2014 Favourites!

This is going to be a big post! Last post of 2014, mad where the time goes these days but I thought I'd finish up with a mad rad large favourites post. This is everything I have discovered in the past 12 months that I have come to grow quite fond of so lets get the ball rolling. 

The first thing I am going to mention is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Foundation. I don't know what I did use for foundation before I found this, its a perfect match to my skin and the texture of it is something beautiful. It applys evenly, lasts all day and doesn't break me out in spots in any way. It also smells delicious, has a really weird but awesome scent and I personally find it to be cooling on the skin. 

Another thing I don't know what I did until this came along is the Revlon Lip Butters Range, I adore these! My stand outs are definately Pink Truffle and Red Velvet with Raspberry Pie drawing in on a close third. The texture of these is so comfortable to wear, they seem to be quite nourishing as they never leave me that horrid drying feeling. The colour pay off for the majority of the shades I have tried is incredible and they last a fair while. Do I need to go on?

We all know how much I love the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser so I don't need to ramble on too much about this hottie. Basically, it removes every trace of make up without drying out your skin, and leaves your face feeling revitalised and fresh. When used with the muslin cloth it also does an awesome job of removing any flaky dry skin from your face which is great if you're as dry as me. I love this stuff to the moon and back. Definately my favourite discovery of 2014.

Urban Decay Naked 2, my goodness, how had I let these shadows float under my radar when they were virtually in my face all the time. My favourite and most used shades from this pallette are Pistol and Verve- utterly beautiful. Definately one for the girls that like a shimmer shadow as opposed to a matte, quite partyish pallettes but I still wear it quite a few day times. These have rapidly become my favourite eyeshadows to reach for. 

My favourite eyeliner this year is the Clarins Intense Kohl Liner in Black. This stays put on the waterline all day, its magic. The formula of this is really nice and creamy. If you like the smoky eyeliner effect, this is a great one as it also comes with a brush on the end where you can blend out your liner.

Quite arguably the best perfume release of this year is the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream. Summer in a bottle. I think for me this is on par with the original, I can't decide which I prefer more. However, Daisy is my favourite perfume of all time so that speaks and may make me a little biased as to why I love this slightly fruitier variant. If you like the original Daisy, and have a little Christmas money left over, I highly reccomend you go and purchase one of these lovely bottles.

The best mascara I have tried this year is theBalms Whats Your Type, The BodyBuilder. Does what it states on the tin, I have quite long straight lashes so lengthening mascaras don't do an awful lot for me. This guy, however, creates huge amounts of volume and curl to my lashes. The only downside to this is that it really doesn't respond well to watery eyes like mine so I end up with unattractive lines down my cheeks but for the volume its more than worth it!

The only hair care item on this list is the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray. This is really incredible, this adds a heck lot of volume at my roots as opposed to all the other texturisers that just seem to add that to the lengths. I have wrote a whole entry on this guy so if you're interested head there.

Another beauty find this year is Benefits Dallas Boxed Blusher. This is one of those in between items where its not quite a blushed but not yet a bronzer. It gives you that 'just come in from the cold outside' look, its lovely and really enhances paler skin tones. I find it to bring life in to my dull pale complexion and I love the little baby brush it comes with. I am also a sucker for anything wild west themed so that did aid my purchase in this boxed blusher.

And finally, another skin care items, another Liz Earle product - Skin Tonic Toner. By no means is this as good as my beloved Breath of Fresh Air by Lush but that is something that I have been buying for years, we're talking mid teens here guys, thats almost 7 years ago... anyway I do feel like this does more for my skin looks wise. It certainly doesn't feel as cleansing when applied but my skin does look better for using this over the Lush, you can't win them all!

So there you have my top ten item discoverys from this year just about to go. I hope you all have a lovely new year whether you're celebrating out or having a quiet one in. 

Happy new year! May 2015 be a good one!

Emma x

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December '14 Favourites

So here we are, at the very last monthly favourites of 2014! Its almost scary thinking we're another year on, but we will save that rant for another entry. Here are my favourites for December, eek.

My favourite hair care item this month is these Tresemme Renewal Hair and Scalp Shots (£5.50) These really do make a difference to the texture of my hair. I find them especially effective when used after a conditioner for an extra nourishing boost. They also smell very nice and I will end up buying these after I have used them all up.

