July Glossybox

Salut!
This month's Glossybox is by far my favourite of the ones I have received so far. The collector's edition box was inspired by French skincare, complete with illustrations and a box designed by the phenomenal artist Jamie Lee Reardin. 

This month's box featured 4 French skincare products, as well as an adorable exclusive Glossybox travel pouch. I'm not even a little bit disappointed with any of these products and I'm really impressed with the amount of effort that went into the July Glossybox! I have a weird obsession with France and think it is a beautiful country, so I was really excited when I saw that this box was French inspired.

First of all, a little bit about the artist! Jamie Lee Reardin is the fashion 'it' artist of the moment, and has done work for Chanel, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Cara Delevingne, and Anna Wintour. Ooh la la! She was the brains behind the gorgeous design of the box and the adorable face of the box, Mademoiselle Glossy. Check out her Instagram here.

First up is the noxidoxi Enhancing Serum Base which aims to protect your skin from external aggressions - fancy!

noxidoxi Enhancing Serum Base

Glossybox Says: A serum is the power-house of any skincare regime. From Bordeaux-born brand noxidoxi, this has a CRC6 moisturising complex, which hydrates the skin's surface as well as deeper layers, while a cocktail of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories protect the skin. Layer under moisturiser.
My Review: I have never used a serum before, although I've really wanted to. This stuff shields your skin from environmental damage, so no matter what the weather, or how polluted your surroundings are (smokers, cough cough), your skin will still be amazing. I actually really like this. I put this on in the morning after cleansing and toning, and before moisturising, and found that it left my face feeling healthy and protected. I do believe this stuff works really well, and for something that protects your skin from smoke and pollutants, I don't think £33.46 is bad all all! You can get it here.

Next, the Lollipops Lip Balm Delicieuse, the only full sized product featured in this month's Glossybox.

Lollipops Lip Balm Delicieuse

Glossybox Says: A wonderful French find. This rich and creamy balm immediately soothes and softens with antioxidants and vitamin E, as well as protecting the lips from UV damage. Perfect for the summer!
My Review: I'll be honest, lip balms aren't something I tend to worry about very much anymore, simply because I've found my holy grail lip balm which is the Body Shop Cocoa Butter lip balm, but there's definitely no harm in trying new things, especially if they've come all the way from France! I'll start with the bad point first - there is barely anything in the tube. I had to squeeze it really hard to get any lip balm out, so I probably won't repurchase it simply because you're not really getting much! However, this stuff is really good. It smells quite sweet, I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like but it's definitely familiar! It does hydrate your lips and I found it was a lovely base in my skincare routine. It's only £4.15 for a tube and is available here. It is also available in two other flavours!

This is the only product I haven't actually tried yet, and you'll see why in a minute... Presenting the Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner!

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner

Glossybox Says: Why hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin, 10% glycolic acid to help resurface the skin and calming ingredients to reduce irritation. Start by using it every other night (you'll feel a mild tingling at first), and as with all potent treatments, a high SPF is a must during the day.
My Review: Okay, when a product makes your skin tingle, you know that either it's working it's magic, or you're going to die. Well, not really, but it's easy to be intimidated by products that affect your skin that way, so I am a little scared to try this, but even more excited. The only reason I haven't tried this yet is simply because I don't own an SPF, gasp! Shock horror! I know, I need to buy one, but they're pricey and I never go outside because I'm a winter girl. However, at £70 a pop (!), it had better be good. If you can afford this then head on over here to purchase it!

You can never have too many perfumes, so you can imagine my happiness when I saw the Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Eau De Parfum in the box (what a mouthful!)

Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Eau De Parfum

Glossybox Says: This quintessentially French musky floral scent is light, feminine and airy. It intertwines notes of violet leaves, rose, lily of the valley and patchouli for a subtle scent that lasts all day (or night) long.
My Review: Gorgeous. Wonderful. Love, love, love! This is such a beautiful scent, it makes me feel so feminine and bubbly, I don't even know how to describe it! Y'know when you're wearing your favourite lipstick or your most flattering jeans and your mood is instantly lifted? This is the perfume version of that. SWOON! It's only £24.50 which is really good for such a lovely perfume, and is available here!

Lastly, my personal favourite, the Glossybox Exclusive Travel Pouch! Peachy keen, jellybean!

