No7 Skincare Collection

Hi dolls.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, stuffed yourselves silly, sipped lots of bubbly and received lots of beautiful presents. I am currently still stuck to the couch. It's no joke. I ate far too much yesterday and now my arse is like an anchor. Thank god I can still blog. This is what I now look like. A puffa fish.

 

 

Santa has been an absolute babe to me this year and I feel very lucky indeed. I got some lovely gifts from friends and family and quite the haul from my lovely fiancé- he's definitely in my good books. I might even share my Moët with him. Maybe.

My sister bought me piglet pyjamas. I feel so blessed. Beyonce ain't got shit on me.

 

 

I also especially love the fact that I am all gigged out now for the beginning of 2015. I love a good mosh. Ta Dave. Your an angel.

 

So one of my presents was a No7 Skincare Collection set. 

 

I love anything skin care related these days (No one got time for spots and wrinkles) so was very pleased when I opened this little beauty and couldn't wait to try the products inside. No7 are definitely a reputable brand so my hopes were high.

 

Inside the box I found a hot cloth cleanser, eye make up remover, headband and day and night cream moisturisers. 

 

 

First of all I loved the headband- soft as a baby's bottom and keeps those pesky baby hairs out of the face. However my favourite product by far has been the hot cloth cleanser. 

 

You rub the cream in a circular upwards motion and then remove it with the cloth soaked in hot water which opens up those pores and then you finish with a splash of cold water to close the pores up again. I really love it- it makes cleansing so easy and quick and it is fab at removing make up. It's suitable for all skin types so I would definitely give it ago. 

 

On the flip side, I am not so I pressed with the eye make up remover unfortunately. 

 

 

I put this water based eye make up remover to the ultimate test and used it to remove Benefits They're Real mascara. It was such a flop. I had to use a heck of a lot to try and remove the mascara and even then I still couldn't manage to get it off completely with his product. There was also a lot of eye rubbing involved which is a big no no- the skin around the eyes is much more delicate than the rest of your face so you should be as gentle as possible when cleansing. Sorry No7 but this definitely isn't for me. 

 

The last two products in this set were the day and night creams. 

    

I am a huge fan of the No7 anti wrinkle serum so I also had high hopes for these babies. I wasn't disappointed. These creams are lovely and suitable for all skin types. My oily skin adores these creams as they are non greasy. 

 

Overall I really love this collection. No7 are by no means a luxury brand when it comes to make up and skincare but they don't need to be- for the everyday woman their products are fabulous and affordable and they certainly do the trick. My skin is definitely loving all the pampering. Merci No7. 

 

I shall be posting again before the new year with Decembers Beauty Box Battle. Keep those peepers peeled. 

 

Much loves.

 

 

Beauty Box Battle: November baby.

ITS OFFICIAL. We are in December which only means one thing. PRESENTS. 

 

Gosh I am super excited for Christmas this year. Family, friends, presents and lots of good booze and food. Best time of the year if you ask me. And this year I have surprised myself with how organised I have been with the Christmas shopping- Looks like I won't be running around the The Trafford Centre like a possessed lunatic on speed on Christmas Eve this year- Happy days for all. 

 

Here is our little tree with the first of the presents wrapped up underneath. It's taking some super will power of mine to not take a peek. My lovely fiancé has kindly decorated it in red and silver- apparently it's a Man United tree.

 

I have also seen a Merry Pringles Tree this year. How fabulous. I wonder if the tubes were full.

So apart from drooling over Christmas presents this month I have also spent a lot of time hung over. Here are some photos from my works Christmas do and my dog in a hat. 

 

 

 

  

Isn't she lovely? 

 

SO LETS CRACK ON.

I received two lovely beauty boxes in November however there was one clear winner. 

Second places goes to GLOSSYBOX.

I have to say I have had way better boxes from Glossybox since I started my subscription than the one I received in November however it wasn't a complete flop. Here's what I got.