I may have only just got this for Christmas but the Thierry Mugler Angel has been my Christmas perfume this year. I haven't had a day where I haven't worn this since last week when I recieved it. This isn't my usual cup of tea as its quite gourmandy and I'm usually more of a fresh fruity floral kind of girl but yes, definately something I have enjoyed wearing. 

I have been wearing a lot of Bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Lava on my eyes this month. This is a lovely bronzey gold, perfect for the festive period. I have been layering this over a dark smokey eye for a bit of glitz this time of year. Its just so pretty and it stays on like a charm without the aid of any primers.

My favourite festive lip had to make an appearance so here is the Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet. I have only just recently dedicated a post to this so if you're interested maybe head back there. All in all a lovely nourishing lip product with the benefits of a beautiful christmassy red colour.

Last but not least we have Lush's Celebrate Body Lotion, which is now out of season. I got this in a gift box last week, got itchy after a shower, applied this as it was the first thing I could find and boy was I surprised. I don't like the smell of this at all its like a liquer chocolate orange, but this leaves my skin soooo soft its mad. I have particularly bad elbows which like to scab up every now and again and my upper arm skin gets tight but this has solved it all. And all by accident and coincidental picking up. Crazy.

What have you been loving this past month?

Emma x

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What I got for Christmas '14

Hello everybody, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and are in the process of starting some awesome new years celebrations. I thought now I am officially back from my little Christmas holiday I would show you guys what I got for Christmas. I was very lucky this year and I am in no way posting this to blag about what I recieved. Another disclaimer here, this isn't all I recieved but some stuff is already sitting in my shower all wet, and I've eaten some of the edible things already ;). So without furthur will do, lets get on with it.

My main two things I recieved this year are the Bose SoundLink Mini and the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand Set. I have wanted a Bluetooth Speaker for the longest time, and have come close several times to buying this for myself. If you're into your tech you will already know how awesome this invention is, the quality of the sound that comes out of this small beast is incredible. I won't waffle on because I know this is not for everyone.

When GHD announced they were bringing out a range of different curling tongs and wands I knew I had to have one. I knew I wanted a wand as they are far quicker in my eyes than a tong. I asked my boyfriend for the Creative Curl Wand as I thought it created curls more to my style/taste and I'm not dissappointed by it at all. I will do a more indepth review at a later date when I have used it more so I can give you a full review.

Due to being somebody who outright loves all things beauty, I always get over ridden with smelly sets and body lotions. I have quite a bit to show you. 

This time of year, The Body Shop bring out one of my favourite scents from their range, the Cranberry Joy. The Cranberry Joy Tin was something I was ecstatic to recieve as it includes a body puff, a shower gel, a body butter and a body polish. I was also given a spare Cranberry Joy Shower Gel, people obviously know I really like this scent and I know its definately a popular one as they bring it back year after year.

I was also gifted a Impulse Very Pink Body Spray, which I always like to keep one for my work locker because you never know when you need to freshen up. This smells lovely, like a fresh grapefruit smell. 

One of the main presents I was given to by my parents was this bumper Liz Earle 8 Piece Botanical Beauty Essentials which was strangely bought from QVC, somewhere I'd never thought to go to get Liz Earle items! This set includes a Cleanse and Polish (100ml), Instant Boost Skin Tonic (30ml), Skin Repair Moisturiser (50ml), Eyebright (150ml), Daily Eye Repair (10ml), Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask (50ml), Botanical Shine Shampoo (200ml), Botanical Shine Conditioner (200ml) and 2x Muslin Cloths. As you can see we have some old faithfuls in a mix of somethings I haven't tried. I think I'm most looking forward to testing out the hair care items and the nourishing mask. I am so excited and grateful for this, it was just so thoughtful and unexpected.

From the Body Shop I also got a little set called the Voyage Collection, which consists of a little Japanese Cherry Blossom eau de toilette and a matching body lotion - perfect for layering the scent. Also came in a very cute but unusual box with a string fastening. This is my favourite of the Body Shop voyage scents so I was pleased to get this in my stocking!

Speaking of stockings, the Lush bath bombs are always a sweet little stocking filler, this year I got a Butter Bear, Holly Go Lightly and a Dashing Santa. The Butter Bear is always a favourite leaving skin nice and soft when you get out the bath and smells nice and vanillary. Holly Go Lightly is a nice spicy bubble bar, so you get a few uses out of it and turns the water a pretty green colour. The only one I haven't tried is the Dashing Santa which looks very quirky and won't last long until it ends up in the tub.

