NOTD - Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Nails
NOTD - Peach & Gold Striped Nails
NOTD - Revlon Lilac Pastelle
I did purchase this from Cheap Smells for only £2.99 however it is now out of stock but can be found on Shop4Makeup for only £1.74 here (delivery £1.49) or from Boots.com for £6.49 here.
But the bottle in some cases is the old style bottle when bought on discount sites.
Also today I wore Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely perfume as it is such a pretty spring fragrance (£15.95/30ml Eau de Parfum - Cheap Smells here) and got the chance to wear my new stripey shorts from Tesco F&F which were only £6!
Bargain Macadamia Deep Repair Masque!
NOTD - Models Own Indian Ocean
Lifting the Lid... First She Said Beauty Box!
Only last week I was thinking about how over saturated Beauty Boxes are in the UK as it was only one year ago we were all lusting after the U.S Birchbox because we had nothing like it in the UK. However since last week Carmine have 'closed' and merged with Glossybox (actually not too sure on the facts). So now we have Glossy Box, Jolie Box & the She Said Beauty Box and if you are into your natural and organic products the Amarya Beauty Box.
So we still have a lot of choice but I think they all offer something a bit different from each other and Glossy & Jolie are definitely going from strength to strength! Plus She Said Beauty have already grown a great online community around their website.
The She Said Beauty box contains 5 luxury beauty samples for £9.00 a month plus £2.95 delivery or you can pay 3,6 or 12 months in advance with a saving. However there are lots of codes to receive an even better discount. If you are new to She Said Beauty you can receive 25% off your first box with 'SSB25OFF'. Or receive 10% off a 3 month subscription by entering 'SSB03' or for 20% off a 6 month subscription enter 'SSB06'.
You can view all prices & subscription details here.
The Packaging
The packaging is something a little bit different from all the other beauty boxes with it's lovely Tiffany blue box with magnetic close and pretty straw stuffing. I actually think a stack of these or them lined up on a shelf would look so pretty as they are such a nice shade. Also I have actually used the pink ribbon in my hair!
When you go out and purchase another product from the range of the product you received you know you have received something great and this is exactly what I did with the Collection 2000 Cream Puff! If we are being picky this lip product isn't at all a luxury product however I had never got round to trying these so I was really pleased to see one in my box. The product is just so different from anything I have tried before - think a creamy if not slightly greasy (not too, mind) product that has a lovely caramel/toffee scent to it.. that creates a matte finish without drying out the lips at all. Really great stuff! I received Powder Puff with the box and purchased Cotton Candy from Boots.. but now I am thinking I need another one!
Now if I could of picked Ancient Jade over Black Out I would of done. HOWEVER I have used Black Out so much already - probably more times than I would of used Ancient Jade. I have used it as a black base for countless glitters already and for lots of nail art. Just a really great quality black that is opaque within 2 coats and is super glossy. I don't own any other Orly minis but I will definitely be trying out more!
Can't say I have too much of an opinion on this product as it's just a nail file! Not an amazing product but as a little extra in the box it is pretty handy. I have thrown this in to my handbag in case of emergencies but for me it is slightly too coarse than I would have liked so not the best for every day use. But handy all the same!
(Full size - £52.95)
This is the one product that really didn't interest me... due to the two words 'night' and 'cream' (I am one for going to bed with nothing on my face) and also the full retail price! You see I really think the idea of samples of high end skincare products is pretty flawed as the samples generally never contain enough product to see any real effects or to warrant a splurge even. So I think beauty boxes should maybe avoid really high end luxe samples and stick to mid-range to high end ones. Such as Glossy Box did with the Clarins samples in the Valentine's box so that they can provide a decent sized sample. So for this product I cannot even comment on it really.
We Are Faux False Eyelashes (in Roux Sixteen)
(Full size - £9.00)
As a non-false eyelash wearer/lover these surprisingly made my eyes light up a bit. I had spotted the We Are Faux range on ASOS last month so I knew of them but of course it wouldn't be a brand that I would buy from as I just don't wear false eyelashes. Though it is nice to receive a good quality pair that I can wear if I am ever going out somewhere special, because obviously they will last forever. Not sure on the style as they do look a little heavy for what I would wear if I was to go for false eyelashes but I know that I will try them out and I am really pleased they are from such a new yet popular brand.
Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo, Conditioner & Style-prep Smoother
(Full size from £15.50)
I am in two minds about this little trio of Aveda samples. I have used all three products up and enjoyed them, but again the samples were just too tiny to judge how good the products are, so they could never really result in a purchase. Both the shampoo and conditioner were single use and the Style-prep Smoother lasted around 5 uses (a bit better). Would of really liked to of seem just one bigger sized sample instead of the little kit really! But a nice change for my hair from a brand I had never tried before.
