Friday 16 August 2013

GlossyBox August High Flyers

Hi lovelies!
I can't believe we are half way through August!
I got my GlossyBox last week and I thought now I've tried everything, I would give a review!
This is what I got:


The first product I saw was the TRESemmé Platinum Strength treatment.   It is full size and worth £1.49. I've actually used this treatment before and I really enjoyed it. I like the TRESemmé Platinum Strength range and included them in my monthly favourites. I have dry hair from colouring so they provide much needed moisture in only 60 seconds (although I like to leave them on longer). Thanks Glossybox for saving me a trip to Boots! 

Would I recommend this product? Totally! If I hadn't received this in my Glossybox, I would've repurchased!

The second product is the only sample I received in this box. It is Viva La Juicy Noir by Juicy Couture. I have never tried any Juicy Couture fragrances but I really liked the smell of this. I am really rubbish at explaining smells but I think it's like a nice mix between night time and fruity. It's that nice I'm considering putting it on my Christmas list! The full size product ranges from between £34 and £62.
Would I recommend this product? I feel like I can't recommend a perfume as its such a personal thing but I'd definitely recommend giving it a smell if you're looking for a new perfume! 

The third item is a make up remover pen by Oceane. I've never used a make up remover pen before but it came in handy on a night out. It is a good item for using while you're out to fix any eyeliner smudges or fix any mistakes while doing your make up. Unfortunately, it is not available in the UK so when it runs out, it won't be possible to repurchase.

Would I recommend this product? I probably won't use this product much as I do minimal touching up during the day but if you're someone who likes this type of product, this is a good one!

The penultimate item I received was a Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 eyeliner and shadow pencil. The RRP is £10.50. I've used Jelly Pong Pong products in the past and have received the mascara in a previous box. I got a steely/grey colour and I think I see a bit of green? I can't decide. I probably won't use this as a shadow but as it is so creamy it makes a nice smudgey liner. It provides a good alternative for my usual black or brown liner. However, due to how creamy it is, it's not as long lasting as some of my 24/7 liners and liquid liners. It is a good product for mixing up my look though!
Without flash
With flash 
Would I recommend this product? I would, especially if you like the grungey look but I would probably recommend a different colour if you want to use it as a shadow too. 

The last item I received were eyelash curlers from Emite . The RRP is £20. I had mixed thoughts about this. I can't use eyelash curlers because I have lash extensions. However, I don't have a pair of lash curlers in my collection so they will come in handy if I have to take a break from lash extensions or decide to give them in (never). They seem quite light and easy to use! 
Would I recommend this product? Yes! Although I haven't had a lot of experience with eyelash curlers- there might be better and cheaper out there- I have no idea!

Basically, I've loved this box! I've heard some negative reviews about this box which I totally don't get. But if we all liked the same thing it would be boring.
I also really liked that the variations between boxes were minimal this month and I didn't feel I was missing out at all.
Keep it up GlossyBox!

I have just cancelled my GlossyBox subscription which I am very sad about. I will hopefully still get the September box but it won't be until the end of the month when I can afford it. 
BUT I will probably look at other people's reviews and get very sad I don't have the box then resubscribe mid month. 

Hope you're all enjoying August!
Lots of love from Lucy and Elsie
Xoxo

Monday 22 July 2013

Product worth the hype: Maybelline color tattoo 24/7 gel cream eyeshadow

Hi lovelies!
I have had some super good news...
I have been selected to receive a scholarship for my MA degree! 
I am so excited and so grateful. I went on a little splurge today so will show the outcome of that very soon. 
Anyway...
This post is a quick review of the Maybelline color tattoo 24/7 gel cream eyeshadows.

For the look above I used 85 light in purple as a base for my shadows.
I own the colours from left to right- 50 eternal silver, 65 gold rose and 85 light in purple.
With flash.
Without flash
With flash.
Without flash.

They retail at approximately £4.99 but there are always offers on at Boots or Superdrug so you can get them cheaper.

The verdict...
I really love these shadows! They are super pigmented with a great colour payoff unlike some cream shadows I've used in the past.
 I do use a primer with these products out of habit but I find that they literally do not budge yet come off easily with a make up remover. They help keep my shadow in place and make my shadows really pop.
They don't have to be worn under eyeshadow. They can be worn alone. I often wear the silver one alone when I'm having a lazy day.
If you don't like shimmer though and prefer a matte look on the lids, these eyeshadows are not for you.
As far as I am aware, they all contain shimmer; or at least the ones I own do.
I personally love this but it's something to consider before buying these products.

I really want to try endless purple, eternal gold, on and on bronze and permanent taupe. 
I hope Maybelline never discontinue this product as it provides a cheap alternative to Mac paint pots!