A quite amusing gift this year is a baby Aussie Mega Dry Shampoo, my mum thought she was being really clever as she knew I liked the Aussie shampoos and therefore bought a dry shampoo, bless. We can't all tar all the range with the same brush so hopefully this will be better than the volumising one.

I also got some Nivea Naturals Cleansing Face Wipes, which are some of the cheapest and best cleansing wipes around. But I am aware that theres a stigma against face wipes so we shan't ramble on. ;)

Another present I was super lucky to recieve was Thierry Muglers Angel l'Eau De Parfum. This smells darn sexy, I'm not sure what it is but its quite gourmand. Usually I'm not one for the sweeter scents but this is hot hot hot. I also love the star shaped bottle it comes in. One for the collection for sure.

My other Lush present this year was their Cosy Christmas Box - this included a Hot Toddy Shower Gel, Celebrate Body Lotion, Snowcake Soap, and a Snowman Shower Jelly. I haven't used any of these items before so it'll be cool to see which of these smell great and do wonders for bathtimes or my skin. I especially love the shower gel as it looks super festive as its red with red shimmer going through it.

The last beauty item I got this year is a English Floral Garden Rose Shower Cream which smells divine. I love the scent of roses so this was a pretty fool proof gift, the tube is also really pretty and Cath Kidston-esque.

I didn't recieve much in the way of jewellery this year. I got these two Accessorize Friendship Bracelets in a blue and a brown cord, I really like them and they look great stacked up against chunkier items. I also got this little Marks and Spencer Precious Stone Bracelet which actually looks nice piled up with the other two for a boheme look. I really like these three.

These two are the only edible things I have left to show as I have munched my way through an entire Thorntons box and a Cadburys Selection, oops. This adorable Scottie Shortbread Tin won't be around much longer either as over half of the biscuits have gone as I love shortbread. There is only one miniature MerryTeaser Reindeer left in this box too, I can't help but to pig out at this time of year, its terrible.

I didn't really get many clothing items this year either, I must mention I do have a black checked Blanket Scarf from Asos but thats already been worn multiple times, it is love. Pyjama wise I got these Red Checked Marks and Spencers Pyjamas, these are your traditional style PJ but they're made of thick brushed cotton so they will be saved for my trip to Sweden in the beginning of February. I also recieved these Stripy Iris and Edie Cotton Pyjamas, these are quite thin so they may not make an appearance to the hotter months but they are nice all the same. The big mass of wool in between is the Marks and Spencers Thick Fleece Socks, these were a godsend as where I stayed it was freezing so these guys have been worn to death already, they also have slipper grips on the bottoms but they are so dreamily thick its unreal. 

So that just about rounds up what I got for this years Christmas, I hope you all were as spoiled as I was.

Emma x

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Empties Autumn '14

Its that time again where my box of empty items needs to be popped in the recycling bin, especially before Christmas due to the overload of smelly goods I recieve.

Hair Care:

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor - I really like this, its one of my favourites from the Aussie range, its the only 3 minute miracle I have tried strangely enough. I love the conditioned feeling it gives my hair, seriously defrizzes and adds moisture to my ends, its a winner. 
• Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo and Conditioner - This was a serious let down, I recieved a sachet sample of these two and I loved the results. It left my naturally frizzy and dry hair smooth and silky. However, it was not the case with the actual full size, I think I may have had a bad batch because this did nothing for me. I doubt I'll repurchase this one.
• L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray - I go through these all the time despite not really using hairspray all that much. Its definately a good standard hairspray for the price, nice and basic.
• Aussie Aussome Volume Dry Shampoo - Quite surprised I made it through this small can as this is dredful. Literally creates a film on your hair giving you none of the uplift you get from other dry shampoos. I won't be rushing out to get my hands on this again.
• Tresemme Dry Shampoo - On the other side of dry shampoos, you have one of the best. I love the smell of this and it leaves hair fresh without the powdery feel to it. Very good, almost better than Batiste. 

