It's a GlossyBox Thing - June 2014

I recently had my 22nd birthday and after receiving an email from glossybox about their current special offer (more on that later) I decided to treat myself to the monthly subscription with some of my birthday money.
So what is glossybox? Well it's a little box with 5 beauty goodies inside, skincare to fragrance, make-up to hair care, it covers a whole range of little treats.

I first heard of glossybox when my Aunt bought a couple of them as christmas presents last year for me and my sister, we were fascinated by this box, not knowing what it was, we were so excited to open them but my mum made sure we waited to christmas. I then did some research online and loved this idea of being sent beauty products for you to try before you invest and buy the full sized products, the website itself is very appealing and I was pretty much sold on the idea, but before I went ahead and became a member I wanted some feedback from actual people, who have experienced the glossybox treatment and was it even worth it?

It was pretty much mixed reviews, some people loved it while other's not so keen and thought it was/is a waste of money, the main reason for this is because you don't get to choose your products it's literally pot luck, you don't know what will be in your box each month, now to some, this idea is brilliant it's like getting a birthday present every month but to other's it's pointless because how do you know if you're going to like the product, but for me I think that's the whole idea, if you are one of those people who like to try new things and can never find or settle on just one mascara product or one moisturiser etc then it's a nice idea. Another reason why people didn't like it was because the website claims to give you "premium branded" products and this is not always the case, the company is sponsored/in partnership with many brands, some premium and some high street, you're not always going to get premium products because then there would be no profit in it for them. A lot of people also complained about the sizes of the products, once again it is a very random thing, the idea is they send you samples, enough product for you try and if you like it, you can buy the full size, but some of the sample sizes are very stingy and you barely get one use out of them, yet on the other hand they sometimes send you the full size products for you to try, I guess it depends on the deal they've made with the brand itself.

So after reading into it, I thought maybe it's not really worth it, as some months you can be really happy with what you get and other's feel like you've been ripped off big time, this made my mind up and decided not to go ahead, however I did subscribe to their newsletter as they promised to email you with upcoming limited edition boxes (one off buys) and offers/discount codes.

Now back to that offer I got! So it was friday afternoon and I was going through my emails, getting rid of spam, junk you know the usual, when I came across an email from glossybox. It promised a free box when you sign up to a subscription and I thought that was pretty good offer and I had always wanted to try them out....so I convinced myself into signing up (Didn't take much did it? ha)

When you sign up you have 4 choices:

• Monthly Plan - £10 per box, per month (+ £3.25 postage) = £13.25 every month
• 3 Month Plan - £9.50 per box per month (+ £3.25 postage) = £38.25 every 3 months
• 6 Month Plan - £9 per box, per month (+ £3.25 postage) = £73.50 every 6 months
• 12 Month Plan - £8.50 per box, per month (+ £3.25 postage) = £141 every year

Although cheaper I didn't want to commit to an upfront cost if it was going to be a one time thing for the sake of saving £1.50 so I went ahead with the monthly plan as you can unsubscribe/cancel anytime. I added my discount code which was JUNEOFFER (If any of you want to subscribe before the end of June) and was then asked a few questions about my appearance (skin type, colour, eye colour, hair colour, what products you prefer etc.) I guess so they know what you like and what colours to send and that was pretty much it, they then sent out my box, which arrived lunch time today.

When it arrived I was so excited to see what I had got, I must say the gift wrap and packaging is very posh, it's lovely (although mine was a little battered on the edge, through transmit) and the best thing is you can reuse the boxes as little gift boxes when giving a present to a friend, or use it as a photograph box, writing box, you could do all sorts with them. 

This is what the box looks like once opened: 

You get a Welcome card, a cute little magazine, another card with a list of your products, stating how much they retail at and how you use them. The products are wrapped in black tissue paper with a cute sticker keeping it together and a lovely satin ribbon bow around for decoration, It's lovely isn't it?

Here are my products on a bed of black shredded tissue paper:

So here we have, a mascara, a deodorant, a make-up brush, a nail polish and a concealer palette, oh it's so exciting :D 

Nailgirls 3-in-1 base/topcoat and nail strengthener.  

