Review : December GlossyBox

I received the much anticipated December GlossyBox yesterday before heading off to Bristol for the Xmas Blogger Meet, which was amazing!

I love that the Christmas boxes were red instead of the usual pink - such a nice touch.

The products...

BIONOVA Eye Wrinkle Cream 4g approx £12.13

GlossyBox say : Utilizes the technology based on Life Science Nanotechnology by treating the skin with the same ingredients in the same quantities and ratio naturally produced by a Human Body.

I say : I love a good eye cream so was very pleased to see this in my box. The first thought when I saw this was the complete waste of packaging! Why use such a big box for such a tiny sample? It seems like a very good eye cream, it feels really nice and soft. As for fragrance, it smells a bit too soapy for my liking.

Blink+Go Eyeshadow and Blush Palette 19g (full size) £14.95

GlossyBox say : Blink+Go Eye makeup is the ultimate effect for eyes. Take your eye style to a dizzy height with maximum colour and a perfect silk texture and finish.

I say : This is such a lovely little compact palette and I am so pleased with the colours I received as I will use these. The swatches blew me away, I didn't expect the eyeshadow & blushers to be of very good quality, but, as you can see they are super pigmented. The eyeshadows are a lovely silky texture as described and have a beautiful shimmer.

They have given us 25% off any Blink+Go Eyeshadow & Blush duo or Mascara.

Cargo Classic Lip Gloss in Las Vegas 0.45g approx £0.95 (I think, I could be very wrong here)

GlossyBox say :  Cargo's new Lip Gloss formulation! Perfect shades, great wear and high shine without being sticky.

I say : The colour of this isn't really very me. This is a small sample which makes it ideal for throwing in your handbag for a night out. It applies really well and really isn't sticky. The glitter makes it look extra shiny, if it was in a different shade this would be ideal for the Christmas party season.

Deborah Lippman Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish approx £10.69 (again, pricing is a bit of a guess as I'm not sure of the sample size, so I could be quite wrong)

Deborah Lippman Stripped To Go Sachet approx £2.34

GlossyBox say : Party glitter nail colour with a sachet of the most amazing polish remover finger nail mitt.

I say : I was so pleased to see a Deborah Lippmann nail polish in my box as I have been dying to try one. I'm not disappointed either, the above photos were taken with two coats and just look gorgeous. I can see me wearing this polish a lot. 

I haven't tried the nail remover mitt yet as I'm wearing nail foils at the moment. I'll let you know how I get on with it, probably in a monthly summary post.

Rituals Foaming Shower Gel 200ml (full size) £6.50

GlossyBox say : This unique foaming shower gel gently cleanses your skin and leaves it silky soft and smooth.

I say : I haven't used this yet but it smells gorgeous. 

GB have given us a barcode which gives us £5 off a £25 purchase in any UK Rituals store, I don't think they have a store in Wales so I won't get to use this.

Overall Verdict:

• My very rough estimate of the total box price is £47.56, which is very impressive. 
• I will use almost every product, the only one that may not get used is the lipgloss, which is the cheapest thing in the box.
• We received two full size products.
• The star item for me is the Blink & Go palette, for me this was an excellent item to receive and really made the box stand out.
• I hate to say this, but I was initially a little disappointed. Even though I love this box GB did build it up quite a bit so I was expecting something to 'wow' me or extra products. Please don't think I'm moaning as I'm not, I just think that GB maybe built the box up a bit too much.

Rumour has it that the January box is also going to be a limited edition box especially for Valetine's Day. If it is as good as this box I will be more than happy.

If you haven't already signed up to GB you can do so here. Existing subscribers may be interested to know that the Beauty Profile appears to be working. I've just filled mine in, it does say that it won't affect the box contents just yet but will be used in the future.

Did you receive this box? What was your star product? Did the box live up to your expectations?

Review : Smashbox Bionic Mascara

I'm going to start this post by saying a big fat WOW! This is another of the items that I received from CheapSmells.com and it has amazed me.

Packaging

Nothing special, just a simple mascara design. I wouldn't really except anything else from a mascara in the packaging department. Nice, clean packaging.

Product
I love a good mascara and this one didn't let me down. I received the mascara in Jet Black which is the colour I would have chosen myself.

I am lucky enough to have long eyelashes, my issue is that they don't curl very well, and when they do it doesn't hold.

This mascara not only lengthened and thickened my eyelashes in tremendous style, but it somehow managed to curl them and make that curl stay! You may have seen my excited tweet when I first started playing with this mascara.

Left eye with mascara, right eye no mascara.

To achieve this result I did apply a lot of mascara, as I do with all my other mascaras.  As you can see it hasn't clumped and has coated most of my lashes, even the smaller ones. Despite the thickness of the wand it really is easy to work with.

Would I recommend this product?
Most definitely. This is one of the best mascaras I've tried in ages, actually probably the best mascara I have ever tried! It lengthens, curls and thickens your lashes. What more could a girl want?

