2017 Lifestyle Favourites

Hello Internet Beauties!

As we are nearing the end of the first week of January 2018, I wanted to round up my posts on reflecting on 2017 with a general favourites! So far, I've written about my Glossybox favourites and my overall beauty favourites of 2017, but I wanted to include some other random things I've been enjoying!

Books
I have one author that has been an obsession this year and that is JoJo Moyes. I originally discovered her when I read Me Before You and this year I really dived into her other books. I don't get as much time to read as I used to due to work, but before I went on holiday, I downloaded all of her books to my eReader to keep my going! My favourite of the ones I read this year was The One Plus One, it made me laugh, shed some tears and was overall just a really enjoyable book. I love her style because it's so easy going but always involves really interesting characters with multiple layers, so if you haven't read a JoJo Moyes book before, get started this year and you won't regret it!

Film
The two films that really stick in my mind from the ones I watched this year were Girls Trip and Pitch Perfect 3. I saw Girls Trip as quite a random last minute plan with a friend and although I had seen a few bits of the trailer here and there, I didn't really know what to expect. I thought it would be quite a classic chick flick (which I absolutely love anyway!) but this absolutely exceeded my expectations! It was so funny but also had depth with the storyline. I'm definitely looking forward to rewatching this in the year to come! 

The second of my favourite films of this year was Pitch Perfect 3, so a very recent release. Although I didn't feel this Pitch film had quite enough Bella songs/mashups as previous films in the trilogy, I still loved it and the ending had me welling up! I know this was supposed to be the last installment, but I really hope we see the Bellas again as I love the chemistry and friendships between the actresses. Toxic and Freedom were on repeat on Spotify the same afternoon as watching it! I'm definitely planning a Pitch Perfect marathon of all 3 one afternoon this year! 

TV
So Comedy Central has basically been the only channel on my TV this year and apart from for the Friends reruns, the main reason has been The Middle. I started watching this at season 6 I think, but when it was repeats. I recently started watching the series as they went live on Comedy Central and as I caught up to speed, I have started watching from the beginning and made my way through embarrassingly quickly!  I'm so sad that season 9, the current season, is the last! Luckily though there are so many episodes to keep me going! 

Music
I absolutely loved the Spotify 2017 Wrapped feature this year, so I thought I would share some of my results with you all:
18,712 minutes of music listened to
907 different artist listened to and 13 different genres
Most listened to artists: Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Hailee Steinfeld

Other
I wanted to feature a hobby I discovered at the end of this year - Aerial Hoop! This is so challenging as you need so much strength, but so much fun once you get going! I didn't think I would be able to do it, but each week I'm surprised at the new things my body manages to do, I find it so rewarding and motivating to see a change each week in the new moves I can do. Here's a little glimpse:

What were your favourites of 2017? Did you start any new hobbies that you love?! Let me know in the comments below :)

Glossybox 2017: A Year In Review

Hello Internet Beauties, 

Now this post took a little longer to get up than expected, due to sickness and losing the post the first time round! I've been super looking forward to this post though, so I am really excited to finally be able to share it with you!

The beginning of January is always a great time to reflect on the year just gone and I wanted to review a whole year of my GlossyBox subscription. This has been my first full Jan-Dec year of Glossybox and there have been some amazing boxes. Now, of course the ones pictured in the post cover photo are just a handful, but these were the only ones available for the photo! I make them sound like celebrities too busy to attend the award show haha, but what I mean is I use my other boxes for various storage methods, which I will be sharing later this month. 

So looking back over last 12 boxes, I picked a few of my most used or favourite products to share with you all: 

• Beauty UK, Contour/Powder Brush, from November's box:

I love the shape of the brush as it really is a perfect contour brush. It says it can be used as contour or powder, but for me it's definitely the shape and size of a contour brush. It's got just the right amount of firmness to apply well but still feels so soft! Plus, for the usual price of brushes, I'm surprised with how good quality these are for a more affordable brand, so I'm definitely going to be looking into getting more of these for my makeup bag! 

