July Favourites

It's monthly favourites time yet again! First up, must apologise for the poor picture, I'm too tired from the heat to fiddle around getting the perfect picture. Anyway, July has been a very hot month so obviously that is going to affect what things I am grabbing for, so lets get going.

I haven't been wearing a whole lot of make up just recently but a good powder is an essential! I have been loving Bare Minerals Anniversary Mineral Veil Powder (£22) especially in the twist and go format. Its the only powder that keeps foundation off my glasses. When I am wearing something underneath it, I honestly feel like it keeps my foundation in place for the whole day. It's also translucent so it isn't going to look orange on. I have done a full comprehensive review previously so I won't babble anymore. 

A twist on a classic favourite, the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish in Orange Flower and Chamomile (£19.75 inc. two muslin cloths) is amazing. Its a fact that I love Cleanse & Polish and always go back to it despite using other cleansers. The scent is just so summery and gorgeous, I love putting this on my face after a long day, it feels like a real treat.

When I heard Marc Jacobs was releasing a new Daisy variant, I had to have it. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (£51.50) is not a let down by any means, I love it. Its as fresh as the original Daisy yet fruitier, I haven't had it all that long so I can't write about it at length so look out for an upcoming post.

Another July favourite has been Lush's Breath of Fresh Air toner (£7.50 for 250g). As the name implys it really is a breath of fresh air, this feels so cleansing its unreal. I carry this smaller bottle in my work bag as its nice to just spray on when my skin feels a little dull during the day. I find that its scent is really uplifting and I would love to try out more of the Lush toners, I think the Eau Roma water is next on my list to try to see if it lives up to its relative.

Finally, I have been loving a natural look these days, Benefits Gimme Brow in Medium Dark (£17.50) gives me just enough tint and volume that my brows don't look horrible. I'm not a fan of anything that gets on to the skin of my brows as to me, that's so fake looking I'd rather look like I have no brows. I am lucky enough to have decent brows naturally and this just tints the slightly fairer hairs and makes them look nice and even.

What have been your favourites this month?

Emma x 

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Latest In Beauty Glamour Edit Box - Summer '14

I always get excited when I get the e-mail saying that Glamour magazine has partnered up with Latest in Beauty for another edit box. These seem to be a seasonal thing, I didn't buy the Spring edition as I already owned some of it - but nonetheless, they are fantastic value. Originally, had you purchased all the items seperately it would've totalled £86.15 - I paid just £16.95 (Including P+P) for the box.

As you can see, there is a great variety of products within the box, good mix of make up and other beauty items. As always, you get the product description card and a little beauty offers card. 

I thought I'd start of with the things I'm most likely going to resell or give away. Here we have a Velvotan Tanning mitt (£2.99) - This is a pretty funky tanning mitt, even in my books. However I cannot justify keeping this as I don't actually use fake tan as it just looks silly on me.

Another thing I'm not really interested in is this Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan BB Skin Perfector (£6.99) - bit of a tongue twister! Obviously, like I just stated I really am not a wearer of anything like this so it will be finding a home elsewere. It does sound interesting due to its BB qualities, if you have weird discolouration or whatever, but it has no chance with me being a medium shade.

Onto the more exciting items! As we all know, I am a lover of Bourjois so this Cream Blush (£7.99) in nude velvet is a welcome addition to my collection. Its a lovely peachy shade and I'm sure it won't stay in the box for long. Bourjois blushes are beautifully creamy and blend so nicely, I highly recommend them.

Next up, we have a Toni and Guy volume plumping whip (£7.19) which sounds promising. I love a good volumising product as I suffer from flat roots and this promises to leave out that gnarly crunching feel (we shall see!) but it smells really nice and has a nice consistancy to it.

Here we have a DLC Deep Cleansing Oil (£21.50 for a full 200ml this is just 30ml). This is pretty expensive full size so hopefully that means its a thing of quality... apparently it can 'obliterate' waterproof mascara it states on the product info card so we will have to put it up against my beloved Liz Earle. For an oil it has a runny consistancy and from a brand I personally have never heard of it could be a hit or miss kinda thing!