This product is a new launch (not sure if it's out yet) the full size which is 15ml retails at £13.50 and I was given a 10ml bottle, now I think that is a generous amount, it's 2/3rds of the full size and nail polishes do go quite far. I'm excited to try this as I'm always looking for a decent nail base coat and strengthener as I have quite weak brittle nails. 

Teeez Trend Cosmetics - Beautiful Flat Stiff Brush.

This is a full size product, I guess being a make-up brush you can't give sample sizes haha, it retails for around €19 (about £15) I don't think I would ever spend that amount on a make-up brush so i'm guessing it has to be a good one? or at least a good brand, I've never heard of it but I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like. 

L'oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Black

This is a full size product, retailing at £10.99. I found it quite funny when I saw this as it's the mascara I currently use, I've tried various mascara's and never found one as good as this so I always end up going back to it. I'm almost out of my current one so I was very happy to know I didn't have to pay for another one as this is quite a pricey mascara for a high street brand! 

So Susan Cosmetics Concealer Quad.

Once again it's a full sized product, this was the only product I knew I was getting, well it was between this and a So Susan blusher but I was secretly hoping I got this one so I'm very happy. It retails at £20 which would straight away put me off because that's a lot for concealer!! I probably won't use the darkest shade either as i'm so pale but I'm curious to see if this is everything it lives up to be. 

Rituals Qi Gong Spray.

According to my card this 50ml can is a full sized product that retails for £3.50, it's a 24 hour anti-perspirant spray which to me is very small for a deodorant, maybe it's one of those new compact cans. It does smell lovely though. Let's see how well it lasts. 

And that concludes my first GlossyBox, I must admit I am actually very happy with this months box, I definitely will try every product and there is a good selection of products as well as a lot of full sizes which from what I heard was quite rare, hopefully it's not just a one off. I now have to try these products and then fill in an online survey about them (this is optional) and I will then get 50 glossy points for each product I review, once I reach 1000 I get a free box! So basically for every 4 boxes you get, providing you leave feedback about every product you will then be entitled for a free box. 

I should receive my free box (from the offer code I used) in around 2 weeks and we shall see what treasures are hidden in there . I'm thinking I will keep my subscription for July as well and see what that also holds, and if they're both as good as this months I may just keep subscribed as so far It's proven worthy for me and I think knowing I have a little beauty box coming for me each month, I'll be less inclined to spend money in boots and superdrug, we shall see ha! What are your thoughts? Have you tried GlossyBox before? 

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The Beauty Tag - 40 Questions About Your Beauty Obsessions.

Q1) How many times do you wash your face daily?

At Least once in the morning, I normally use a cleanser at night that doesn't require washing off but if my skin is super oily or flared up then I will wash my face twice, morning and night. 

Q2) What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)?

My skin is always changing, I would probably say I'm more on the oily side but In the winter and with using acne products my skin can sometimes become a tad on the dry side. So I guess combination.

Q3) What is your current facial wash?  

I currently use Lush's Fresh Farmacy. 

Q4) Do you exfoliate? What brand do you use?

Yes! Between once and twice a week. I use Soap and Glory's Scrub Your Nose In It. 

Q4) What moisturizer do you use?

I have two! I mainly use Simple's Light Hydrating Moisturiser but if my skin is a little dry then I use Soap and Glory's Night Accelerator.  

Q5) Do you have freckles?

I do and I actually really like them, you can only see them in summer though. 

Q6) Do you use eye cream?

No. I actually have an eye cream but I always forget to use it. My bad. 

Q7) Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

I do unfortunately. 

Q8) Have you ever have to use Pro-activ?

I haven't. I did go to buy it but It the reviews were so mixed, some people loved it and some people hated it and it's a lot of money for something that you're not sure is going to make an improvement.

Q9) What foundation do you use?

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion - Ivory

Q10) How about concealer?

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - Light 1

Q11) Do you know your undertone colour?

I think i'm more on the cool side but I always say neutral because I'm never sure.

Q12) What do you think of fake eyelashes?