1. Lollipops Make Up- Eye pencil. RRP €14 (international brand). FULL SIZED PRODUCT.

 

This is a fab retractable eye liner for creating smokey eyes as the pencil is super soft, easy to smudge and blend and it is super dark in colour and stays put all day. It also contains Vitamin E with anti aging and anti radical actions- sounds good to me. However it is not a eye liner that you can use for creating flicks on the top lids as it's far too blunt for that and it cannot be sharpened. I tried it and failed miserably. 

2. Burt's Bees- Lip Shine. RRP £6.99. FULL SIZED PRODUCT.

I don't actually own that many lip glosses as I am more of a lipstick kinda chick so it was nice to find this in my box. This lip gloss is made of 100% natural ingredients and has a lovely red tint to it. It actually looks like you have a wax gloss over your lips and tastes rather scrummy too. Nice product.

3. H20+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment. RRP £27.50 for 50ml. SAMPLE SIZED.

 

This was my favourite product inside this months Glossybox by far. It looks like quite a small sample but you do not need to use a lot at all as it spreads really easily. It comes out of the tube as a blue gel that claims to deliver deep hydration whilst minimising the appearance of fine lines - so obviously I was intrigued and all over it like a mouse on cheese. This makes your skin glow. No joke. I put this on before my usual skin care make up routine in the morning and my skin just looked so much warmer and fresh. I definately recommend this to everyone.

4. MONU Skincare- Refining Capri Facial Oil. RRP £26 for 100 ml. SAMPLE SIZED.

 

This cleansing and toning oil treatment claims to ensure breakouts are a thing of the past. It's true to say I haven't had any breakouts recently but I just haven't been wowed by this at all. I just expected more but it just feels like I am washing my face in a chip pan. I am going to keep using it and hope to see results soon.

5. OGX. Argon Oil of Morocco Shampoo. RRP £3 for full sized. SAMPLE SIZED.

Hate this shampoo. When I see and hear of Moroccan oil I think of nothing but lovely super smooth locks. This shampoo completely did the opposite and dried my hair out. It didn't lather well at all either so you have to use a lot even on short hair. Very disappointing. 

So yeah- as you can see the box was very hit and miss. Glossybox is usually always on top form but Novembers box was a bit average. Better luck next time.

So yes- BIRCHBOX IS NOVEMBERS WINNER and here is why.

 

First of all I loved the theme this month- Cosy at home. Suits me down to a T. I plan on spending these cold winter months wrapped up in my duvet wearing a Christmas onesie eating lots of chocolate, drinking lots of red wine and pampering myself stupid. 

I will now run through what lovely treats Birchbox sent me.

 

1. OPI- Coca Cola Red Nail Polish. RRP £11.99. FULL SIZED.

 

Let's face it. Everyone knows that OPI do a smashing range of high quality nail varnishes and this one did not disappoint. This limited edition colour is beautiful- a striking bright red perfect for Christmas. One coat and it's done. Voila. Christmas party ready.

2. Beauty Protector- Protect and Treat Hair Mask. RRP £16. SAMPLE SIZED.

 

I love hair treatment masks. When you have abused your hair with bleach and straighteners as much as I have your hair needs that extra TLC. These little pots are packed with argan oil, honey, amber and crushed pearls. Crushed pearls- how luxurious does that sound. I wouldn't say I was blown away with the results after I used these but I was still very happy. My hair was lovely and soft indeed.

3. Waleda- Almond Soothing Facial Oil. RRP £14.95. SAMPLE SIZED.

 

This is a great sized sample. This oil is for massaging into the skin to keep it supple and soft in the winter weather. I found the oil far too greasy to massage into my face ( I have enough oil as it is) but it's great for removing eye make up. It easily removes Benefits They're Real Mascara which lets face it, is the ultimate test because that is a bitch to get off.

4. Lord and Berry- Mini Bronzer- Sunny. RRP £19. SAMPLE SIZED.

 

No filter. 

 

Lavvvvvvv this.

This bronzer is to die for. The shade is very natural and it gives a lovely matt finish without any of that pesky shimmer I hate. Perfect for the holiday make up bag.

