July Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

This month we're taking a trip to the US of A with Glossybox and they're trying to bring some of that laid back American girl style into our lives! Out of the five products four of them are full sized which I can't grumble about at all, I just need the beachy waves and bronzed body to go with them!

Absolute New York Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer

I do love an eyeshadow primer, especially in this heat when my eyelids tend to get oilier than usual and my eye shadow just slips all over the place! And even if you're not in the mood for eyeshadow it evens the skintone ready for just a slick of mascara!

Bellapierre Cosmetics Ltd Mineral Lipstick

This lipstick has to be the most expensive thing in the box coming in at £20. I got the shade Mandaring which is a lovely orange and very fitting for the time of year. I've been neglecting a bright lip recently so this might just be the shade to steer me away from the nudes and corals.

Carmex Lipbalm

I don't think any of us can say that we haven't had one of these knocking around in the bottom of our bag at some point! This is my winter lips savior and my other one has somehow found its way into Joel's car where it now lives so I'm going to get this in my bag quick before it does a disappearing act.

Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque
Unclogging pores, cleansing skin and gently exfoliating - what doesn't this do?! I'll have to give my origins masks a night off and use this next time I have a pamper and hope it makes my skin as fresh and radiant as it promises!

This has definitely been one of the better boxes recently but after next months which will be a free one that I've paid for with Glossydots I'm going to cancel my subscription. I'm just not excited to get them anymore and I kind of begrudge spending money on another sample sized moisturizer, perfume sample or something that I'd really like but in a shade that I would never wear. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the contents in the future and never say never if it gets better but for now I'm going to have a break!

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May Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

I am a little bit late to Superdug's 50th Birthday celebrations (that's what you get for having your post delivered to your mums!) and that's who Glossybox have collaborated with this month. The theme of the box is Summer Beauty Edit and I haven't seen so much packed in a box for a long, long time as well as the majority being full size which you can't beat!

Blowpro After Blow Strong Hold Finishing Spray

Which is basically a fancy way of saying hairspray which I seem to always be running out of and this mini size will be definitely getting packed into my suitcase when I jet off next month. This also conditions while it works which is perfect for chlorine battered hair!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

This is the most exciting thing in the box for me, I love trying out a new mascara and this one sounds right up my street promising a bold, wide eyed false lash look which is all I ask for really without the use of glue!

I Love Cosmetics Strawberries & Milkshake Shimmer & Shine Lip Gloss

Oh god, this might smell amazing but frosty, sticky gloss is my idea of hell, it reminds me of something that a toddler would use when they first start messing around with make up! I love this brand for their shower and bath products but this just kills me.

Superdrug Large Doughnut Ring 

When my hair is up in a bun it tends to be shoved up and messy but I am sure I'll get some use out of this!

GOSH Cosmetics Velvet Touch Eyeliner

I originally thought this was black until I took a closer look a minute ago and it's purple. I don't use a lot of colour on my eyes but this is so dark and the purple is so subtle I might my black for this for a night, it's something to play with anyway!

Garnier Oil Beauty Lotion & GHOST Fragrances Eclipse

These are a couple of bonus products which is always nice to see, the fragrance is very summery and has made it into my bag in preparation for the sun to show it's face and the Garnier Lotion is on stand by for my next pamper night.

I've seen another variation of this box going around which was a thousand percent better but that's the luck of the draw with beauty boxes, I'll definitely get use of most of the things in the box though which is all you ask for really!

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April Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

After last months shambles of a box Glossybox may just have redeemed themselves! The theme was Sweet Treats this month with a selection of products meant to help up transition into the warmer months which seems very fitting seeing the beautiful sunny week that we've had - I could definitely get used to this!

Monu Spa Warming Ginger Massage and Body Oil

I've never been disappointed by anything Monu that I've got in a box before so I'm really looking forward to trying this. You can add a bit to your bath or massage it on and then wash it off for silky smooth skin which is what I'm going to need if I'm going to be wearing less clothes!

TRESemme Instant Refresh Cleansing Dry Shampoo

If I can get away without washing my hair for one more day then I'll do whatever it takes so I love dry shampoo and this has come at the best time because tomorrow will be my on the edge hair day so I can't wait to give it a refresher with this.

Emite Makeup Lip Brush

I've never heard of Emite Makeup before but I love how sleek this brush looks and it is so, so soft! I usually use a lip brush when my lipstick is super bright so I can keep it looking neat and there's less change of the dreaded clown lips so this will definitely get used next time Candy Yum Yum or Morange get an outing.

