With Love... Hilary Duff

Since the days of Lizzie McGuire I've been a huge Hilary Duff fan. The first website I designed and hosted was a fansite dedicated to the beautiful blonde. I followed her career religiously, copied her outfits, make-up and even chopped off my hair to look like her. I was over the moon when I heard she was releasing a fragrance in 2006, then another in 2008 with Elizabeth Arden. With Love and Wrapped With Love soon became must have items on my dressing table!

December Birchbox Review

Just over a week ago I received my December Birchbox! This is my third Birchbox and I'm pretty damn pleased with the products I've been receiving. It's definitely up there with Glossybox! This month i received a range of products to help me glam up for the holiday period. I've had such a good time experimenting with these that I've used most of them up...

How To Look The Best At Everything by Benefit Cosmetics

I've recently become a fan of Benefit Cosmetics after receiving samples of They're Real and The PoreFessional in beauty boxes over the past few months. Both have become essetials in my makeup bag, so I've decided to branch out and experiment with some of their other products. 

The Ginvera Bright Eyes Perfect Complexion Gift Set*

Anyone who follows me knows about my obsession with a company called Ginvera. I first heard of them when I bought the Summer Latest In Beauty Glamour Edit, in which I received a free sample of their Exfoliating Marvel Gel. Since the moment I tried the gel I was hooked and have so far made one too many purchases from their website!

Enummi Skincare 3 Day Challenge *

Last month I contacted the lovely Heather from Enummi via Twitter to enquire about receiving some samples from the Enummi range. She kindly sent me a three day challenge (with free postage from Canada!) for me to try! Enummi is a natural skin care brand made from only the purest ingredients. Not only that, but a large amount of profits go towards their foundation, Foundation 4Life which builds and supports orphanages for abandoned children with AIDs. So you look good and feel good, that's something I really look for in a brand. So how did my 3 day challenge go...

Olay Beauty Fluid

When I was little I wanted to be exactly like my mum. I would prance around in her high heels and her fabulous dresses (which actually fitted me, she's so petite unlike me now!). Every now and again me and my sister would sneak into her makeup bag and try on her lipsticks! Mum taught me a lot about makeup and allowed me to wear it quite young in moderation as she knows its fun to experiment too!

When I first discovered foundation my mum immediately stopped me before I applied it and handed me a little bottle. She told me NEVER to put anything on my face without this on. It turned out to be Olay Beauty Fluid, which has become a daily essential since that day forward.

Dark Romance - October Glossybox Review

I've been so MIA these past few weeks! Alas, I have returned with a review on the October Glossybox, the box that has caused fury and disappointment amongst the (b)blogging society. At first I was pretty content with my box, wondering what everyone was complaining about. But after putting these items to the test I can see where it all went wrong...

Latest In Beauty Editor's Picks - The Autumn Collection

You know how obsessed with Latest In Beauty you are when you get an email about a new box and don't even look at what you're buying. Naughty Jade! Luckily I snatched up this box when I did, it's completely out of stock now! So did I like the box? Here are my thoughts... 

Melvita Nectar Bright Brightening Cream 

I used this product first and I'm not a fan. It's supposed to brighten your skin and give you a clearer complexion. The most I can say is it didn't really do a hell of a lot, and I think for the price it's a little bit of a waste of money. 

Would I buy this product? No. 

Melvita Nectar Bright Brightening Exfoliation Mask

After using the Brightening Cream I thought I would't like this. I woke up with some nasty spots covering my face in random clusters and nothing was working on my skin! I applied this as a mask, and immediately you can feel the exfoliating beads. I left on for about ten minutes, finishing off by rubbing it into my skin to exfoliate, and once I washed it off my face my spots have cleared right up. And I mean instantly. I was so happy, and they have really gone down since. 

Would I buy this product? Yes!

St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion 

This was perfect for me last week as I had just had a tan done, and because the face is the part of the body the tan fades first, I was able to apply this daily so it still looked like my tan existed. I've heard great things about St Tropez and I'll definitely be using their products in the future after this. Might not come in useful this time of year though...

