NO7 BOOTS ADVENT CALENDAR 2014 - 25 DAYS OF BEAUTY

I know what your thinking, yes I know it's only November, but it's important to get your advent ready for the 1st of December. Last year, Boots did their own Advent Calendar, which was a huge success and contained lots of different brands and products available in-store. I was a little disappointed they didn't bring it back this year, but they have just released a N07 Advent Calendar (be warned the contents is shown on the website). The N07 beauty calendar is priced at £35.00 and has a value of £135.00. It contains N07's Bestselling products behind every one of it's 25 doors. That's even a present for Christmas Day! The products range from make-up to skincare to bodycare, so there is something for everyone. Some of the products are full-sized and some of them are minatures. I won't spoil the whole contents, but my favourite products have to be the high shine lip crayons and the skin illuminator radiance boosting beauty fluid and I don't think there is a product I wouldn't use! It's perfect to try products you haven't tried before and minis are also great for travelling. The calendar also includes a beauty quote behind every door, which is also a nice touch. I also really like the packaging as it opens like a book and the pink and gold colours looks really luxe together. I am very impressed with the contents of this Advent and I feel like it's one of the more affordable ones this year. I feel advent calendars have definitely shot up in price and I'd be more happy to have more choice around the £30.00 mark. This would make a great early Christmas present or even a gift to yourself to make you feel more festive! I'm sure a whole range of women will be eager to get their hands on this, bring on December! No7 also have some gorgeous gifts this year, including their Christmas Cracker Collection and their Best of the Best Beauty Collection.

Which advent calendar will you be buying this year?

JULY GLOSSYBOX 2014 - STARS & STRIPES

This month’s Glossybox is covered with the American Flag and contains American brands from around the country. I love the bright starred box and will definitely keep it and have it on display in my room. I have been a Glossybox subscriber for a few years now, you can subscribe here.

Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick, 3.5g £20.00 - This is a full-size lipstick,  I got the shade Mandarina. I love the orangey red shade which is really summery. I haven’t tried much or heard much of the brand but it’s nice to try something a little different. They are formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments, iron oxides and antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. I have found this lovely and moisturising and long lasting too. The mineral pigments provide natural protection from the sun, which is great for this summer sun. The product seems to be of good quality, giving you a vibrant colour and the scent is nice too. It doesn’t feel like you have lipstick on as it’s so lightweight, very impressed! Not sure of the £20.00 price tag though.

Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque, 120g £18.00 - I am a face mask junkie, especially when it comes to clay masks. This mask unclogs pores, cleanses skin and gently exfoliates. It gets rid of impurities and removes dead skin cells for fresher more radiant looking skin. I like to leave this on for 10 minutes as a weekly treat and rinse with warm water. This is a sample size product, but you do get quite a few applications in the tube. The colour of the masque is brown when it comes out and drys instantly on your face, the scent isn't over powering and it's easy to remove with water. You can buy this in Marks & Spencer's Beauty Hall.

Color Club Glossy Seal Nail Polish, 15ml £8.00 - I have tried these polishes before from Birchbox. They have a great formulation, fun shades for summer and are very long lasting on the nails. I bought a summer set last year and loved that, so I would really recommend the brand. The formulation is made from non-toxic, cruelty free ingredients. The shade which is included in the box is called ‘Glossy Seal’ which is exclusive to the July Glossybox.

Carmex Lip Balm, 7.5g £2.69 - This is a cult lip product which I have used many times before. It really helps to nourish my lips and restore any chapped areas. Not the most exciting product as I’m sure most people have tried this before. The formula contains menthol, camphor and beeswax, which conditions my lips back to a good base to apply lip products without looking messy.

Absolute New York Perfecting Eye shadow Primer, 7.9g £4.99 - I do have to make sure I use an eye shadow primer as I have oily skin and want my make-up to stay put. It’s oil-free, really creamy and evens skin tone before you apply eye shadow. It helps to keep eye shadow crease-free and helps the pigmentation to appear stronger and lasts longer. I like to use this to hide veins and redness around the eye area, it’s also really blendable. This is another full-size product, it's nice to see so many in one box!