• Ruby, Tapered Blending Brush, from May's box:

Another brush received this year was the Ruby eyeshadow blending brush. I love to have a good blending brush for my shadow and this has definitely replaced my previous! This is another super soft brush and the longer bristles compared to some other brushes I've tried, really gives it a natural blend. I'm awful at buying and updating my brushes, so I'm really glad to receive some high quality ones throughout this year of Glossybox! 

• Kawaii Enterprise, Brush Cleansing Egg, from October's box:

While we are on the topic of brushes, if I'm bad at buying new brushes, then I'm awful at cleaning them! This Cleansing Egg is such a good invention - you can pop it over your fingers and use it to clean your brushes, making it super quick and easy. Exactly the kind of product us lazy makeup beauties need! 

• Model Co, 3D Lash Primer, from December's box:

This was actually in my overall 2017 favourites post, which means you know it must be good when it makes two favourites posts! Before getting this in Glossybox, I'd never used a lash primer but now this will be a staple in my makeup bag and a definite repurchase when mine runs out! 

• LAQA & Co, Chubby Lipstick, from December's box:

Oh. My. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this lipstick! I was so surprised when I first used it, as its a dusky pink colour it wouldn't usually be my thing as I normally go for reds. However, this looks amazing and if it suits me when I can never normally get away with pinks for lips, it will suit any skin tone! Its such an amazing formula, matte finish but somehow super super moisturising. I am definitely going to be purchasing this in my favourite lip colour of red too, which will just make this product even more amazing! 

• Steve Laurant, Black Eyeliner Pen, from December's box:

I have always used an eyeliner pen, just because personally I find them so much more precise and easy to apply. However, shopping for one is never fun because I find the pen tip of so many is way too thick for the look I like. I thought my no7 eyeliner pen was thin and precise until I got this one. This pen tip is so narrow, it gives you such a precise line. It applies smoothly and is just a dream in it's gold rose packaging - so another definite repurchase for me! 

Lord & Berry, Magic Brow Pencil, from December's box:

This brow pencil was a real surprise to me when I unboxed it because it has a marbled effect throughout, meaning the pencil is two toned. I wasn't sure how this would work on application, but it really makes your brows so much more natural! Goof Proof by Benefit is my normal go-to brow pencil, but once my brows are a little more sorted from natural growth (let's not even talk about the love/hate relationship I have going on with these furry caterpillars on my face that some call brows!) I will definitely be replacing it for this Lord & Berry pencil because of how natural looking it is! 

And the overall GlossyBox 2017 Box winner is.... 

That probably wasn't a surprise considering 3 of the 6 favourites were from that month! For me, this was just an amazing box for products and value received. I remember the day I got this box through the post, I actually used all the products that same day for going out that evening, which is a super impressive box! It makes me really excited to see what 2018 Glossybox has to bring! 

What were your favourite GlossyBox products of 2017? Did you have an overall winning box? Let me know in the comments below! :)

2017 Beauty Favourites

Hello Internet Beauties!

Welcome to day 2 of #NewYearNewBlog. I hope you have all had a good start to 2018 so far and are feeling refreshed.

I thought there was no better way to kick of the new year blogging style with a classic 2017 Beauty Favourites post. We all love a good ‘favourites’ afterall don’t we?! So, let’s get started…

This isn’t in a particular order, but includes the 6 items that really stood out for me this year when I looked in my makeup drawer. 4 of them have been incorporated into my everyday routine, with 2 of them being used whenever I go out somewhere for the evening or more special, as they are highlighters, they are a bit too fancy for work every day!