MeMeMe Cosmetics Beat the Blues 

I've had a few MeMeMe bits in boxes before which I've never used but I was really happy to see this which is meat to be a dupe for Benefit Highbeam which I love and spring is the season when I want dewy glowing skin so this will be getting a lot of love from me!

Sunsense UK Daily Face SPF 50+

This is a tinted SPF for your face which I'm going to save for my holiday, I find these little samples really handy to chuck in your pool bag and because it's tinted it will help my make up free mug look a bit more acceptable!

I can see myself using everything out of this months box so they've definitely upped their game and not a perfume sample or mini moisturizer in sight - hallelujah! I find that I much prefer the Spring/Summer month Glossyboxes so hopefully there's a few more months of good ones!

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March Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

I can't believe how fast that these Glossyboxes are coming around and I do look forward to that glossy time of the month but this month I've been left disappointed and if it wasn't for the fact I've saved up enough Glossy dots for next months box to be free I think this would probably have been my last.

Mitchell and Peach Body Cream

Keeping with the 'Beauty Blossom' theme of this months box this body cream is meant to make you feel like you've taken a walk in the countryside and moisturizer always comes in handy especially when it's a nice travel friendly size but I've literally got a back log of creams that will last me until I'm 40.

Bellapierre Cosmetics Ltd Shimmer Powder in Whesek

Glossybox describe this as the ultimate multi use product which as well as being an eyeshadow you can mix into blusher, lip gloss or nail varnish. I can only see a couple of those working with the shade I got that is a dark metallic grey which I'm pretty sure I've had something similar in a Glossbox before and it's still unopened somewhere.

Dove Hair Therapy Intensive Repair 60 Second Treatment Shot

At first sight I thought this was the Tressemme shot that I absolutely love but I'm still excited to use this as these kind of things usually do wonders for my hair and I haven't tried any of the Dove hair range yet. This has Sunday pamper written all over it!

Juicy Couture Malibu Collection

These didn't get my usual reaction to a perfume sample (usually 'oh for gods sake, not another one!') because I've actually been dying to give these a sniff and they're both really nice and refreshing. I don't know why but I had in my head they'd be coconutty - probably because everything Malibu makes me think of my favourite summer tipple!

Sleep Makeup Pout Polish in Raspberry Rhapsody

I was so happy to see one of these in my box...until I saw the shade I'd received. Purple is not my colour at all and I've seen that some people got a gorgeous nude shade which is definitely more my cup of tea. Instead of wearing this I might just smell it because it has the most gorgeous vanilla scent that I wish I could bottle up as a perfume! It's a shame that the colour was so wrong or this would have been the savior of an otherwise rubbish box.

You've got a month to win my heart back Glossybox or we're through!!

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February Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

Who needs roses and chocolate when you've got a box filled with beauty goodies?! This months Glossybox is Valentine's themed and came in a really cute lip print box that I can't wait to reuse. They have definitely upped their game with this box and everything in it is full sized which is definitely a Valentine's treat!

Ciate Paint Pot in Raspberry Collins

This is definitely the star of the box and they leaked a bit of a spoiler so we all knew we were getting a paint pot this month but I was still excited to see which shade I received and am really happy with this lovely magenta, it's already on my nails!

Eldora Eyelashes

A pair of lashes always come in handy but these are a bit more full on than I'd usually wear. I've never heard of Eldora before and these look and feel a bit cheap in the packaging but they might be completely different on, I'll definitely give them a whirl when the occasion arises.

Toni & Guy Hair Meets Wardrobe Stick it Up Gum

My hair is quite long so I don't know what I'd do with this stick it up gum but Joel has his eye on it already so I know it'll get some use! I really like Toni & Guy products and have used a few of them in the past so I'll give this a go on my roots like it suggests on the product card but I'm just wary it might make me look like a grease ball!

Maybelline New York Master Kajal Liner

Now isn't this a funny looking thing?! I usually stick to my pen and liquid liners but this 'cream stick' offering is really, really intense and black when swatched and the shape makes me think it might be a good tool for creating the perfect feline flick.

Nougat London Sparkling Body Shimmer

I was a bit (very) wary of this when I first saw it because I don't really like looking sparkly or shimmery - it reminds me of those body glitters you used to get free with magazines in the 90's. Although I am happy to report that I am pleasantly suprised!! This isn't glittery at all it just leaves you looking really glowy, like a highlighter for your body! I think I'll store this away until the summer for now because it seems a shame that I'm all radiant but it's covered up!

It's as if Glossybox really know the way to my heart because as well as a box full of full sized products they chucked in some chocolate - although I don't see it lasting very long!

