Back For Good....

"Whatever I said, whatever I did I didn't mean it  

I just want you back for good  

Want you back, want you back I want you back for good
Whenever I'm wrong Just tell me the song and I'll sing it  

You'll be right and understood  

Want you back, want you back I want you back for good"

I couldn't help myself with the little Take That reference ( I now have it stuck in my head) But yes, as the title suggest i am back, and for good this time.

I've honestly truly missed blogging regularly, it's almost like something is missing, I've finished uni, so i never have a scary deadline creeping up on me, and you know i kind of miss it! I feel a little bit lost, knowing i have no work i HAVE to do. Its a strange feeling, knowing i can lie in and not feel guilty because I've got a 10million word essay to write or 10thousand sketchbooks to fill, obviously i work and things, but actually having spare time is a strange concept to get used to.

But blogging has definitely been missed, I finally have my room pretty much organised or enough to properly sit down and get some work done. My wardrobes been built i have all my furniture in its places and my bits and bots are starting to fill my room, slowly but surely. The main parts that need doing now, is the decorating, my room is semi-painted, but it needs another coat and my wardrobe painting/papering. I will get round to doing a room tour post, and possibly a post on how i plan to decorate the wall/wardrobe area, all in due course.

I have so much i want to blog about! Haven't there been some amazing make up releases lately?

I'm going to start with February Glossy Box though, it turned up yesterday, and i thought what perfect timing, to get back into the blogging swing of things. 

Glossy Box is now the only beauty box I'm subbed to, I've found it's been the only one I've been consistently happy with and it was getting to the point where with other boxes i wasn't excited about then arriving, and they were just getting a bit 'meh' Glossy Box survived the Cull, and i must say, I'm really loving this months box.

The actual box this month is so stinking CUTE i love it. Possibly my favourite box so far.

Cute little touch this month, a heart shaped lollipop, which I've munched while typing out this post *it was delicious*

This months selection of lovely products, I think this month, the balance has been struck pretty well. I'm pretty sure there is something for everyone, its almost like a 'go to' box, you know what i mean? like if you had to leave suddenly and you could only grab this Glossy Box i think you'd be pretty sorted. A moisturiser, a fragrance, a highlighter, a lipstick & a blusher. Pretty sorted i think.

*Please excuse my bruised hand in the swatch photos, I recently had more ankle surgery, and my hands suffered from my cannula/drip what ever its called*

First up...

Micabella Cosmetics, Mineral Blush Powder.

This is a brand I've not heard of, (that's another thing about not blogging, i feel so out of the 'loop'!) The blush is made of 100% natural Mica, which is crystal-like mineral.

The blush has gorgeous pigmentation not to heavy, but not to sheer. Its got a really subtle shimmer to it, i often find with mineral products especially loose powder, the are insanely shimmery. But this has a lovely subtle shimmer. Mine is in the shade Siera Suede, almost like a terracotta colour which i think will look lovely in the summer with a bit of a tan. The other great thing, this blush has an SPF15 I've never seen a blusher contain SPF before, that's pretty good.

The sample is 0.8g, full size is 9g and retails for £34.95 and are available here.

Helen É Cosmetics, Moisturisng LipStick.

Has this brand been around for years? I seem to remember it from a long long time ago, but it not being a very well known brand? I have some shimmery eye dust, which I'm sure i bought from the clothes show when i was like 18?

But anyway, this lipstick,  have the shade Dusk, a Plummy/Red colour.

The lipstick has well pigmented, and a lovely glossy sheen, i wouldn't say it feels the most moisturising on the lips, but its not incredibly drying either. The shade is definitely a more of an Autumn/Winter colour, but I've found applying with my finger like a balm, creates more of a stain and is a bit less 'dramatic' a bit more subtle.

This is a full size sample, which retails for £8.00 and is available here.

MeMeMe Cosmetics, Beat The Blues.

I've read so many posts on this little beauty, I'm so excited to get in a box. I was actually planning on purchasing this at some point. I think highlighter is my favourite product, i never feel quite right if i don't apply any.

