Glossybox Sundari **flashbox**

Hello Darlings

 In mid July Glossybox had a flash sale of a special Sundari edition box. No sooner had the email arrived in my inbox I had already popped my card details in and bought this one off box, I'm such a sucker for a limited edition!

I only had to wait a few days before this exciting package was delivered to my door.

Look at the shiny red box, oooh! 

This is a lovely set of goodies to try out and what great sizes.

 I have heard some great thing about Sundari and can't wait to try out all of these products. I think the hair treatment oil might be a favourite as my hair is looking a little unruly right now! 

Did any of you lovelies get one of these boxes of goodness? 

Love, Pins. X

Ecotools brush review

Hello Darlings 

I am always on the look out for new good quality yet affordable make up brushes(we cant all afford MAC brushes, can we?!).

So whilst mooching around Boots I came across Ecotools and thought I'd give them a go.

Ecotools are "earth-friendly beauty" they have soft, cruelty-free bristles with bamboo handles and they come in a reusable pouch. 

This is the Bamboo Bronzer brush. It has a very thick yet light handle and the softest bristles. I paid £9.99 for this brush , which in comparison to MAC brushes is a bargain for such a big brush.I have been using this to buff my foundation and it leaves the most natural finish. You can buy the brush HERE

This is the Bamboo Blush Brush.

Just like the bronzer brush it has dense,soft bristles which picks up powder with ease. This brush was £7.99 and you can buy it HERE

I am really impressed with these brushes, they are great value and importantly great quality. 

I will definitely be purchasing more of these brushes.

I'd love to hear if any of you lovelies have tried any of their products.

Love, Pins. X

Alfie update * Sleepy Kitten Got Sleepier*

Hello Darlings

 I thought I'd post a little update of Alfie. He is proving to be a right little time waster.I rarely get things done in an acceptable time scale anymore! Even this post has taken longer due to Alfie walking across my keyboard every 2 minutes!

 Look at that podgy tum.

 playing dead

 After a hard day chasing a plastic mouse

 Magazine nest

 He loved watching Andy Murray

He was in this box for hours!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine.

Love, Pins and Alfie. X

Nails Of The Day: MAC Pinkly Fresh

Hello Darlings

I love this polish! I am a complete sucker for a Barbie pink and this is perfect.

Pinkly Fresh by MAC is a gorgeous blue tinged pastel pink in a cream base. It does take a few coats to get rid of the streaky effect, but the finish is lovely.

This isn't available through MAC anymore but you can get it HERE.

What do you think of Pinkly fresh? Any other Barbie pink polishes that you can recommend me?

Hope you are all enjoying the summer.

Pins. X

Glossybox July 2012 **SPOILER ALERT**

Hello Darlings
 Its time to get Glossy! You ready? Okay, lets go!

My first impressions,Where's my HDbrows?!?!

Okay so I didn't get one, despite having everything crossed.

It looks like quite an average box to me.

This moisture mist actually came in handy over the hot week we've just had.  Its a great sized product that is perfect for having in your handbag when your are in need of a quick spritz.This is a 100ml size and the fullsize is 250ml and retails at £9.25.

I'm sure that I have owned this product, or something very similar, when I was a lot younger as the smell transported back to being a teenager.

This is a very thick glossy lipgloss/colour that the makers claim you can use it as a cheek colour too. I found it too thick and sticky . Its only redeaming feature was that it smelled amazing. On the card is says that this 15ml fullsize product retails at £10.00. I won't be re-purchasing this product. This product seems too teenage to me.

This is a brand that I have been wanting to try for a while so I did a little squeal when I saw this. This is a darling little glass bottle containing a multi use dry oil for face,body and hair. This oil smells gorgeous, it transports me to a beach after just one whiff! I have only tested it on my face and arms so far ,but it really does leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. I am already looking to re-purchase a full size of this. 

I LOVE this product! It refreshes my eyes and has a lovely cooling effect which lasts.This product by Monu is 20ml and on the card is says that the fullsize of this is 15ml and £16.95.

I continue to be impressed by Monu products.  

Now, Bex London isn't a brand that I know anything about but from their prices ( £81.00/100ml) it looks like they are at the high end of the scale.