Exclusive Glossybox Travel Pouch

Glossybox Says: With exclusive artwork by fashion illustrator Jamie Lee Reardin, this zip-lock pouch is the chicest way to keep your beauty essentials safe through security, or use it as your everyday make-up bag.
My Review: The little bag features an illustration of Mademoiselle Glossy on it, and it is just so cute! It's the perfect size for my daily make-up essentials, so it's brilliant for carrying around in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

So that's the July Glossybox! It looks absolutely gorgeous sat on my makeup desk with my other boxes, and I have not been let down! If you don't already have a glossybox subscription you can get one on the Glossybox website, and receive 5 surprise goodies every month! I highly recommend, it's so exciting!

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, you can do that here. There's still a few weeks left so get in while you can!

Until next time, au revoir!
Katie xo

June Glossybox

I'll be honest, I wasn't particularly impressed with this month's Glossybox. It was The Festival Edit, and I didn't really feel like any of the products really benefitted me as I'm not going to any festivals this year, and it's rare that I show any skin, winter or summer. 

The products featured in this month's Glossybox include the Monu Spa Rosewood Reviving Mist, a spray to use to set your makeup or keep you refreshed through the day, Glossybox Flash Tattoos, Halo Fragrance Free Facial Wipes, Kueshi Anticellulite Booster, a cream to reduce the look of cellulite, and Essence Gel Nail Polish in a gorgeous bright red.

The first thing I tried was the Monu Spa Rosewood Reviving Mist. I wanted to know how it work as a makeup setter as I'd never used anything except pressed powder to set my makeup, and I was really interested to see if the liquid would ruin my makeup - it did not!

Glossybox says: This skin pick me up never leaves my desk. It's perfect for dull, stressed or flushed skin thanks to the zesty blend of essential oils including lemon, rosewood and geranium. Mist over the face to refresh and set make-up or spray all over to hydrate skin after a bath, shower or swim.
My Review: I was quite intimidated by this product, but was soon overcome with love when I used it. The smell wasn't quite appealing to me as I thought it was too musky, but it stopped my makeup from going cakey and clumpy through the day, kept my face cool and made me feel refreshed. I'm not sure if I love it enough to purchase it, but it's definitely a worth while little product. The full size version of this is £11.95 and is available here.

Next up was the Glossies Flash Tattoos. I haven't actually tried these yet, so what do you guys think of the fake tattoo trend going on at the moment?

Glossybox says: We're always working to ensure our Glossies are a step ahead when it comes to trends, so we've designed these exclusive faux tattoos. Make like the A-listers and wear them stacked around your wrists with a few bangles or apply them somewhere different such as above the ankle. I'm obsessed with mine!
My Review: I think the idea is really cute and I love the designs that were included in them, and I think I'll try a few next week when my summer holidays start! They're worth £6.50, which I think is quite expensive for fake tattoos, but there you go. They're shiny and nice, so who cares!

The Halo Fragrance Free Facial Wipes was one thing that I wasn't particularly excited about, as I'm pretty sure all face wipes essentially do the same thing. I always buy really cheap facial wipes and they always work perfectly for me.

Glossybox says: Perfectly proportioned to tuck anywhere, these facial wipes are fragrance free so they're suitable for anyone with sensitive or sunned-out skin. I keep a pack in my make-up kit, desk drawer, and my handbag!
My Review: This was a travel size product and I don't think there was anything special about these wipes if I'm honest. The packaging was really cute but they do exactly the same as Wilko's own facial wipes, nothing more, nothing less. I found them really handy for wiping little bits of makeup I had missed the night before but I'm not going to purchase them. 50p for 100 in Wilko's does me fine! The travel size is available in Tesco for £1.20.

I was quite intrigued when I saw the Kueshi Anticellulite Booster in this box, as I had never seen anything like it before. 

Glossybox says: This lightweight cream combines a hard-hitting mix of natural ingredients and antioxidants to stimulate blood circulation, in turn toning your skin and fighting off any dimples. Massage into your legs twice a day for summer-ready pins.
My Review: I have no idea if I have cellulite. I mean, I probably do, most people do, but it's not something I fuss about as I never get my skin out. Literally never. It was 29 degrees today and I was wearing black skinny jeans and a sweater. I think I'll keep this handy when I start to become more comfortable with my body, but until then, no review! This was a full size product, which is available for £14.55.

I love nail polish and am constantly after new colours, so I was very happy when I saw the Essense the Gel Nail Polish in my June Glossybox. However, I saw that it was a Gel Polish, which I had never used before, so I was also quite nervous to try it.