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October Glossybox 2013

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

I wasn't even going to do a post on this months Glossybox because it's so rubbish but that little creature of habit inside of me got the better of me! The theme of this months box was very Halloween/autumn appropriate - Dark Romance, I was really excited for this box and was thinking berry shades and dry skin banishing moisturisers...erm I thought wrong.

MeMeMe Cherub's Blush Cheek & Lip Tint

This is meant to be a bit of a dupe for Benefit Benetint and is probably the only fitting thing in the box. It's a raspberry coloured tint for cheeks and lips that will leave a nice 'flushed by the cold' look. I'm more of a peachy cheeked girl but the whole point of this box is joining the dark side so I'll be giving it ago although I do think it might end up at the bottom of my make up basket.

Katy Perry Killer Queen Perfume Sample

I hate getting perfume samples as much as the next person but I'm a little biased with this one because as you all know I worship at the alter of Katy Perry. This is a little bit too heavy for me and completely different from her other perfumes (that I own - Katy, I love you!!!) Floriental is the perfect was to describe this but it's a good job I didn't fall head over hells with this because there are literally 2 squirts in the little vial.

Monu Illuminating Primer

This is the one thing that I was really excited to see nestled in that black shredded paper, I've never actually bought anything Monu myself but have received quite a few bits in beauty boxes and have loved them all. This is an illuminating primer that is meant to brighten up your complexion and I definitely need that now the weathers on the turn because my skin takes a bit of a battering!

Premae Multi-Vit Smoothie Serum

This is a kind of pre-moisturising step but I struggle enough remembering to moisturise without adding another step into the equation! You can also add this to a liquid foundation to make a BB cream and I probably will get more use out of it this way but my BB creams have been stored away until we get a shred of heat again.

Vita Liberata Latte Illuminating Skin Finish

This is a bronzer for the body which I have no idea how this made it into the Dark Romance box, I'm embracing the English rose look and letting my natural paleness shine through, my vitiman D intake is flagging so I'm definitely not bronzed and even if I was these 2 sachets wouldn't even cover one of my arms.

This months box is bloody terrible, did anyone actually get a decent variation of this 'Dark Romance' box?!

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September Glossybox 2013

 

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

The theme of this months Glossybox is extremely fitting seeing as I'm off to London for a couple of days tomorrow! I don't think they did it just for me though as it's also London Fashion Week right now. I love the Union Jack box and I can't wait to find something to put it in so I can have it on a shelf to show it off. This months box is full of things that us Brit girls love!

Elizabeth Arden Untold

I think I feel the same as the majority of Glossybox subscribers when they see a perfume sample in their box - bleurgh! How can you resist this tiny little box and perfume bottle though?! They slightly redeem themselves when they're not just in a vial. This perfume is a bit too musky and heavy for me though.

Eyelure Pre-glued Lashes

I don't feel like my face is complete on a night out without a pair of Eyelure lashes to flutter! These are hands down my favourite brand of eyelashes and the only ones I use. I always steer clear of the zig zaggy ended falsies because I like something more natural but I'll definitely give these a go and see if I'm proved wrong!

TONI&GUY Classic Shine and Gloss Serum

I've used TONI&GUY shampoo and conditioner before but I've never got around to using any of their styling products so I'm excited to give this a try! It's meant to control frizz and give your hair a lovely shine - you use it on dry hair which I'm a little bit apprehensive about as I hate it when you've got beautiful clean hair then use a product and it makes your hair look all sticky and greasy!

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Onyx Eyeliner

This is a black felt tip eyeliner so I'm sold already! I haven't tried this yet as I'm still in the middle of a love affair with Loreal Super Liner but as soon as that runs out this is next on my list to perfect my winged eyeliner.

Rimmel Stay Blushed Blusher
I absolutely love the look of this little gem! I didn't even know Rimmel did anything like this or it would have entered my make up bag long before this months Glossybox. I got the shade Pop of Pink which isn't a scary pink like some cream based blushers can be and I can't wait to get it on my cheeks, watch this space for a full review!

I cannot believe we're only 3 boxes away from the Christmas box, scary stuff!! As I've already banged on about I'm off to Laaaaaaandan tomorrow, have any of you London based beauties got any recommendation of where I must visit or regret it forever?!

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August Glossybox 2013

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

How is it Glossybox time of the month again? I'm sure I only got the last one a couple of weeks ago, how time flies when you're having fun! After last months Summer themed box my faith had been restored in Glossybox and I was excited to see what they'd do this month...only to be a little bit disappointed, boohoo! The theme of the box was highfliers and the contents are from all over the world to keep you looking groomed and glamorous on your Summer travels. I did open the box this month and think 'is this it?!' but with travel in mind the dinkier the better!

