March 2013 Glossybox review

Hello ☆

This morning i received my Glossybox and this months is a good one. I skipped reviewing the February box due to problems with the courier, resulting in the box not being delivered till the end of February. I felt this was too late to review, knowing that you all probably have seen what is in that box. To be honest, the contents weren't that exciting to write about. 

The title of this months box is 'Get Chic with Glossybox'. The products included are based on getting that glossy, city chic look from the office to the club. The usual product leaflet is accompanied by a little paper travelling book which features tips of where to visit in many cities and also some cute stickers which i am planning to place on my travel memory box. Quite a handy little bonus in my opinion. 

In my box i received five products, all of which i know i will definitely use! I am so glad i didn't cancel my subscription after last months disaster.

• Tresemme Extra Hold Hairspray. For me, receiving this travel size can of hairspray couldn't come at a better time. I literally ran out of mine yesterday. Also, i am really happy with the size of this product, it is a perfect size for my handbag. Tresemme is a great brand and i have never had any dramas with their products. I am very happy with this one. 

• Nails Inc in Bruton Street - A classic dusty pink shade is which is a perfect sophisticated colour. Full size polishes cost £11 and so i rarely buy these but the are very good quality polishes. Will be sporting this shade for mother's day i think. 

• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I have read quite a few fabulous reviews about this product and have been meaning to try it for a while now. This medicated 8 hour cream can be used on lips and body, which will come in handy while the weather is still freezing cold. The ml size is pretty generous as far as samples go and I think it is the perfect handbag size.

• Jelly Pong Lip Blush - The only full sized product in the box which is worth more than the entire box including p&p at £12. This is an amazing chunky crayon lip stain which is fairly similar to the ones from Revlon and Clinique. I feel the colour is a little too bright for me but will still try it out. 

• Juicy Couture, Couture La La.  I always love to receive new perfume samples to test out. I find i tend to stick to the same ones though. Personally i am not a fan of Juicy Couture but this perfume is quite nice. The scent is a perfect light floral but slightly fruity scent and will be great for the summer months.  

Overall, a great box this month. If you would like to subscribe to glossy or buy this month's box, Here is the link: Glossybox.co.uk

Gem x

P.s I am currently holding a small giveaway where you could win a £20 Amazon gift card. Check it out here: My 100 followers give-away. 

A little bit of beauty on a Friday: Topshop Highlighter review

Hello ☆

Happy Friday! I find it is definitely the best day of the week as you cant beat that feeling of knowing that the weekend is here. During the week i rushed into the city to pick up some art supplies for my two boys. However, being a shopaholic, i couldn't resist popping into Topshop for a quick peek at their new spring/ summer range. So many lovely outfits to swoon over! I need to win the lottery as soon as possible. Anyway, i didn't buy any clothes but instead picked up a couple of their makeup products. I brought a couple of their pastel nail polishes for £5 each, which i will review later on but today i want to talk about their highlighter which i picked up for £10.  This product has been on the top of my wish list since before Christmas but i never got around to buying it for whatever reason. Knowing me it was probably the £10 price tag (yes, I'm tight). 

The Topshop highlighter comes in a black sturdy box with cute kitsch stars, just like all their beauty products, which i totally love! The product itself is encased in a white, round compact which features a tight clasp which prevents any nasty spillage in your handbag. The only negative thing i can say is that the compact doesn't come with a mirror which can be a little inconvenient. 

The highlighter comes in shades Crescent Moon and Sunbeam. The only one they had in stock at the time was sunbeam, so i settled with that. I wasn't upset by this, i actually love the shade but i think it will be better for summer when i have a little more tan on my face. Sunbeam is a beautiful gold highlighter with yellow undertones. It contains a small amount of glitter which leaves a glowy shimmer on your face. The product comes in the form of a powder product, but it does not feel powdery or chalky at all. It feels quite smooth and soft, and applies smoothly and easily on the skin. Only a little powder is needed for that glowy look so I foresee this product lasting me a very long time which justifies me paying the £10 for it. Also I found it to be easily applied with both a brush as well as with fingers, making it easy if I want to touch up during the day and do not have a brush on hand to do the job. 