1) The Porefessional Primer, Benefit, RRP: £27.50

Now this isn’t a new release product and in fact, I’m probably quite behind with this! I had trialed this many times before with miniature freebies from magazines etc. but had resisted buying this for so long due to the cost for what I consider to be quite a small tube, but struggled to find a primer as good that suited my skin. This year, I finally got a full size and I am so pleased I did. It’s so smooth, not greasy like many other primers of this type and makes your makeup spread so much further. You also really don’t need that much of it, which helps make it more justifiable price wise! I am almost at the end of my tube now, but have used it pretty much every day for the past 5 months, so I will definitely be buying another tube to take with me into 2018!

2) L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, RRP: £10.99

(Yes, the writing on the bottle has worn off, which you know is a sign of a well used product!)

This must have been the year of Primers and Highlighters! Although this is technically a primer, I see it as a hightligher/primer in one - let's call it a Highlighting Primer! This has a much more fluid consistency to it and such a bright shimmery glow. It's beautiful. The reason I call it a highlighter more than a primer is that I only use it on my cheekbones, however I apply it under my foundation, like a primer. It gives such a nice dewy glow and I think it's really interesting for a base. I use this when I want to really look radiant and bright, which is why I only use it on my cheekbones, as personally it would be too much for me to use all over. This thing also last for ages too, you don't even need a full pump for one application, so it's definitely an all round winner for price and quality! 

3) Model Co 3D Lash Primer, RRP: £7.00

So I have never tried a lash primer before and actually discovered this through the most recent GlossyBox and I absolutely love it! Although I've only had it for a month, it's already become a favourite. It's one of those that does exactly what it says - primes your lashes before mascara to make the mascara even more effective and it really works for me. I think I'll be re-purchasing this for a long time to come!

4&5) Benefit, 24 Hour Brow Setter and Goof Proof Brow, RRP: £20 each

I'm pairing these two together because they are both Benefit, but also have both become part of my daily brow routine and I discovered both products together. I actually originally purchased a brow kit in the Benefit summer sale, which these two products came in. I have since repurchased the Goof Proof Brow Pencil as I wanted a slightly darker shade than that came in the set (I'm shade 5) and gave the medium one that came in the set (shade 3) to my bestie! I love the Goof Proof pencil because it is so natural and so easy to use due to it's angled edge (I've nearly run out so it's hard to tell in the picture!) and the spooley on the other end of it is perfect for brushing out those brows. I loved the setting gel compared to others I've used because it is so buildable depending on how much you apply and if you apply a generous amount, it really does set them for 24 hours. However, looking at the individual price, as I'd previously got it in the set, it is a little steep. Luckily though, my original still has some left and I received a new one for Christmas in another lovely gift set, so I can keep this with me for now! 

6) Clinique, Chubby Stick Highlighter in shade 'Hefty Highlighter', RRP: £19.50

 

I actually received this as a freebie with one of my Clinique orders of their 3 step skincare system and have fallen in love ever since! This is such a natural cream highlight, that can be built up depending on how much you like. My personal preference is to use a few dabs on each cheekbone, for a subtle natural highlight. Although I received this as a free extra with my order, it will last for ages as I can barely tell I've used mine despite using it at least once a week, so it is definitely worth it in my opinion!

I’m not sure why, but 2017 seemed to be the year of me really expanding my collection of makeup and brands trialed. I’m thinking it’s maybe because of having a full year of receiving Glossyboxes, which links to tomorrow’s post, so keep your eyes peeled! 

What have your favourite products of 2017 been? Are there any you will definitely be leaving behind and not wanting to take into 2018?! Let me know in the comments below! 

New Year, New Blog

Hello Internet Beauties!