Skin Care:

• Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Orange Flower + Chamomile Hot Cloth Cleanser - I don't need to ramble on about this, you all know I am a huge lover of this guy. The only difference here is the scent, this was a special summertime smell and I'm on the fence as to whether it was better than the original. 
• Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I like this toner but it isn't the best I have tried, I bought it on offer alongside the cleanse and polish and the moisturiser. I'm not sure I'd buy it again unless it was on offer with the other two as its not as goodor as effective as the Lush toners.
• Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser - This I really did like, it didn't break me out in any way and provided a lot of nourishment for my skin. It also doesn't really have much of a fragrance which I also liked.
• Clean + Clear Dual Action Moisturiser - I actually enjoy using this much more as a mask, I find it to be more effective that way. I like the tingly feel this gives out and I actually think I can feel it working, its moisturising but tackles those horrible zits and the same time. Always have a back up in my stock drawer.
• Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - I really like using these lip scrubs, they're very good at buffing off the dead skin on your lips. They also smell amazing, but careful when leaving these in a bag as they can often spill out the tub. I had to chuck this one as it has started to go funky but it has lasted me just over a year and I did not get to the bottom!

Body Care

• Dr Bronners Magic Soaps Pure Castile Soap - I really don't like soaps that feel like they're drying out your skin, this feels exactly like that so I used it for brush cleaner. As a brush cleaner it is really good but hate that drying feel on my hands. :(
• Ted Baker Body Lotion - I won't lie, this did nothing for my skin in terms of nourishment. However it did smell very nice and the packaging is very pretty. 
• Body Shop Love Etc Body Butter - I think this smells quite powdery and grannyish - definately not my favourite scent of theirs. As always the butter is highly moisturising and doens't leave any nasty residue on the skin.
• Mandara Spa Skintopia Body Lotion - This was ok, just standard body lotion. Took some time to settle in but did smell really nice.

Make Up

• Maybelline Baby Lips in Hydrate - I thought I'd never see the day when I'd finish a lip balm without losing it. This one is my favourite of the range as it smells like orange ice lolly, its amazing. Will definately be repurchasing this one over the rest of the Baby Lips.
• Revlon Lash Potion Mascara - I really didn't like this, and I'm not difficult to please on the mascara front. It was really clumpy and messy, just not very nice at all.

That is everything I've used in the season of Autumn, now its officially over. Some hits and some misses but nice to clear everything out before the massive winter hoarde of presents and sale buys creep in to my room.

Emma x

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Birchbox December '14 - Christmas/Sophia Webster Edition

Birchbox has finally arrived on my porch without no email stating dispatch, I was getting worried that I wouldn't be seeing this bejewled beauty at all. The contents of this months box is totally worth the wait and confusion as it is an absolute cracker! This month, Birchbox also colaborated with Sophia Webster - never heard of her myself but the actual box sure is pretty and festive.

The item we all got to choose this month was a colour of the Models Own Velvet Goth Nail Varnish (£5) The colour I chose was Obsidian, which is a charcoaly shade. This polish is a matte glitter - first I've owned of its kind, its a really strange concept. This looks best when three coats are applied on top of a base coat, it does say you don't need a top coat, but for me I do as I dislike the feeling of the roughness. The only thing I am really not keen on here is the horrid fake velvet lid, it makes me cringe. 

Next is the Electric Hair Electric Hydrate Shampoo (£17.50) I always am grateful to recieve shampoo samples as they come in really handy when travelling (which I will be doing over this festive period). Not hot on the smell of this but anything which promises to enthuse a little hydration into my hair deserves a try.

Thirdly we have a sample of Ilsci Organics Gel Mask - Flavonoid Extra (£39.95) I enjoy masks, this is one to be left until dry and then rinsed off. Looking inside the pot it literally looks and smells like yoghurt which is never a bad thing. I am eager to try this after finishing off the other one I have on the go. 

Another item in the box was this Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (£16.50) I really like rosehip oil for my dry patches I get on my elbows, this is especially bad this time of year so I will be using this up rather quickly on those areas. I also love the smell of rosehip so this is top notch for me.

Possibly my favourite item here is the Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Smoke (£8) This thing really is a fatty. This is beautifully pigmented and its super easy to use for creating that sulty smokey eye look. Its very blendable, and the shade is a lovely grey with a shimmer through it. Its great to just colour over the lid with and then blending out the edges using a brush, I really like it and have already used it a fair bit.

The last beauty item recieved is a baby Benefit High Beam (£19.50) which comes sweetly packaged in this Christmas Cracker. High Beam is a lovely, easy to use highlight which suits many skin tones. I really love how well thought out this item was and how cute is it packaged. 

The bonus item in the December box is this cute little Sophia Webster Purse which is a little loud for my tastes, but all very cute none the less. I always enjoy it when Birchbox colaboraters include something they have thought about/created as a little insight to them.

