Latest in Beauty advent calendar 2012

Originally this calendar retailed for £59.95 with free delivery but it is now half price at £29.95. It's still available from the website This is definitely worth the price, I really enjoyed opening this everyday and seeing what goodies were inside. It made counting down to Christmas just that bit more fun.

I thought I would share what I got inside, even though it's the same for every calendar I'm doing it anyway!

I've put the items into different groups so I'll start with -

Hair Care

There are 3 hair products in the calendar -

Nicky Clarke - Instant Calmer. This smells really good. This smooths and controls hair making it easier to style. My hair is naturally straight and flat so I might just use this on my ends.
Jo Hansford - Intensive Masque. This is for coloured hair which is perfect, leave in for 5 minutes and rinse. Nice and easy.
Richard Ward - Volumiser Root Booster. I need all the help I can get to add volume to my hair, the only downside is once sprayed in you need to blow dry your hair. I'm not a fan of blow drying my hair but I will give it a go and see if it is worth it.

Nails

Mavala - Rouge Rubis. A red varnish with tiny bits of gold glitter. I've never worn red as I think it washes me out but I will try this on the tips.
Mont Bleu - Crystal Nail File. So pretty and very handy that it comes in a little slip. I usually just use emery boards so this will be different.


Body Care

Balm Balm - Organic Lip Balm. This also promotes itself a a multi-purpose balm so it can be used on any dry areas. It's rose geranium which makes me think of Turkish delights! I do enjoy a good lip balm.
Yardley - Royal English Daisy. This smells so refreshing and could imagine it feels nice as a pick me up on a hot day...hopefully it won't have run out by the time we get one of those!!
St.Tropez - Instant Glow Body Lotion. I initially thought this was going to be one of those sparkly lotions but turns out it's actually a wash off tan. Me and fake tan are not the best of friends (thanks pigmented skin) but I will try this on my legs so if all goes wrong no one will see!
Aromatherpahy Associates - Revive Bath & Shower Oil. I've used this up, I got two baths out of it. I think it's Ylang Ylang or that's what it reminds me of.
SteamCream - Nourishing Moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types and can be used for face, body and hands. This cream is unique in the way it is made, all ingredients are mixed together with a shot of steam making the cream lightweight and long lasting hydration.
L'Occitane - Shea Butter Hand Cream. I'm yet to use this as I now have loads of Hand Food (thanks Santa!) to use up first but I may throw this in my bag on a night out.

Make Up

The Vintage Cosmetic Company - Eyelash Curlers. These also came with 2 refills which I thought was nice. Have used them once but not sure I saw much difference. I will keep trying though as I'm sure after a few more goes I'll see something!
Perricone MD - No Foundation Foundation. I haven't pierced the seal on this yet so I'm not too sure how it comes out. I'm guessing it's a BB cream, it says broad spectrum on the front which makes me think its good for most skin colours.
Benefit - They're Real. I think everyone knows that this is a cult item with many shining reviews. I've used it once with the curlers, it gave a nice curl but next time I think I'll build it up to see how good it really is.
BellaPierre - Shimmer Powder. This is in Celebration to go along with the one I got in JolieBox. I believe these powders have multiple uses.
Mirenesse - Lip Lift Moisture Shine. I love this colour, it comes out as a beautiful full pink. This is supposed to be plumping but I didn't really notice this. I did however find out that it leaks when I out it in my bag on a night out and found it all over my cards and money. Lesson learnt!


Face Care

 Behind one door was a little package of Dermalogica. A 4 piece regime -
Special Cleansing Gel - Soap free foaming gel thoroughly lifts impurities without stripping skin.
Daily Microfoliant - Gentle powder microfoliates dulling debris for smoother, brighter skin. I've used this before and it leaves my skin so soft.
Skin Smoothing Cream - Antioxidant-rich cream maintains moisture balance while improving texture.
Multivitamin Power Firm - Combats visible lines around the eyes with this powerful firming complex.

Espa - Super Active. Lift & Firm intensive eye serum and moisturiser. Both are supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Bioeffect - EGF Serum. I love the little dropper! This is an anti-ageing serum which promotes epidermal growth serum, new skin basically.
Eve Lom - Rescue Mask. A weekly deep cleanse mask with Kaolin clay.
Philosophy - Purity 3 in 1 cleanser. I know this cleanser is a bit like marmite. Some people love it while others it breaks out. I'm excited to give a go.
Balance Me - Radiance Face. This is a face oil. Now having an oily T-Zone I'm not sure how I feel about adding extra to that. I have read though that oil on oil balances it out so I'll brave it and see how it works.
Trilogy - Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +. Another adorable little dropper bottle. In this bottle is a 7 day trial, to be used morning and night.