Hawaiin Tropic is one of my fave sun protection brands so when I saw a Satin Protection Ultra Radiance Sun Lotion (Spf 30) 100 ml (£4.99) I was pretty chuffed. I like how this is a bit of a miniature as it is purse perfect in terms of size. As always it has a gorge coconut scent and this particular variant promises to leave skin radiant and soft, everyones a winner.

Also included in the box is this Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Laquer in Petal Pink (£6). I was a little gutted to recieve the pink polish rather than the red that was on offer but hey, I own a million and one red polishes. I can't wait to try this out as I've never owned a Crabtree & Evelyn item - I was under the impression that they were more of a body lotion and soap kind of brand. Hopefully this will end up being a nice discovery.

Now onto the show stoppers of the box, I saw this Magnifibres Brush on False Lashes (£20) and was instantly interested. Just the whole concept of being able to elongate and volumise the lashes using this seemed genius. I did use it once, curiousity got the better of me and it was good first impressions wise, look out for a proper review in the near future.

Now for what I believe to be the star product of the box, Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Cherub (£18.50). This was the one reason I really delved and bought the box, I am a lipstick junkie and these are pretty hot off the block. Obviously, you're taking a chance as you have no idea what shade you're going to recieve, but I'm happy. I recieved Cherub, a lovely muted warm coral. This feels so luxurious on the lips and provides a lovely satin finish - will write a full update when I've used it a little more.

So as you can see, the box was pretty awesome, I definately recommend you purchasing it if like me, you are interested in the new Illamasqua lippies as they're worth £1.50 more than the whole box. Such fab value, I can barely wait for the next one!

Emma x

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Garnier Ultimate Blends - The Silky Smoother

I feel like I may have fallen into a new 'Holy Grail' shampoo and conditioner. I found a little sample of the 'Sleek Perfector' number in this range and instantly liked it, so when I saw Boots had all of the collection half price I knew I had to just delve in. I chose this, the 'Silky Smoother' for split end care and I gotta say I am loving it. Not disrespecting my beloved Aussie Miracle Moist, but sometimes you gotta change it up a little and well this leaves my hair feeling way more nourished and soft. I don't feel as clean as when I do use Miracle Moist, however this deals with my sensitive scalp issues aswell. I genuinely feel like this has helped with the split ends I did have and my hair feels the healthiest it has done for a while. I'd like to give the others a go, especially give the 'Sleek Perfector' a proper run instead of just a one time use.

I definately recommend you hit these chaps up at Boots for the £1.94 price tag as that is a giganormous BARGAIN. As you can see they do an extensive range - I also bought the dry shampoo to match this but I have yet to try it.

Emma x

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Eylure Pre Glued Lashes

Now I am not the biggest wearer of false eyelashes - in fact I rarely wear them at all, but I thought I should maybe write a post on these as they're unusually pre-glued (budget friendly wise mind you). I recieved these guys in a glossybox way back when (I think Autumn last year?) and I just had to try them as me and eyelash glue are enemies. 

I've tried the brand Eylure before and hated the clumpy glue and had proper issues with application but these are a far cry, get the tweezers and pop them on easy as pie. The second major issue I have with these is that after three uses the middle part of the right one has some how bent itself to form one big mega lash in the middle and will no longer apply. I know that's really being picky for 'budget' lashes but when something states that it is going to be a reusable thing I want a good five uses before they go in the trash forever, otherwise they're only going to last a couple of nights out and about. 

Overall impression is that they are far easier and cleaner to apply, no glue marks here, than the usual deal. However I have no idea what style these are but they really aren't natural enough for me, they're mega thick and black and just look a little tacky on me so I wasn't a great fan. I won't go out of my way in the future to buy something like this from Eylure again.

What do you think of false lashes? Are you a fan?