The MeMeMe Beat The Blues, has be said to be a dupe for Benefit Highlighters, i received the shade Oyster Gold, which i believe is a dupe for Benefit MoonBeam, the other shade in the range is Pearl Pink, which is a dupe for the Pink Toned Benefit HighBeam. Having not used MoonBeam before, i can't say whether this is a true dupe or not, but if you look at swatches online or even other blog posts i think its pretty obvious. Steph from Hope Freedom Love did a great post comparing the two products, if you want to check that out for the comparison.

Its an absolute bargain at £5.50/12ml compared to the £18.50/13ml Benefit price. 

Oyster Gold, as it says is a gorgeous gold toned highlighter, which can be used to accentuate the cheekbones and brow bones. You can also, mix a little bit of it with your usual foundation or moisturiser to give you a nice all over, Dewey glow. I love doing that in summer when I've got a tan and perhaps don't wear foundation, but want a little summin summin, more than moisturiser.

Q, The Fine Fragrance Body Spray.

Again a brand I've not heard of, that is, according to the information sheet, available in boots and sainsburys.

It is a high quality fine fragrance body spray, mine is Radiance 'A seductive blend of Rose and Bergamot' Its love light floral scent, which is also to fresh. It isn't to over powering or to 'old lady-esque' On Boots the only flavour i can find is 'Awe' Which is Jasmine & Rose, The 100ml bottle retails for £2.29 on Boots.com

Last Up,

Docteur Renaud, Raspberry Soft Cream.

"This luscious Raspberry cream that enfold your skin in absolute softness and hydration combines 4 Raspberry extracts that offer the skin suppleness, comfort and protection all day long. Morning and/or evening, on the face and neck."

I'm yet to take the seal off of this, as I'm currently using other skincare products, so i cant give much of an opinion on this. I'm really hoping its going to have subtle Raspberry scent. Reading the information sheet, it sounds like this cream might be perfect for my horribly dry winter skin. I look forward to trying this product out for sure.

There we have it, a classic Glossy Box post to ease me back into the blogger cycle.

I'd love to know if there was much variation on this months box?

Lots of Love

X

July Empties

I've got through quite a few things this month i think,

 

A mixture of things this month, a couple of lush products, body shop hair care and skin care.

 Body Shop, Raspberry Ripple Bath & Shower Gel;

LOVED this product, will definitely repurchase it, the scent is amazing! it lathered up really well and you only needed a tiny bit, so it lasted for ages.

Lush, Phoenix Rising Bath Ballistic;
I'll put an individual review of this product up. But i really loved it, will definitely repurchase it. Smells amazing.

Lush Space Girl Bath Ballisitc;
You can read my review on this product here. I don't know if I'll repurchase this one. I'd like to try out some other bath bombs before i add it to my definitely repurchase list. I really liked the smell, but it wasn't as exciting as some of the other bath bombs.

 

Lush GeoPhyzz Bath Ballistic;
You can read my review on this product here. Like i said in my review i might repurchase this, just to see if freshness has any effect on the scent etc. So i will probably repurchase this, though i don't know if it'll be a regular repurchase.

Percy & Reed, Totally TLC Hydrating Mask;
Again this is another i will write a stand alone review for as part of my hair care mission posts. I won't be repurchasing this product, although it left my hair quite soft, i didn't particularly like the smell, and didn't really notice a lot of difference in my hair.

Sure Deodorant;
I'll probably be repurchasing this one, thought it worked well and quite liked the scent. I've just purchased the new Dove Maximum Protection deo, so i may or may not buy this one.

Olay Essentials Face Wipes;
Got these in a swap, really liked them, they are really plain and don't have much scent. I wont be repurchasing these but only for the simple fact that, I'm currently half way through a packet of Soap & Glory face wipes, and i have already bought a new packet of face wipes. With a product like this, I'm not one for sticking to a particular one. Just whatever i fancy or whatever is on offer.

Dermal, Royal Jelly Sheet Mask;
Again you can read my review on this product here. I'd love to purchase this again, but i have NO idea where you can get them from, I think i might have to have a little search on ebay. I've never seen them in shops before!

Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream;

I shan't be repurchasing this, although i liked the cream to begin with, i don't know what happened but my skin just ended up feeling quite greasy, and i began to dislike the scent of it. I'm started to go off Balance me products a bit, i initially love them, but then end up disliking them.

Benefit Foamingly Clean Face Wash;

Really liked this, i love the clean soapy smell of the benefit skincare. I think my only bad point would be that, the product was really hard to get out. Its quite a thick creamy wash and the tube is made of hard plastic, so was near impossible to squeeze out. I don't know how the full size version is packaged but hopefully not like this. I feel i may have wasted quite a bit of product just trying to get it out. I would repurchase this, but i wont for a while as i have a few face washes to get through.

Figs & Rouge Balm;

Now this isn't technically an empty, it's actually nearly full.  But unfortunately, the balm melted and though when it was set again it was fine to use it just wasn't as solid as it used to be. But i opened it again the other day to use, and its gone horrible and like gluey, like someones filled it with almost dry glue its all like sticky and rubbery. So I've had to throw it out *sad face* I expect i will be repurchasing this as i really liked it. I'd like to try the rose one or maybe the Cherry Vanilla one.

Elemis, Pro-Collagen Body Cream;

I will definitely not be repurchasing this EVER. I thought it was a really nice moisturiser, its a nice consistency and has a lovely smell like most Elemis products. But its FULL of glitter?! Why oh why do they put so much glitter in products, and why doesn't it warn you. Normally you can tell if a product with have shimmer in it, as it will say something like 'radience boosting' or 'brightening' but no, this lures you into to thinking it'll just be a nice luxurious body lotion. Boooooo.

Asda Little Angels Detangle Shampoo;

I'm pretty sure I've mention it many times, but I'll say it again. I'm allergic to shampoo or something they put in adult shampoo. I'm not some crazy weirdo that likes to buy baby toiletries! This has the nicest ever smell, ever. Its all like powdery and baby like, with a subtle hint of baby powder. The actual shampoo itself isn't great, its one of those that doesn't lather well, and i found myself having to double wash my hair most of the time. The good thing though it didn't irritate my scalp. Probably won't repurchase this.

L'oreal Ever Pure Shampoo & Conditioner Sample;

Meh, don't really know what to say about this. Don't really know if you can tell if it makes much difference to your hair from one wash? the smell wasn't amazing, and is it just me, but i find sachets really hard to open in the shower? Probably won't repurchase the full size. Though i might check out what else is in the range, and if they're ever on a bargain offer you never know.

So there we go, July empties. I'm sure before i know it it'll be time for august empties! Time just seems to fly by!

What products have you finished up this month?

I'd love to see.

Lots of Love

X

April/May Empties

This month, I've combine April & May as i didn't really get through much in April, half the month i was at home so was just using what was in the bathroom and the other half of the month, i was either in hospital or in bed, with a broken leg. So any sort of routine went out of the window.

I'm still only just getting back into a routine, as I'm still not great on my feet (and might not be for a while, but I'll do a post to update you) So anyway, this is what I've used up in the last 2 months. I'll try and write what i liked and disliked about each one, but it seems like so long ago, I'm sure i can remember haha.

Parissa Warm Wax - This was my bargain product, i got it on clearance in a local Boots store for about £3, when i opened the box i found the original price label for about £13!! (i went back and bought about 3 more!) Really impressed with this product, i managed to get about 3/4 leg waxes out of it as well as a couple of eyebrow waxes. Its a little bit messy, and doesn't hold its heat very well, i find i have to microwave is after about 2/3 strips. But for £3 cant really complain, it comes complete with strips and spatulas as well! (please excuse the horrible box, one of the dogs eat it!)

Yardley, Peony Shower Gel - One of my FAVOURITE products, ever since we got the peony sample in one of the beauty boxes I'm hooked. I spotted this in TK Maxx AND it had a clearance sticker on, i think its was around the £2.50/£3 mark. I haven't been able to find them anywhere, even in Boots, the only peony product they seem to have is the perfume or body spray. Not only do i love the smell but i love the product as well, its really creamy and lathers up well and lasts for ages. (or it would have lasted for ages if EVERYONE else didn't use it) Luckily i have a spare, in secret haha.