Overall, I am very impressed with this months box, way way way better than the rubbish Glossybox we were sent this month. This really blows it out of the water and shows these companies how a Christmas box is done. It has a great range of items in here too, you have some skin, hair and cosmetics so it is all good. Definately a sweet gift idea as it has some really luxe items.

You can still get your mitts on this at Birchbox for £10 plus p+p!

Emma x

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Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in 'Red Velvet'

I now have quite the collection of Revlon Lip Butters, they're a bit hit and miss but today I thought I would share my favourite of the bunch. If you haven't come across these yet, the butters are somewhere in between a balm and a lipstick, they definately have a nourishing quality about them (I think they have some coconut and shea butter in them). Each come housed in a tube with a lid in a corresponding colour with a fab diamond pattern on them which I personally think looks awesome and chic. The finish on these is exactly what you'd expect from a butter, it has a sheen to it, almost like a satin finish as opposed to matte.

Red Velvet is the best one I have tried so far, the colour is pretty much what you see is what you get, some of the brighter shades in the range can look totally different in the tube to what it looks like on the lips. I also feel like its perfect for this time of year as I think it looks really festive as its definately a 'classic' berry red colour. I also think this looks nice on lots of different skin tones, especially pale skinned people like myself, I think it brings out the colour in my complexion. It also lasts a long time and it doesn't wear of ugly at all like some other 'hybrid' lip products. 

If you haven't tried anything from this range yet, I definately recommend Red Velvet as it really seems to be the cream of the crop and at the price of £7.99 its fantastic value.

If you like the look of this, or maybe want to pick up another colour from the range you can get them at Boots for £7.99!

Emma x

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Glossybox December '14

Its been three weeks since I last recieved a Glossybox, and this seems a little rushed. I have ridiculously high hopes for these subscription boxes this time of a year due to it almost being Christmas! As you can see here, the classic box has had a bit of a make over and it looks festive. And usually the December boxes are  usually cool but this just doesn't cut the mustard this time for me.

First up, is a Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain (£12.99). This is the item we all knew we were going to recieve this month due to a spoiler card in the previous box. I wasn't excited then and I'm not excited now, this is quite pink for me personally. Pigmentation wise it is good, but I don't like the texture, its that of a waxy lip balm and putting anything creme like on my cheeks is a big no no from me.

Second item is the Anatomicals Zap! Zap! Zap! Gets That Chap Day & Night Spot Stick (£3.79) As far as the comical name goes on I am sold, I like the pepperminty herbal smell this has to it and anything that claims to get rid of spots is a winner to me. I'm excited to try this.

Probably my most favourite item in this box is the Tresemme Hair and Scalp 60 Second Treatment Shots (£5.50 for a pack of 4). I like my deep treatment items whether it be a shot or a mask and Tresemme is a brand that does have good items in the range. I also like how your getting four here so you get multiple uses out of one luxury product.

The most dissappointing product in this box for me is this Essence Colour and Go Nail Polish (£2.99). This is because I don't care how good this or that brand is, I get these boxes for the luxury goods and Essence is definately not luxury. In past Glossyboxes, we've recieved Essies and Ciates, and seeing as this is a Christmas box, wheres the exciting high end brands! Nowhere. I don't even like how this applys - adding insult to injury.

The last item is this SkinPep Collagen Hydro Gel Face Mask (£19.99 for 5) which I'm not fussed about. I've never heard of the brand and it just feels a bit 'thrown in'. Its also anti-wrinkle and I'm a wee bit young to start thinking about wrinkles.

So you can see, this box was totally subpar. For something that is supposed to be a Christmassy box, it is miles away. Last years festive Glossybox was so good, we had maybelline products and a random razor, other great minis. If this was in an ordinary pink box, you would be nonethewiser that its supposed to be festive themed. It just seems lazy and I'm not sure whether I will be continuing my membership in the new year.

If you would like to get your hand on this box, you can order it from Glossybox for £10 plus P+P.

Emma x

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Mini Festive Lush Haul

Its that time of year again, where Lush roll out the sexiest christmassy cosmetics on the market. Naturally, I just had to pop in and buy some of my festive favourites, as you can see I managed to control myself not to buy a hundred and one bathbombs - even though I don't know anybody who doesn't enjoy a good christmas bath bomb. ;)

The first thing I picked up on my visit was the Holly Golightly (£4.75). This is one of the more expensive bath items but it is a bubble bar meaning you can split this up to quite a few uses. It smells super spicy and underneath all the glitter it seems to be the same colour as a christmas tree! Usually I'm not keen on the copius amounts of glitter on these bubble bars but I will make an exception for the delish smell of this chap.

