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(No, I didn't hibernate)

It's been a very long time since I last posted anything - three months to be exact! To those of you who have patiently stuck around, you have my sincerest thanks. My absence has been a mixture of work, university and life happening, all amounting in a lack of inspiration for my blog. 

Thanks to my leaving for a while, I feel that I can pick my blog back up, but with some changes…

Truth be told, I felt like I was writing because I had to write something, but I would like my blog to take a slightly new direction. Not to worry, I will still be posting the usual, but I'd like to think of some new ideas that could take place. :)

Currently I am unsure whether or not to post my typically Glossybox and Birchbox reviews. There are a lot of boxes sat on my windowsill. I may very well just sum up any boxes prior to February (we shall see...)

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Review | Glossybox October 2014

If there's one thing I could say about this box, it's 100% worth it with regards to value for money. My Glossybox this month was packed full of extremely high priced products. I'm not even sure how Glossybox managed to pull this off, in all honesty. Sometimes they really like to surprise me with the sheer amount of high priced good they include - and believe me, it's been quite a while since that last happened. Often I find myself wondering whether to keep up my subscription and then they give me a box like this one and it rekindles my love for Glossybox all over again. 

Read on to find out what I got this month (it's a good'un)…

Battle Of The Boxes | Glossybox vs Birchbox September 2014

As usual, I'm looking at which box I loved more out of Glossybox and Birchbox, granted my review and comparison is late (I'm trying - and failing - to catch up what I've missed lately). The September boxes were a mixed bundle of great products and slightly disappointing ones too. With these boxes, it is very hard to please a large number of people. My argument to that, however, is that the box-selling companies need to be a little more thorough with their assessments of their customers. If I could opt out of nail varnishes, I would. As that's not an option, I will continue to pass them over to other members of the family. One thing I will say is that in all honestly, I know exactly which box will come out on top this time. Here's why...

Review | Glossybox September 2014

This months Glossybox is very London/Karen Millen themed with its gorgeous painterly London skyline design. Many of the products inside are London related, or more specifically, London Fashion Week inspired. The box, I've noticed, has changed to be much sturdier lately, with less of a gloss finish (which feels a lot more luxurious to me, actually). 

I'll be trying to do less of a disappearing act on you all, but I've been doing mad dashes around various shops lately trying to gather everything for University (eek - I leave in 4 days time!!) Therefore, I will try to be a little more on top of posting…  

L'Oreal Professional - Mythic Oil

(Full Size - £15.95)

45ml Sample Size 

I'm thinking… runway ready hair?

Upon opening this, I thought it was going to be more of a spray in oil (much more convenient), but alas, it's a oil to rub between your hands and distribute through wet hair. I'm terrible for hair prep so as much as I hope to use this, I know I'll very likely forget all about it  - oops!

I have recently been big on hair products lately though, so I'm actually pretty happy with this one. Interestingly, I've also really been wanting to try hair oils and both my boxes have provided. (Ohhh! Spoiler Alert!) I've always raved about my love of L'Oreal makeup, however, I've never actually been keen on their hair products. Their shampoos and conditioners in particular just don't agree with my hair, but I'll definitely be giving this a try. The packaging looks really luxurious and while I don't know what it means by 'Mythic', I'll be interested to find out…

Nails inc - Westminster Bridge Matte Top Coat

(Full Size - £12 for 10ml)

Full Sized Product

Oh goodie… another nail varnish. 

I really shouldn't complain, this nail varnish is worth more than I paid for the box. Only, I really wish Glossybox took into consideration that I really don't like getting these. It's a little saddening having to give it away to someone that can use it (all because my nails can't handle the harsh chemicals).

It really looks like an awesome nail varnish, so it's wonderful for everyone else who received it this month. The idea is that it'll mattify whatever you paint it over. Matte nails have been a huge thing for ages now, so it's nice Glossybox are sticking to the trends.

Side note: Love the name of the product

ModelCo - More Brows Fibre Gel

(Full Size - £14.95 for 3.5ml)

Full Sized Product

Ahh, Model, I get it. By this point, I think Glossybox were kind of scraping the bottom of the barrel when it came to LFW ideas. So strange though that I've been really wanting to try a brow gel lately and *poof* it's in my box. I think Glossybox are reading my mind a little too much. It's almost scary. Almost. 

I honestly thought upon opening the box up that this was a sample size. It's really small (3.5ml really isn't big) but wowzer does it have a big price tag. Glossybox certainly made up for 'not getting my monies worth' from August box - boy was that a disappointment. The brow gel is definitely darker than my natural hair colour, but it doesn't look strange, thankfully.