On the card it shows four possible samples from their 'Londoner Urban Fragrance' range. I received SE1 which contains Bergamot, citrus,cardamom pod and pimento balanced with a woody base of amber , seamoss , driftwood and finest Tahitian Vetiver. It is quite a masculine scent which is actually growing on me, although I'm not brave enough to rock it just yet!

Also included in this box was a bonus item of an Elizabeth Arden visible difference gentle hydrating trio.

The trio includes samples of a cleanser, skin serum and hydrating cream.

This is a lovely bonus and , in my opinion, better than a nail file/toe separators!

Over all not a bad box, just wish I hadn't seen that some people got HD brows!

How did you all find your July Glossybox?

Love, Pins. X

A naughtly splurge **WAREHOUSE Studded Leather Bag**

Hello Darlings

 You know when you admire something for a long long time (shoes, clothes, someone you have a crush on) and then they become yours, it takes a while to sink in doesn't it?
 That is exactly how I feel about this bag!

I have been drooling over this Warehouse bag for a few months (curse Warehouse for being on my way to work!), for me it has the right amount of edginess whilst being also, quite timeless. Its a super soft leather shopper bag with two pockets in the front and gorgeous gold studs down the sides. It is quite expensive at £70.00 but I just think it is perfection and totally worth it.

They also stock it in a beige version, but as I'm a sensible Gal I just know this will go with all of my clothes.

 There is a little warning label on it about colour transfer so i'm going to avoid wearing lighter colours with it for a while. 

You can buy the bag HERE

And the Beige version HERE

As I can't bring myself to use it just yet, I'll keep cuddling it on the sofa (yes, really!)

What do you think of my cheeky purchase and

what has been your naughtiest splurge?

 Love, Pins. X

Meet Alfie, a very sleepy kitten **WARNING! CUTENESS OVERLOAD!**

Hello Darlings
 On Sunday I was treated to a very early Birthday present ( My Birthday is in November!)...a Kitten!
 My lovely OH(Other Half) thought that as we have a week off of work it would be a great time to bond with the kitten that I was longing for.
 He is a 9 week old blue/grey/lilac British shorthair cross and he is B-E-A-utiful!
We have named him Alfred J Pennyworth, (Alfie for short) after the character in Batman!

 What do you think?

I adore this purring little ball of fluff!

He may make a few appearances in future blogs.

 Hope you are all having a great start to the week.

 Love, Pins X

Nails of the day: Misty Jade *Rimmel*

Hello Darlings
 Todays NOTD is a Rimmel one. I don't usually buy their polishes, I'm not sure why, I just think their colours aren't very exciting. This lovely rich minty green called to me from the shelves " pick me, pick me" so I did!

 The application of this polish was great and dried very quickly and only required one coat.

What do you think?

It took about 4/5 days before it started to chip, which I think is quite good.

I will definitely be using some more Rimmel polishes in the future.

Love, Pins. X

Mac Haul ** Foundation and Eyebrow Crayon **

Hello Darlings

 As its my holiday I have been having quite a few splurges(well I have been working hard!) and this little haul is one of them.

 I known its only two items but as Mac is quite pricey I think that two items class as a haul! They are both items that I have had on my wish list for quite some time so it feels great to have them finally in my possession. Also, I had sold a huge haul of clothes on Ebay so this justified some of my splurging!

 The first item is the face and body foundation in N2.

This is definitely a brush or fingers type of foundation, I tried a little on a makeup sponge and it all disappeared inside the sponge in one quick 'schlurp' ! Oops!

 I was assured by the lovely mac lady that this will give me the dewy glow that I was looking for whilst providing light-full coverage. This product is a build-able so you can vary the amount of coverage that you need, I think this is great perk as I'm going through a breakout right now. This can also be used on the chest and arm area( well, all over your body really). I am in full blown love with this little bottle of gorgeous!!

 The second product is also a product that I have been lusting over for sometime and that is the eyebrow crayon in 'lingering'.

I opted for a crayon as it gives a more natural fill to my brows, I find a pencil too time consuming and I don't feel it gives a natural finish.

sorry about the blurry pic (the front camera on the Iphone is a bit pap)

 I had been looking for a pencil/crayon to fill out my brows as naturally as possible without giving me the dreaded 'scousebrow'!

Usually I'm a right wuss when it come to talking to 'Beauty counter Girls' as I just like to pootle about at my own pace and discover things on my own, this time I was brave!