What do you think of Maybelline color tattoos?
Let me know in the comments and tell me what colours you would recommend!
Xoxo

Wednesday 17 July 2013

July's Glossybox Seaside Splash review

Hi lovelies!
The other day I received my July Edition of Glossybox!



I wanted to give myself enough time to try these products so I could give you an honest review.


I'll start with my favourite products- Ciate nail polish in The Glossip!
This is a gorgeous bright coral shade, not unlike cute as a button by Essie which I received in the April Glossybox. This shade is just much more orange and vibrant! I love coral and it is perfect for summer! 

I've got a couple of other Ciate nail varnishes and I love them.
They go on great, need two coats and are long lasting!
I received a full size product so was worth £9.
Would I recommend this product? Yes! Ciate do lovely nail varnishes in gorgeous shade and this one in particular is fantastic! 


The next product was a 25ml sample of Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves tousled texture mist (full size 125ml for £23). I have never heard of this brand before but was excited to see whether it made any difference to my super thick, wavy hair.
I used it on my wet hair first and it made no difference. I tried it on dry hair and this was the result.
I feel that this product would work better on thinner hair as I had to use so much to just get this effect. It's a nice product though and it's the only beach waves type product I've used that has made any difference at all! 
Would I recommend this product? It depends on your hair type. If you have fine hair, I would probably say go out and buy it. If you have super thick hair like me, I'd probably give it a miss. 


I also received a full sized Anatomicals Spray Misty for Me facial spritz (£6). I own a couple of facial sprays but don't really use them. I sometimes use Mac fix+ to get rid of any cakeyness but that is about it so I was not particularly excited by this product.
However, I was pleasantly surprised! I've really enjoyed this product and it is currently living in my handbag. It is a perfect refresher throughout the day, especially with this hot weather. I wasn't overly keen of the smell but I've gotten used to it. It doesn't ruin my make up and just leaves me feeling refreshed.
Would I recommend this product? Yes, if you're looking for a pick me up in this hot weather, I'd say give it a go! It's much cheaper than some of the other facial mists on the market which is bonus!



Another full sized product I received was the Inecto Pure Coconut refreshing dry shampoo (£2.49). I was SO disappointed when I saw this in my box. I was hoping for Sleek Pout Paints or the Nip + Fab stuff instead. But to be fair, after using it, it isn't a bad product. It does refresh your hair really well and gets rid of oil. My only problem with this product was that it left a bit of a white residue on my hair then on my hands when I rubbed it in. I've had this with other products but i've never had a transfer to my hands.
Would I recommend this product? Yeah I guess I would. It does what you would expect for a decent price. No complaints.


The final product is one I really don't like; the Coola Mineral Sunscreen tinted moisturiser. I hated this product before it arrived. I really don't know why that was. I knew I would be receiving this or the original sunscreen and I really had my heart set on the original. My main problem with this product is that it only has spf 20. I can't be the only one who finds this quite low for a sunscreen and I definitely prefer a product with a higher spf, my bb cream even has spf 30 so I would never choose to use this. 

The colour is also really off for me. Even though it is described as ultra sheer, it still leaves my skin with a weird tint and slightly orange. I do admit that I am quite pale but I thought Glossybox might send me the original because of this. I am gifting this sample to my mum who i'm sure will enjoy it.
The sample contains 7ml and 50ml full size costs £29.99.
Would I recommend this? Depends on your skin tone or what you want from a sunscreen but not for me! I would also want a higher SPF for the price.

If I hadn't looked at all the other Glossyboxes before I received mine, I would've probably raved about this box. However, I feel like out of all the boxes, I got the worst. This doesn't put me off Glossybox at all though and I look forward to receiving my box every month. I was a little disappointed by last months box, but I feel that Glossybox have redeemed themselves with this box, even if I didn't receive exactly what I wanted! 
I've definitely learned not to look at other boxes before mine arrives and I will resist next month!!
Here's Elsie helping me open my glossybox! 

xoxo

Thursday 11 July 2013

My nail journey!

I thought I would start my blog with one of my favourite things- nail art!

I've been having gel nails done professionally for over a year now; it is definitely addictive.
I absolutely love having them done and love being able to have long nails.
My nail technician is Laura Wade @ Nail Candy in Lincoln.
She is AMAZING.
I ask for some crazy things but she never fails to impress with her skills.
Here are some pictures in chronological order of my nails starting from my very first appointment so you can really see how my nails have improved.




















Sorry about the picture overload but now you are up to date I can just show you them as I have them done.
As you can probably tell I like all things glittery/polka dotty/fruity/leopard print/kitsch!
I can't imagine not having nice nails anymore!
I would definitely recommend Biosculpture gel.
I would also definitely recommend Laura Wade but as she is completely booked up FOREVER (kind of) and not taking on new clients, I can't! 
But you can keep up to date with any appointments that do come free and all the other beautiful nails she does via her Facebook or instagram @nailcandylincoln

xoxo