Over all, I absolutely love this product and the golden shimmer it leaves on my face. I wore it to a little gathering the other day and so many people complimented me on how healthy it made me look. I definitely recommend giving this one a try. Have you tried this product or do you use any other highlighters that you think i should try?

Hope you have a great weekend.
Gem xx

A Beauty Review: Vo5 Shampoo and conditioner

Happy Friday!

I have been using these wonderful hair care products for the past month now and wanted to share my love for them with you. This is the second product from the new Vo5 range i have reviewed (click here for previous post) where i gave you my opinion on the heat protection serum which is still a part of my everyday haircare routine. As I loved this product I decided to give their shampoo and conditioners a go. 

What the website states: 

With extracts of Satin Silk and a subtle fruity fragrance with hints of jasmine and orange flower, this fabulous duo will unlock shine for a sleek and glossy transformation. Your hair will have no choice but to behave!

Unlike most product descriptions, Vo5 actually speak the truth. I have incredibly damaged, frizzy hair which is screaming out for some sort of treatment. The shampoo and conditioner has definitely changed my hair for the better. Here's why: 

As my hair is thick and long, it takes me a long time of painful untangling of all the knots washing has caused. The Vo5 conditioner has eased this for me. My hair is smooth enough to run a brush straight through it, which is just shows how amazing this product is. I have also found that after a blow dry, my hair is left smooth and a lot easier to style. I am a busy mum of two attention seeking but lovely boys so dropping down the time it takes to dry and style my hair is extremely helpful to me. My hair is now glossy and leaves that salon finish I love. My husband approves of the smell too and i admit it is gorgeous. 

You can buy these 500ml shampoos and conditioners from most stores but i brought mine from Boots for £3.99 each. 

Gem x

Maybelline Dream Satin liquid foundation review.

Hello ♥

Today's product up for review is the 'Maybelline Dream Satin liquid foundation'. I popped into Superdrug yesterday in search of a new foundation as the current one i am using, the collection 2000 lasting perfection foundation, makes my skin look flakey. Not a good look. I was recommended the Maybelline foundation by a very helpful member of staff who must have seen me struggling to decide which foundation to buy. There are so many different ones to choose from! Anyway, I am very happy with my purchase and here's why. 

Here's what the website says: 

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

• Air-whipped liquid provides perfecting coverage for 100% poreless skin.
• Full yet lightweight coverage.
• Satin perfect, luminous finish.
• Ideal for normal skin.
• Won’t clog pores, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Oil-free, fragrance-free, tested under dermatological control.

The Maybelline Dream Satin foundation comes in eight shades: Light porcelain 4, Ivory 10, Cameo 20, Nude 21, Sand 30, Fawn 40, Sun beige 48, and Caramel 60. 

I chose to buy this foundation in shade Ivory 10. This was the lightest they had at the time but actually looks pretty good on my pale skin. At first i thought it looked a little too dark but was quickly reminded that spring/ summer is on its way, so will be prefect for when my skin gets a little more tanned. The foundation is beautiful to apply. I just pumped a little on my hand, then using my finger tip, worked it into my skin. It also works well when applied with a foundation brush. I found the the dream satin foundation gives me an even light to medium coverage, although it does work well if you're wanting to build up the foundation to gain more coverage without it looking too cakey. On closer inspection, i have also noticed that the foundation doesn't streak. I hate it when a foundation gives me those dark lines above my jaw bone. 

My only negative problem I found was that it has very poor staying power. I used it yesterday morning and by the evening, I found i needed to redo my whole face. Also my skin looks slightly shiny and had to use a powder on top of the foundation. Overall, i probably wouldn't buy this again just because the negatives over rule the positives for me. That said i will probably still use this one up. You can pick up this foundation in most drugs store. I brought mine from Superdrug for £5.99 reduced from £7.99. 

Gem x

My Amazon Wish List part 3.

Hello ★

It's Thursday, the day i show you guys what is on my Amazon Wish list this week. Today's list is again a little random, containing beauty, fashion and entertainment. 