5. Dr. Jart + V7 Relief Vita Drop. RRP £26. FULL SIZED.

 

So this was my favourite product from this months Birchbox. This is a sexy sexy moisturiser that I have been applying twice a day after cleansing. Iv nearly used the whole tube. It's very upsetting. I don't want it to end. The moisturiser is literally hydration in a tube that is super friendly to oily skin sufferers- and it smells like jelly tots. Yummy. 

6. Lifestyle Extra- Drinkwel Multi Vitamin. RRP £39.99. ONE SAMPLE.

 

 

Birchbox very kindly sent me a multi vitamin sample that claim to help you recover from the dreaded hangover. I used these this weekend on my works Christmas do and I have to say I was impressed. I drank ALOT. Yes I was still hungover however it didn't last long at all and I feel like I should of felt a lot worse. Send me more please? Ta.

Congrats again Birchbox. Iv had a lovely November.

If I don't post until the new year have a lovely Christmas everyone and a happy new year. I hope Santa brings you shit loads of fab presents. 

 

Beauty Box Battle: October

Oh hello lovely people. It's seems like forever since my last post- I am very sorry. Work. Sleep. Drink. Repeat. Work. Sleep. Drink. Repeat. has been my life for the past few weeks since I have started working the late shift at my new job. I love it. It suits me perfectly but my god it steals vital blogging time!

 

 

So Winter is upon us and I LOVE IT. I love the cosy nights in, big faux fur coats, Top Shop boots and woolly hats. I also love the fact the sun isn't trying to melt my face off everyday. Ta winter sun.

I have also cut a fringe in. I got bored and had to do
something. You like?

 

So this months beauty box battle will seem a lot shorter as I have decided to throw in the towel with Love Me Beauty. They were just not in the same league as Birchbox and Glossybox and I still haven't got over the fact they sent me the same product twice. Sloppy sloppy sloppy. I just lost all 

excitement with them. I am looking to try another though to

replace them so if anyone has any recommendations please throw them my way.

So let's get crackin. 

 

Both boxes this month were fab as always but one was a clear winner. 

Second place goes to..... (Do do do dooooo)

 

BIRCHBOX 

 

 

 

The theme this month was Breast Cancer and Birchbox have teamed up with a charity named CoppaFeel which I absolutely adored. £1 of each subscription got donated. What a fab idea and the pink theme was very pretty. I also got a lovely pink make up bag- small but sweet and will definitely be used.

 

The lifestyle extra this month was also great- a pink lipstick pen. How Sex in the City. I'm sure Carrie would have one of these fo sho. So now I will run through the products I received and will let my gob run away with me as usual.

1. KMS California Hair Play Dry Wax- Travel Sized- Full sized RRPs at £15.50

 

At first I was quite excited because I have quite short hair and it naturally lacks volume and I love the messy look. I was a bit disappointed as it didn't live up to expectations. It did make my hair feel more matt definitely but the volume was non existent and so was the messy look. To be honest its main effect was to make it very difficult to manage my hair 

and even run my fingers through it. Sigh. 

 

2. Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm- in 'Honey Nectar'- Full sized- RRPs at £8

Now this little beauty I haven't been able to keep off my scmackers! It's just awesome. I have wore this everyday since I got my box as it's the perfect lip balm. The Shea butter is so soft and has kept my chapped lips at bay. It's also tinted to a pink/nude colour which I love. I will be buying this again.

 

3. Shave works- The Cool Fix- Sample Sized- Full sized RRPs at £11

Now I do prefer to shave than wax because I'm a big baby so this was a very nice treat in my box. It really does the trick with those dreaded burns and is super handy to have in the shower. That is all.

4. Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum- Cindy Crawford- Sample Sized- Full Sized RRPs at £30.95

 

 

I watch every single Real Housewives show known to man kind. I am obsessed. And I am also obsessed with keeping my skin looking young and fresh too like those lovely ladies so when I got this in my box I thought YES. Plus Cindy Crawford is still an absolute beauty in her 50s- we would all love to know her secret.

