Week in Photos #39

This week has been...

PAMPERED

I decided to have a pampering day on Sunday. I started with the Vinies Luminous face mask that I received in this month's Boudoir Prive. Thankfully I didn't have the bad reaction that a lot of people did. On me it worked well, my skin felt really nice and plump afterwards.
I then decided to take my Christmas Cupcake Yankee Candle into the bathroom and have a relaxing jacuzzi bath with the Dead Sea Magik Bath salts that I received in this month's GlossyBox. The bath salts are lovely and seemed to help reduce the redness from my spots which are awful at the moment.
I always used my Rahua shampoo and conditioner samples from Boudoir Prive which left my hair feeling lovely.
So yeah, I had a good beauty box day which left my skin feeling lovely and me feeling relaxed!

COSY

I dug out these slipper socks that I had for Christmas last year. I completely forgot that I had them! Am loving wearing them again.
I've also been living in my fleecy Primark PJs.

and loving my new Glade candle in Chocolate & Honey

GREEDY

Tesco had these on offer for £1 so I had to buy them. And eat them all.

TASTY

 Baked potato with tuna, salt, pepper, vinegar and leeks. Spencer thought I was odd putting raw leeks with this, until he tried it, then he agreed that it tasted just like tuna and spring onion.

 I recently received some Iceland vouchers which included one to get one of their £1 pizzas for free! We choose the chicken fajita and it was lovely.

The vouchers also included money off Birdseye's new baked to perfection range. This is the Haddock with mashed potato. It was gorgeous. So lemony and just full of taste.

 Spencer was off work on strike on Wednesday. I told him to make tea as I was working all day. He bought an Indian instead, I wasn't complaining!

Leek & Potato soup with cheese on toast soldiers. NOM.

 I had a random craving for eggy bread yesterday. Its not something I have very often but I really fancied it. I decided to put two pieces of bacon in between two pieces of eggy bread. It was lovely.

I finally made my Herman cake :) I put loads of chocolate in him and he really is delicious!

BROKEN

The Primark shoes I showed you in this haul post, this is them now. Buying Primark shoes to wear everyday for work probably wasn't one of my best ideas! I had lovely wet feet from these on Tuesday, they are now in the bin!

INVITED

I'm guessing that there is a Christmas theme for this wedding - exciting!

FESTIVE

I put my Christmas tree up on Friday. I love Christmas and putting the tree up gets me so excited!

Other non-photographed goings on...

I was relieved to see Janet leave the X Factor last Sunday. I loved her when she first auditioned and I do still love her voice. She has just seemed as though she doesn't want to be there any more though and I think that there are other people more worthy to be in the final than her. I hope that Mischa B goes tonight. My favourites by a mile are Little Mix. I would love to see them win!

I have increased my hours in work, from 9-5 to 8:30 - 5:30. I'm coping surprisingly well with it! I have difficult getting up in the mornings usually so am shocked at how well I've adapted to this change.

Spencer and I went shopping after work on Monday. In my lunchtime I picked up a Glade Chocolate & Honey candle from Wilkinsons. When I met him in Tesco he'd already been around a few aisles and had also picked up the same candle! Match made in heaven! (They were on offer in both shops which is why we were drawn to them, but, out of all the flavours we both picked the same!)

Spencer almost had his car door ripped off on Monday when we got home from shopping! We live in a narrow road that has parking on both sides of the street. I sat in the car as an ambulance went past followed by a car. I then opened the door to get out. As I was about to close the door the car that had passed started to reverse back into the door! I didn't have time to close the door so tried to yell at him, it was too late. The door went back a lot further than it should have. Thankfully no major damage was done. It turned out the ambulance started reversing on the guy in the car, so he quickly reversed out of the way and into the door. I was really quite shaken up and so was the driver.

I've been considering following blogs via Bloglovin' instead of GFC for a while now. I've recently heard that GFC is ending in March, so this has kick started me into action! I'm starting to follow blogs via Bloglovin' where I can and unfollow via GFC so that I don't miss anyone (hopefully!). If I un-follow you that is why, I'm still there, just through a different platform!