Emite Make Up Eyelash Curlers

I do use an eyelash curler every single day but I can't say that it's the most exciting part of applying my make plus I'd only recently received eyelash curlers in a Birchbox. £20 these little black and red babies would set you back, £20! That is in the realm of the holy grail Shu Uemura eyelash curlers price range so I am expecting big things from these.

TRESemme Platinum Strength 60 Second Treatment Shot

I must have been living under a rock (or at least not stepped foot into a Boots) for a while because I have never seen this before in my life and if I had I would have definitely have purchased! Firstly I can't resist anything that claims to repair damaged hair and secondly it is so cute and tiny!! Like Joel always says - I am a marketers dream!

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir

I feel exactly the same as any of you fellow Glossy subscribers when I see a perfume sample in my box, grrr!!! This actually smells quite nice very berryish and I've chucked it in my bag probably to be never seen again but if I do come across it I'll have a spritz!

Oceane Essential Make Up Remover Pen

This is hands down the best thing in the box for me, for a girl that swears by a flick of eyeliner everyday if I'm not on the ball in the mornings it can be a disaster and rubbing away one little flick can cause a hell of a lot of make up damage! I think this is going to save me a lot of time and frustration on those mornings when I'm still half asleep and I'm dangerous with an eyeliner pen.

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner and Shadow

You've got more chance of me going all 50 Shades of Grey adventurous than getting more adventurous than a flick of black eyeliner, a bit of neutral eyeshadow and fluttery black lashes so this metallic khaki green pencil eyeliner is not for me!

So this months box didn't have me jumping for joy but to be fair I'm going to use 4/5 products that I received so I need to quit complaining!

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Monthly Favourites | July 2013

I hope that the end of July doesn't bring this beautiful weather to an end, I don't want to have to dig my jeans or tights out for at least another month! When the weather is this humid all I want is a make up free face but working all day everyday that's not possible unless I wanted to give someone the fright of their lives so I've been trying to keep it as light and minimal as I can get away with.

Thank you Selfridges Beauty Box for bringing the Sol De Janeiro Cooling mist into my life at just the right time! I've got through nearly all of this bottle in the past month, it's the the perfect sunbathing companion for when the heat is just too much and when I've not got it with me in the garden it's on my bedside table and I have a spray before I get into bed to help make these sticky nights a bit more bearable. I absolutely love this Topshop Lip Bullet in Covet the shade is the perfect peach and the formula is in a league of it's own, full coverage with one swipe, long lasting and easy to apply, I need to pick up a few more shades! I've been using Origins VitaZing daily since this glorious weather has come around on its own on particularly good skin days (the tint gives surprisingly good, even coverage) or under a thin layer of foundation but even under foundation the radiance this gives is still noticeable. This is SPF 15 which you should probably wear a little higher on your face to be fully protected but any sun protection is better than none! MAC Royal Sunset was part of the All About Orange collection which seems to be sold out online but I'm not sure if you could find one of these at a MAC counter. This is undoubtedly my favourite blusher right now, a beautiful bright pink based peach which brightens my whole complexion and gives a really healthy looking flush to the cheeks, perfection! Another perfect accessory for these summer months are the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons (Review here) and my colour of choice is Peach on the Beach, these are glossy, light weight and moisturising and currently on 3 for 2 in Boots so you have an excuse to buy more than one shade! In this months Glossybox I received Alterna Bamboo Style Boohoo Waves which in simple terms is a salt spray. And what makes this spray so special I hear you ask?!  It's the first salt spray that hasn't dried my hair out and made it crispy, it didn't make it overly tangled, it remained soft and manageable, I could even get my fingers through my hair without any trouble and the waves that were left after rough drying my hair and sitting in the garden were smooth and defined. I would definitely recommend this for anyone on the hunt for hair that looks like they've just stepped off the beach! Another step to soft, manageable hair that I've discovered this month is Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner . I literally pop a generous layer from mid length down to the tips of my hair and then make myself busy for 3 minutes until I rinse it off and hello silky soft hair that isn't making my Tangle Teezer work hard enough! I got this from my local Asda and it was 3 Aussie products for £10 so chuck some in your trolley next time you're doing the food shop!

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July Glossybox 2013

 

 

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

Firstly I must apologise for my appalling blogging skills of late, this new job of mine is draining all my resources (time and energy!) but hopefully it'll get less of a nightmare the more we get used to all of the changes. So here I am trying to get back into the swing of things bringing you a peek inside of the July Glossybox and after last months disappointing box this is what I call a summer box! They even pulled a special edition box out of the bag which is perfect for the summery theme of the box and would make brilliant bathroom storage! 