Fake eyelashes can look really nice if applied correctly and they're not too heavy or thick. I wish I could use fake eyelashes but for me I don't really like them, they really irritate me and I can't get the knack of applying them so they look "natural"

Q13) Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes and No, some people say 3 months some say 6. Personally I keep my for 6 - 8 months I've never had any problem with it, I just clean my wand regularly. I know a lot of you make up artists/buffs will be screaming right now lol. 

Q14) What brand of mascara do you use?

L'oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes.

Q15) Sephora or MAC?

I've not been to either of them but from word of mouth I would probably say Sephora as you have more variety.

Q16) Do you have a MAC Pro-card

No.

Q17) What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

Real Techniques Brushes.

Q18) Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

I always use a cream base for my eyeshadow and I do prime my eyes but with a face primer rather than an actual eye primer as I don't currently own one.

Q19) Primer for your face?

Yes. I use Benefit Porefessional Primer.

Q20) What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

I like neutral shades best but probably a goldy shimmer colour like half baked from Urban Decays Naked Palette.

Q21) Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Pencil. I like the liquid look but I'm terrible at applying it lol. 

Q22) How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Not that often, I'm always poking myself in the eye with my mascara wand though. Ouch!

Q23) What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

As in loose? I don't like them, they are messy and get all in your eye. 

Q24) Do you use mineral makeup?

I don't. I know I probably should but it can be a bit pricey. 

Q25) What is your favorite lipstick?

 Barry M Lip Paint in 129. It's a pastel lilac colour. I love the feel of it it's so light and creamy and I just love the colour. It doesn't dry my lips either. 

Q26) How about lipgloss?

I don't really have a fav lip gloss, I rarely use them, if I do it's normally just a clear one.

Q27) What is your favorite blush to use?

I like any of the sleek blushes. I can't chose a colour cause I like them all, I guess rose gold? but I also really like Lifes a peach, those are my top 2. 

Q28) Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

I have done in the past, but not anymore. The quality is never as good and you can easily get ripped off.

Q29) Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes! Love it.

Q30) Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)?

No, never even heard of them....is it an American thing?

Q31) Have you ever consider taking make-up classes?

Nope, I like make-up a lot but there are so many tips and tricks which you can learn from youtube so I don't really need to take a make-up class as I'm not wanting to pursue it as a career. 

Q32) Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

Yes I probably am, I have good days but more often than not I end up re-doing my eyes as they never look right lol. 

Q33) Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Orange! People who chose an orangey foundation that's to dark for their skin and they don't even try to blend it out. It looks ridiculous.

Q34) Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

I prefer neutral eyeshadows but I quite like a pop of colour on the lips. 

Q35) Which celebrity always has great make up?

She's not really a celebrity but Sinead from TheMakeupChair (Youtuber) her makeup looks flawless. 

Q36) If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?

Concealer, just to hide my blemishes lol. 

Q37) Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I pretty much always do. 

Q38) Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Yes. I've become comfortable and accepted my skin/face without makeup now.

Q39) In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

That's a tricky one. I don't really have a favourite I like different types of makeup from different brands. I guess if money was no object I probably would own mostly benefit or urban decay. 

Q40) What do you think of Makeup? 

I do like makeup, in fact I have a weird obsession in buying and owning it but I rarely use it. I think it's good that it can make you feel more confident but I also believe it's bad because nowadays girls believe they NEED it and don't feel comfortable without it which is a shame. 

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Seven Deadly Sins - Greed (Everyday Makeup Tutorial)

Recently I've had this idea of having a different everyday makeup look that represents one of the deadly sins, there are a lot of tutorials to do with the seven deadly sins but majority of them are not looks you could wear on a normal day but more for halloween or party's.
I also wanted to pursue this "series" as I have a love for makeup and constantly looking for new products to buy and try but I never really get round to using them as I rarely wear makeup and I want this change. I have a love/hate relationship with makeup, I enjoy looking at it and buying it and creating new looks but I hate wearing it and applying it, its time consuming and I'm pretty lazy when it comes to taking pride in my appearance and I also don't like the feel of it on my face but I think that's because I'm not use to it.
Once I've applied the makeup I do feel that bit more confident (when it goes/looks ok) so by doing these looks i'm hoping I will get into a routine of taking more pride in my appearance. Just for the record I am 100% comfortable going out with no makeup so this isn't to please or impress other people it's simply something I want to do.