Day 24

AS London Candle. I love candles but can safely say this one will not be burnt! After getting someone else to smell it is is apparently cloves. Oh my it smells vile! Such a shame the calendar went out on a low.

All in all I really hope they bring out another one next year as I think this is definitely a great bargain. I can't wait to try out all of the samples and hopefully find some new favourites!

 

Ciao

GlossyBox & JolieBox December 2012

I thought I would put both of these into one review, these are probably old news now but better late than never!

GlossyBox
This month it came in a pretty silver box and had a little extra thrown in.

Rituals - Magic Touch
This is an ultra rich, whipped body cream. Cherry blossom & Rice milk, smells quite nice. According to the little blurb on the index card it intensively nourishes and firms skin. As I already have a multitude of body lotions and potions I think I will just be adding this to my stash for when I run out.

SebaMed - Anti-Dry Hydrating Body Lotion
Another body lotion....I don't really suffer from super dry skin so I think I will be saving this for any dry attacks. Organic ingredients and sensitive skin friendly, quite a small sample considering it's a body lotion.

Mary Greenwell - Lemon
A perfume sample, I do like the fact it has a spray top as I hate the ones that you have to dab on. A very light fragrance so would be perfect so summer days, not sure though if it's a smell I would wear.

Seche - Risque
A very dark purple nail varnish, I'm yet to try this but think it will make a good toe colour. Being super pale I think this would be a bit too dark for my fingers.

Sleek - Amped
A very pretty matte pink. I'm glad I received this colour as I tend to wear a lot more pinks than other lip colours. This is my first Sleek product so I will see how well it wears.

GlossyBox Blusher - Glossy Pink
This was the little extra thrown in, quite a good pigment and adds a nice bit of colour to my cheeks. Thanks GlossyBox!


JolieBox
This months box was a very nice gold design, fancy!

The first things I spotted when opening this box were these! Two Lindor bars, I have never seen the bars before but oh my god, they were delicious!

Dr Duve - Hand & Decollete Cream
I really wish these boxes would stop putting creams in bloody sachets! I got two of these so gave one to mummy. This is supposed to minimise lines and provide long-lasting moisture. Another cream to be used with my cotton gloves.

Olay - Regenerist Skin Cream
I gave this away to mum as she uses Olay. I guess this is an anti-ageing face cream, it doesn't really say what benefits it has.

Agua De Colonia Concentrada - Alvarez Gomez
This is a mix of lemon, thyme, lavender, eucalyptus, geranium & rosemary. The result is disgusting, I find this very strong and just no...

Colour Club - Put A Pin In It
This nail varnish was made exclusively for JolieBox members, I got this light shimmery bronze colour. Very pretty.

Yon-Ka - Pamplemousse Moisturiser
I got the normal to dry skin so not sure how well it's going to work on my oily areas. A protecting and vitalising face cream which also doubles as a make up base. Possibly use this on any dry patches rather than an all over cream.

BellaPierre - Shimmer Powder
I got mine in Earth. I've used pigment powders before and really enjoyed the results so I think this will be good to glitter up a neutral look.

I Love.... - Shimmer & Shine Lip Gloss
This smells so good! Having used a face mask by I Love before and really disliking it I was a bit hesitant about this lip gloss. It gives a sheer look and isn't too sticky so not a bad product.

Overall I'm not sure which one I have enjoyed more. Both has some good bits and some not so...I have renewed my subscription to both boxes so looking forward to seeing what goodies arrive next year.

Ciao

New Look haul

Before Christmas I went into my local New Look and actually found a couple of really cute things. I find New Look to be hit and miss so I think I got lucky this trip.

I found 2 really sweet Peter Pan collars. One is lacy with pearls around the edge and the other is all pearl. I've worn these and they make a normal jumper much prettier.

This made me laugh when I found it so I had to have it!

A cute skull jumper, yet to wear this but it feels like it's going to be cosy.

 

What I have to call the best find, a Christmas jumper! The only one I saw and it was perfectly my size. Although an XS it isn't fitted but still adorable. This got worn on Christmas day =D

Hopefully New Look will keep up with the good items and provide some more good hauls!

Ciao

Boxing day sales haul 2012

I braved the hoards of insane shoppers to get some bargains this week. A couple of items weren't in the sales but while in shopping mode I didn't mind.

From The Works which is a discount book shop I got 3 books and a box set of 3. Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. The box set is insanely heavy which made for a fun struggle to the bus stop!