Glossybox says: Meet our latest nail obsession, This innovative nail polish has a long-lasting gel formula, for an amazingly shiny manicure that endures all week. Apply it as you would any normal nail polish, and invest in Essence's Gel Nail Polish Top Coat for a pro finish!
My Review: I've never used a gel polish before, but I now LOVE them. The finish was so shiny and gorgeous, and I only needed 2 coats to completely cover my nails. It's been 3 weeks since I painted my nails and most of them still look almost-presentable! I got the red colour as opposed to the green or blue, but I don't think it suits my skin for the summer time, so I'll probably wear it a lot around Christmas time. This was another full sized product which is available here for £1.91, bargain!

All in all, I wasn't amazingly impressed with this box although a few of the products were quite good. I'm excited for next month's box as it has been designed in collaboration with a celebrated fashion illustrator (fancy!), and marries French style with the best of French beauty inspiration. So exciting!

See you soon!
Katie xo

P.S  If you haven't already entered my massive giveaway, you can do so here!

May Glossybox

Hi guys!

I am so excited to be writing this post because I finally got a subscription to Glossybox!! For those of you who don't know, Glossybox is a beauty subscription company who send you a box of makeup/haircare/beauty products and samples for you to try out. It's really great for people, like me, who want to broaden their knowledge of all things beauty and you can find some really gems in these little boxes.

My first Glossybox box!

I'll start off talking about the packaging of the box before the products, simply because I'm so impressed! The box itself came in a  black cardboard packaging with the Glossybox logo on it, which was really really cute. I love when companies spend that little extra to deliver things to you in style. Glossybox always sends you an adorable little pink box with the logo and 'Glossybox' written on it, and it's so simple and minimalistic but I love it so much. Inside the box has the Glossybox logo and the products are sat on top of black tissue paper, which is then enveloped in a very simple and elegant white tissue paper, sealed with a logo sticker and a pretty ribbon. I am literally in love with the packaging, I'm going to keep every box on my bookcase. The box came with a little card which explains what the different products are and how to use them, which I think is a lovely idea. Thanks Glossybox!

Glossybox interior and this month's products

The 5 products I got this month were the Zerreau Beauty Towel Off Shampoo Foam, an alternative to dry shampoo, the MeMeMe Enchanted Eyes Dual Ended Eye Wand which is a double ended blue eyeliner, the Etre Belle Aloe Vera Ultra Moisturising Gel which hydrates and moisturises your face, the Collection Cosmetics Field Day Lipstick in a gorgeous light pink, and the Nails Inc. Nail Polish.

I started with the shampoo first, as I was planning to wash my hair anyway so it was the perfect time to try it. This product is essentially dry shampoo in foam form. Instead of spraying in your hair and brushing it through, you squirt some into your hands and rub it into your roots and ends. It's perfect for when you're in too much of a rush to wash your hair properly, but not so much of a rush that you just need to spray and go. 

Towel Off Shampoo Foam - Zerreau Beauty

Glossybox says:  Apply the foam directly to your scalp and massage it in to lift dirt and grease. Immediately remove the foam by towel drying - voila, your hair looks freshly washed again.
My Review:  The packaging of this product is really lovely and sleek which I like, but I think they could maybe spice it up a bit as it is a little bit plain. The foam smells of a light apple scent which is absolutely gorgeous for this time of year, and definitely makes your hair feel and smell really fresh and crisp! MMMM. I found I had to use quite a few pumps of the product to really cover my hair (I have quite a lot), but that's to be expected from a foam. After towel drying my hair, I found that it did look noticeably cleaner and brighter, but maybe not as much as I was expecting. I think this product is a really cool idea and definitely different, and although I do like it, I wouldn't buy it. It isn't tested on animals which is an amazing plus, and it's alcohol free too! It retails for £7.95 and is available here.

The next product I tried I was really excited for and was the moisturising gel by Etre Belle. I thought this was a mini product at first but when I checked again, realised that Glossybox had given us 3 full sized products this month! 

Aloe Vera Moisturising Gel - Etre Belle

Glossybox Says:  For a healthy glow, apply a sufficient amount to your face and neck in upwards motions to hydrate and soothe your skin.
My Review:  The packaging of this gel is really cute and comes in a little opaque tube, which I always prefer to a pump as you can see how much product is left and get it out yourself. It's really stylish and has a gold detailing on the lid and the brand name. The gel itself is a gorgeous green colour and smells very fresh and light. It reminds me a little bit of Johnson's baby lotion, but not as strong. I used the gel in place of my moisturiser, but I think I might use it as well as my moisturiser to see how much of a difference it makes. I found this product to really hydrate my skin and make my skin feel brighter and more awake instantly, which I loved, but found it left my face feeling a little bit sticky. I don't know if I didn't rub it in properly or if that's just how the product worked on my skin, but it was quite strange. It made my skin feel quite a bit tighter, which the product aims to do too. I think I need to use this product a few more times before I can make a firm decision on whether I like it or not. This product retails for £15.93, which personally I think is quite steep for only 40ml, but if you've got the money to spend, might be a nice little treat for your skin now and again. It's available here.