Jing Flowering Dragon Eye Tea - 1 bulb (makes 2 cups)
(Full size 50g 14 cups - £9.00)
If you have read any previous Beauty Box reviews I have done you will know my dislike in receiving samples of tea! I mean, really is it beauty related? I think not. But at least this was something totally different and not tea leaves for once! As a non-tea drinker I only really enjoyed the process of the opening up (it was pretty amazing) and gave the tea to my boyfriend. However I am so glad I received the sample as it is ideal for someone that I know and would make the most perfect present for them. So come their birthday or at Christmas I plan to purchase a 50g bag of the Jing tea along with a glass teapot. So I am super glad I received this sample now!
For a first box I am really pleased with the products - a nice mix with some new brands/products and a few familiar ones as well. I am so glad I received the Collection 2000 lip product and of course the black nail polish from Orly but also the Jing tea was a great discovery that I am so pleased about.
The only real weak product in the box for me was the Comfort Zone cream as it just seemed not such a unique or either popular product. Also I would of preferred one bigger Aveda sample instead of such a small trio of samples though I did use and enjoy all three samples so I can't complain to much.
For this box the We Are Faux are still in the box waiting an occasion to be used and also the Comfort Zone product as it just didn't interest me. As for future purchases there are three! The lip cream which I have already bought another of, the Orly mini... I will be purchasing more and the Jing Tea which will be purchased as a gift!
So all in all I would say a pretty successful box!
Fee xo.
NOTD - Max Factor Fantasy Fire + Giveaway!
NOTD - 17 Revenge & George Starry Eyed
So as I thank you please do have a look at her beauty/fashion blog as she really is just lovely!
I was going to go for a clear top coat but then decided to go for George Starry Eyed as it's such a delicate glitter that just adds something a little bit different to the nails without being too much at all. I really do like it!
Nail Polish Tag & NOTD - OPI & Nubar
As I am all about my nails at the moment I thought I would do the nail polish tag that has been floating around recently!
Plus this can count as my NOTD for today as well!
2. Glitter or no glitter?
4. When do you change your nail polish?
5. What's your favourite colour on your nails?
6. Darks or brights?
Brights all the way! There is nothing better than pulling out all my bright shades (normally oranges and pinks) in summer. Even in winter I hardly wear dark shades as I just don't think they suit my skin tone so I opt for nude or red nails instead.
7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
OPI Let Me Entertain You from the Burlesque collection with Nubar G188 2010 Top Coat.
8. Matt nails in or out?
When matte nail polishes first hit our shelves I really wasn't that interest and didn't think I would like them really. However once I tried a limited edition one from No7 I realised matte nails can looks really good and can be so versatile (matte nails, french glossy tips, nude matte nails, matte nails glossy leopard print) so I definitely think if you love painting your nails you need at least one matt top coat!
9. French Manicure?
10. Favourite summer colours?
Lifting the Lid... January GlossyBox
After the red Christmas Glossy box in December I really wasn't expecting another themed box (Valentine's Day Edition), so this was a nice surprise! I think having different coloured and themed boxes is a really good touch for Glossy Box as it does make them stand out from the rest. Though it would of been nice to see a products that were more Valentine's day related.
Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner in Emerald Green, Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream, Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream, FAB Body Moisturizer, Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting primer.
Then I first tried this out I was quite surprised to see that this was a tinted product and it did seem quite dark. But once this is rubbed into the skin the tint isn't really noticeable at all, well it looked quite similar to a tinted moisturiser on my skin as I am fair but I'm sure for most the tint wouldn't be there at all. I have found I have been using this quite a lot instead of foundation on days that I haven't been wanting a full face of makeup. It just gives a nice glow to the skin and makes it look even and radiant, even when it's not. I have also tried this under foundation and feel that my foundation applied nicer. This is pricey for only 30ml but if you are wanting a more sophisticated in between to foundation then this would be perfect.
I feel firstly I must admit my feelings on the re-branding of Eyeko - I don't like it basically. I think when any company decides to re-brand/change their products they have to be careful and remember to keep some similarity. But clearly Eyeko have decided to change their image completely from something really fun and unique to something entirely different.
As for the eyeliner, it is okay and it does last on the eyes
but hmm, I am just not sure about it... it's just nothing special really and I think for £9.50 full price it needs to be. Sadly just another green eyeliner to add to my collection.
NOTD - Cherry Blossom Nails
I thought as it is feeling more and more like Spring I would do some Cherry Blossom inspired nails because they will be in bloom soon enough and they are quite pretty indeed! I really do love blossom trees in spring but for some reason in the UK we don't make a big deal of them... were as in Japan is it a different story all together!
As with most of my nail art this is super easy (though you all tell me if don't seem easy!) and I really do mean it, especially with my secret weapon which I shall reveal below!
NOTD (yesterday) - Gradient Pastel Glitter Nails
NOTD - The Luck of the Irish ♣
Stop! Grammar time
NOTD - Polka Dot Bow Nails
But if you still don't believe me about the bows then scroll down to see how to draw the bows in 4 easy steps.