Emma x

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The Body Shop's Honey Bronze Bronzer in Light Matte

Its the time of year when looking a little tanned doesn't look alien. I also feel like sometimes its nice to swap out the blush in the summer as it can make you look a little flustered. Cue The Body Shop's Honey Bronze Bronzer! This comes in four different matte shades in this classic and elegant little compact. This glides on so nice and gives you a very sheer hint of colour where you need it, unless you really are super heavy handed you cannot go wrong with this guy. The texture is just so nice and pigmented, its so creamy. It seems to last well on the skin (especially in the current strange UK climate!) which means thats one less compact and brush to carry in your bag. This particular shade is fab if you're vampyric/pale like myself as it has no orangeness in amongst the powder, which can be hard to find when looking at bronzers. This has become something I actually use everyday at the moment and I don't think I could go without it.

As one for kitsch items, you can only imagine what I must think of the compact itself. The honeyomb print inside is sooo beautiful and the mirror is a lovely size to use as a general mirror (if you are lazy like me.

Overall, I highly reccomend this bronzer, it is almost as good as the Benefit Hoola powder, and this is far more accessible as there's pretty much a Body Shop on every high street you come across. It's great value at £13. I really like The Body Shop's make up products they sell, I am almost beginning to find them to be reliable as they are the same across the board.

You can purchase this fella at The Body Shop, you will not regret it - I love it.

Emma x

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Benefits 'They're Real Push Up Liner' Gel Eyeliner Pen

When I first heard that Benefit were going to release a gel eyeliner pen, my purse was already open as I am an eyeliner whore. Generally as a rule of thumb, Benefit can be a little hit and miss for me - but I adore the matching They're Real mascara and I just had to have it. Boy, did I have issues with this at first, the application is not as 'criminally easy' as they make this out to be - by heck, I found this so difficult to actually work with. There is nothing wrong with the applicator, its the formula I have problems with. It does glide on when you have the smallest amount otherwise its just mega blotchy and looks like you've been in a fist fight with it. Another issue with this is that it can be really streaky and patchy, if you're trying to clear up the lines it can often just leave a bare stripe across the area. The accutip is a nice twist, its really bendy so you can get to the inner corners super easy, however it can tend to drag along the lid.

This was my most recent attempt, I had to go over the streaky areas with Rimmels Scandaleyes liquid liner.

 After using this a couple of times, I still feel theres a lot left to be desired. Sometimes I even feel like product is wasted as it seems to come out of the tip without clicking the end around leaving a clump on the end of the pens tip. I usually love the pen eyeliners but I'm not so keen on this guy. I also feel like their advertising is misleading as it really is a pain in the neck to get used to this even after the four seperate occasions I have tried to use this properly.

If this looks exciting to you, you can purchase this at feelunique.

Emma x

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Ordering from Shopbop - UK style

Just a quick little post as I could not find anything recent or reliable to read on ordering and customs and such like from Shopbop. Shopbop are an american retailer who deal in lush handbags, designer clothes, pretty watches, etc etc. I have wanted a Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. for the longest time and finally took a stab in the dark when ordering this company as everything about custom charges was super outdated or mixed or not at all relevant to the U.K since their custom policies have changed. My experience was that I ordered this beautiful bag (which I am mega in love with) and thought to be sensible and pre pay customs. I was pretty pessimistic that £19 or whatever it was I paid, was just not going to cut the mustard. And in a way I was right, I had to pay £4 more... so not really a huge deal like some other forums were chatting about. Also, I'd like to pick up on how quick this came. I ordered my bag on the Wednesday evening (all the way from Michigan) using UPS, it arrived on my porch at 11am on the Friday morning. Now if that hasn't impressed you, I don't know what will as sometimes things can take WEEKS for things to be shipped from other locations.

I hope I have helped you guys make a decision on whether to take the plunge and don't mind answering any lingering questions you may have.

All in all, I feel like they have upped their game with the pre pay, up front charges rather than doing it all behind your back and just seeing money float out of your bank account.

