the first place! I really love that there was two full-sized products too as we usually only get one (which is still fab). Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

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

TWITTER|FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM|PINTEREST

*Anything marked with an * is either paid/sponsored content, however all opinions are my own

Tags BEAUTY, Beautyblog, Benefit, BIRCHBOX, Cosmetics, Makeup, Photography, Review, Skincare

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2018: OHH DEER – REVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcelle – Waterproof Eyeliner in Charcoal : RRP £10.99

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

Thermaliv – Night Cream : £21

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

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

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

Afterspa – Amazing Makeup Remover : RRP £5.50

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

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

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

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

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

BEAUTY

THE BODY SHOP: CHRISTMAS SALE PICKS

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

Hey guys,

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

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

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

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

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

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

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

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

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

N xxxx

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

2017 BLOGMAS MONTHLY FAVOURITES

DECEMBER 2017 FAVOURITES

BLOGMAS DAY 20

I can’t believe I’m already discussing December favourites?! This year has gone by so quickly I can hardly believe it’s coming to an end in less than two weeks. One of my favourite posts to read/videos to watch are monthly favourites so I thought I would try one out myself! I have tried lots of new things this year and I thought I would share my favourites with you today – enjoy!

My boyfriend’s sister gave me this for my birthday last month and it has completely changed my hair game. I have thick wavy hair and sometimes it can get frizzy and out of control to the point where it looks like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards on a regular basis. Lush’s Jasmine and Henna Fluff-Ease mask can be applied directly to dry hair. I tend to lather this stuff on for a more intense treatment when my hair needs a moisture boost. I leave it on for roughly 20 minutes and wash it out before continuing with my normal shampooing and conditioning routine. The way my hair feels afterwards is incredible, it feels so light and fresh and it smells divine. I would strongly recommend using this if you have dry or damaged hair – it makes such a difference!

I posted a review of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette on Blogmas Day 12, so most likely, you will know what I think of it already. It’s my favourite eyeshadow palette and it has such warm and rich shades in it, which I have been loving for creating festive looks. I also included a look I created with this palette in that post too if you’re interested!

During Winter my skin gets quite dry so I’ve really enjoyed using this Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask. I use a lot of their skincare and this is one of my absolute favourite products. It’s a gel mask containing bee venom to plump the skin, propolis extract (a healer, anti-oxidant and antiseptic) and AC moisture plex which helps the skint o retain moisture. I know, it sounds very complicated but it actually does an amazing job. I also notice a difference within an hour of using it as my skin seems much smoother and more plump looking.

Luckily I’ve pretty much always been blessed with good skin every year. I’ve never had a problem with acne or spots other than the occasional blip every now and then due to stress. Recently my skin has decided to mix things up and I’ve been breaking out way more than usual. My usual way of dealing with any blemishes/spots is the Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask. This dries out any spots that I have and they’re so visibly reduced in the morning! Try out some of their other masks too, I love them all!

Don’t even get me started on how much I love Lush’s Snow Fairy products – I am obsessed! I always stock up on this during Winter as it’s only available at this time of year (sobs uncontrollably). Luckily I was given this shower gel for my birthday so I’m all good for now! The best way I can describe the scent is that it’s like sugary bubblegum with hints of candyfloss and sweet shops (drooling at the thought). I always find that I can still smell it on my skin hours after my shower/bath and my skin feels super silky soft. If you have access to a Lush store – GO AND BUY IT! (You can also order online)

VSCO Cam-7.jpg I picked this little gem up at my local Homesense store for £1.99 but apparently it’s also available in Superdrug too (thank god). I’ve always loved things that smell of cherries etc so when I took a whiff of this I was immediately obsessed. It smells like a Cherry and Vanilla Bakewell tart was bottled and I freaking love it! It’s the perfect size for my handbag too so it’s perfect for on-the-go use as well.

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

I have been obsessed with this Barry M Liquid Chrome Highlighter Drops in the shade Beam Me up. This only cost me £6.99 which I think is such a steal for 12ml of product. It’s such a stunning highlighter and it can be used for a subtle glow mixed in with some foundation or it can be absolutely blinding on it’s own. Either way, you definitely it in your makeup bag (and on your cheekbones).

VSCO Cam-4.jpg As you probably already know, I bloody love me some festive candles. I wrote a post specifically about Autumnal and Winter candles if you fancy having a nosey. I have recently discovered these gorgeous scented candles by DW Home (my absolute favourite candle company ever) I was surprised at how much I loved these as I don’t think peppermint is a very traditional home fragrance. I think I like it because it’s so refreshing and it reminds me of candy canes which is perfect for Winter.

My most recent obsession has been with red lipsticks and glosses. I can hear my friends saying “WHAT?” as I’ve pretty much always been a nude lip kind of girl (you can tell this just by looking at my MAC Lipstick collection) For some reason I decided to switch things up a bit and try some new colours and red just seemed to be perfect for this festive season. These are my favourites so I’ve swatched and given a mini review below!

Benefit Benebalm – I find this so hydrating which is perfect for whenever my lips are dry. It adds a glossy rose-red sheen so it’s great for when I’m not feeling brave enough for an intense look but it’s also buildable if you want more colour. It’s not sticky at all either.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Hot Pepper– I love this lipstick it’s so silky and it feels so soft on my lips. I love how bold and sassy the colour is too! It stays matte and doesn’t dry my lips out which is not what I want during Winter when my skin is in desperate need of moisture!

Max Factor Lipgloss in Captivating Ruby – I don’t usually use glosses as I prefer a matte finish however this gloss has really changed my mind! I love how hot and bold it is and the gloss teamed with some blush and highlighter, makes me look super glowy and healthy which is perfect for festive makeup looks.