I went to a local craft fair today, there were some lovely items there. We were quite annoyed that we'd already bought our Christmas presents as there were some lovely gifts there. I bought myself a honey and lemon bath bomb which smells amazing! Can't wait to use it!

What have you been up to this week? Who would you like to see leave X Factor tonight and who is your favourite to win the whole thing?

November Boudoir Prive : Review

I love when my beauty box arrives on a Saturday, it makes life a lot easier and I actually get to see the contents before I see any spoilers!

My Box...

The Contents...


Skincare - Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturiser

Boudoir Prive say : A 24-hour moisturising and brightening cream. The Wild Rose oil is a natural source of vitamin C and helps repair fine lines and uneven skin tone. The combination of grape seed and phytic acid work together to maintain a youthful complexion.


I say : This really does have a lovely smell, it isn't as powerful as I'd expected which is a good thing for me. It is a facial moisturiser and has SPF protection. I'll definitely be using this.

The price : £19 for 40ml, we received 10ml which makes this sample worth approx £4.75

Haircare - Rahua Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner

Boudoir Prive say : Create thick, glossy and bouncy hair with this 100% natural voluminous shampoo & conditioner. The lemongrass and green tea remove excess oils from the hair, whilst jojoba adds moisture and nourishment. Rich in Omega-9, it deeply penetrates the hair and helps restore and strengthen follicles.


I say : I'll be honest, I'm disappointed to receive sachets in my box. When I subbed to GB I had the option to say that I didn't want to receive sachets, with BP I didn't have the option. I find sachets such a nuisance, I never remember to open them before going in the shower and then they become impossible to open when your hands are wet! I will try these though and they do sound very good with all the natural oils.

The price : Voluminous Shampoo £27 for 275ml, we received two 10ml sachets which makes this sample worth approx £1.96
Voluminous Conditioner £28.50 for 275ml, we received two 8ml sachets which makes this sample worth approx £1.66

Bodycare - Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion

Boudoir Prive say : Dead sea minerals are renowned for their therapeutic and cosmetic properties. This creamy and silky body lotion will leave your skin feeling deeply hydrated and nourished. It aims to improve elasticity whilst soothing and preventing dryness.


I say : This isn't the nicest smelling moisturiser I've ever tried but it isn't a horrible smell either. It sinks into the skin nicely and leaves it feeling soft.

The price : £7.70 for 350ml, we received 50ml which makes this sample worth approx £1.10

Make-up - Studiomakeup Rich Hydration Lipstick shade Shimmering Sands

Boudoir Prive say : For lustrous lips use Studiomakeup's creamy and hydrating lipstick. Available in 4 rich and vibrant colours, the anti-aging and moisturising formula is perfect for the coming frosty months.


I say : I love the idea of this nourishing lipstick and I love the packaging. I was very pleased to see this in the box until I saw the colour. This is not a colour I would tend to wear. This is why we could do with a beauty profile.

The price : £12.25 for 4g, we received a full size lipstick

Lifestyle - Vinies Ayurveda's Soul Luminous Skin Mask

Boudoir Prive say : As featured on Vogue.co.uk, enhance your complexion with Vinies Luminous Skin Mask. The gentle exfoliants and natural skin brighteners will even skin tone and keep your skin glowing through the day. With the finest ingredients including mint leaf, Licorice root and magnolia extract, this product is suitable for all skin types.


I say : This has quite a strange smell, as you would expect from the ingredients! The smell is quite fresh though and I'm sure it will leave skin feeling very refreshed. This looks like a product that may work well. I'm looking forward to trying it.

The price : £32.85 for 400gm, we received two 15gm pots which makes this sample worth approx £24.68

Overall verdict

• Total box price is approximately £46.40
• All of the products bar the lipstick will get used. Which is a shame because the lipstick would be so nice in different colour.
• Boudoir Prive have now rewarded their loyal subscribers by not charging us the postage price that has recently been introduced. This has made me feel a lot happier with BP as I did start to feel that they were focusing too much on new customers and not us loyal subscribers.