I say that with a lot of excitement, because it has been far too long. I feel that is also quite a common sentence said/written by bloggers, especially at this time of year when pressures are extra with Blogmas/Vlogmas. This is why I have decided to start ‘New Year, New Blog’, for those of us who quite honestly just never got ready for December in time! I’m being honest and saying it’s absolutely okay to say it’s been a while for bloggers/vloggers/social media-doers. Whether there’s been life changing events, family or friendship issues, busy work schedules, wanting a break or just being honestly lazy, it’s okay, it’s human! December flew by for me and I am so impressed by all of those who took part in Blogmas and Vlogmas but I also wanted to use January as a great time to get my blog restarted and fill a bit of gap that comes after all the festivities. I love Blogmas etc but also find I barely get to read any because my feeds get so overwhelmed as there’s a huge volume of content. Now normally the phrase ‘New Year, New Me’ makes me want to vom a bit because it’s so cheesy and you don’t need a new year to make a change but this one is for all of us who have the best intentions, but didn’t quite make December, yet have a New Years goal to make this year the year of our blog. I’m going to be posting everyday Mon-Fri for the month of January, with each Friday being a ‘Friday Favourites’ post, posting a favourite blogger or Youtuber of mine, to share some love. I’m not going to be posting at weekends as to be quite honest, I don’t want to run out of content for the whole year within one month haha! So I hope you’ll join me for the ride, I hope it will get me going and be a really positive start to my blog relaunch, to carry on doing what I love and writing for the rest of the year to come! Who knows, maybe by the end of a the year, I’ll be brave enough to start my dream YouTube channel...! Let me know if you are going to join me in New Year, New Blog and leave your links below for me to check out while I’m finishing all my Christmas chocolate!

Ultimate Pampering Products: My Favourites

Hello Internet Beauties!
It's been a little while! (As much as I don't like to write that!)

I've been taking some time away from the Internet/my phone in general, which unfortunately includes my blog and twitter! This wasn't necessarily through choice but more need with some hectic things that have been going on.


However, rather than focusing on reasons for having a break (this might be explained in another post), this post is focusing on what to do when you need some 'me' time and time away from everything else! Self-care is so important but so easily overlooked with our busy lives!

One of my favourite things to do when I need some time out, is to properly pamper myself. Run a long hot bath, put some music on or a film (this is not recommended though as you may end up accidentally drowning your laptop - so use with caution ) and just relax, away from everything else.

I've obsvioisly not been just in the bath for a week on my break (I promise I'm not all wrinkled now haha) but I love a bath as my top relaxation go-to, because the bathroom is one of the rare places you can't be disturbed or interrupted by others!

Although I love so many bath products out there, here are my top favourites for the ultimate pampering de-stress session:

Bubble Bath: You HAVE to use bubble bath when having a bath - I cannot understand anybody who doesn't! They are just so pretty and add to the scents. My favourite at the moment is the Vanilla Chai from The Body Shop. This scent is absolutely amazing, by far the best vanilla scent I've ever had! Unfortunately it was a Christmas limited edition so I've been savouring this with the hope they will bring it back for permanent. However, in the meantime, it's definitely worth checking out their large collection of amazingly scented bubbles.

Face Mask: In keeping with the vanilla theme (can you tell what my favourite scent is?!), I love the Vanilla Sundae Scrub mask by 7th Heaven. Their masks have always been my favourite but I love this one for its exfoliating qualities, alongside being moisturising. The only down side is I really had to restrain myself from licking it off my face because that's how good it smelt haha.

Body Scrub: When I want a really good pamper, as well as exfoliating my face, I love to get rid of any dead skin from my body too, to really help me feel fresh and rejuvenated. The Rituals Hammam Body Mud quickly became my favourite after receiving it in a GlossyBox. It has a really awakening minty scent, alongside just the right amount of exfoliation without being harsh.

Hair Mask: Whilst I'm going all out with my skin, I also love to give my hair some proper attention. This was another product received in a GlossyBox that I cannot get enough of, Schwarzkopf Brazillian Oil Pulp treatment. My hair is literally the softest thing on earth after using this (well maybe not out of everything on earth, but it's close!)

Shower Gel: I love to add a bit of fun to my baths and these Imperial Leather fun editions to their collection are perfect for that! I'm currently using the Fruit Salad edition (I used to love those sweets so much!) but have also used and really liked the marshmallow one. They lather really well and are such a sweet treat for your body!