 I was doing some swatches of the eyebrow crayon on my hands and I was so sure I had picked the right shade for my brows, I was wrong. I had already asked for help matching the foundation as I usually get it way off, so as the lovely Lady was matching me up I showed her the crayon I'd chosen and said ' thats about the right shade for my brows isn't it?' she smiled a lovely smile and picked up a different shade and tested on me there and then, it was perfect. The one I had 'matched' to myself was about 6 shades darker!

Really don't be afraid to ask for help as its what the lovely ladies are trained and there for.

 What is your favorite MAC product? I think this might be mine!

Love Pins. X

Joliebox ** July 2012 **

Hello Darlings
 Firstly I'd like to apologise for the lack of blogging over the past few weeks. I have been a busy old bee at work,but as of yesterday( Sunday 22nd) I am on holiday for two whole weeks. Woop woop!
Anyshmoo, lets get on with this months Joliebox shall we?

 Even though the June box arrived only a few weeks ago, the July box is here!

My first impressions of the box are a bit "meh" to be honest, this might be down to the exciting june box.

From left to right: nailgirls two mini polishes,Jane Iredale Tantasia, Essential care organic rose moisturiser, Wen by Caz Dean sweet almond and mint cleansing conditioner and ETAT PUR Biometric skincare B09-Express purifying mask. Plus a cute pair of joliebox toe separators. 


Nailgirls mini polishes in gold and bronze
 I can't say that I have ever heard of this brand before, but that means nothing really does it?! The two polishes are from the 'Medal collection, inspired by the olympics'. You each received two minis in either bronze,silver or gold. I really like the two little polishes that I was sent. They were really easy to apply and they gave great coverage with just one coat.

Its a slightly sloppy application! 

I give these products 4/5

Jane Iredale Tantasia 

This little tube is filled with a gorgeous smelling( it smells like a lemon meringue pie to me?!) self-tanner for the face and body. It is an instant results kinda thing which gives a healthy glow. It's a creamy gel consistency which blends in easily.
 I'm not really a fan of fake tan or the heavily bronzed look but I think I may give this a go for a night out with the girlies.

Overall I give this a 3/5

Essential care organic rose moisturiser.

This is a little added bonus item from Team Jolie for all the hooha over the June box. This is a really lovely little gesture which certainly cheered me up. I am starting to get a little bored of Rose scented things now as they are just everywhere, but this light cream is great for throwing in your handbag and carrying around with you.

There were many different bonus items that were sent out , which I think were from previous boxes. 4/5

Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond and Mint Cleansing Conditioner

After doing the Ombre, the ends of my hair have been looking a little tired, so this tube has got me all excited! I shall be trying this product out first thing in the morning, so I will describe my first impressions. This is quite a big tube (50ml) so am hoping to get a fair few uses out of it. The smell is really quite light, the mint is just the right level to be refeshing and not overpowering. I am alway dubious of anything containing an almond scent as it tends to give me childhood Christmas flashbacks of picking the marzipan( bleurgh) off of my Christmas cake! I can safely say that there is no almond scent at all, just the nourishing nature and creaminess.

There is quite a full-on set of directions for use(lots of massaging,foaming,combing,rinsing etc) but I'll give it a go to see if that is really necessary or not, and let you know the result!

4/5 ( mainly on looks and scent!)

Etat pure Biometric skincare B09-Express purifying mask.

 As I am AWFUL with surprises I had already 'researched' this box before receiving and had decided that I really WANTED this product! I am always keeping my eyes peeled for a mask or serum-y type treat for my face and this has ticked my boxes. I have actually been wearing the mask whilst typing this up! It doesn't have any obvious scent and is a lovely thick matte cream.

They recommend that you apply a thin layer,leave for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water. I did all of the above and the results are... velvety smooth, soft skin. Hurrah!

I really enjoyed this product and despite initially being bummed that there was no scent ,I think its actually a good thing. It feels like a truly luxurious product and I highly recommend it. I have already started to look up their other products!

5/5

Overall I give this box 3.5/5 The mask was the highlight for me and everything else was okay. This is only my second box so it is being put up against the Birthday box which I really liked, I can't wait to see what August has in store!

I have just had my Glossybox despatch email(Yippee) and I have also signed up to SheSaidBeauty so there will have to be some healthy competition to win my heart!