Did you receive a BP box this month? Did you have the same contents as me?

If anyone has had a different shade lipstick to me and would like to swap please let me know :)

Review : November Glossy Box

I received my GlossyBox yesterday :) It was with a neighbour so by the time I received it it was too late to post about it, better late than never! Talking of late, last month I received my box on the 17th, this month the 21st. I haven't even received my Boudoir Prive box yet as they are having problems. I do hope that they manage to get next months boxes out on time.

The products...

 Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps full size £6.65

GlossyBox say : The new Nail Rock designer nail wrap range is designed to last up to 7 days on nails and 8 weeks on the toes. They won't chip or stain the nail, require no drying time and deliver on trend style in just 15 minutes.

I say : I was pleased to see these in my box and love the design of the wraps I received. I still haven't tried nail wraps despite owning several. They are something that really appeal to me yet I never end up using. I will use these, I will!

GlossyBox have given us a code for 15% off this range.

 MONU Skin Perfector 50ml (full size) value £16.25

GlossyBox say : A weightless cream which instantly smooths imperfections and enhances natural radiance as it glides onto the skin.

I say : This product has soft focus technology for fine lines and expression lines. I'm really keen on anti-ageing products at the moment so am looking forward to trying this. I like the silver top as I think it makes it look like an expensive product. I'm not so sure about the scent of this, it has an almost medical smell to it, kind of like Savlon? 

GlossyBox have given us 10% off this range.

 ARBONNE FC5 Cooling Foot Creme 15ml value approx £2.42

GlossyBox say : Moisturising, non greasy foot creme hydrates rough, dry skin and soothes, cools and comforts tired feet.

I say : Another product that I'm happy to receive. I have terrible dry skin on my feet and am always trying to find the holy grail product. This smells nice and minty like your average foot cream.

 Dead Sea Spa Magik Bath Salts 250g value approx £1.38

GlossyBox say : 2011 Beauty Awards winner. Fantastic for alleviating dry skin conditions as well as a natural exfoliant, Dead Sea Bath Salts remarkably improves skin texture.

I say : I received the salt scrub by this brand in a previous box and loved it. I'm happy to receive products from a brand that I have previously received stuff from provided it isn't the same product, which this isn't. I don't tend to have baths but really should start having them more often as I do have a jacuzzi bath. Maybe this bag of natural goodness will tempt me into the bath!

You can also add oil to these to make a body scrub or use them for a foot soak.

GlossyBox have given us 25% off our next order.

SERGE LUTENS L'Eau Serge Lutens 1ml value approx £0.86

GlossyBox say : A lasting sensation of wearing a "clean" scent for men and women.

I say : I'm not sure how I like these mixed sex fragrances. This is very overpowering on first spray but after a while it does smell very nice. Its not something that I would usually choose but it is something that I will happily use. It may even sway me from going for the sweet perfumes in the future.

SERGE LUTENS Vitriol d'Oillet 1ml value approx £0.78

GlossyBox say : A new and elegant carnation fragrance for both men and women.

I say : This isn't as overpowering as L'Eau Serge Lutens, its actually not a very powerful smell at all. I'm undecided on this one at the moment.

Overall verdict : 

• The total product value comes to approximately £28.34. It doesn't total as much as previous boxes, but it is still over double what we paid for the box.
• Most of these products, if not all, will get used eventually.
• The perfume samples have spray tops which I much prefer, these are very handy for popping in your handbag.
• I would like to see more make-up in these boxes. We seem to get a moisturiser every month, which is getting a little boring now. I'm receiving them quicker than I'm using them. 

Also, a heads up to non GB subscribers. They have said that there will be a special surprise in the Christmas GlossyBox so if you are tempted to sign up it may be worth doing so for the December box! You can sign up here. Fingers crossed its more than a Christmas card!