Finally, to lather and rinse these products, I've recently been using another GlossyBox product, a Konjac Sponge by Spa To You. I didn't really know what to do with this when I got it, but wet it in the bath/tap and it really lathers up, as well as gently exfoliating, both face and body. This has been a great new discovery!

So, what are you waiting for?! Run a nice hot bath and take some time to yourself!
What are your favourite pampering products? Let me know your recommendations in the comments below!

Get Inspired & Be Creative!

Hello Internet Beauties!

Do you ever get the creative bug?! When all of a sudden, at the most random times, you get the desperate feeling that you need to create something? I get this so often, like right now for instance when suddenly at 11.50pm listening to Vanessa Carlton, A Thousand Miles (throwback!), I have the need to be creative, to draw, to make art, to do something creative. Unfortunately, my art skills are very limited - to the extent that I used to get my sister to do all of my Art homework for school...oops..sorry former art teachers! (Although it must have seemed a bit bizarre that all my Art homework was pretty good, yet anything I produced in lessons looked like a toddler's attempt at drawing 😂)

Anyway, back to the point! As my art skills aren't too good, my creative outlet is writing (hence blogging!) and doodling. While waiting for a train home the other day, I was overcome by this feeling. So, I logged onto Amazon and ordered these two journals which I'd seen previously in a shop, along with some colourful pens.

They are semi-blank journals that encourage you to create and write but give you prompts, questions and activities to complete, rather than just a blank journal which can be difficult to get started. The first one, 'Write Here, Write Now' is actually aimed for the teenage market, but even though it's been 5 years since I've been classed as a teenager, I love it. It's simple, it's light-hearted and encourages imagination.

Write Here, Write Now, £10, available from Amazon and Waterstones

The second I purchased is definitely a much more grown-up one, 'Start Where You Are', which is actually called a 'journey of self-exploration'. What won me over on this one was the most beautiful quotations on every other page, between the pages to fill in yourself. I'm a sucker for quotes with the most beautiful illustrations. The topics are also much more grown-up, as it is about learning more about yourself, such as your goals, strengths, weaknesses and desires. I think it's such an interesting idea because in a world when we rush around everyday, it's good to take a moment to just focus on yourself.

Start Where You Are, £8, available from Amazon 

I've started to fill in bits of them both, I do it whenever I get the creative feeling, as I think that's really the best way to do them, when you are fully in the mood. In colourful pens, they are looking pretty good and they will be something to look back at in years to come.

For anyone who loves to create and write, I'd recommend these 100%.

Have you tried any creative journals like these? I'd love to find out about any others, let me know in the comments below! If not, what's your creative outlet?! I'd love to hear!

MakeUp Obsession Review: The Only Palette You Ever Need!

Hello Internet Beauties!

Over the last few months I have developed serious love for a brand new palette I've been trying, I would even say it's my new favourite palette! So that being said, of course I had to share it with you all.

The palette is by a fairly new brand - Makeup Obsession, available from Boots only (online and in selected stores). What makes this palette so amazing in my eyes, is that every palette is different and perfect for YOU. How?! Because it's a build your own customized palette!

I've never had one of these before and was so excited when I heard about them. We all know the sadness that occurs when our favourite shade or two in our daily palettes hit pan, but with all the other shades having plenty of use left.  
*sad face because I can't justify a whole new palette for one shade even if it's my fave*

This is the solution! You choose your palette base which comes with a built in mirror but completely empty otherwise, then pick your shades (eye shadows, blushers, bronzers and highlighters) to click into the palette. You can switch them up whenever you wish!

First, you choose your base, which come in sizes Medium (holds up to 6 shades, £4-£6 depending on colour choice) or Large (holds up to 12 shades, £5-£8 depending on colour).

Makeup Obsession Palette Base, Medium in Gold, £6

I chose a beautiful gold base (as I did feel some of the plain colours like pink were a bit more plastic looking) and then chose 6 clip ins.