Availability
My Smashbox Mascara was sent to me from Cheap Smells. Their website states that this product is usually dispatched within one working day. Their last order date to the UK in time for Christmas is 18 December 2011. Cheap Smells deliver free within the UK. You can view their other delivery options for outside the UK here.

Price
The mascara costs £12.95 from Cheap Smells, although the RRP is £16.50. You get 7.7ml of product. This is slightly more than I would normally pay for a mascara, but I tend to buy high street products. Having seen this product in action I definitely think it is value for money at this price, I would re-purchase.

Have you tried Smashbox Bionic Mascara? What is your holy grail mascara?

*Disclaimer. I was sent this product for review purposes but all opinions expressed are 100% my own*

Review : Travalo Perfume Atomiser

I recently posted about the items that I received from CheapSmells.com, following this post a lot of you expressed an interest in the Travalo perfume atomiser.

I tried the Travalo today and am very impressed with it, it is so easy to use and so convenient.

 Simple instructions on the packaging. It really is that easy!

 Hold the atomiser in place and pump as you would if you were spraying the perfume.

Handy clear insert shows you how much perfume is in the atomiser.

Size comparison. The Travalo next to a Burt's Bees lipgloss.

There isn't really a lot to say on this product as I think the photos do the talking. The Travalo is a handy size for your handbag, very easy to use and looks nice and sleek.

It seems very secure, I've shaken mine about and whacked it against my hand several times and there is no leakage at all.

I personally will be getting a lot of use out of this with the upcoming Christmas party season. It is also handy for weekends away.

The Travalo is available in four different colours (Bold Gold, Sleek Silver, Perfect Pink and Black) and is completely safe to use on board flights. It holds 50 sprays of perfume

You can buy the Travalo from Cheap Smells for just £6.99 (RRP £9.99). The last order date for Christmas in the UK is 18 December.

Will you be investing in a Travalo? I'm only disappointed that I didn't find this until after I'd finished my Christmas shopping. It would make a great stocking filler.


*Disclaimer. I was sent this product for review purposes but all opinions expressed are 100% my own*

CheapSmells.com

I was recently contacted by Angela from CheapSmells.com asking me if I'd like some products to review. I jumped at the chance and eagerly awaited the arrival of my surprise products! They stock so many different things on their website that I had no idea what to expect! I soon received an amazing bright pink bubble wrap envelope through the post and couldn't wait to open it up!

I received the items super quickly and the packaging is quite possibly the coolest envelope I've ever received! The selection of products sent to me shows that there is a wide variety available on their website.

Cheap Smells makes online shopping very convenient as not only do they stock various high quality brands they also have very low prices and free postage within the UK.

Now, onto the products that I received...

Smashbox Bionic Mascara £12.95, RRP £16.50

 Jemma Kidd Crushed Jewel Creme Duo £5.95, RRP £16

 Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss £4.49, RRP £5.99

 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch £17.95, RRP £24.50

Travalo Perfume Atomiser £7.95, RRP £9.99

As you can see there are some pretty big savings! This total order RRP is £72.98, however if you were to order this from CheapSmells.com it would cost a mere £49.29, quite a big saving!

Another massive point for me is that postage to the UK is free (you can view other delivery rates here). They are also running Christmas treats everyday throughout December. Today's treat is £5 off your order.

Overall I am more than impressed with the service received from Cheap Smells and will definitely be looking to order from them in the future.

I will review all of the products in more detail shortly, is there any particular product that you are keen to see first?

*Please note, I was sent this products for consideration but my opinions haven't been swayed, they are, as always, 100% honest and my own*

Joe Browns Alpine Hooded Cardigan

I've recently been accepted onto the Best British Bloggers programme. As part of this they offered me the chance to pick a product from Joe Browns to review. I jumped at the chance as my favourite purse is from Joe Browns, I've had it about five years now and it is still going strong.

Joe Browns have an amazing selection of chunky knits, I was quite torn for choice! I eventually settled on the Alpine Hooded Cardigan in fuchsia and brown.

The cardigan arrived super quickly, I emailed Katie with my choice on the Wednesday evening and it arrived on the Friday. Very impressive.

Jeans & top, Primark. Shoes, Peacocks. Necklace, Flutterface.

I wore it shopping on Saturday and it was perfect for this cold weather. The sleeves are lovely and long (I've tucked them up here) which means you can snuggle up in it. My only qualm is that it fits perfectly, I like my cardigans to be over sized so really should have sized up. My fault not theirs.

This cardigan, along with some other beauties, is currently on sale for £33.71 and can be purchased here, standard delivery within the UK costs £4, to view other rates click here.


They also have a very simliar version of this cardigan available in blue with a fur trimmed hood. Isn't it gorgeous?

Joe Browns £33.71

*Please note that although I was sent this cardigan for review purposes all opinions are 100% honest and my own*

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?