Boots 24hr Protection, Roll on Deodorant - I wouldn't repurchase this product EVER, Normally I'm quite happy to get own brand stuff, but there's certain things i will only buy branded, they are Deodorant and Sanitary towels/tampons. My mum bought me this while i was in hospital, and it was alright then, I'd have a bed bath everyday and i wasn't allowed out of bed so deodorant wasn't much of an issue. But i carried on using it once i was home, and every time i wore it i was paranoid i stank. It didn't stop me sweating at all, in fact I'm convinced it made me sweat more. It really was gross. So I'm glad I've come to the end of that one.

Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect, Shampoo & Conditioner -  These aren't technically empty, but i had to stop using them as they were making me itch horribly. My friend bought me these while i was in hospital, but they never got used, as I was never given the option to have my hair washed (is that normal?) So i just used them once i got home. I wouldn't repurchase as I'm allergic to them, which is a shame because i love the smell of them.

Soltan SPF 8 - Now i know what you must be thinking, SPF 8?! The gorgeous weather the other week took us by surprise and this was all we had in the house. My mums never been a high factor buyer, she's on of those people that thinks if you wear a high factor you won't tan. I'm pretty sure she's convinced she is immune from sun burn. That maybe because of her age? I don't know. So yes i managed to use this whole pouch. I always buy Soltan suncream as its one of the only sun protections to offer 5* UVA/UVB protection. Some of the branded ones only offer 2/3! And also Soltan is reasonably priced and ALWAYS on offer, either buy one get one or half price. I much prefer the half price offer, as the little amount of sun we get often means i don't get through two bottles.

Green People Sun Lotion SPF 15 - This is more of a factor i would buy, i feel 15 is sufficient for my skin. I loved the Green Peoples one, it smelt like lavender and is 82% organic! although it can leave a bit of that tell tale white film behind, which is the only down side. I've managed to swap for a couple of theses to take away with me as they are a handy size for throwing in a bag if you're going out for the day.

No7 Radiance Revealed Exfoliator - I'm not the biggest fan of No7 products, there are a couple a like, but generally it wouldn't be my first choice brand. I do quite like this exfoliator, it feels like it doing a good job, with out being really harsh and always leaves my skin nice and smooth. I probably wouldn't repurchase this, but only on the grounds that i have loads of exfoliators to get through.

Nivea Creme - This is a bit of a classic product, it seems to have a been around since the dawn of time! It was another product that was bought for me while i was in hospital as its quite a multi-tasking product. I used it everywhere, my hands, my face, my elbows and any sore patches. I probably wouldn't repurchase, as i am half way through another one, and like exfoliators i have a ton of moisturisers. I did find it slightly to rich for my face, even though my skin is quite dry, this made it a bit greasy.

Johnsons Dreamy Skin Face Wipes - This is another product that isn't technically empty, but i had to stop using them as they were make my skin really sore. I love the smell of these, but the wipes themselves feel a bit harsh and rough. Wont be repurchasing these.

Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion - I cant see anywhere how big this sample was, its not huge, about average sample size, but i got SO many applications out of it and I've just realised its not even completely empty! I love the smell of this, it has like a clean fresh smell, its quite a watery consistency and you only need a really small amount to moisturise your whole face. It has SPF 15 in and is oil-free which is great. I'm not really sure what to say on the performance, i liked it but i didn't love it. I don't think I'd buy a full size, but I'm tempted by the little trail sets you can get from Benefit counters & on ASOS for about £10 and you get a travel size of everything in the Benefit Skincare range.

Erno Laszlo - These came in a set in one of the beauty boxes. So far I've used Refresh moisture infusion, morning beauty rescue & velvet night cream. The morning beauty rescue i absolutely HATED, it was basically a sparkly gel, i felt like a was putting on that glitter gel you use as a child. The other two, i cant remember what they were like, so i don't think they were that amazing, else i might have remembered. I think i still have two more to try from the set.