Emma x

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Glossybox July - Stars & Stripes Edition

Apologies for this super late post, I realise you may have read a couple of Glossybox unboxings in the past week. Anyway, I feel like Glossybox have come back on form this month, its a scorcher of a box (especially seeing as I got this on my glossydots, so really this has cost me nothing!). I especially am loving the box design, its sooo awesome.

First up, we got a pot of Carmex! (£2.69) I like Carmex, I think its the best value lip balm, I love the tingling it gives your lips when you apply it. I really love Cherry Carmex but hey beggars can't be choosers! ;) Delighted to see this in my box this month.

Next up, we have ABSOLUTE New York Perfecting Eye Shadow Primer ($4.99). I have trialed this and obviously at a budget price it doesn't hold amazingly as the Urban Decay Primer Potions - however I didn't experience any creasing when I used this but I had a little fall out when using this with more pigmented shadows.

Up next, we have Dr Bronners Magic Liquid Soaps Baby Mild Liquid soap (£5.99) I love the smell of this, its a mixture of citrussy lemons and green tea, uber refreshing. I have a feeling this maybe the infamous great brush cleansing soap (I'm not entirely sure). I have yet to use it but am excited to try it.

I also recieved a Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick (£20) in the shade Catwalk. This pays for the box entirely if you really love a nice lipstick. I'm crazy over this right now, currently wearing this during the days as its a really pretty pink nude. The formula is just so creamy, not particularly long wearing but so so nice. 

The last item in this months box is a Color Club nail polish in the colour 'Glossy Seal' ($8). I don't think I have ever possessed a full size Colour Club polish - its huge! I believe the guys at Color Club made this shade especially for Glossybox, its a pretty teal colour and the varnishes from this brand are usually top quality.

August marks a year of Glossybox Subscriptions for me, so in this months box I recieved a little annual bonus - a miniature Green and Blacks Dark 70% Chocolate Bar. What a cute idea, its been a year of ups and downs the first six months (besides Octobers let down box) were really great - I think my favourite box was the February Valentines edition box as I think I really got my moneys worth out of it.

If like me, you were impressed by this months American theme, you can buy one from here for £10 (plus P&P)

Emma x

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Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in Light Glow

As one of the pastier citizens in society, when I heard about this and how supposedly good this was, I just HAD to have it. I dislike fake tan, it looks super unnatural on me and I'm useless with application of these kind of things so here I was thinking 'Oh, leg make up! That's going to be really useful'. Gee, was I wrong. I really don't like this, its really streaky and quite orange even though it claims to be a 'light glow'. I am aware that you can buy a liquid version of this and maybe its a nicer application as it won't leave nasty spray dots up your legs and streakiness. I have tried this on two seperate occassions, first time I did it as it states to on the can and it looked okay but I did end up with dots here and there. Second time around I mixed this with a little Body Shop butter and it gave a less orange look but it just transfered onto everything. I also don't like how it leaves me personally feeling like I have a layer of grease on the top of my skin - even when applying it how it states.

Overall, don't fall for the hype of the bloggers on this one, I think just applying some old foundation on your legs with something like a buffing brush is way more effective and nicer looking than this orangeness. Don't be fooled into thinking its not fake tan like myself because it is very similar and application is just as messy and horrible.

If I haven't made you run a good mile from this or are curious to try this yourself (hey, I guess everyones tastes are different!) you can buy it from feelunique for £10.16.

Emma x

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Birchbox July '14

Its that time of month again, its beauty box time! As usual, Birchbox has graced my doorstep first, its not exactly a fantastic box this month but I guess you can't always win with these boxes. The theme this month, 'Sun, Sea and Sand', and I personally don't feel like it translates within the products they've sent us this month!

The first thing to be pulled out the bag this month is this 'Balance Me' Wonder eye cream (£20). I like eye creams so I am excited I have a new one to put to the test, however I have recieved Balance Me things before and they smell nice, however I don't really feel like they have any kind of impact so we shall see with this one.

