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.