From Lush I got some Sea Spray hair mist which is supposed to give volume, body and hold. A Mint Julips mint chocolate lip scrub. This smells like After 8 Mints, looking forward to putting this on my lips!
From Benefit I got the Porefect Radiance set. This contains The Porefessional which helps minimise the appearance of pores & fine lines. It's Potent! eye cream which fades dark circles & helps smooth fine lines . Triple Performing Facial Emulsion, this is oil free and helps develop the skin's reserves of water (not too sure what this means).
From Soap & Glory as I really can't stop buying it, I got Wish Upon A Jar. This is a 21 day collagen treatment. You use it for 21 days every 3 months. This boosts moisture levels, smooths fine lines & wrinkles, brightens tried skin and hides flaws. Over all it sounds like a miracle cream so January 1st I will be splashing this on my face.

I also got Make Yourself Youthful eye cream. I got this to brighten up my eyes
From Origins I got the Super Spot Remover. This I believe also helps with blemishes so all of the red areas left behind from spots should eventually disappear.

From Accessorize I managed to find 2 rings that actually fit! As you can see my fingers are very spindly so I find it difficult finding rings small enough to fit. I got a silver bow with gems in the centre and a silver base with a baby pink heart. So cute and so happy I finally found some!

Finally from Miss Selfridge for  a bargain of £10 I got this cotton jacket. I've been wanting a light weight jacket for nights out and this is going to be perfect. It fits amazingly and feels so soft on my skin.

Not a bad haul as I wasn't expecting to find that much. I hope everyone else managed to grab some amazing bargains this sale time.

Ciao

Mid life crisis possibly?

At the end of November I started  a new job, the people are nice and the works alright. There are bits of it I like but others not so much. Since starting though it made me realise that it wasn't what I wanted to do. I've been doing office work for about 5 years and think now I need to really think about what I want to do in the long run.
As a New Year is approaching I feel I need to have a plan for 2013 and not just waste another year in a dead end job.

Upon leaving school I went straight into working. I didn't know what I wanted to do and no college courses caught my eye so I  got a job. Always late to catch onto things I think I've finally found something I want to do.

I absolutely love ancient history, Greek and Roman mythology and all the sort jazz

So as I can't afford to go to uni I have found a distance learning course - BA (hons) Ancient History & Classical Archaeology from Leicester uni. This is the closest course I can find that has a lot of what I like in it. It covers Greek and Roman history, Sparta, other bits I don't have much knowledge on & archaeology.

As it is distance learning all course materials and I believe text books will be sent to my home and then it's down to me to crack it open and learn! I won't need to attend any classes so it is purely home learning.

 

As with everything in life, nothing is free.

A lot of time and money will need to be invested in this course. It is £16,050 and as I will be doing this part time it will take 6 years to complete.

 

I'm yet to make a full decision as I don't know if it will actually be worth doing this but I'm currently leaning more towards the yes enrol me route. Will I actually get a job out of it? I have no idea but I hope so. 

 

For some reason I have been having what I like to call an early mid life crisis. I hope that once I have decided if I want to take the leap and go for a degree I will get over this and start on a path towards an amazing job.

 

I don't believe I'm the only person who has had this kind of dilemma?

 

 





Ciao

Soap & Glory haul

Recently I have become obsessed with all things Soap & Glory. Last month I treated myself to quite a lot of their body products so this month I thought it was only fair to dabble in the make up and face area.

Sad as it is I was actually quite excited when I saw all of the S&G areas in Boots. I blame the pretty packaging!

So this is what I hauled this week -

 

DrSpot invisible spot-fighting gel
Currently I'm using Freederm which is ok but I want to find something that works quicker. I may be expecting too much but I thought I'd give this a go and see if it is any better.

The Fab Pore intensive-action pore-refining facial peel
Yet to try this but it does sound good. It boasts to help tighten pores and unclog them which is always a bonus. It can either be used as a 5 minute refresher or a 15 minuet deep clean.

Clean Here T-zone oil-control daily moisture lotion
Any moisturiser that helps keep the oil at bay is a winner in my book. I have used this a couple of times and it seems to have worked, my nose isn't as oily as it usually is. It gives the skin a pearl finish which is pretty. It is supposed to fight spot causing bacteria and reduce deep down pore clogging, a multi-purpose cream so it seems.

 

 

Sexy Mother Pucker gloss stick in Fushia-Ristic
I love this! I find the normal SMP lip glosses are really sticky but this is amazing. The colour is really pretty and it gives a really nice shine to the lips. I think I have found a new favourite lip product.

Glow All Out luminizing radiance face powder
This gives my face a very nice shimmer, I put it just above my cheekbones and it catches the light perfectly. Always nice to have a bit of sparkle at work.

