Category Archives: review

The LookFantastic Beauty Box

31st March 2015
Somehow, despite their ever growing popularity on the blogging scene I have somehow never tried out a beauty subscription box. Not through lack of interest though, it’s something I just never got round to sorting out despite the rave reviews and exciting contents. This all changed recently when lookfantastic sent me their March 2015 offering, read on for my thoughts…
Each box costs £15, with discounts available for buying a block of boxes at once. The value of the products inside (based on full size) is over triple that so it’s a budget friendly way to try out new products, assuming you get a box full of things you love. The box itself looks and feels very luxurious with it’s sleek black packaging and minimalistic design. The contents come well wrapped and protected from the postal service’s worst efforts and there is a high quality printed guide to what is inside. So far, so good…
I think with beauty boxes they are a bit of a love/hate thing as it’s always going to be hard to put something together that is to everyone’s taste, and you do take a bit of a gamble each month parting with your hard earned cash for something you might not like at all. For me it’s a risk I’d be willing to take in the future as based on this month’s box and the chance to try so many new things I wouldn’t otherwise buy I’m pretty happy. If I do continue to subscribe I’m sure I can always find a recipient to pass along any products that don’t appeal and the small sizes make it perfect for putting together a luxe travel kit.
Product wise I was loving everything that came in the March box. The Balance Me revitalising hand and body wash was a gentle and fresh way to cleanse my sensitive skin and left me feeling really, well, revitalised in the mornings. I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time so it was great to try something new.

The multivitamin for dieters did cause me to raise my eyebrows at first, but upon further investigation I realised this would actually be perfect for me right now- I’m not dieting, not by any means but I am struggling to give my body everything it needs at the moment and I am hoping that this 30 day course will help me feel a bit brighter again.

Mouth wash wasn’t what I expected to find in a beauty box but this cute little pot by CB12 has become a bit of a handbag hero for days where I’m having lunch at work. I wish they sold it in this dinky size as it’s perfectly portable and does exactly what it says on the tin. I loved the mild mint flavour too, I can’t stand strong toothpaste and mouth washes.

I also loved the dinky size of this Tigi Bed Head manipulator as it’s perfect for packing on a weekend away when I know I’m going to have to wash and style my hair. I can’t say enough good things about Tigi products, they just suit my hair type so well.

Probably the product I’ll use least from the box is the INIKA eye pencil as I just don’t get on with eye pencils in general. That said, this is a very good eye pencil that doesn’t drag when you apply it so I could yet be converted. Watch this space…

Last but not least is a wonderful shampoo by Korres. I haven’t actually used this yet as I am saving it for when I next go away, but previous experience with Korres products tell me I’m going to love it! Let me know if you have tried this and what you think…

So there we have it, my first experience with a beauty box. I’m glad it was such a positive one as I’d really like to try out some more of these as and when money allows. Let me know if you’ve tried the lookfantastic box before, or what other boxes you suggest I start checking out!

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Mineral Makeup with Pur Minerals

27th March 2015
I’ve dabbled with mineral makeup in the past but have found it pretty hit and miss to be honest. From foundations that have turned orange the second they hit my skin to poor lasting power in products such as eye shadows I found myself sticking more to conventional products and brands I knew. I was recently introduced to Pur Minerals who are launching on Look Fantastic this month. It’s a brand I’d read a lot about via various beauty blogs that I read regularly and was pretty excited to see what they could offer where other brands had fallen short.
I was sent enough products to makeup a pretty complete natural face of makeup which tends to be what I favour these days (gone are the days of rainbow eye makeup looks and mad glitter everywhere). The eyeshadow palette was a real winner for me, made up of pinky, plummy matte nude tones that applied beautifully and lasted all day. The mascara was another star product, one coat gave me longer, natural looking lashes; it’s become my go-to mascara for work days, although I do tend to go a bit lash mad at the weekends.

Face product wise I was similarly impressed. I was sent a spray on foundation which I have never tried before- I’ve seen similar products on the market but failed to see how they could possibly work, all I could think of was potential mess! Despite being a touch too dark for my skin tone this applied beautifully, a fine mist was all I needed for a light coverage that blended well and lasted all day long. The compact can also double up as a foundation, worn on it’s own for a light coverage or as a setting powder which is how I used it here, buffed in with a big fluffy brush.

The stand out product from the range I was sent however was the concealer. I’ve had more than my fair share of sleepless nights recently and my under-eye dark circles were out of control. My trusty Collection concealer had run out and I was just contemplating what to replace it with when this Pur Minerals one arrived. It looks a little dark in the tube but goes on beautifully and blends well. This hands down beats any concealer I’ve ever used to cover up dark circles and it also hides blemishes and redness perfectly. This has instantly made it’s way on to my top products list and will be a re-purchase time and time again!

I’m so happy to have finally found a range of mineral makeup that can compete with more traditional products. I feel happier knowing what I’m using is being kinder to my skin and I’m pretty sure my complexion is in pretty good knick thanks to daily usage of these products.