1. Three tier Cream Cake Stand £13.19 / 2. Naked2 by Urban Decay palettes £51.99 / 3. Kate Spade Flicker Melinda Patent Leather Satchel Firefly Yellow £215 / 4. Lindy Bop wiggle dress £29.99 / 5. Classique Ladies Bicycle £175 / 6. The Silver Linings Playbook  £5.03 / 7. My Mad Fat Diary - Series 1 Dvd £15.99

1. The three tier cake stand is on my wish list, not for displaying cakes, but for makeup storage. I have seen this idea on a lot of blogs and just love the idea of having this on my dressing table. It allows me to be able to see my makeup and to pick products up quickly rather than wasting minutes searching through my drawers. I am also trying to transform my bedroom into a shabby chic boudoir and this stand will tie in nicely with the rest of the room. 

2. The Urban Decay Naked palettes are something i have been lusting after for so long now. They are actually quite expensive on Amazon so I very nearly pulled them off this list, but in the end decided to keep them on as the colours are so lovely and I need one in my life. I have found them cheaper on Beauty Bay for £32 each. 

3. This Kate Spade satchel in yellow is amazing. I visited London on Saturday and the girl sat next to me on the train had this bag. She was dressed head to toe in black and this handbag just stood out to me in a sea of people. I love the idea of adding a bold colour to an otherwise plain outfit. I have found some neon bags on the high street which i am definitely treating myself to on payday. 

4.  In my quest to change my look to more 1940's vintage, i have come across this LBD dress from Lindy Bop for £29.99. I love the sheer sleeves and the hour glass silhouette. Its so classic and gorgeous. 

5. Recently i have been addicted to Tumblr (gemmasthoughtsandloves if you wish to follow me). I have come across quite a few photos of these bikes being used by girls. I love anything with a vintage look and have secretly wanted a bike with a basket since seeing the film One Day. I probably won't be buying this pink version and think i would rather have a creme or pastel blue one. With having to walk quite far on my school runs every day, i think a bike will be extremely useful for me. 

6.  The silver linings playbook has been very recommended to be by a fellow book fan. Also, with the film coming out in cinemas i really want to read the book before i see the film. From the book description it tells us how the lead character Pat Peoples believes his life is a movie written by God and is determined to make his life a funny rom-com with a happy ending. This interests me so I'm definitely looking forward to reading this. 

7. Who doesn't like 'My Mad Fat Diary'? I have caught the show on E4 and just love it. I can kind of relate to Rae and her life. I too was an outcast, experienced issues with mental health, as well as body issues whilst growing up. The series one box set isn't out till 25th February but have already pre ordered this. 

There's this weeks wish list. Any products there that are also on your wish list? Hope you are having a great Thursday!   

Gem x

Holiday glow from Look Beauty: A review

Hello ★

Another beauty post for you today. The product of the day is the Look Beauty Holiday glow bronzer. The shade of this one is 'Hollywood - shade 1'. 

I went to my local super drug at the weekend in search of a decent bronzer as a lot of people lately have been commenting on how pale i look. I am an anaemia suffer with naturally pale skin, so i do have a lot of days looking like a ghost.

Anyway, i came across the Look Beauty counter and picked up a couple of their products including this one. As you may already know, Look beauty has come from Look magazine and has surpassed my expectations. Their makeup is very reasonably priced and amazing quality. The Holiday Glow bronzers come in square metallic packaging, which are quite bulky but I suppose they will protect the blush from damage. The compact also has a large mirror inside which for me is ideal for those on the go touch ups.

The Holiday Glow bronzers come in three shades which are Hollywood, Rio and Ibiza. I decided to buy the Hollywood shade as it seemed a lot more suitable for my skin. It is a warm toned mix of brown and pink shimmer and although seems dark in the compact, it is actually quite light on the skin. On most skin tones this would be an ideal blush or bronzer but deeper skin tones it can be used as a highlight. When applied, I found it very soft in texture enabling me to blend easily. Also the bronzer felt soft on the skin, without any dreaded caking. Just what you need in a beauty product.

Overall, i found Holiday Glow - Hollywood very easy to apply and with my greasy skin, lasted the whole day. My skin is sun kissed and now everyone tells me i am looking really healthy. Just what i was after. From Superdrug this product will set you back £8 but is currently on offer for £5.

Gem x

My place or yours? Benefit's Gina perfume review.