I couldn't go in without buying Let The Good Times Roll cleanser (£6.75). I love the formula of this, its a nice scrubby consistancy which is great for my flakier areas on my face. It also smells lovely and toffee popcorny - which is a bit ironic as it contains popcorn as a natural exfoliator. You also don't need a lot for one use so as small as the tub may seem, you will get your moneys worth.

Lastly, Santas Lip Scrub (£5.50) ended up in my basket, purely because my last one (which was the Bubblegum one) had gone all skanky, but it was pretty old. This one is better despite the annoying lovehearts that get stuck on your lips due to its special cola flavour. It smells amazing and leaves my lips feeling super soft and free from chapping.

What are your favourite products from Lush?

Emma x

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Benefit Gimme Brow

Since purchasing this tiny baby during the summer, I have fallen more in love by the day. For the size of this and the money you pay, it seems dauting but first impressions in terms of packaging is not relevant. I bought this in the shade medium/deep which is spot on for my colouring. This applys like every other brow gel on the market, like a mascara for the brows. Sweeping this on, you immediately notice that your brows look thicker and darker, you really don't need a lot of product if you're into the natural look (which is what I personally prefer!).  The only dissappointment with Gimme Brow is the stench of this, I really don't like the scent it just smells artificial and chemically, but seeing as you put this nowhere near your nose, its not a big issue.

I definately recommend you give this a go if you're not hot for the drawn on brow look, and want them to look as natural as possible. I do think the price is a little on the high side but you do end up with quality for your money. Also, Benefit are quiet a reliable brand and I really enjoy using many of their make up line, and this is no black mark against them.

You can try Gimme Brow out for yourself here for £17.50.

Emma x

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November '14 Favourites

Its favourites time again! This time its November, and in a couple of days time, it will be December, which means it is almost Christmas! Anyway lets talk about what I liked and loved this month...

First up, its something I recently rambled on another post about - The Body Shops scrub gelee in Blueberry (£13 - discontinued). I have been using this as I'm currently prone to dry skin on my arms and its worked an absolute treat. I won't ramble on too much about this one because I dedicated a whole post to it so go back and have a look if you are more interested.

Lush's Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser (£6.75) has come out to play once more, I know you can by this all year round but for me its truly a Christmas time treat. I feel like this is more of a scrubby exfoliating cleanser, and it smells like toffee popcorn. It leaves my skin looking clear, feeling cleansed and removes make up nicely. The only downside is that you cannot use it around the eyes as it stings so bad, which is not good for lazy people like me who want to remove their make up with one fell swoop, but nevermind!

Next up is Emite Make Up's Micronized eyeshadow in Dams, which is impossible to find on the interwebs. I recieved this in a Glossybox this time last year and hadn't actually touched it until a few weeks ago, and I'm using it as an eyeliner. It is love, its super blendable and highly pigmented, its a dream to apply but am using it sparingly due to its impossibility to be repurchased. If you can find it and like using shadows for lining the eyes I highly recommend it.

Speaking of eye make up, another is Clarins Crayon Khol Longwear Eyeliner (£14.95), this is very long wearing and has impact on the waterline. You could apply it in the morning and it would still be there ten hours on, I like how you also get a brush on the end to blend it to create a smoky eye. However I personally don't find it to be hugely blendable, but this seems to differ from person to person.

Lastly we have OPI's A Grape Affair (£11.95) - I love this sort of vampy purple at this time of year, I find it is season appropriate (to me anyway). As always the OPI formula is always top dollar, this creme is opaque and if you were pro at nail painting you could probably do it in one coat. They are my favourite brand of high end nail lacquers.

What have you guys been loving this month? 

Emma x

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The Body Shop Blueberry Scrub Gelee

Upon opening and smelling this tub of jelly goodness, I just knew I had to have it. And then I saw it in the sale for £5 and it was in my bathroom before you can say 'scrub gelee'. The stuff inside is awesome, I have been using it religiously for over a month now and it doesn't even look like I have even touched it. The scrub itself looks and smells like jam, so much so it has a non edible sign on it. It is like a jelly with lots of scrubby particles within the goo, and when applied, its not like a gritty scrub but does just as good a job. I particularly enjoy using this on the tops of the arms where I do get really flaky and dry. As expected with all Body Shop items, it smells amazing and vividly blueberry, I really enjoy their fruity scents they bring out during the summer months.