To start with I chose Greed : also known as avarice, cupidity or covetousness, is the inordinate desire to possess wealth, goods, or objects of abstract value with the intention to keep it for one's self, far beyond the dictates of basic survival and comfort.

My interpretation of greed is showing off how much wealth you have, so to achieve this look I decided to use gold as my main colour. Here is the final look:

Although Greed is about showing off I kept this look quite minimal as I wanted it to be a "day time" look. Otherwise  I would of gone heavier on the gold. Less is more in my opinion.

This is how I achieved this look:

Step 1: Prep.

I washed my face and applied my normal skincare routine which you can check out HERE. I then applied a face primer, I used The Porefessional by Benefit, this is quite a high end primer but there are much more affordable options on the high street. I apply a primer as it helps keep the foundation on for longer, it gives your skin a smoother appearance and also helps maintain shine if you have oily skin.  

Step 2: Foundation.

I used Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation in Creamy Ivory, this foundation is my all time favourite, It gives a flawless finish and gives a pretty full coverage, Yet it is ultra lightweight and almost undetectable on the skin, it melts into the skin without disappearing. I love it. 

Step 3: Conceal/Cover. 

The concealer I used is the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in Light. This is quite a heavy concealer but it gives amazing coverage. I use it under my eyes to cover any dark circles and lightly over my blemishes and pat it into the skin rather than blending it out as I think this method covers better. 

Step 4: Setting/Powder.

I love my Blank Canvas Contour/Highlight Palette it's a beauty. I used the second Lightest colour all over my face to set my foundation and concealer. Just dust it over with any face powder brush you have. Then get your pout on ready for step 5.

Step 5: Contour.

Sticking with the trusty Blank Canvas Palette I used the two darker shades mixing them together on my brush and contoured in the hollow of my cheeks, down the edges of my nose, along my jaw and temples. I then used the white powder to highlight: on the bridge of my nose, on the top of my cheekbones and bottom of my eyebrow bones, across the center of my forehead and chin. Don't worry it looks quite harsh at first and in the picture I applied a little more than I would so it would show up. The key to contouring is the blending. Blend it all together so there are no harsh lines. 

I chose to contour on this look to give the face some structure and give a more bronzed effect which will complement the gold. 

Step 6: Blush.

I chose to use Sleeks Blush in Lifes A Peach. It's a lovely coral colour which I thought would go with this look. I applied it to the apples of my cheeks before blending out towards my temples. 

Step 7: Highlight.

Even though I'd already highlighted earlier I felt I needed a more of a shimmer look rather than a matte. I don't have a gold highlighter so I used this shimmery light gold eyeshadow from MUA Going For Gold palette. I applied this to center of my nose and the top of my cheekbones, blending it out to give a softer look. 

Step 8: Eye/Lip Prep.

To prep my eyes I used "That gal" face brightening primer by Benefit. I know it's a face primer but because it's a brightening primer I decided to use this on my eyes. I just used trusty old Vaseline on my lips to soften and moisten my lips ready for my lipstick.

Step 9: Eye Base.

I love cream bases, they just seem to be perfect for applying eyeshadows over the top. I used Maybelline Colour 24hr Tattoo in On and On Bronze, I wanted to use Eternal Gold but I couldn't find it :(. 

Step 10: Eyeshadow. 

I used this shimmery gold shade over my lids to "gold" up that base haha. It's from the MUA Undressed Palette which is a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked Palette for a smidgen of the price. 

Going back to the MUA Going For Gold Palette I used the darker Gold on the inner part to the middle of my lid and I used the lighter gold (The one I used for a highlighter) in the inner corner of my eye and under my brow bone. 

Step 11: Eye Contour.

Going back to the MUA Undressed Palette I used the dark shimmery brown on the middle to outer corner of my eyes and then using the matte brown to add depth to the eyes. I brushed this through the crease of my eyelid bringing it down to my lower lash, it should form the shape shown in the picture. ">". When adding depth to the eyes it's better to use a matte colour rather than a shimmer, as shimmers catch light particles and stand out working like a highlighter. 

Step 12: Eyeliner.