Next up is the lipstick. I'm quite bad with lipsticks as, although I think they look amazing on, I can never seem to make it look neat. Maybe my lips are just a funny shape but quite often they make me look really strange, so I was quite sceptical when I decided to try this one.

Field Day Lipstick in Tulip 2 - Collection Cosmetics

Tulip swatch

Glossybox Says:  Prepare your lips by gently exfoliating them to create a smooth surface, followed by a dash of lip balm. Apply one coat of lipstick, then blot with tissue paper before applying a second coat to build up and seal in colour.
My Review:  I think the packaging of this collection looks quite cheap and tacky, although it does use nice summery colours. I really loved the colour of this product, 2 Tulip, as it's a gorgeous summery pink which I thought would look lovely with loose wavy hair and a floaty white dress. However, on me, the colour looks a bit hideous. I look really plastic and I think my skin tone is just completely wrong for this colour and I would need something slightly darker. I also found that it didn't go on well as the pigmentation wasn't amazing, and it took me a little while to cover my lips completely. I then blotted my lips and applied a second coat and found it wasn't all that buildable. Overall I'm not very impressed with this lipstick which is a complete shame because the colour is so pretty. If you have very light skin this might be a perfect colour for you, and for only £2.99, it's worth a try to see for yourself. You can find the product here.

Eyeliner was next on my list, and I wasn't quite as excited when I saw this in the box. I am really not a fan of any colour eyeliner other than black because I'm really boring and not adventurous at all, but I thought, I'm getting this Glossybox so that I can broaden my makeup and beauty knowledge and try more things, and considering blue eyeliner is a key trend for spring, I decided to give it a go anyway.

MeMeMe Enchanted Eyes Dual Ended Eye Wand - Light Blue

MeMeMe Enchanted Eyes Dual Ended Eye Wand - Dark Blue

Wand swatch, left - light blue, right - dark blue

Glossybox Says:  For a decadent line of colour, start at the inner corner of your eye and delicately drag the pencil outwards in one smooth sweep.
My Review: The packaging of this product is really simple and has two clear plastic lids so you can see which colour is at which end. I found both colours to be extremely pigmented and was surprised at how much I liked them. The darker of the two looked like a very grey blue, which would be perfect for a summery smokey eye and the lighter blue was very electric and reminded me of the video to Last Friday Night by Katy Perry! I think this colour would look really cool on a night out or at a dress-up party, and would really pop if it was paired with coloured mascara, such as pink! I think I'll use the darker of the two more often as I'm not confident enough to rock the electric blue on a day to day basis. The eyeliner was really easy to remove with a simple micellar water, so I wasn't left scrubbing blue off of my eye. Thumbs up from me! The eyeliner retails for £6.95 which is really good considering you get 2 in 1, and is available here.

Last but not least, the nail polish. I have started painting my nails a lot more than I used to, so I was really happy when I saw I had received one. 

Nails Inc. Nail Polish - shade unknown

Glossybox Says: Apply one thin coat in three strokes on top of a base coat and leave to dry before applying a second coat.
My Review: The packaging of this nail polish is really simple and cute and I don't have any complaints on that. The colour of this polish is a very light red toned purple. Although I don't think it will be a great summer colour, I think I'll wear it a lot in the transition into Autumn and possible early springtime. I love the brush in the polish as it makes the application really easy and is quite thin so you don't end up putting loads of paint on my nails. I didn't get any paint of my fingers (which I always do!) so I am really in love with the brush. The paint dried really really quickly which I wasn't expecting, and I also found that the paint was quite pigmented, so I only needed two coats to get a good coverage on my nails. I'm really excited to use this product more and I think I'm going to check out the collection and see what other colours Nails Inc. have! I don't actually know what colour this polish is as it's only a sample size, but you can see the collections here. This full size of this polish retails for £14.

Overall I'm quite happy with my Glossybox and I can't wait until next month to see the next lot of goodies I receive! Beauty boxes are so much fun, especially when you have no idea where to start when it comes to beauty and makeup. Do you like Glossybox or have any other beauty box subscriptions? Let me know!

See you soon!
Katie xo