This Ultradex Oral Spray (£3.65) was this months 'lifestyle extra' and I can see it rapidly becoming a handbag favourite as I am constantly paranoid that I have bad breath syndrome - I carry mints around all the time. However I don't particularly like the idea so its another one whereby I am on the fence.

Next up is the 'Weleda' Millet Nourishing Shampoo (£8.95) - Finally! Something I actually might enjoy using. Its a shame however, that there's no conditioner to work alongside this but as a brand, Weleda is really awesome, I love their moisturisers and their oaty shampoo.

Here we have a sample of 'Gilchrist and Soames English Spa Sea Kelp Extract (£11.25). This is something to put in your everyday bath and make a little bit more luxurious. I like the smell of this and I do like to have a nice bubbley herbal smelling bath so this will be definately be hitting up my bath tub in the next week.

Fourthly, we have 'Whish - Three Whishes Lavender Body Butter' (£14.50) I like the smell of lavender so its no surprise I like the scent of this however I feel like paying almost £15 for what is essentially a body cream is a bit steep, even by my standards.

Last up, we have my favourite out of the bunch - Laqa & Co 'Lip Lube' in Menatour. This looks scary in the tube but actually its super sheer and gorgeous on the lips. Don't know if I'm a little jealous of those who recieved the coral colour as it looks beaut. Birchbox have been providing some pretty stellar lip products recently - very impressed.

As you can see, nothing other than the kelp mineral bath actually had anything to do with the months theme and there are a nice selection of items but nothing wows me right now.

If you like the look of this box, you can purchase one right here.

Emma x

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Bourjois Blush Exclusif

On my blush high of last month, this caught my eye in a Boots trip. Bourjois' Blush Exclusif claims to magically turn into a bespoke pink according to your skin tone, and obviously I can't say I've tested it on others to see if it really lives up to what it says, but it does change into a pale powdery pink shade on my cheeks. The formula is really nice to work with due to its cream to powder formula, it glides on lovely when using fingers, not so great when using a brush mind. Obviously, its going to suit all skin tones due to its transforming nature, its not going to be unflattering and is highly blendable. 

As always, can't forget to mention how sweet the packaging is, its just like their little pots of blush with its own mirror and magnetic style closure. You can see from the picture that in the pan its just looks like another pink blush, but its such a nice formula to work with. It can be a little bit sheer but the finished powder proder gives you a lovely glowy finish. I really wanted to show you guys a picture of this on my cheeks, but it really doesn't photograph very well on the face and on the hand it looks totally different due to the skin on my hand having different pigment.

You can currently by this cute blush at Boots for £7.99

Emma x

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The Body Shop 'Shimmer Cubes' in Spring Bronze

These chaps are definately my favourite eyeshadows at the moment, I bought these two weeks or so ago and I have yet to reach for any others. I actually picked up these colours by total accident mistaking them for the 'warm' palette, but I have no regrets, I am inlove. They are more autumnal colours but my god, the gold and the espresso colour are just beautiful. The consistency of these is pigmented and high quality for something you can just purchase in a regular high street chain, I even prefer the feel of these to my Urban Decay shadows. I love how each of these cubes come in their own separate pot which is fab for touch ups during the day or if you are going away you can pick and choose from the range of shades they do (lots and lots) and put them all into one little box.

(L-R: Dusty Fawn, Burnished Gold, Warm Copper, Rich Espresso)

The palest shade doesn't really show well on my picture but its a lovely shimmery ivory, the pay off with these is really fantastic. If you're into your shimmers (like me) these are sooo lovely, and for the £16 you're paying, the quality is wonderful. Like I said before, these are definately more 'fall' colours but the gold is soooo pretty for summer, I just love it. I genuinely feel like the dark brown really brings out the tones in my eyes and definately makes me look wider eyed. I am definately interested in trying their more regular range of eyeshadows, I think they're called something along the lines colour crush shadows to see how they would measure up against these shimmery lovelies.