Kiko Smooth Temptation Lipstick in 03 – In all honesty this is the most pigmented lipstick I own. It’s so creamy and rich in colour it’s the PERFECT red lippie. I don’t think they sell this anymore, but they often bring out new shades and their formula is really great with all of their lip products.

Mr Stanley’s Great Gummy Gingerbread Men – This is a bit of a random one but I’ve seen them on sale all over the place so someone other than me must be buying them! They’re cookies and cream flavoured and they’re in the shape of tiny itty bitty gingerbread men. I feel like that’s all I need to say.

Zoella Bake My Day Body Mist – A mixture of gingerbread and vanilla with cinnamon and chocolate so to me this is the ultimate sweet festive scent. It’s currently not on sale separately but it can be bought in a set of four (my friends got me this set for my birthday- it’s fabulous).

Primark Merry Kiss Mas Perfume – Primark has really surprised me with their fragrances this year. I really like them! I was a bit hesitant as I like to stick to what I know but I’m so glad I branched out. This fragrance is a mixture of peppermint and chocolate – another sweet smelling perfume that’s perfect for Christmas.

Zoella Snowella Body Mist – It took me a while to get used to this fragrance as at first it’s quite intense, but now I absolutely love it. It’s a gorgeous fruity floral smelling spray with cranberry, mint, peony and pink pepper. It’s so fresh and lasts for hours too.

This was a long one so congrats if you’re still here! Let me know what your favourites have been this month or if you have any recommendations, I would love to know.

N xxxx

P.S. I forgot to mention Riverdale. I have been so addicted to this I’ve literally binge-watched the entire first season and I’m already halfway through the second. HELP. If you haven’t already, watch it (it’s on Netflix) and it’s sooo good!

Tags BEAUTY, Body, Gifts For Her, Giftsforher, Lifestyle, Lush, Modern Renaissance, MonthlyFavourites, Netflix, Perfume, Photography, Review, Riverdale, Shopping, Skincare, Sweets, Zoella

2017 BEAUTY BIRCHBOX BLOGMAS

BIRCHBOX DECEMBER 2017: MATTHEW WILLIAMSON – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 13, 2017
2 Comments on BIRCHBOX DECEMBER 2017: MATTHEW WILLIAMSON – REVIEW

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

This month, Birchbox teamed up with British fashion designer Matthew Williamson. The box is truly the epitome of luxe design and it’s so perfect for this time of year. I feel like December is a month that for some people, can be really stressful. Many seem to forget to take a minute to relax and pamper themselves and this box has definitely motivated me to do just that!

So let’s take a look at the first item…

(FULL SIZE) Pixi – Shea Butter Lip Balm in Natural Rose : £8

I actually already own a Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in the shade Honey Nectar which I love, so I was super excited when I saw another one in my December box! It adds the perfect amount of colour without drying my lips out completely, however for some reason I don’t feel like it’s as moisturising as my previous lip balm by Pixi. I would have liked a more nourishing product for this time of year as this is when my lips are chapping like there’s no tomorrow. I will definitely still use it, just not if my lips are in need of help. Natural Rose is a gorgeous nude-pink shade, perfect for more natural looks. The packaging has a vintage feel to it which is adorable and it’s the perfect size to keep in your handbag.

Baïja Paris – Caramelised Honey Body Scrub : £14.90 (via the Birchbox shop)

I had never heard of this brand before but after looking on their website it’s clear that they sell lots of other beautiful products too. This body scrub smells INCREDIBLE, if you imagine freshly made caramel or fudge – something along those lines. It’s made up of 97% natural ingredients which I love as I feel it would be a real treat for my skin. It’s perfect for exfoliating and scrubbing away dry and dead skin to make you feel fresh and moisturised. I cannot wait to have a cosy pamper night in with this!

ModelCo – Contour Stick : £13 (via the Birchbox shop)

I am not blessed with chiseled cheeks so I’ll happily fake it until I make it. I was so happy to see this contour stick in my December box. For the last couple of years I have been completely hooked on the Barry M contour cream sticks (which I will be including in my every day makeup items post – coming soon!) however, I’m so excited to try something new. The one that I currently use is quite cool toned which sometimes doesn’t work for a warm summery look. This product seems nice and warm toned which will be perfect for Summer and natural holiday makeup. I also love that the end is pointed which means contouring can be done with precision. When I was swatching the product I was surprised at how creamy it was and how well it blended! This is something I look for in contouring sticks as I’m not a fan of streaky cheeks and I like products that blend like a seamlessly. I use a dewy foundation and this would glide perfectly over it to create a healthy and glowing makeup look.

Sand & Sky – Brilliant Skin Purifying Clay Mask – £39.90

Is it just me or are there some strong Nip+ Fab vibes from this packaging? This product particularly caught my eye as I love a good face mask on pamper nights. The product is claimed to detox, invigorate and brighten your complexion (yes please). The main ingredient is pink Australian clay which apparently draws impurities out from the skin. The product also contains soothing aloe vera and pore tightening pomegranate.

(FULL SIZE)Spectrum Collections – B04 Angled Blender Brush – £4.99

I practically squealed when I saw this brush poking out from beneath the other products. I always say you can never have too many blending brushes so this one will be going straight into my collection. I love that it’s angled so that you can be precise with your shadows. The colour of the brush also had me drooling as anything gold or rose gold always catches my eye and matches my aesthetic in my bedroom.

Overall I think this box is worth the money that I paid for it (£10) as the products are all very luxurious this month and there are two full sized products included which together have a total value of £13! Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

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

Tags BEAUTY, Beautyblogger, BIRCHBOX, blogger, BLOGMAS, Body, December, Lifestyle, Luxury, Makeup, Mask, Photography, Product Review, Review, Skincare