You then choose what you want to fill your palette with. I went for 5 eye shadows and one highlighter as I wanted a neutral palette but with my own specific choices.

Here is my unique Makeup Obsession palette creation...

 (From top row left to right: Eyeshadows in shades E132 'Pearl', E131 'Mood', E121 'Flushed', E102 'Taupe' and E127 'Chocolate', Highlighter in H105 'Bare', all £2)

Here are swatches of each of my chosen shades:

(I have no idea why I did these weird finger style swatches 😂)

A larger swatch of the highlighter in Bare

Overall, the shadows do have good pigmentation and a lovely texture. Especially for the price! The palette is perfect for travelling with, meaning when you go away on holiday, you can just choose exactly what you'll want, rather than lugging half a suitcase of makeup around! (Let's be honest, we've all packed way too much makeup before 😛)

My only wish and advice for those purchasing a palette is that I wish more Boots stores physically stocked them/try to go to an actual store to buy it if you can! I had to purchase mine online as I couldn't find any stockists nearby and therefore the shades are lighter/more similar to my skin tone than I expected, meaning I don't feel they show up as well as they could.

But I've saved up £10 worth of Boots points so I'm going to be adding to my collection with ones a few shades darker and hope that my local Boots (or one nearby) gets this in stock soon! Because with a palette this good and creative, I reckon it will soon become a favourite buy for many!
Have you tried a Makeup Obsession palette? What are you thoughts? Any shade recommendations?! Let me know in the comments below!

Tori Talks: Hey, It's Okay If You're 'Quiet'

Hello Internet Beauties, 

Today's post is a little different to my recent beauty posts, but one I hope to be making much more regular and into a new series on my blog. If I had to catergorize it, I suppose it would fall under the 'lifestyle' bracket, but in summary, they will be short posts (or maybe long because I waffle!) about things that are important to me. I know I'm only twenty three years young, but I thought it may be interesting to share some thoughts of things I've come to learn that would have helped me when I was younger...

The other day I was clearing out some things when I came across my old school reports that my parents must have kept. I instantly opened them to take a look, as I love feeling nostalgic! They were mainly high school reports, but also a couple of super old primary school ones, dating back to nursery. I couldn't help but notice that in all of these reports, despite my good grades and being 'well behaved' in class, every single one had something along the lines of 'Victoria is a great student but needs to speak up more in class'. I always remember being told at numerous parents evenings that I was a good student, but again, it was 'a shame' that I was 'quiet', 'shy' and/or needed to put my 'hand up more' in class. 

Back then, I thought maybe I was shy, maybe I should contribute more, speak up more, it made me feel bad. I can understand that teachers can be genuinely concerned for those they deem to be 'shy' if they feel it's due to low confidence, low self-esteem and maybe need that boost to reach their potential. At first, especially in primary school, I was shy and I think there's times in our lives when we all are, but when I reached 16/17/18 years old in Sixth Form, I was so sick of being told to speak up more. I wasn't shy then - I would enjoy giving presentations when I had to in lessons and also had a hobby of Latin American and Ballroom dancing, which involved performing and competing in front of large crowds. Surely this showed I was doing what I enjoyed, that even though I was 'quiet', this wasn't stopping me from doing things?

So why was it still perceived so negatively that I was ''quiet''? I simply preferred to be a listener, to really absorb all the information and listen to others' viewpoints. 

This didn't change in social groups either, turning 18, pretty much the majority in my year loved big parties and going out clubbing in big groups. The first year of university for most was mainly based on the 'uni life' experience. Again, this wasn't something I particularly enjoyed, I can't explain why because I don't know, I just preferred spending time with a smaller group of close friends just hanging out or visiting places, doing fun activities, trying new things etc. Now don't get me wrong, I did go to parties that I enjoyed but I was never into it the way most my peers were. This was so tough because I would feel so much pressure all the time and being in the minority, it felt this was again perceived negatively that I often didn't go. It was seen as being 'unsociable' or 'boring' or that I lacked confidence to go 'out out'. It was, and still is at times, incredibly frustrating. 