You can buy them from The Body Shop for £16.

Emma x

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Liz Earle Skincare Haul

Let me just say, I love skincare, especially Liz Earle. I'm always on the website looking up what the monthly deal is and what I can spend my pennies on. This is the June essentials bundle (therefore this deal is not available at this time) you get a Cleanse and Polish 150 ml pump, a Skin Boosting Tonic, moisturiser of your choice, a free eye refreshing cream and two big muslin cloths for the sum of £45 saving approximately £6/7. At the time I ordered this I also got an extra two muslins which was the very end of June. With the July bundle instead of the eye cream, you get a botanical Shampoo and Conditioner. All in all, a very good deal.

Out of this bundle, I have only actually tried the Cleanse and Polish and I loooooove it, so it will be interesting to see if the other skincare regime items live up to the standards of the Cleanse and Polish. You also got a choice whether you wanted the standard C&P or the limited edition Orange Flower and Camomile, I chose the latter as I was curious to see if it smelt any better than the regular, you also get the option of your skin type when ordering. 

As you can see, it also comes all wrapped up in tissue paper, giving it the luxe edge and makes you feel like you're really dealing with quality here. Its a super gift idea if you know somebody who is crazy for their skin care and I also purchased a little male essentials gift set for my dads birthday which, despite being in a little pouch, also came all wrapped in a gift box - how sweet is that? 

I definately recommend ordering this direct as it came in two days, and the prices are no different where ever you purchase the Liz Earle product range.

You can now buy the July essential kit here for £45 - its well worth it!

Emma x

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JML Pedi Pro Deluxe Pedicure

I bought this Pedi Pro last year after trying umpteen other different things trying to cure my dry heels so I could wear my beloved flip flops. I think I bought it at a supermarket for around the £15 mark and I've never looked back.

In the little kit, you get the actual device, two buffer heads, and a blade head, which all comes in this cute little magenta matching drawstring bag. I really feel like this works, first I use the blade on my really hard areas, but the buffer head also does a fab job of just buffing the dead skin off on its own. After using the blade, I will then go over my heels and other problem sections and really work on the skin. There are two different settings, a gentle mode and a regular mode, it makes scary noises on both these settings but its bark is worse than its bite. Its definately a scary looking device, but I assure you, you can't even feel the blade on your skin, its more of a tickling sensation which is a plus.

All in all, I definately recommend one of these for this time of year, its turned into a bit of an essential for me. It makes you look like you've had your feet done professionally and yay for no cracked heels. Its a must if you wear a lot of strappy sandals or pretty flip flops as wearing these without nice feet can be quite horrific and ugly at times. ;(

You can buy one of these right here for £13.99 at the time of posting!

Emma x

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Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne

Let me just start off by saying that I love Jo Malone fragrances, they all smell pretty lush and they're pretty long lasting. I recieved this Red Roses cologne for my recent-ish birthday and while it wasn't really the one I want, I still do really like it. I originally had my heart set on the Peony & Blush Suede, which smells fantastic, but as I'm known to be a lover of roses, I guess this seemed to be more relevant to me. I'm still not totally sold on this, and as it is soooo expensive for a little itty bitty bottle like this chap, its not something I can just wear it as an everyday number. My Marc Jacobs perfumes definately see more light of day than this, but thats only because I think they're more wearable, this is definately more sophisticated than something you pick up in Boots or the neareast perfume store. However, when I have worn this to work, I can still smell it nine hours on when my shift is over, which is more that can be said for others. The rosey smell is quite in your face, it might not be to everyones taste but I do like it, just not love it. I love how they package these too, it comes in its own cute box with matching bow, perfect if you're after something a little more sophisticated and posh for a gift. I highly recommend Jo Malone, her scents are beautiful and there is definately something for everyone (her candles are especially nice too!)

Which Jo Malone scent would you like to trial?

Emma x

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