Hello ♥

Another Benefit product to review today. As I said in my "They're Real" review i purchased the Gina goes glam gift set from the benefit website for £19.67. Other than the mascara, this gorgeous perfume was included in the box alongside a small sample of "The pore-fessional" which i am yet to try. 

On to the perfume: 

If benefit wasn't so expensive I think I would own their entire range. I am a massive fan of their fountains and blushers and love how they make my skin look and and feel. As i don't have a high disposable income, i have to very slowly build up my Benefit collection. Because of this i was very happy to discover this perfume in the sale. I have tried it before i brought it on line, at the Benefit counters in Debenhams and immediately fell in love with it. The first thing i thought when i saw the perfume sat on the counter was that it was such a different looking bottle of perfume, sort of like a  gold cocktail shaker covered in lovely patterned paper. The only bad thing being that you can't see when you are getting low. The Gina perfume comes from a line of four from Benefit's Crescent Row range. I had a tester card of all four but something drew me to this perfume as there was something slightly unusual about it. 

The perfume is described as a 'seductively, provocative and woody oriental scent' which i think is an accurate description. I also noticed a hit of raspberry but was not an overpowering fruity scent. I have never smelt this before which made the perfume even better in my opinion. I would say it is a fragrance for the evening, but will also be suitable for wear in the day if you have a lunch date or work meeting. 

Another great feature of this fragrance is that it lasts most of the day. I still smelt it on my arm and neck after five hours of wear. This is ideal if you are a busy professional or plan to stay up till the early hours of the morning. Very pleased with this. 

Overall, I am in love with this perfume. I really hope Benefit don't discontinue it as i have heard it has been on sale for a while. The full sized product of 30ml will set you back £29.50, which i think for a benefit product, is pretty reasonable, especially with its staying power. I love the woody, oriental scents and feel Benefit have done a great job with this one. 

Hope you are having a great day. 

Gem x

Benefit "They're Real" Mascara review.

Hello ♥

Time for me to start writing up some beauty reviews. I will probably be blogging about a new product everyday this week, starting with the very popular Benefit They're real mascara.

This product was recommended to me by literally everyone, from bloggers to personal friends. I feel though that everyone has different preferences when it comes to makeup, so without splashing out too much money on a product I potentially won't like,  I have got my hands on a small sample size mascara. This was included in Benefit's Gina goes glam gift set which i brought on the sales page of their website for £19.67. 

The plastic comb has plastic bristles on the tip so you could easily get into the harder to reach areas of your eyes like the inner corners of the lash line and lower lashes. Not really something i have used before but i am impressed with this concept.

When I first used this product on my lashes, I wasn't too blown away. I am currently using Maybelline's Cats eyes which i love to pieces so I'm sorry to say this mascara doesn't beat it for me. I feel it only beats the cats eyes mascara in the fact that it doesn't clump up. 

(please excuse the crazy eyes pic) You can kinda of see in the photo how the mascara makes my eye lashes look fuller and longer, but this is with five coats applied. Maybe i got an duff product or something as most reviews state they only needed one. 

I love having long lashes and if I add five layers of Benefit "they're real" then it does kind of look like I'm wearing falsies. For me the mascara is not worth the price, especially hearing that it drys up after a month. So overall, i will not be repurchasing this mascara and instead will be sticking with my Maybelline's cats eyes. 

What did you think of this product? 

Gem x

A beauty review: The Mascaras that I own.

Hello ♥

While putting on my makeup this morning i realised i have a lot of mascaras. I think this is because I'm extremely fussy when it comes to my lashes. If a mascara doesn't make my lashes look thick and long then i toss it to the side. I have wanted to write a review of my favourite product Maybelline's cat eyes for a while now and have decided to also review a couple of other that are in my makeup box as well. 

My best Mascaras. 

Maybelline the colossal volume express, cat eyes.  

I have been using this for nearly a year now and some how managed to avoid buying a new one. Just shows how much value for money the mascara is. It's a makeup product that i use every day and i have really struggled to find any other mascara to beat it. No, i haven't yet tried this Benefit they're real mascara that everyone is raving about. I just don't like the price of that one and have heard it dries out quickly. Will test it out one day when my curiosity gets the better of me.