Did you receive this month's box? What products did you get? Were you happy?

September GlossyBox : Review

I'm quite late with my GlossyBox post this month, annoyingly instead of leaving it with a neighbour the postie took it back to the depot which meant I didn't get it until Saturday. I did resist looking at other posts though so had a nice surprise when I opened my box.

The products...

 Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing two 50g sachets value £1.80 per sachet = £3.60

GlossyBox say : Voted 'Best Exfoliator' by You Magazine. A harmonious blend of pure Dead Sea Salts, vitamin E and coconut oil, with a hypnotic citrus aroma, make this a wonderfully pampering body exfoliator.

They have given us a 25% discount off our next purchase

I say : I'm pleased that I received these, the sachets are of a decent size so I will get a few uses out of them. The chunks of salt are large and will definitely give me a good exfoliate, the only worry is that they may be too harsh for my sensitive skin. The Citrus scent is lovely.

 HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette (full size) value £20 (approx)

GlossyBox say : Eyebrow expers HD Brows have developed this fantastic multi-use palette containing four matte eyebrow colours. They double up as an eye shadow and eyeliner as well as lasting 24 hours! 

They have given us a code for £5 off our next purchase of a complimentary product. The only problem with this is that the HD-brows website is awful and I can't find how to buy products, which is why the above price is an approximate one!

I say : First off I'm impressed that GlossyBox provided a decent brush as well as the sponge brush in the palette as we all know how useless those sponge applicators are! As you can see from the above photo (top before, bottom after) this kit does make my eyebrows look a lot better. This was a rough application that took less than five minutes so if I were to sit down and take my time after plucking my eyebrows I think I would get some great results! The colours have great pigmentation and great staying power. I really had to scrub hard in the shower to remove the swatches!

 Moa The Green Balm 

GlossyBox say : Crammed with organic yarrow and lots of other lovely natural stuff this handy little pot of Moa balm has many weird and wonderful uses, we're just balmy about it!

They have given us 20% off our next purchase.

I say : When I first opened my box this month I thought that I'd been done out of a product because this sample is so small that I didn't see it! They haven't told us what size this sample is which is quite annoying, I like to know the size of the samples I'm receiving. For me the fact that GlossyBox always tell us this and Boudoir Prive don't was a big plus to GlossyBox. This balm feels and smells lovely, it goes onto the skin quite oily and is really moisturising. I'm not really sure what I'll use a pot this size for, the website seems to suggest that it has healing powers so I may try it on my spots. If it works well I'll let you know!

 Neal and Wolf Glow Super Shine Spray 100ml (full size) value £11.95

GlossyBox say : GLOW is a weightless spray that adds deep, lasting shine. Its unique formula also helps to smooth hair, control frizz and reduce static. The result? Incredible all-over sine that leaves hair glowing! 

They have given us 15% off the whole range.

I say : I was pleased to see this product in my box. It does exactly what it does on the tin! My hair looks really nice and glossy after use and it also has a pleasant smell. As with all shine sprays if you use too much it does make your hair greasy.

Plum by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum 1.5ml value approx £2.70

GlossyBox say : Plum is the signature fragrance by world-renowned celebrity make-up artist Mary Greenwell. A stunning classic chypre with a memorable modern twist. 

They have given us 20% off our second item from the collection

I say : I usually don't like to receive perfumes in my boxes as so far I haven't liked any of them. This one however I actually do like! I will definitely be using this up.

Overall verdict : I really am pleased with this months box. I will use all of the products (provided that my skin doesn't hate the salt scrub). There has been a good variety as we've received body, make-up, hair and fragrance. The main disappointment for me is the tiny sample of Moa The Green Balm but I'm sure I'll find some use for it!

The total value of the box amounts to approximately £38.25, this really is very approximate as I haven't included a value for The Green Balm and have had to guess at the value of the HD Brow kit.

If you've reviewed this months box please leave me the link to your post as I love seeing what other people received and what they thought of it!