Would I buy this product? Yes!

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation

This product claims to give you translucent coverage and is lightweight. Luckily I had a fake tan when I used it because it went orange (no need for the St Tropez that day!). I can't use it now my tans gone, it's so dark, and it's not lightweight at all. Such a shame. 

Would I buy this product? No. 

Richard Ward Volumiser Root Booster 

This worked so well for me. You simply spray this into your roots while your hair is wet and blow dry. Easy! I have mad hair until I style it, then it goes flat, so it was uber mad, then went all bouncy and full of life after it was straightened! I wash my hair ever other day and it was full of life the whole time. Love love love! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!

NSpa Exotically Creamy Coconut Shower and Bath Oil

NSpa has recently become a favourite brand of mine thanks to Latest In Beauty. This shower and bath oil is beautiful. It smells divine and leaves skin feeling clean and moisturised. Going to have to buy another bottle! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!

L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner

I needed a product like this in my life. I bleached my hair at the beginning of the year and since dying it back to brown it's felt dry and itchy. After using the Shampoo and Conditioner a few times I'm left with beautiful, thick soft hair. It's completely transformed my hair and I'm so happy I have my silky locks back. These are products that definitely do what they say on the tin. 

Would I buy this product? A million times yes! 

I've recently heard that Latest In Beauty do an advent calendar with different goodies in each window. They confirmed with me via Twitter that they will definitely be releasing another one this year that will be even better than the last. I'm so excited! 

Have you got your hands on a Latest In Beauty box yet? 

Beauty At Tori's

Tomorrow is my 20th birthday so I thought today I'd treat myself to a little pampering. My cousin, Tori, owns a cute little beauty salon in Kent so I thought I'd pay her a visit.

Tori provides all kinds of treatments, ranging from waxing to DermaCo skincare*. I've visited Tori for a number of treatments but today I treated myself to a Gelish Manicure and a fake tan!

For those that don't know, like me, Gelish is a brand of nail polish used in salons that basically aim to stay put! My friend, Fern, has already had a Gelish pedicure, so she clued me up on just how good it is (actually she showed me her toes from a few months ago and the polish is still there, unscratched, just grown out!). It took me some time to work out what colour I wanted on my nails, but I decided on "Welcome to the Mascarade" coated with a glitter polish (I can't remember the name, I had to Google the first colour!!). I'm in love with this combination, and it looks even better in real life. I think it looks like the night sky on my nails!

My tan was Sunless Solutions, shade 8. This was a lighter shade I've tried at Tori's, but I'm happy about that. It is the end of September, I don't need a really dark tan! I'm so so happy with the results. I look sunkissed, not orange in the slightest. It was such a quick process too. Unfortunately halfway through the development process I accidentally spilt a drop of tea on my hand, which rolled down my arm and made the BIGGEST white mark!! Luckily for me, when I showered the excess tan came off my skin and it's not even noticeable. I'm not going to lie I look fabulous!

I love Tori's salon. She's done so well for herself over the last year or so with her business. She even produces her own products, Beauty By Tori**. I've had this Cucumber Night Cream for a few months, but despite testing out other products this one is always the night cream I come back to. It smells divine and I wake up with healthy looking, plump skin that radiates throughout the day. It even helps reduce my spots and blackheads. Magic!

If you ever visit the Kent area and fancy a treat, I recommend visiting Beauty At Tori's. I know I sound biased because she's my cousin, but her treatments are fantastic and her staff are always friendly and they are very well trained. I never leave disappointed!

Fancy it? You can visit her webpage here, or like her page on Facebook here!

*Find a full list of treatments here.

** Find a full list of products here.

Beauty Boxes

I've been seeing lots of posts on Blogger, Twitter and Instagram with mixed reviews about beauty boxes. Some, I think can be a little bit harsh and biased towards that particular person. For those who don't subscribe or purchase one off boxes but are considering it, I thought I'd give you my honest opinion about them. Others may disagree with my thoughts but it does give you guys an idea of what to expect if you are thinking about it.