Using MUA Liner in black to line the outer corner of my lower lash line and up corner of my eyes to make my lashes look fuller, I then blend it out with my finger to the middle of my eye for a less harsh look. 

Step 13: Mascara.

To finish the eyes I curl my eyelashes which makes me look more "awake" and helps widen the eyes. I then applied a coat of Max Factor False Lash Effect in black to give my lashes a full and thicker effect as I have pretty rubbish lashes. 

Step 14: Brows.

I don't know if you've noticed but my right brow is higher up than the left and I have quite light brows which are very sparse, so I find filling them in finishes the look. I use B. Groomed Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel. I use light strokes for filling my brows in as it gives a more natural look, on my left brow I fill in from the top and on my right I fill in from the bottom to try and even them out lol.

Step 15: Lips.

I used three products on my lips, the first being Revlon Colorburst Matte balm in Audacious it's a pinky coral colour which I thought would compliment the eyes very well. I then used La Color Lipstick in a browny/gold glitter (It doesn't have a name) in the centre of my lips to give a slight ombre/sparkle. I finished of the lips with L'oreal Paris Glam Shine in Infinite Desert. It gives the lips a more plump look and blends the two colours together whilst adding some golden sparkle. 

And that is my finished look for greed. I hope you like it and try it out for yourselves. I think this look is suitable for any occasion, whether it's a day out shopping or a lunch date. Let me know what you think in the comments and if you like this kind of blog post. If so, which look would you like to see next?

Sloth
Lust
Gluttony
Pride

Envy
Wrath. 

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My Christmas Goodies

Christmas is my favourite time of year, I get so excited when November comes that by the time it's December 25th  i've exhausted myself out. I really don't like January and February though, I find them very dull and depressing, so what better to do than go through some of my christmas goodies to put a smile back on my face and re live that christmassy feeling. I've been truly spoilt this year as I am every other year and I'm very thankful to family and friends for these lovely gifts but most importantly for their love and kindness.

Blank Canvas Contour Palette- I've heard great things about this and wanted to try it out for a while now and yes it is amazing!

Benefit Porefessional - I bought this with my Christmas money, It was a tad pricey but I found it cute that you got the "It's Potent Eye Cream" and "That Gal Face Brightener" with it for free and well I'm a sucker for freebies.

I'm not much of a reader, but I do like facts and non fiction books. Partly why I got my nickname nerdoboo.

P.S Science year by year is super interesting.

Real Techniques starter and core sets - I never realised how much of a difference putting on make up with quality brushes would make, but wow my skin looks flawless.

Remington Pearl Wand - Bought this for new years eve as I wanted to try out tighter curls, it heats up super fast and curls your hair in seconds!

Glamoriser Hair Dryer - This is a beauty it has actual sparkles in it which make me love it even more, it has 5 hear settings and 5 power settings, it makes my hair super soft and shiny.

Me and My sister are a huge fans of the movies and she knew how much I wanted to go to the studios that she paid for us to go on the 1st feb, I'm so excited, I will most likely do a blog post on our visit.

I'm a self confessed lush-o-holic, yes thats right I have enough lush products to last me the winter yay! For everyone who knows me, knows I love my baths and for every bath you have to add that little bit of lush :)

I can't get over how many pandora charms/clips I got this year. I got my bracelet for my 21st and it's filling up sooner than expected haha. My favourites is the snowflake clip, it's beautiful.

Soap and Glory do a lovely skin care range, If you're like me and have acne prone/oily skin then their scrub your nose in it scrub is amazing for you, it's one the best. I also got the "Dr Spot Gel" and "The Fab Pore Moisturiser"

A bunch of Yankee Tarts - Another love of mine is candles, especially ones that smell nice, I prefer yankee's tarts because they give out a longer and stronger smell than the candles but I also love the candles just as much.

An assortment of bath bits, I always get little gift sets of miniature bath/skin lotions and potions, It's lovely to try out new products and they're also perfect for traveling. I think the soap and glory hand lotion will probably be going in my hand bag.

So that is a few of the things I got for Christmas, I told you I had been spoilt. I also got some Christmassy PJ's that I will continue to wear throughout of winter even though christmas is over. I hope you all had a lovely time with family and friends and let's hope 2014 is a good year for us all.

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