Garnier BB Cream - I loved loved loved this. I have a stash of these sample sachets as I've heard the full size isn't as good as the sample? which is a real shame. I think this is the perfect product for summer, its not as heavy as foundation, but gives you enough coverage to feel like you are wearing something, and it leaves your skin feeling really nice. Its lovely and creamy, and blends well, the samples are in light which is just the right colour for me though possibly not now i have a tan, we'll see. The samples are really generous as well. and i reckon i could have got at least two applications out it, but i was a bit excited and emptied the whole sachet onto the back of my hand!  Another thing i like about it, it has a nice fresh scent, not like a foundation-y smell.

So there we are my empties from the last two months.

What Products have you recently used up?

Lots of Love

X

P.s Dont Forget To Enter My Giveaway.

Latest In Beauty; Little Beauty Box

First of All I'd like to start off this post by saying 'Happy 1 Year Anniversary Wills & Kate!' Where has that time gone?! crazy

So back to LIB as you may know, I'm quite the fan. Their little beauty box is a right gooden as well, I haven't actually ordered one for a long time, as there hasn't been anything I've been desperate to try.

But the concept is, you pick 3 little samples (little samples usually consist of a couple of sachets or a small tube) So you pick 3 and then text  a special number, the text cost £1.50 which is all you pay for the samples and P+P (i think its a bargain) in return you will get a code sent to you, which you type in at the checkout, and that's it they will post your samples out pretty quick. 

I received mine yesterday, and here's what i ordered....

- Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

- Elemental Herbology SkinCare Trial Kit

- Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy

The main reason for ordering this box was to try out the Liz Earle Skin Tint, and i was so pleased when i opened the box, there was 3 sachets, but not 3 sachets of the same colour, 3 sachets and each a different colour! I love that they have sent you a range! because then you can get a true idea of what the product is like, as you can actually find the right colour! i received a load of Garnier BB samples, and they only sent out light, but what if I'm medium? and another one i got samples of was the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation, but its was far to dark. But anyway, i highly recommend ordering the Liz Earle! 

The other 2 were just because i couldn't decide what to order but, I'm looking forward to trying them, as I've not heard of/used either of the brands before.

Elemental Herbology, this contained 3 x 3ml sachets;

Cool & Clear facial Cleanser This contains Green Tea, Olive Extract & Lavender Flower

Facial Glow Radiance Effect Peel Containing Vitamin C, Papaya and Manuka Honey

Soothing Oil Free Facial Hydrator SPF 12 Containing Retinol, Biodynamic Algae and Pearl Extract

I'm really looking forward to trying this brand as all those products sound LUSH!

Skin Doctors, Gamma Hydroxy Skin Resurfacing Cream, this i received 2 x 3ml sachets this product is meant to 'Dramatically Smooth the appearance of acne scarring, wrinkles and the visible signs of skin aging'

Although i never really had acne, i do have a couple of scars so I'll be interested to see if it has any effect on them, though I'm not sure if it will after 2 sachets.

If you're new to beauty boxes and aren't really sure where to start i would suggest the LIB Little beauty box, there isn't any surprises you get to choose exactly what you get, so its perfect for newbies, and its incredibly cheap at only £1.50.

Also, if you'd rather a bigger beauty box, today they released their 'CEW(UK) beauty awards 2012 box' costing £8.95 (excl P+P) which includes great brands like Nails Inc, Benefit & Liz Earle

These are limited edition so you need to snap it up quickly (if there's any left) 

This and the Little Beauty Box are available here.

Have you used the LIB little beauty box service before?

Lots of Love

X

February Empties.

A little late i know, But just a quick post about the things i used up in the last month, (though i' pretty sure i didn't remember to save EVERYTHING)

- Aquafresh Multi-Acton +Whitening,  big fan of Aquafresh toothpaste, My teeth always feel extra clean after using it. Not sure if it actually does anything for the whiteness of my teeth though.

- Lush Ceridwen's Cauldron, LOVED this, you can read my post about it here.