I first heard of beauty boxes on the Glamour Magazine Instagram profile. They posted a photo of the Latest In Beauty Glamour Editor's Pick so I had a look on their website. The box came with loads of goodies that looked appealing to me. It only cost around £14 and, as I was off sick from work for a while, I thought it would be great to experiment in my free (crippled) time. I was so happy with the box that I stalk the website daily for more, and over the past month have purchased another two boxes.

The great thing with Latest In Beauty is that it isn't a subscription. You can purchase any of the boxes on offer whenever you like, subject to availability. These boxes are perfect for me as you can see what you're buying, plus there is usually a selection of 5-6 boxes available at any given time to choose from. I've not purchased a box worth more than £15, and they often come with P&P included. You can also create your own boxes by purchasing items that are on offer separately, but this usually costs a little bit more depending on the items. The packaging for these boxes are relatively plain but they do come packed with shredding so your products don't get damaged on their way to you.

I can't find fault in Latest In Beauty boxes. If you don't like the products in the box, you don't buy it. Simple!

Editor's Pick Products by Latest In Beauty (August 2013) 

On top of buying Latest In Beauty boxes, I also have a rolling subscription with Glossybox. I first heard of Glossybox after typing in "Sites like Latest In Beauty" into Google. I had heard mixed reviews about Glossybox online, so I hit the Hashtag option on Instagram and had a little look at what was on offer in the current box. Needless to say it sold me straight away and I've just received my third box.

Glossybox offer 5 treats a month for £10 + P&P. Before you start you create a beauty profile and I guess this counts towards what products you receive, as I know some people receive different samples.  The packaging changes each month (so far for me anyway) and the products are padded with shredding, covered in matching tissue paper and beautifully wrapped in a ribbon. I'm obsessed with the aesthetics of things, so this really does make me smile! You also receive a little book, more recently a magazine, with information on your items and the brands associated.

Beautiful Packaging by Glossybox (July 2013)

The nice thing is that some of the treats are full sized. You get a few smaller samples (including perfumes and oils) but you are given enough to use each a few times over. Most of the samples are new brands, new products from well known brands or foreign companies so there's quite a range. And what is even better is that after trying the products, you go into your account on Glossybox.com and fill out a review form. You get points for each form you fill in and when you reach 1000 points you get your next box free!

The obvious issue with Glossybox is that it is a surprise, which I enjoy, but others may not. I like opening the boxes up to surprise gifts. It's like having a birthday each month (that you pay for...)! You can choose your subscription and if you pay in bulk for a year it works out a little cheaper. I'm currently sticking to a monthly plan, just in case I don't really like it after a few months. A lot of the comments are of people slating the items they receive in the box, but after getting my latest one (which a lot of people hated for some reason) and totalling up how much the items together actually cost, it was triple the price I paid for the box anyway. I for one can't complain with that.

I've not tried other boxes, but I might branch out into Burchbox very soon! I've heard fantastic reviews about their boxes. I hope that this is at least a little bit useful for those thinking of buying a beauty box.

September Wishlist

Ankle Boots New Look

Necklace Forever 21

Top River Island 

Skirt Topshop

Bag Taylor Swift

Sweatshirt New Look

Does anyone else hate the beginning of September? Some years its lovely and warm, and you can just get away with wearing your summer clothes for a little bit longer. But despite our amazing Summer, September has been mostly grey, wet and chilly with a couple of warm, dry days in between. This has thrown my wardrobe out of wack completely! I even went into work today wearing a skirt and nude tights, and it rained!

I've been looking around online trying to capture some outfits that meet the cold/warm contrast of this months weather, but its virtually impossible. But I suppose fashion is never that straight forward.

I love that you can carry your pastels from Summer over into Autumn this year. The majority of my wardrobe is pastel, so I'm lucky I don't have to go out and shop for more items! The River Island top and the Topshop skirt would be lovely to add to my collection.