This box wasn’t outstanding for me but I did have a few key products I have been enjoying. My favourite products being the Color Club nail polish and the Pur Minerals Clay Mask. I have liked Glossybox’s themed boxes before but I think the box design wins over the contents inside.

Are you subscribed to Glossybox?

URBAN DECAY REVOLUTION LIPSTICK & NAKED LIPGLOSS

Urban Decay was one of my favourite brands through my teenage years. I really liked the fun, playful side of the packaging (half naked men on lip gloss) and I always received an eye shadow palette for Christmas which was full of glitter shadows. My one regret is not really being obsessed with make-up when they released the Alice in Wonderland palette, as I’d love to have that in my collection.

Over the last few years, Urban Decay has revamped their packaging and has had a big cult following with the success of their Naked palettes.The brand has introduced Revolution Lipsticks to the range which comes in 23 different colours. The range includes many lovely nudes and bold brights, so there is something for everyone. I decided to choose the colour Lovelight which is a pale peachy pink shimmer which is perfect for everyday wear. The formulations of these lipsticks are creamy, pigmented and nourishing on the lips. They contain a blend of Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter which keeps lips moisturised and hydrated. The lipstick is long wearing but I do like to touch up after eating and drinking.

I love the new packaging, the lipsticks look more expensive than they are, in the gunmetal and deep purple tube. I would definitely pick another lipstick up from the range. The lipsticks are priced at £15.00 for 2.8g of product.

Urban Decay have also brought out Lip glosses in their Naked range. I chose the Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in the shade Streak. The range has nine different nude shades to choose from which give a high-gloss finish. It’s ingredients include; Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, Rosehip Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil and Shea Butter to hydrate and condition your lips. I feel it helps to improve the volume of your lips and it claims to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The packaging is very luxe again. I really like the extra long paddle applicator which you don’t see on many lipglosses. This means you can apply enough gloss in one application. I like to use both products separately or layer the lipgloss over the lipstick for a more coral lip. The lipglosses are priced at £14.00 for 4ml of product.

Have you tried Urban Decay Lip products?

CURRENT BEAUTY WANTS

As a new year has come round, I've held back (kinda) on the beauty spending but that doesn't stop me wanting more. There's always a product to lust over. Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Finishing Powder £22.00 - I haven't heard too much about this product, but I'm looking for a new setting powder that will last all day. This product is great at creating the soft focus effect and helps your make-up stay looking flawless. I also want to try the Naked foundation from the brand. Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow Palette £36.00 - I'm the first to say that I don't need anymore eyeshadow palettes, but this one is a beauty! Smashbox eyeshadows glide on like a dream, and this is the perfect combination of matte and shimmer. It comes with a double ended eyeshadow brush and a mini full exposure mascara. Ren Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser £16.00 - Ren has to be one of my favourite skincare brands, so when I heard they were bringing out a hot cloth cleanser I knew I had to try it. I have been enjoying the Rosa Centifolia range so far, great for all skin types and the scent is lush! Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blusher £30.00 - I recently watched a bunch of tutorials making me want everything from the brand! I'm in love with this blush and the bar of gold highlighter -  I've only heard good things. Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo £4.59 - I'm very faithful to my beloved V05 dry shampoo but I have heard great things and hope to pick it up the next time I'm in Boots as it's so affordable. I also want to try Bumble and Bumble's Pret-a-Powder, but for the price Dove is currently top of my list. Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Body Scrub £37.00 - I am currently using the And Other Stories Fig Fiction Scrub - which I love. When I run out of that I'm caving and buying this luxurious scrub for some serious pampering!

Let me know what your beauty wants are or if you've tried any of these products?

JUNE BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

These are my favourites this month, only a few key products which I have stuck to for the whole month of June. Some I have reviewed in full length, so I will link where necessary. 
Soap & Glory Rich & Famous Body Wash £6.50 - This is fast becoming my favourite shower gel to use, I turn to this one every time, even though I do have a few in my bathroom to choose from. I just love the almond and honey scent and it does leave your skin feeling really moisturised after use. Read my full review here.
No7 Melting Gel Cleanser £9.00 - This cleanser is suited to Normal/Dry skin. I have been really enjoying using this, this month. The gel foams up when applied to a damp face, so it is perfect for removing make-up and gentle on the eye area too. I have recently bought a Clarisonic, (review coming up) and it's really great to use with that too as it foams up just enough for a deep clean.