- Lush Dream Steam, Steam Tab The post for this is on my To-Do list. I will link you when its up, Quite Liked this product.

- Lush Oatifix, Amazing face mask! Read my review here. Definitely recommend if you have dry skin!

- Illamasqua Freak. I LOVE THIS PERFUME! I did some swapping on Beauty Box Swaps (linked at the side of the page) and managed to get myself 2 vials of this, I've got through one, and now I'm saving my 2nd. I would buy the full size but i have so much perfume to get through, i just cant justify another bottle of perfume.

-Bamford Geranium Body Lotion, really love this product, got this in a LIB beauty box (you can read about it here) i was abit dubious at first as I'm not really keen on lavender, but when i started using it, i didn't want it to run out :( again, i would purchase the full size, but like i perfume i have ridiculous amounts of body lotion as well.

- Actimint, you can read more on the product here, This was another LIB product. There was only 3 mints in the sample, so i don't know if they really had any affect, but they tasted nice :)

- Make Up Cleasing Tissues, I'm not sure of the brand its either the chinese symbols in the corner or PUREDERM, they are rose flavour and I'm actually in love with them, i bought then in Forever21 in New York for like $2.80. If anyone knows where to get them over here, PLEASE tell me! :)

- The first sachet is The mystery Skincare sample, which turned out to be Clearasil. I wasn't wowed by the product, but it did smell nice.

- Weleda One step cleanser & toner, this was an ok product, i liked the smell, but it didn't seem to last very long. Got this sample in the January GlossyBox which you can read about here.

- Avéne TriAcnéal, this product was to help eliminate severe skin imperfections, i tried it for a few days on abit of breakout i had, for starters the smell made me feel ill, and it dried my skin out so badly. I'd only recommend this if you have really oily skin, and if you like funny smells?

- Korrres Wild Rose 24-hour moisturiser, i used this while i was using my rose face wipes, both together made me feel all fresh and flowery of a morning, i really like this product too, it made my skin soooo soft! and i really like the smell. I may repurchase this, when i have got through my mountain of beauty box samples!

- Benefit Camella Perfume, i got this little vial as a cute extra in a swap i did. I cant really describe the smell, I'm pretty sure its vanilla, but its perfumey at the same time, if you understand (fragrance is like the hardest thing to describe!) The scent lasted all day, which is always good. I'd never smelt Benefit perfume before so was pleased to receive this.

- Monu Recovery Balm, this was another LIB beauty (here) I think its my favourite product this month, (you can tell because I've actually cut it open) i don't think my skins ever felt so soft, until i used this cream, I've battled with dry skin, pretty much always. I don't have terribly bad skin on the rest of my body, but my face just seems to need more moisture. THIS PRODUCT WAS AMAZING. I will DEFINITELY repurchase this, and if you have dry skin, i recommend getting yourself a sample to try. It also smells really good!

- Aloe-JoJoBa, i think the brand might be Forever? perhaps Forever Living Products? This smelt really nice,  its a conditioning rinse for superior manageability, which is definitely what i need. But, i think i probably would have needed about 10 sachets to really notice anything, my hair is incredibly long (like waist length) and 3ml just doesn't go very far at all.

- Lavera Faces Dry & Mature Skin Moisturising Cream, Organic Wild Rose (can you see a pattern here?) actually managed to get 2/3 applications out of this, which is good. found it a little bit greasy, so probably wont repurchase.

- Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash, now when i used this i could have sworn on the packet it said body wash, i was abit confused how 1.5ml was meant to wash my body, so i just used it on a small patch on my arm, I've not come to realise, its a face wash! i honestly don't know why i thought it was a body wash! I must of been having a moment. well anyway, it made that patch on my arm really soft, and it has a lovely soapy clean smell. I will more than likely purchase one of these, as Nivea products are usually reasonably priced, and if i do, i will make sure to use it on my face!

- Not really sure what this last sample is, it was a funny little sample, it was a night cream, a teenie 1g size i think the brand is DHC

I've already got products to go on next months Empties post, I hope you've enjoyed it.

What products have you used up this month? Will you be repurchasing any?

Lots of Love

X