Have you used Pur Minerals before? I can’t recommend them enough but I would love to know what other products of theirs I need in my life!

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Pretty Pieces from Orelia Jewellery

25th March 2015
I’m going through a real up and down phase with jewellery at the moment. One minute I want to wear big, bold chunky pieces and the next I’m craving something pretty, delicate and feminine. Orelia is a brand that excels in pretty pieces. It’s a brand I’ve loved for an awful long time so I was delighted when e-tail PR sent over a couple of pieces from the latest collection.
I’ve been after a wishbone pendant for the longest time but never found one that quite fitted the bill- this little golden piece is just perfect and it has an adjustable chain so I can choose which length to wear it at depending on my outfit. The golden bar is so simple and chic and I don’t own anything like it. It’s a really lovely piece that adds just a subtle touch of something to an outfit when you don’t want to go without jewellery at all.
I think Orelia will always be my go to brand for really pretty and girly pieces for myself and as gifts for others. The prices are brilliant too- necklaces start at around £10 and there is also an option to purchase gift packaging to make a present extra special.

Which of these necklaces is your favourite?

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Flamingo Gifts (round two!)

20th March 2015
Back before Christmas (which feels like forever ago now) I was spoilt rotten by a selection of gifts from the team at Flamingo Gifts. They recently got in touch again to see if I’d like the chance to review another selection of goodies and I didn’t hesitate in saying yes! I stand by what I said in my last post, Flamingo Gifts really is a one stop shop for a fun and funky present for someone special- or for yourself. I love browsing the site to check out the latest arrivals, it’s one of those little treasure troves where you never know what you might find.
As you can see, I was sent quite an epic selection which couldn’t be more me! The second I saw this biscuit makeup bag I was smitten. I’m a complete biscuit addict and this makes the perfect home for the various lipsticks and balms I carry around on a daily basis.

I was delighted to receive the Daisy Flamingo Candle as it’s been on my radar since it launched. I was a little unsure as to what it would smell like as I don’t think I’ve ever smelt a Daisy before but it makes for a lovely, subtle and Spring-like addition to my bedroom. I do love Flamingo candles, probably more than Yankee candles as they have such a fun and unique range of scents.

Also on the unique candle front came the Pyro Pet which is so macabre and yet so fun! Essentially the candle, when burnt down reveals a metal skeleton which very much makes it worth the £24.99 price tag…however, it’s so awesome to look at and I’m not sure I can bring myself to light it! One of these has been on my wish list for ages and I’m so stupidly happy to finally own one!

Another item that has been on my wish list for a long time were these Siamese Cat salt & pepper shakers which I have out on display in my room because they are too adorable to hide away until I move. I have always had a soft spot for novelty condiment holders and this pair just make me very happy.

Last but my no means least comes this Ted Baker mini notebook and pen which I have given to my Mum as she just loves Ted Baker and all things pink and girly. I adore Ted Baker’s stationary range for something chic and yet affordable. Mum is delighted with this and it was nice to be able to give her an extra Mother’s Day present!

I’ve been loving seeing what other bloggers picked up from Flamingo Gifts- it’s always interesting to get inspiration on what to buy for people and to discover items you’d perhaps previously ignore. Thank you to Flamingo Gifts for the amazing box of goodies- and for being all round awesome when it comes to providing a great shopping experience!

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Posted in gifts, review, shopping, wish list

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New Hair Hero Products

16th March 2015
I know, a hair care post on this blog is even rarer than a beauty one (no, I don’t quite class them as the same thing!). I’ve been trying to take better care of my hair lately, having made the switch from my natural waves to a straighter style I had started to notice it becoming a little bit frazzled from the heat.

I was recently contacted by the team over at TheHut.com to see if they could help out with any hair or beauty problems, so I mentioned my fried locks and then sat back awaiting a miracle.

I wasn’t disappointed when two new products were delivered to my door, the team picked well when it came to solving my hair woes and things are already feeling in a lot better condition than they were a few weeks ago.

The first product was the most repair revival cream from KMS California which is a leave in conditioner that promises to restore the moisture balance within your hair. After just two uses of this product my hair was really feeling the benefit, no longer afraid it might snap off it looked healthier and felt much, much softer to the touch. Previously I never thought of spending £13.50 on a hair product but this will be part of my regular routine from here on out.

The second little miracle worker was a heat protection spray from KeraStraight. Again this has gone straight on the regular use list, cost aside. I’ve been on the hunt for a decent heat protection spray for years but have never found one I really loved. From the first use of this I knew I was on to a winner- with shiny, sleek hair with no fried ends after my (somewhat amateur) attempts at styling my hair this has well earned it’s £19.00 price tag.
What hair products do you know you can always rely on? One thing I have learnt from my forays in to hair and beauty posts is that it often is quality over quantity where my hair is concerned. I always find that my hair responds best to the higher end products than it does to cheaper ones- and I need to use far less, meaning lazy old me gets less build up and therefore doesn’t need to wash her hair as often! Now, if only I could become a wash and go girl my life would be complete…

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Posted in hair, review

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