Essie Sleek Sticks in 02 Croc 'n Chic

I've seen these in different variations in Boots quite a few times and they seem to be out of stock more than they are in stock so they must be quite popular. Nail wraps are a bit too fiddly for me, I like to paint and go! I do want to give these a go even though croc effect nails really aren't my cup of tea but maybe in the winter when I prefer a more vampy nail these will come in use! 

Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

I absolutely love the sound of this and I can't wait to try it out the next time I wash my hair. It's meant to give effortlessly tousled beachy waves and add texture, volume and a healthy shine. What more does a girl want from her hair at this time of year?!

Sleek Makeup Pout Paint in Minx & Mauve Over

After a bit of research on these I can see that they're our version of an OCC Lip Tar which I've wanted to try for ages but found hard to get hold of. The shades I got in my box were minx which is a peachy pink (oh Glossbox you know me so well!) and Mauve Over which is a scary vibrant purple if you mix the two together it does tone the purple down to a more manageable fushia shade. I'm yet to try these out for lasting time but I have still got a mark on my hand from swatching a good couple of hours ago even after a good scrubbing so I have high hopes!

Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me Facial Spritz

What a handy little spray for these hot days and nights, containing lavender to calm and peppermint to refresh. It's suitable for all skin types and rehydrates and calms, I've been using this after I take my makeup off at night and before I put it on in the morning, you do need to leave it a good minute or two to dry before you can put anything else on your face though.

Coola Organic Suncare Collection Mineral Face SPF 20

Well, what doesn't this do?! Not only is it sun protection it also soothes, tones and minimizes pores while also reducing inflammation and balancing moisture and fighting signs of ageing! No wonder it comes in at £29.99 for a full size! 

Glossybox have definitely got it right this month with their summer themed box lets just hope the weather stays long enough for me to try out my new goodies while it actually feels summery! 

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Selfridges Festival Beauty Box

 

 

 

 

Selfridges Festival Beauty Box £25.00

Oh hi there, remember me?! I'm finally feeling more in the real world and less in a place that strongly resembles the Ikea Market place and am writing this from my very own sofa in my very own house! We're starting to get sorted and I can officially confirm that living with a smelly boy isn't that bad but maybe ask me again in a few months!

If you follow me on Instagram (and if not, why the devil not?! Jadehardyxo, my life through filters!) you might have seen that the postman brought me a very exciting parcel this morning, the Selfridges Festival Beauty Box, eek look at all my new things to play with. I'm not actually going to a festival this year but I can't resist a bargain, I paid £25 for this box and the contents is actually worth around £110, I would have been a fool not to proceed to checkout! Selfridges have released a few of these in the past, the most recent being the summer beauty box but unlike the likes of Glossybox and Birchbox, the element of surprise isn't there, you see what you get before you order which I think is a good thing because £25 is a lot to spend on something you're not sure that you'll even like. The brands and range of products in these beauty boxes are always amazing but the downside is that the box is limited edition and only available in limited numbers so you need to act fast! 

This is the contents of the box:

NPW Chubby Glitter Stick in Hottest Pink

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge

NPW Hand and Face Wipes

Colour Smash Hair Shadow in Je Ne Sais Quoi

Sol de Janeiro Coconut Water Cooling Mist 150ml

BareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lip Gloss in Moxie

Cowshed Antibacterial Hand Gel 50ml

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Navy Blue

Topshop Lip Crayon in Powder Room

Violent lips in The Warm Rainbow

Azature Nail Varnish in Champagne

...And breath, what a list! The Topshop Lip Crayon was what first caught my eye, I've never tried one of these before and it's such a lovely shade that I've seen some really nice swatches of. The BareMinerals Moxie Lipgloss is another absolutely gorgeous pink, I'm going to have the pinkest pout in Leicestershire after I've raided this box. I wouldn't have picked up the Illamasqua Liquid Metal myself as it looks a bit scary to a neutral eye lover like myself but after reading a few reviews it can also be used as a highlighter so I'll definitely be giving that a whirl. I love an eyeliner pen but have never got any more adventurous than black so this navy blue Eyeko Skinny Liner should be something a little different without straying too far out of my comfort zone. A little bit too far out of my comfort zone are the Violent Lips lip appliqués, I am curious to see how they work though so might have to try them out (for the sake of the blog, of course!) I saw that there was an Azature Nail Varnish worth around the same as a house?! I don't think it's this one but it's pretty and sparkly all the same.

If you like what you see click yourself over to the Selfridges website because I don't think that this box will be hanging around for long! 

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