 Did you receive any of the above products? What are your views on the different boxes?

I'd love to hear from you.

Hope you are all having a great week and are managing to soak up some sun.

 Love, Pins. X

Nails of the day: golden peach * Models Own*

Hello Darlings
 Its time for another NOTD! And again I am using a Models Own ,I just love everything about their products from packaging to application.
 In order to combat my blueness about the crappy weather I picked up the shade " golden Peach" as it made me feel all summery and fuzzy.
Here are the results

What do you think?

You can buy them direct from their website HERE.

They hold a plethora of shades, many that make my mouth water. 

What is your favorite nail brand?

Love, Pins.

 X

Joliebox June ** Birthday edition**

Hello Darlings
 After a very VERY long wait for my first Joliebox I got is this morning and I can happily say it is totes amaze!
 I'm not going to go into details of the delivery issues as its no fault of Joliebox. Lets get on with the contents shall we?!

As it is their first year anniversary box they created two limited edition boxes and I received this lovely little orange number. What do you think?

One of the things that drew me to Joliebox was that they have their own magazine crammed  full of product reviews and how to guides. I have only flicked through but its safe to say that J'adore the Joliemag!

From left to right; Yon-Ka Pamplemousse protective and vitalizing cream(normal to oily),Institut esthederm Bronz repair body lotion, Leonor greyl volumizing shampoo with algae extracts,L'occitane angelica hydration cream and at the very top in the Elysambre lipstick in 109.

I'll give a brief review and my first impressions of these items as I haven't tested them for long ( I did receive it this morning!) 

Yon-ka

Pampelmousse protective and vitalizing cream for normal to oily skin.

This is a beautybox first, a customised product ( provided you filled in your beauty profile AND received your original box!)

I have heard many great things about Yon-ka products but was yet to actually own one. This is a full sized 50ml product which retails at around the £30.00 mark.

This thick,luxurious cream feels and smells beautiful whilst being crammed full of botanical essential oils. It blends into skin leaving it looking fresh and dewy. The smell may be quite overpowering to some but I love the creamy citrusy scent( it smells like lemon sorbet to me)

So far I am loving this product and am already looking into other products from the same brand. 

5/5

Institut esthederm

Bronz repair body lotion

 I am still not quite 100% on what this product is really for! 

They say its a lotion that " battles damage caused by the sun and reduces signs of ageing, whilst also helping skin achieve a healthy glow". It directs you to apply generously before sun exposure and then every two hours and after bathing. My understanding is that its a anti wrinkle tanning lotion.

As we have had no sun (some July this is) I can only comment on its smell. It smells like a floral suncream.

It is a 20ml sample.

 I won't give it a rating as I haven't used it correctly/ unsure what it really is!

Leonor greyl

volumizing shampoo with algae extracts

I believe that this is an extra product that was sent to new subscribers.

They say its " ideal for fine and limp hair,this detangling shampoo gives hair volume, vigour and support". I am really looking forward to using this product as my hair needs a little bit of TLC. This 50 ml sample smells like the sort of shampoo you are treated to in a luxury salon. I do love a good hair product! 

I will let you know how I get on with this product.

L'occitane

Angelica hydration cream

After getting impatient in the wait for this box I did do some blog stalking to find out the kind of products that were going to be in it (who doesn't though!) and this was the product  I was looking forward to trying most.

This gorgeous little 15ml tub is crammed full of the refreshingly scented cream which claims to plump, smooth and revitalize the skin. I have used this already after cleansing my face and I can honestly say that I can feel the difference. My face is smoother and looks healthier.

5/5

Elysambre

lipstick in 109

After stalking the contents  of other peoples boxes I was quite worried about the colour that I might receive but I am delighted with it. Its a deep purple-red which is matte. This is also a full sized product, although I have a sneaking suspicion that it is in sample packaging as its a little undesirable. It is quite difficult to apply directly to the lips, I think because of the matte-ness of it. Using a lip brush it went on perfectly.

I really like this product and am already looking into other items by the brand.

5/5

They also threw in a little jolie nail file, who doesn't love a free nail file?!

After the dramatic wait, this box has been totally worth it and all of the products are lovely ,and cost a small fortune! I love everything about Joliebox and am already looking forward to Julys box.

Hope you all enjoyed your boxes.

Much love, Pins. X