As I said this was in the sale and is now unfortunately discontinued, but I would suggest keeping your eyes peeled for a new scent because its definately worth the purchase. 

Emma x

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Glossybox November '14

So the November Glossybox has landed! Bit of a strange mixture of products this month but a pretty even score of hair care/skin care and some cosmetic items. However, I don't feel like these products aren't particularly season appropriate.

The biggest item included within the box this month is the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo (£3 for 385 ml). I have tried some of this line previously but nothing has ever blown me away. I never realised how cheap this shampoo range is, it definately is competitive with some of the other 'oil' based shampoos I've used in the past.

This tiny sample is H20+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment (£27.50 for 50ml). I like the idea of this as its a deep hydrating gel that you can use as a mask and also refridgerate it for maximum refreshing effect. However at the price point its selling at, for the size you get, I don't feel like its worth the money. Plus I don't feel like I will know that I like it from how diddy this guy is.

Next up is MONU Skincare Refining Capri Oil (£26 for 100ml) which is also on the higher price point. I have tried a couple of products from MONU before, I especially enjoyed the primer I had from these chaps. I am excited to try this as an overnight treatment instead of an industrial moisturiser as suggested on the product card.

Probably my favourite item in the box is a full size Burts Bees Lip Shine in Smooch (£6.99). Its a lovely sheer wash of berry toned goodness on my lips. It definately feels like its doing something when applied and its not overly sticky. I love the colour of this, its definately very me.

The last item recieved is this Lollipops Eye Pencil (14 euros). This is just a general purpose black eyeliner so it will get used and come in handy. However I'd like to put a note out on how hideous I find this packaging, I think it just looks tacky. The pencil itself seems like it has lasting power but only when it fades to something a little more charcoal like colour wise.

As you can see, an odd mix of things that just feels thrown together than carefully thought out this month. Lets just hold out all hope for the December boxes (I'm pretty darn excited myself) and the packaging for the Glossybox is looking swish.

You can pick one of the boxes up at Glossybox for £10 plus p+p.

Emma x

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Birchbox November '14 - 'Cosy at Home'

I am really enjoying using the contents of this months Birchbox. The theme for November is 'Cosy at home' and I'm totally getting that from the range of products sent out this month.

One of my favourite items from this months selection is the Dr Jart + Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner £18 (which more than pays for the box itself!!). This guy smells like a mixed berry squash, its lovely. I still don't think it adds up to A Breath of Fresh Air from Lush, its just not as wow, refreshing and in your face. This is a much toned down version (excuse the pun there!) but it still leaves my skin feeling fresh as a daisy.

My other favourite this month is this OPI Nail Lacquer in A Grape Affair (£11.95). OPI make my favourite varnishes and I didn't have one in a vampy purple shade until now. This purple is so dark it almost looks black in some lights and is pretty opaque on the first coat. I did paint my nails as soon as I got this as I was that excited, its lovely and as always the quality of the polish is top dollar.

The third thing in this months box is Lord and Berry Bronzer in Sienna £19. This baby sample has yet to be used but the texture upon swatching seems nice and pigmented, a nice shade to warm up your face during these colder months.

Next up we have Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Mask (£16). I have used this all up, one of these tiny pots just covers the length of my hair. I can say I was quite impressed, this left my hair feeling really soft but I don't feel like it did anything long term. This also smells really nice and that scent ends up lingering on the hair. I'm not totally sold on this mask yet, especially at that price point.

This baby sample is Jane Iredale Pure Lash Extender + Conditioner (£15). I have yet to put this baby boy through the tests yet but anything to make my lashes looking lovely and on top form is a winner in my books. Its a shame the sample seems so weeny, but perhaps I'm just being negative in the sense that you may only need the smallest amount, we shall see! ;)

Lastly we have a mini Montezumas Organic Milk Chocolate (£2.39) which is always nice when Birchbox includes a little choccy treat, especially when its nice milk chocolate like this!

So as you can see there are some nice pampering items included within the box for November. You're more than claiming your money back on this box with the £18 full size toner water and the almost there £11.95 nail varnish. I'm very happy to have got such a nice selection in the box and would highly recommend this months package.

If you would like to try this out for yourself, head on over to birchbox and for £10 (plus P+P) you can get your hands on this.

Emma x

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