Kiss - Haute Couture Lashes

(Full Size - £4.99)

Full Sized Product

I've been 'umming' and 'ahhing' over what the link was for these, and I'm thinking it was the 'Haute Couture' title. A tenuous link, but a link none-the-less. The last time Glossybox gave me false eyelashes, I actually gave them to my sister, they just don't suit me. While I'm unsure whether these will also be that little bit too dramatic, I'll definitely be giving them a try.

SkinPep - Enzyme and Acid Peel & Peeling Gel (£89.99 for 180ml)

 Eye Cream (£44.99 for 15ml)

2 x 3.5ml & 1 x 2ml Sample Size

Please someone tell me no one is mad enough to pay £90 for their face to feel like it's peeling. Seriously… what!? 

I'm all for some luxury skincare, but this is so expensive. I want to know what Glossybox customer exactly can afford to be splashing out £90 on one product (never mind all the others you need to add to your face). I'll be baffled if I don't see some improvement in my skin after trying this. With that amount of money, I'd want to look youthful for the rest of my life, none of this short-term improvement stuff. I wonder if you ate it, would you decrease in age by 10 years or something? (Kids, do not try this at home). Unsurprisingly, this is manufactured in Korea (for the UK). I say 'unsurprisingly' because Korea are very big on their luxury skincare,.

I'll definitely be updating on how well this product turns out. If it's a hit (no I will not buy it - you'd have to be mad), I will give you the lowdown. Have any of you tried this product before? I'd be interested to know the results of everyone else! 

That wraps up everything I received in my Glossybox this month! I'll be honest and say I wasn't thrilled with everything *coughs*nailvarnish*coughs* but I'd say I'm looking forward to using 3/5 (which isn't too bad).

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of this box!

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Review | Bellapierre Lipstick

When my July Glossybox dropped through the post, I knew I'd be getting a Bellapierre lipstick of some description. I prayed like mad it would be a colour that I could actually wear on a day to day basis. It seems that so often, boxes like these like to give you the 'experimental' lip colours - which can be nice - but sometimes you just want a pretty everyday colour, you know?

Needless to say, I was really happy when the shade Catwalk came in my box. It's a really pretty pink with a hint of coral, making the more nude-like nature to the colour interesting and definitely warms up the complexion.

Texture & Longevity

This lipstick is so creamy, yet somehow it defies the laws of moisturising lipsticks and actually lasts a long time? What!? I know, I was shocked too. Of course, to achieve some longevity, you've got to go through the whole 'blot and reapply' process. Afterwards, you're pretty much good to go.

It's also really forgiving. Sometimes you just don't have time to make sure your lips are super soft, and while it certainly improves the look, you really don't need this step. As I said before, the lipstick is very moisturising anyway (possibly due to the mineral aspect), so you've already got that step covered.

Colour

This is definitely a colour I adore, it's so wearable for everyday yet adds a little interest to the makeup. Personally, I tend to wear this with a neutral eye, or small amount of eyeliner and let the colour do the work. Beautiful and effortlessly chic. As I said before, the shade is quite pink, but has a hint of coral (warming and brightening everything in its path). While I wouldn't exactly call this a 'nude' lip colour, it is certainly Bellapierre's least dramatic colour.

Price

Okay, I'll be the first to admit the £20 price tag is pretty high. But I would not recommend such an expensive product if I didn't 100% put my faith into it. I like to think of this as one of those lipsticks I'd likely buy as a treat to myself. I do wish there was a wider range of colours, and perhaps they're working on it, but I'm sure my bank is happy there isn't much variety!

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Battle Of The Boxes | Glossybox vs Birchbox August 2014

Another month, another subscription box.

If you read my reviews of August's Birchbox and Glossybox, you'll know that I wasn't overly impressed with them upon face value. Some of my opinions have changed since trialling the products, and I initially believed these would tie for 'most terrible box'. Since then, I have tried and tested many of the products. So which box will win overall for best box this month? 

Review | Glossybox August 2014

So it's been a while… and I can explain! I've been working my butt off at work this week and just haven't had the time to write my review on August's Glossybox (to be fair, it arrived a while ago, work just, got in the way). But hey, I'm posting it now and hopefully you enjoy my thoughts on this months box.

It's actually Glossybox's 3rd anniversary, so there's been a fair amount of promotion and competitions supplied this month. In addition to this, my box includes a Glossybox collaboration product and a couple of full sized samples. All very exciting. Personally, I expected to see something more… extravagant as a result of the anniversary (you'll see what I mean as you read on), but I guess this box just didn't do it for me like last months. 

Battle Of The Boxes | Glossybox vs Birchbox July 2014

For those of you who have been reading my blog a lot recently, you'll know that not only did I get the July Glossybox, I also purchased the July Birchbox. The only logical thing to do in this instance is, well, compare them. 