I love... Cosmetics Coconut & Cream Shower Smoothie £2.05 - This is a great body scrub, the exfoliating beads aren't too harsh and really do make you feel cleaner after use. Coconut is one of my very scents, so this is a clear winner in my eyes. I also have the Bubble bath to this, and this makes your bath smell heavenly, I would highly recommend I love... products, they are really affordable too. 

Nip + Fab Coconut Latte Body Butter £5.66 - Another coconut scented product. I have raved about this item, read my full review here. I love the texture of this body butter, it's a really light formula, great for summer! I think these beat The Body Shop's butters, and are slightly cheaper as well. I want to try the pistachio flavoured one next. 
Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly £2.95 - I have nearly finished this product. This can either be used in the bath or shower, but I would recommend using it in a bath as this product can go everywhere. The texture is just like jelly, it's smells good enough to eat. (Just like the comforter by Lush) It also contains glitter which is really fun, but I just love the way it makes my skin feel and the scent really does linger on your skin.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation £24.50 - I purchased this before it came out in the UK, when I was in New York. I have the shade Ivory - 'I'm pure 4 sure' (the lightest shade.) I like the way this foundation leaves my skin feeling fresh and dewy. I would say it's a medium coverage and does last all day. I don't use this everyday because of the price, but it is up there in my top 3 foundations.
No7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara £12.95 - This is my favourite new mascara, read my full review here. This mascara really does lengthen lashes, and I have had a few compliments on they way my lashes look when wearing this, as it does create a 'fan' shape around your eye. The wand is very strange, but I would repurchase this mascara as it is the best I have found in recent months. I also love the TV advert.

What are your favourites this month?

GLOSSYBOX - JUNE 2012 SEXY SUMMER BOX

I have been subscribed to Glossybox since November, after hearing about it on YouTube earlier on in the year. I think it's a great concept to try out new products that I maybe wouldn't pick up in the shops and always find something in the box each month which I fully use up and want to repurchase. This month's box arrived this morning and I think it's one of the best suited to me yet, so I couldn't wait to share.

This month's box is all about products which will help you get beach ready, and will cover every summer beauty need!
Glossybox - Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush, £15.00 - I think it's great that glossybox include their own products, it seems like a good quality brush that I would probably use for blush. (Also goes with the mirror we received in last month's box.)
Yves Rocher France - Mini Mascara Ultra-Volume sexy pulp, Fullsize £16.90 - This is a fab sized product to just put in your handbag when your in need of a touch up. I really like the shape of the brush, and I think it will add lots of volume to lashes. I can't wait to try that.
BM Beauty - Summer Warmth Bronzer, Fullsize £8.00 - I remember having one of BM beauty's products in a different beauty box - maybe carmine? It was a black shadow, which I have had a lot of use from using it as a shadow eyeliner. Now being quite pale skinned, I find a lot of bronzers can be quite dark on my skin type, but this shade seems quite light so I think it will just add a nice warmth to my cheeks. Something I wouldn't pick up myself, but you never know I might get some use from it this summer.

Clean Start by Dermalogica - Day/Night 3-Step Kit, Fullsize £12.00 - This is probably my favourite product in this box as I have been meaning to try something from Dermalogica for ages now. I am really into my skincare and will always cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and every night. All three samples are really good sizes and are suited to my skin type as I like a cleanser which can clean deep pores and keep breakouts away.

Vichy - Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick, Fullsize £19.00 -  This is also a really good sized kit and includes 6 sample shades so there is going to be a shade which suits every skin type. I've heard good things about this product, so I'm excited to try this out. Great for camouflaging flaws and good coverage.
Overall, I am really happy with my box this month, especially the Dermalogica products. I have seen other boxes have included HD Brows Tweezers and some with a Caudalie Fragrance, which I would have liked to try also. If you would like me to review any of the products in more detail I am happy to do so. What do you think of June's Glossybox?