If you've been reading my twitter feed, you'd know I'm sick of knitwear for Winter. I know its easy, and you can wear knits from previous years and pull them off, but I've developed a thing for pullovers and sweatshirts. They fit a bit more snug, don't itch and are stylish. I'm going to do a huge sweatshirt haul on my trip to Oxford street in a few weeks!

I've started to be a little bit more out there with accessories this year, and I love the big, bold collar necklaces. They really do add the wow factor to any outfit.  Ankle boots are a must have in any female wardrobe, however I haven't owned a pair in years because I just can't find the right pair! These ones are so me, I love studs and chains! I can let my inner rockstar out with these! And the bag! Oh the bag! This comes with Taylor Swift's new perfume, Taylor, as a free gift. I've asked for this for my birthday, and will be really excited if I get it! Can't wait to add this bold bag to a dull, AW outfit.

Might have to do a little shop right now...

Latest In Beauty Editor's Pick

 

Recently I've developed an obsession with beauty boxes (if you hadn't guessed already!) so when I received an email from Latest In Beauty regarding their Editor's Pick box I didn't hesitate to buy it! This box looked incredible; there was so much on offer in just this tiny little box. And it only cost me £12.95! Bargain.

The editor's at Latest In Beauty compiled their favourite make-up brands in this luxury box, with products to make you look and feel amazing. But what did I really think of each product...?

Bellapierre Mineral Eye Shadow 

This shadow is designed to be whatever you want it to be. Bit of a weird concept for an eye shadow, but I guess it works. I've only used it as a shadow, mixing it with a lighter colour to give my lids some sparkle, but I really do like it. I love glittery cosmetics especially for a night out. I think this might come in handy around Christmas time. Applies well and stays put for hours. These shadows are only £12.99 per pot. 

Would I buy this product? Yes, but not in the same shade. 

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

One of my favourite products from the box! I've been using this weekly since receiving it and it has done some great things for my skin. Eve Lom Rescue Mask promises to rescue sluggish and stressed skin, and this 15-20 minute treatment really does the trick. After cleansing my face from the mask my skin is plumper and firmer with less blemishes, not to mention it feels really fresh. 

Would I buy this product? It's a little out of my price range (£35) but if I was going to treat myself, yes!

Mirenesse Lip Lift Moisture Shine

I really enjoy using this lip gloss actually. I received a nude shade (it wasn't specified) and I carry it with me everywhere. Mirenesse Lip Lift tastes lovely and leaves my lips feeling glossy for a few hours before re-applying. It also looks good when I apply over nude lipstick. 

Would I buy this product?  Yes!

Benefit They're Real Mascara 

My favourite product in the box! I've heard stories about They're Real by Benefit, but it was always too expensive for me to try. One the first day of use everyone was saying "why are you wearing false lashes we are only going to the cinema?" Needless to say they were shocked when I broke the news that it was, in fact, only a mascara. They're Real applies easily without clumps and for once I didn't get panda eyes halfway through the day! I call it my miracle mascara! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!  

Mavala Rouge Rubis Nail Varnish

This lovely little nail varnish I received is the perfect size for your handbag. Mavala have created the little bottles claiming that many nail products are thrown away half used because over time the varnish thickens, proving unusable. They have a point; the amount of old ones I've binned is crazy!

Red is my favourite shade of nail varnish, so I love adding more to my collection. At first I liked this product, it applies quickly and dries within seconds. It also has a different texture that I can't really explain, but it's not smooth like most varnishes. I always apply a coat of varnish, clear gel (repeat!) ... however despite my routine it chipped within a few hours (as shown below) and was pealing off a day later. I wasn't happy but It was worth a try I guess!

Would I buy this product? No.

Nspa Melting Cleansing Gel 

I've recently run out of my favourite face cleanser so I was happy to receive this cleansing milk in my box. You apply the gel to dry skin after removing your makeup and apply in circular motions. You then wet your hands and rub in again, but this time the gel transforms into a milky substance from the water. You rinse and voila! This has left my skin looking and feeling really fresh these past few weeks. It smells lovely too. Another favourite! 

Would I buy this product? Yes! 