 

Wowed Mouth
6 lipsticks in this cute little pallet with a double ended brush. I've tried Guava Rama and a nice colour but it seems a bit of a dry lipstick. I'll try the others out but make sure my lips are moisturised before hand.

Tricks Of The Shade
This is I believe all of the eyeshadow shades that S&G do. This came with a eyeliner pen and a double ended brush which I like better than a sponge applicator. The colours are a very good range with matte and glittery choices. The pigment is good and I can't wait to try these all out. The shades are a lot nicer in person than my poor lighted photo!

I also got the Thick & Fast HD collagen mascara but somehow it missed out on picture time.
I'm very pleased with what I got and look forward to trying everything out!

Ciao

   

GlossyBox review November 2012

I received my GlossyBox this week and it was ok, a few things I liked and a couple which were nothing to write home about. The theme this month is 'stocking fillers', served to help inspire gift ideas.

In my box I got -

Burberry Body Eau de Parfum
I don't mind getting perfume samples in my boxes but it does annoy me when they don't have a spray. I like to spray my hair and proper douse myself so one I need to dab on just doesn't do it for me. This perfume is a blend of green absinthe, rose and cashmeran. It's an ok smell but I can't see myself using this.

Nails Inc - Top Coat
I used this the same day I got my box (Monday) and so far my nail varnish is still in good condition. Quite an adorable sized bottle and so far a very good product.

Dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant
This is a rice based powder that when mixed with water turns into an exfoliating paste. According to the bottle it releases Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells. I have used this pretty much every evening and it does leave my skin feeling so smooth. It does smell a bit weird but I'm guessing that's the rice. Full size - 75g is £38.50 so even though I do like it I don't think I could spend that much on a full size.

Alison Claire Natural Beauty - Mango Body Butter
I'm yet to use this as I have a ton of other body creams to get through first. It does smell quite nice and seems to be a nice consistency rather than being too thin. The brand promotes use of natural, pure and irritant ingredients. Nice but just a body butter.

DR. Jart+ - Water Fuse Beauty Balm
So my second DR. Jart+ BB cream but my 3rd in total from only 6 beauty boxes. I don't wear foundation so I never really looked into BB cream but I do feel like someone is hinting that I should start....

So this one (blue pack) compared to the first one I received is oil-free and has a water holding system (this is supposed to help hydrate and maintain healthy moisture for a dewy fresh look). Only SPF 25 where as the other was 40 but as we don't have any sun I'm sure this won't make a difference. I have tried the Premium one a couple of times, it does match my skin tone well enough but I can definitely feel that I have this on and I'm not sure I really like that feeling. I will try this and see if it is any better.

All in all not a bad box but I would have liked a few make up bits. Bring on the Christmas boxes!

 

Ciao

JolieBox November 2012



Got my November JolieBox today yay! I love receiving these boxes and seeing what goodies are in them. This months theme is Beauty in the City, quite a skin heavy box but good items none the less.

 

 

In my box I got -

Vertume a Venus - Manacure Absolue Moisturizing & Regenerating Hand Cream.
I opened this straight away as my hands were a bit dry (hence the open sachet in the photo!). This has quite a watery consistency and took quite a while to soak into my skin. I think this is something I would use as an overnight moisturizer with my gloves. I'll be sticking to Hand Food for now!

Jane Iredale - Glow Time BB Cream.
A sachet of BB cream, I got it in shade BB5, as my skin is very pale I'm not sure if this will be too dark or not. I will give it a go though. I've never really got into the BB Cream madness but you never know, this may change my mind!

Dead Sea Spa Magik - Gentle Cleansing Facial Wash
A cleanser full of natural ingredients. I'm looking forward to using this and seeing how it makes my skin feel and if it helps get rid of my blackheads.

Galenco - SOS Repair Balm
I am quite obsessed with lip balms so these are always welcome. This one smells like cocoa and isn't super greasy like some can be - Balmi I'm looking at you. It has UVA/UVB protection so bonus!

Topicrem - Body Glitter 3D Effect
A moisturizer with a hell of  a lot of glitter in, sparkle sparkle. It comes out as a pearly cream but once rubbed in it leaves a covering of glitter. It has a sort of floral scent, it kind of reminds me of old lady perfume. Will be a nice to use for a night out or party.

L'Occitane - Angelica Hydration Cream
A pot of face moisturizer, it doesn't really have much of a smell. I've tried this once and it did leave my face softer but my oily areas a bit more oilier and just a little greasy feeling . I will try this again but not sure I'll be using it a lot.

Overall quite a good box. I enjoyed reading the JolieMag and I think I will use pretty much all of the items.  

Well, for my first blog post I don't think I've done too bad. My photography skills on the other hand...this is something I will be working on!

 

 

Ciao