The day i brought this mascara, i didn't really have one in mind. I wasn't into makeup last year so had no clue what where the best products on the market. I rushed and picked up the first one to catch my eye. You could say i judged it on the cover. Not the best thing to do but it was a good move in the end. With its bright yellow with leopard print details, it defiantly stood out among the hundreds of black mascaras. 

The wand itself is a curved 'spoon' type brush, This really works well on your lashes and now if i do treat myself to a different mascara i will probably look for this type of brush.  The brush is super easy to use and due to the bristles being so short, you can get right down to the eye to ensure you catch every lash as you stroke upwards.

Maybelline claims this mascara will give 'wide eye volume' and will 'flare out lashes for a bold cat evening look'. They are right. It really does. My lashes are lovely and long, almost giving the effect of false lashes (after a few coats). What i love the most about this product is that, having sensitive eyes myself, it does not affect them in any way. No sore, itchiness like most mascaras give me. The only negative if that if you cry or get caught in the rain the mascara begins to run. 

A mascara I didn't get on with..

Collection 2000 Skyscraper.

I saw this in my local pound shop and immediately thew it in my basket. I had no idea if was good or not, i just saw a bargain and snapped it up. 

Collection 2000 promise this mascara offers new super lengthening, clump free formula and also that the longer bristles on the brush coat your lashes from root to tip to deliver sky high length. 

When applied, it doesn't really show much or give you those va va vroom lashes which most girls like including me. However, it is nice for a soft day time look. It does lengthen a bit, and it does go on nicely but I just don’t see much else. I didn’t dislike this mascara entirely, but I wouldn’t buy it again. 

Another great mascara. 

Rimmel Scandel Eyes.

This mascara was not brought on impulse but recommended to me by a friend. I have always love Rimmel and never brought a bad product from their collection. This one didn't disappoint. I love how thick the brush is although this means i find it slightly difficult to apply on my little eyes. Lots of eye pokes etc. The great thing about it is that it picks up every single lash and really gives them extra volume. The brush also acts as a comb to brush out any clumpy build ups. I am also very impressed with how well the mascara stays on throughout the day, even if they get wet. Although, it is not as good as maybelline's cats eyes, this is still a great mascara and would defiantly recommend it. 

What mascaras are you loving at the moment? Feel free to leave a comment.
Gem x

What i got in my glossy box January 2013

Hello ♡

Just received my Glossy box through the post. Really cheers me up when i receive these but i admit i do keep trying to cancel my subscription. My makeup desk is starting to get a bit crammed with small sample bottles that i haven't used. I just can't click that cancel button though. I said to myself after the disappointing December box that January was going to be the decider. Although there are some nice products this month I'm still not satisfied that it is worth the £12 coming out of my bank each month.

Anyway on to the box,

The theme is a 'January Detox' for the post festive period, with products aiming to 'stimulate your senses...while rejuvenating your spirit for a replenished new you'. 

In the box i received:

Sanctuary Spa Active reverse thermal transformation mask. 

I love my face masks so this is a good product to receive. I admit i over indulged over Christmas on chocolate and alcohol, leaving my skin worse for wear. Also the temperature has dropped again so my skin is crying out for a treatment.  This mask comes in two steps. Step one is a serum which you wear under 'step 2' which is a clay mask. Excited to try this. 

BM Beauty finishing powder

This apparently comes from Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt and makeup artist Laura McComiskie. Not too sure about celebrity makeup lines but will give this a go as it is quite a nice pale pink colour.

Bonus product: Glossy eye mask

This is really needed as my children sometimes get scared of the dark and turn the landing lights on. Nice quality too.

Hydo Dynamic moisture for eyes

At £57 for a full size product this should be good. It promises to help with those ageing signs and make you look nice and fresh. Being a mum this is very needed. Not doing too well with sleep at the moment. 

Eco Boutique Body lotion.

I love aloe vera products but really do not need any more body lotion. I'm fully stocked from Christmas. However i will give this one a chance.

Monu micro exfolioant

This product cost £14.50 for a full size 100ml. I have actually been after an exfolioant for a while now. I have tried some before such as clearisil but find my skin becomes very dry, even with moisturiser. Will see if this one works and let you know my review soon.

Overall, this is a good box especially after Christmas and new years indulgences. Will probably use all these products over time.

Gem x