Yardley Refreshing Body Spray 

This is a lovely body spray that seems to act as a deodorant too (at least for me). I received the English Rose scent and I would definitely say this is my favourite body spray I've tried. The amount of spray seems endless as the can seems to still be full after a few weeks of daily use. It's only £2.49 too! 

Would I buy this product? Yes!

Nicky Clarke Instant Calmer

I apply this Instant Calmer to damp hair and blow dry once a week and I'm beginning to see amazing results! My dull, lifeless mop has become shiny and sleek with fewer fly-away hairs. I'm having less trouble brushing through my hair now and I smell really good! This has really changed my hair care regime forever. 

Would I buy this product? Yes! 

The Vintage Cosmetics Company Eye Shadow Brush 

I've been a fan of The Vintage Cosmetics Company for a few months now, so when I tried this shadow brush I wasn't disappointed. So pleased with it in fact, that I bought myself about 5 more (that are stored away until my birthday, wah) and put most of their website on my birthday list. It's a very cute, classic looking brush and it applies my shadow well! (See my review of The Vintage Cosmetic Company here)

Would I buy this product? Obviously this won't 'run out' as such, but I'd buy another one so I have one for dark and light shades. 

AS London Candle

I thought it was a little bit strange having a candle in a beauty box at first. I used it when I was pampering myself and actually it is really relaxing. This candle has a lovely scent of what I believe is ginger (scent isn't specified). Cute little design too with a lid which is useful when travelling.

Would I buy this product? Yes!

Visit Latestinbeauty.com for more luxury samples, boxes and offers. 

The Vintage Cosmetic Company

I have become obsessed with finding new beauty products recently and seem to be buying beauty boxes left right and centre! So I've decided to choose a brand from the boxes each month and dedicate myself to trying out some other products by them. This month I am trying a selection of products from The Vintage Cosmetic Company! 

I first received a pair of tweezers from the Glamour Beauty Edit box from Latest in Beauty. I loved these tweezers the moment I saw them; apart from the stainless steel tip, the body is coated in a rubbery material that makes them easy to grip for precise plucking. Despite the fact I didn't use them for a few weeks because they looked too pretty, I became obsessed with them instantly! I feel really dainty using them, so I don't use my normal cheap tweezers any more (I still have them because my partner uses them, and he is not touching these!) These tweezers are just £8 and they also come in a floral pattern. 

A few weeks later an email for the Latest In Beauty Editor's Pick appeared in my inbox. As soon as I saw the Shadow brush, I didn't hesitate to buy the box. I've dreamt about buying these brushes as I drooled over the website, but didn't want to spend that much on them. (I'm a cheapskate you see!) I'm glad I bought the box (review to come soon!) because I really wanted to test one of the brushes before I splurged on some! It's a great brush, very precise and applies my shadow smoothly.

I always end up getting shadow in places other than my eyelid because I buy cheap, low quality brushes that need to carry excess shadow to apply properly. With this brush, however, you don't need to use a lot of shadow to get the desired amount on the lid. Sweet! I don't waste any shadow and my eyes look fabulous!  I am also loving how cute the brush is. I find this shade of pink girly yet classy. This is only £7, and the brushes range up to £16 per brush if you buy them individually. I think I'm going to buy a few more...

Next I purchased a set of Betty Lashes. I've only ever owned one set of lashes and I absolutely loved them, so I thought I'd try out these. At £6 these are a bargain. I haven't used them yet, but I'm very happy with the product itself.  I'm a sucker for packaging and I absolutely love the design. As much as I can't wait to wear these lashes, I really don't want to take them out of the box as they look so pretty!

These lashes come with glue and there are 5 different lash styles to choose from (or you can buy all 5 for £15).

After stalking their website for hours on end (drooling non-stop), I've just decided I want absolutely everything they sell. I'm asking for a load of products for my birthday next month, hopefully I get a few bits! My main wants are;

Emery Board

Floral Brush Roll

Powder Brush

Eyeliner Brush

Brush and Accessory Gift Set 

Have you tried any products from The Vintage Cosmetic Company? Do you love the brand as much as I do? 