 

C.Crawford has teamed with a leading dermatologist to the stars with this line- and I received the Glowing Serum. It is a light tan coloured cream that you apply to your face before moisturiser. I think the sample was too small for me to obviously see a massive difference but it does give your skin a bit of oomph- whether that's because the cream is tan coloured or it actually works I do not know. But I can't help feel like I have given my skin a lovely treat with this and I am intrigued by the rest of her skin care line. Thank you Birchbox.

 

5. Cattier Paris- Masque Argile- Pink Clay Mask- Sample Sized- Full Sized RRPs £5 

And finally I got two of these lovely pink aloe vera clay masks which were a great size too- I got two masks out of each! I was BUZZIN when I saw them- yes BUZZIN. Give me a face mask when I'm down and I shall be happy again. These were great- they are for sensitive skin and they smelt lovely. My skin felt tight and soft afterwards. What a lovely Sunday pamper treat indeed.

 

So there were a few products as you can see that weren't so amazing but the box as a whole was still of a fabulous standard. Now to the winner. 

GLOSSYBOX BITCHES.

Octobers theme was my favourite to date. It was Pop Art/Andy Warhol inspired look. WOW.

 

 

1. Nuxe Creme Fraicher De Beaut Mask- Full sized product- RRP £19.50 

This stuff is an absolute treat and look- in one product the cost of my box and more has been paid for already. Value for money indeed. This is a hydrating face mask that works to soothe the skin if you suffer from redness and dullness. It is a clear gel consistency so you get a lot of the product and it really leaves your skin instantly smooth like a baby's bum in a matter of 10 minutes. Keep it in the fridge for extra freshness. Love love LOVE it.

 

2. Etre Belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel- Full sized product- RRPs £10.95

 

I love anything to do with lips. Lips are sexy things that should be cared for. Just sayin. This is another full sized product which I also couldn't get enough of. You barely need to use any of it too- this will last me a lifetime! It's an instant lip exfoliator which is easy and quick enough to apply and use each morning as part of your beauty regime. You rub it     on your lips for a few minutes and voila- CHAP BE GONE. HELLO SMOOTH PUCKERS.

3. So Susan Cosmetics- Flutter Mascara- Full Sized- RRP £14.95

 

If you read my blog you will know I HATE this brand for mascara. I wish it would just piss off. I wanted to launch my Glossybox through the TV when I saw it- but thought I best not. Mr Fiancé would not be happy and may call off the wedding. Self control that.

    

This was a different type of So Susan mascara called Flutter Mascara so I kept an open mind and gave it a go. Yep still crap. Not as rubbish as the previous one I reviewed because that did nothing at all and I had to bin it but this one is still not worth £14.95. I will use this for work but please- NO ONE- go buy one.

 

4. Ciate London Paint Pot in 'Pom Pom'- Full sized- RRPs £9

 

 

On a brighter note- HOORAY. I have been wanting to try this brand for a very long time. The colour is a warm orangey red- delicious. And out of all the nail varnishes I have tried so far it is the best for quality when it comes to application and staying power. I also like the bow. Pretty. 

5. Yves Rocher- Quelques Notes D'Amour- Sample sized- Full sized RRPs £33

 

  

Ooooh I do love a good fragrance and this is lovely. Smells like love in a pot! Thank you Glossybox. I now smell like a love queen.

 

6. Rimmel London- BB Cream Matte- Sample Sized- Full Sized RRPs £6.99

 

 

This has all the makings of a great affordable BB cream but it's just not right for me and my skin type. It glides on super easy and has great coverage for a BB cream so I was super impressed. And for the first two hours it made my skin look flawless. My only problem is after that it couldn't control the oil anymore so if you have oily skin I wouldn't recommend this. If not though- buy it. 

So there you have it. Another fabulous month for me from the beauty box world :)  

 

I am now going to spend the rest of the afternoon stuffing my face and getting crafty making wedding invitations. I shall post the results soon. 

 

Much love.