I will try and remain as unbiased as possible in this review, however, please remember that this is my very first Birchbox and my 9th (9th!!!) Glossybox. It is a given that I would have more Glossybox loving tendencies due to my loyalty to the box, but I will remain as neutral as possible. Please also feel free to comment your preference, as I'd love to know).

Review | Birchbox July 2014

It comes in a bag. So cute!!

As you might be aware by now, I am a regular subscriber to Glossybox and haven't really deviated away from them since first subscribing. There have been moments where I've questioned whether to maintain my subscription and I've always hesitated. This month, I got my Glossybox free thanks to the accumulated Glossydot reward scheme. I figured, as I hadn't paid for a Glossybox this month… well, why not a Birchbox?

So this is my first time getting a Birchbox and although I've been following them on social media a long time, I didn't really know what to expect. Would it be mostly skincare? Makeup? A mix of the both? Who knows! 

I'm a massive fan of getting large amounts of makeup in my boxes so seeing so much skincare made me uncertain about the products, but I quickly changed my mind. Read on and you'll see why...

Review: Glossybox - July 2014 | The Fourth Of July Edition

This month is all stars and stripes as Glossybox celebrates The Fourth of July with cult American brands, full sized products and Glossybox exclusives. I'm so excited about the products in this box, they are all awesome and I cannot wait to try them all out!

Review: Glossybox - June 2014

It's the middle of the month and that officially means that come 9am, I'm sitting in the kitchen with my cup of tea and watching the postman work his way around my street. 

Yup, that's right. It's Glossybox time!

Review: Glossybox - May 2014

If you haven't already heard, Glossybox collaborated with a major brand name this month. They teased us constantly with 'who' and 'what' and the big reveal came when my box dropped through the postbox. 

And who else other than the well-known beauty store: Superdrug! 

This box promised a massive amount of goodies - full sized - and added extras…

Glossybox Looking Back: Top Products

Over the months I've been receiving Glossybox (ever since November), I've accumulated my favourite products and my not-so-favourite products. Today I thought I would have a look back at the products I adored, love and still use to this day.

Review: Glossybox - April 2014

Unlike most months where I review my Glossybox the minute I get it, I actually decided to test out a couple of the products before judging the contents as harshly (as I tend to do). What with it being Easter and after having a pretty cool box last time a 'holiday' or 'event' came round *coughs*valentines day*coughs*, I was expecting great things. Many, many great things. 

Review: Glossybox - March 2014

With the warmer days approaching and the days gradually becoming longer and lighter, this month Glossybox has a definite node towards Springs approach. It's seemed unlikely that the cold would shake, but lately we've had weather in the UK that is almost, dare I say, Summer temperatures. I know. It sounds crazy to even me. But when I'm actually having to walk to work with no coat (nope not even a cardigan) it definitely makes me hopeful. 

The March box, for me, seemed to be full of (with one exception) soft colours and pretty fragrances - very Spring. It was certainly something I expected and I'm really looking forward to trying out the products for myself *smiles*.

Review: Glossybox - February 2014

It's February and that means one theme and one theme only, Valentines Day! With that, the box has been appropriately matched to the day of love (be that for a partner, family member or friend). 

This is probably the best Glossybox I have been given so far. There was so much variety and best of all, mostly full sized items and very few body care products. I was getting really bored of constantly being given sample moisturisers, so this has made a lovely change. I seriously hope that Glossybox keep this up. I'd considered stopping my subscription, but now I'm having second thoughts...

Review: 'Back To Basics Glossybox' - January 2014

This months Glossybox came under the theme of 'Back To Basics'. It is clear, because of this, that Glossybox have tied into the idea of resolutions, health, fitness and a new start for your beauty regime.

(^ This just makes me feel guilty I haven't been doing my Pop Pilate's ;__; *sobs*)

Review: Glossybox - December 2013

Happy New Year!

… I know, I'm late… 

If dust bunnies could collect on a blog, well, I think I'd probably win a prize for how many could collect on my blog (oops!). So while this is a very, very, very late review to my December Glossybox, I still wanted to post it (as I actually had it ready to post when I received it, but simply didn't have the time). 

So without further ado…

Review: Glossybox - November 2013

So I promised to do a review of the glossy box I was to receive this month, and here it is:

The box comes very beautifully wrapped using pink ribbon, black tissue paper to encase the products and more shredded black tissue paper beneath the products. It creates a really nice effect and I kind of felt like I was receiving a present… from myself! 

Inside, the products are carefully placed inside, some of which were further wrapped in pretty packaging (as you can see on the left, on of the products was stored in a pale pink ribbon drawn bag - a very nice touch, if I do say so myself).