Glossybox July

Last month I signed up for Glossybox just to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about. Needless to say, I was very happy with what I got!

The box was beautifully wrapped, with paper shredding, tissue paper and a little ribbon keeping my products nice and snug. The box was bright and fun, I almost don't want to throw it away! The effort put into the packaging itself is worth the £10 a month! But what did I think of the products...?

Ila Face Oil for Glowing Raidiance

I was a little bit disappointed with the size of this product when I received it. It was only a small sample, which I imagined I would use up in one application. However, I was amazed by the fact that the tiniest drop you put on your finger spreads over a large surface area, I barely used 4 drops to cover my entire face. I still have most of the bottle left even after 4-5 applications.

I am very pleased with the product. As well as it's smooth application, it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and radiant. I'm left with comfortable feeling skin, no grease and no tightness. This is really difficult to find with a common brand, but this product ticks all the boxes!

My only concern is the smell. It has a very strong fragrance, not a bad one, but for people like me who's noses are uber sensitive, it can be overwhelming. The smell does fade so it does get better for me!

Will I buy this product? In all honesty, no. It's a fantastic product, however it costs £75 that I don't really have to splash on a face oil!

Coola Organic Suncare Rose Essence Tint spf 20 

I have never heard of Coola before so I wasn't sure what to expect from the sun cream I received. I used this a couple of times whilst I was in my garden in the sun. It had quite a nice, soft fragrance that wasn't overwhelming for me. It did apply quite difficult for me, I had to use quite a bit to cover my skin, and it did come out a little too dark for my skin tone. It didn't make my face greasy, dry or tight and felt very comfortable on. I didn't burn in the sun either!

Will I buy this product? I won't buy this product, only because I wasn't happy with the shade and the application. It did work perfectly fine once on though.

Inecto Refreshing Dry Shampoo

I love a dry shampoo! Whenever I buy/receive a dry shampoo I'm over the moon. They are the best invention ever! (Rant over!) I tried this product immediately as, shock horror, I couldn't be bothered to wash my hair before physiotherapy. My hair originally was very greasy, tangled and frizzy, which is usually only fixed with a good ol' wash! After spraying the shampoo into my roots, it was easy for me to brush the product through my hair. It smelt amazing (I love coconut) and gave my hair the feeling it only gets after a wash and blow dry! Simple yet effective!  It gave my hair instant oomph too, it was no longer flat and boring, it looked bouncy and full of life, retaining my natural wave without the need to styling afterwards! Love love LOVE!

Will I buy this product? 100% YES!

Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist 

This was an exciting new product for me to use! I always love the way my hair looks after a day at the beach, and to achieve that look without actually driving 40 miles away is fantastic! The first time I used this I was disappointed. My hair tends to fall into the style I create fast and stays there all day. However, after spraying my hair with this mist, all of my waves fell out of place and my hair fell straight! So I thought I'd give it another try. This time using a lot more of the product, unfortunately using half of the bottle. But I saw MUCH better results. My hair looked as though I had spent the afternoon at the beach, and even had a scent of sea air! My waves were held into place much better this time which gave me a lot more confidence throughout my day as I knew my hair wouldn't 'unstyle' itself!

Will I buy this product? No sorry! Used too much product to get the result I wanted! The beach experience is much better anyway!

Ciate London Nail Polish in Island Hopping 

So who wouldn't like this nail polish? JUST LOOK AT IT! It's adorable. The little bow, the cute bottle design, what's not to love? And look at how it applies. Granted my nail painting skills aren't fantastic, but the colour applies evenly with just one layer. For me, it dried within 50 seconds, which was fantastic as I didn't have to wait around to put on a top coat. It's great if you want to paint your nails but you are running late, it is so easy to apply. For me, application is one of the biggest issues with nail polish. I am so happy with this product. At only £9 for a bottle, I'm definitely stocking up!

Will I buy this product? Definitely!

If you want to purchase any of these products, click on the headings above!

Do you get a monthly Glossybox? What did you get in your box?