Then, a couple of years ago, through a friend who was very similar to me, I discovered the Myers Briggs Personality Types. I completed the test which is aimed to tell you more about the type of person you are and it made SO much sense. I'd heard of the word introvert before, but never really understood the full meaning - if you look it up on Google, the first definition is 'a shy person'. But this isn't the case - it just means I enjoy and need time on my own to recharge, as well as spending time with others. I prefer having a group of small but really close friends, rather than being in large crowds. I learn and take things in from observing and thinking. 

Alongside meeting other introverts (which are less common than extroverts), understanding my personality more and just time alongisde growing up - I've come to absolutely love and appreciate the way I am, even if others see it as 'quiet' or 'shy' with negative connotations. I know that when I want to and when it matters, I can and will speak up. But it also means I'm the one that people come to when they need someone to listen, which I really appreciate being trusted for. 

In short - just embrace you, not what others think is you. I was actually made to feel less confident about myself by being negatively called 'quiet' than I had been before someone brought it to my attention! If you speak up when you want to and when it matters to you and you work hard, it shouldn't matter how loud you are about it. You know yourself and your strengths, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. It's far more than okay to be 'quiet'! 

I really encourage you all to try the Myers Briggs test, it's so interesting, the one I found quickest and easiest to complete was here.
I am an INFP and I would love absolutely love to hear what personality types my fellow bloggers are! Let me know what type you are and if you feel it's accurate below! 

Are there any other topics you'd life me to include in this new series? Feel free to drop me an email or comment :)

Glossybox UK Review - March 2017

Hello Internet Beauites! 

Can you believe March is already almost over?! I can't believe how quick this month has flown by! The end of the month always means one thing...it's almost time for our new Glossyboxes to arrive at the start of the next month! 

But, before we think about April's box, here's my thoughts on this month's Glossybox, after a month of trying the products. As everyone will have opened their March box, it also means no spoilers! If you've not tried a beauty box before, then this will hopefully help you figure out if Glossybox is the one for you.

So let's take a full look at what March had to offer...

On first impressions, I was surprised on opening my Glossybox, as I instantly noticed 3 tubes which looked like skin care products, when personally I prefer receiving makeup. However, I soon realised one was a primer and another was an eye cream, which definitely made me more intrigued and excited! 

Sleek Eye and Cheek Palette, Full Size, RRP £9.99

The largest product in the box was the Sleek eye and cheek palette, which all subscribers received an email to choose which palette they wanted, so we knew this item was arriving. I opted for 'All Day Soiree' as I felt this looked the most neutral of all the options, which is definitely my go to look! I have to admit, this is the only product I'm yet to try, which has surprised me and is due to the shadows being much more shimmery than I expected, I had assumed they would be matte. 

However, for a palette that usually retails at £9.99, it definitely can't be grumbled at! I am really pleased to have received this and will force myself to be brave and try a shimmer eye look soon! 

oOlution Eye Love, Full Size, RRP €35 (approx. £30)

The second item I picked out was this 'oOlution' eye cream. Now, I know I am only 23, but I LOVE eye creams! I always thought they were typically for the older generation, however after receiving a sample once of a Clinique eye cream, I realised how beneficial they can be, however I have never got round to purchasing one, so I was super excited to receive this! I'd not heard of the brand before but it claims to reduce dark circles and bags and have a general lifting effect. I've used it everyday and although I'm not prone to super dark circles, I've definitely noticed less puffiness and generally feel eye cream helps my makeup under my eyes go on much smoother and generally gives a soft effect.

This Works In Transit Camera Close Up Primer, 20ml sample worth approx. £15
(Full size 40ml RRP £30)

I was really intrigued by this third product, as although I have heard of the brand 'This Works', I'd not heard of this product, which is a mask, primer and mosituriser all in one. I've been using it as a primer (but still using my usual moisturiser first just because that's my preference) and I'm really liking it! It has a different texture to other primers, I would say it's slightly thicker and more like a rich mosituriser in texture, however it sinks in well and definitely gives a smooth base for makeup. It also feels like it lasts and doesn't have a greasy or 'slippery' effect which I feel some primers can have. I will definitely continue to be using this in my daily makeup routine. 

Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ Smart Nutrient Vital Moisture Day Cream, 20 ml sample worth approx. £15
(Full size 40ml, RRP £30)

The third and final 'tube' product in this month's box was this Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ mosituriser, which again is a new brand to me. I'm going to be honest, I'm never fussed about receiving face moisturisers in my boxes, simply because I have a favourite mosituriser that suits my difficult skin! Therefore, new ones rarely persuade me to try them. This mosituriser promises to have an anti-ageing impact on lines and wrinkles, which as this isn't really relevant to me at 23 (or I hope not!), so I passed this onto my mum who was very grateful and reports good results so far! 

Schwarzkopf Brazillian Oil Pulp Treatment, 30ml sample  worth approx. £0.79
          (Full size 150ml, RRP £3.95)

The final product was the Schwarzkopf Brazillian Oil Pulp treatment, that is applied like a hair mask. When I opened this I was surprised to find little exfoliating grains, as I've never seen this in a hair mask. I may be a small and cheaper sample but...OH MY GOSH...THIS IS AMAZING. After the first use my hair felt the softest I have ever experienced! Which is amazing for my long locks. I have honestly never got so excited or in love about a hair product before haha! It also smells delicious! I will definitely be purchasing a full size! 

Overall, I think this was definitely an impressive box for the month of March. A good mix of products and a total box value of approximately £70, for a £10 box! Which I think is pretty exciting and definitely a good treat for yourself through your postbox.

What do you think of the products in March's Glossybox after trying them out? Do you have a favourite?! Let me know in the comments below! 

If you fancy trying Glossybox to see what April has in store, be sure to use this referral link for 20% off your first box: http://referme.to/niz8iko :)

                                                

Advice I'd Give My 15 Year Old Self: Beauty Edition

Hello Internet Beauties!

Now, the 'Letter To My 15 Year Old Self' idea is not new, it has been going around a while but I still personally love reading them and find them so interesting. I saw it going around again a couple of weeks ago and I started thinking of what advice I would give my 15 year old, but in terms of beauty! 

To make it short and sweet, I came up with 5 main points I wish I had been able to tell myself at 15...


-PLEASE leave your eyebrows alone! Please! I promise you, you will regret plucking them in many years time, when you are still struggling to grow them back! They aren't as bad as you think and be brave and go to a professional to have them done, rather than stealing your mums tweezers and attempting it yourself.

-As much as you love that liquid glitter silver Urban Decay eyeliner (that you share with your bestie on a weekly swap basis because neither of you could afford the £18), you are clearly allergic and should really stop wearing it. Yes, you think it looks amazing and has become your go to eye look, especially when it snows, but it really shouldn't burn when you wear it.

- As well as glitter eyeliner, you have also discovered black pencil liner, which don't get me wrong, I can see why that's exciting. Just maybe don't line the top and bottom lashes so heavily...you won't appreciate the pictures later in life where you look like a pirate. 

- I know you hate your skin right now more than anything. Unfortunately, it will be a while before it actually gets any better, but you know what, it really doesn't matter. No one else even notices as much as you do. But here's a tip to get you through, don't use so much concealer to try and hide the spots and marks, this can actually make them more obvious, a little goes a long way!

- A little goes a long way is actually a good tip to remember in general. You will have such a fun time making your own photo shoot at your friend's house for her birthday, but go easy on the blusher, your whole entire face doesn't need to match your fluorescent pink top!

But overall, just keep having fun with makeup! Wear it because you want to be creative, you're still young and there's no other need for it. Keep wearing those colourful tights under denim shorts, it may not become a fashion trend but who cares?! 

What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Let me know below :)