Glossybox April 2013 - Unboxing + Mini review!!

Glossybox April 2013 - Spring Fever

Designed by Pearl Lowe

First of all, before we even get started, how amazing is the design on this box?!

absolutely fell in love with it as soon as I opened the package and since I usually store my makeup in Glossyboxes, I cant wait to have this displayed on my vanity.

When you open the box, you're greeted with the familiar ribbon and sticker, this time with a floral print behind the logo and a pale, almost white ribbon, a nice touch to match in with the box design and I felt that the attention to detail this month was excellent.

As you can see, this months box was amazing, I love the range of products, from well known brands like Essie, to brands that I had heard of but never tried such as Yves Rocher and of course, Nip+Fab. I felt that last months box only really contained one product that I hadn't already used and since Glossybox is all about trying new products, I would have liked to have tried a few new things. This months box really suited me in that way. 

Yves Rocher Nutrive Vegetal 24hr Comfort nourishing cream - Sample Size

Full Size - £13.50

This was the first thing I pulled out and let me tell you, I couldn't have been more excited to see this product! I have been struggling to hydrate two really annoying dry patches under my eyes for weeks, my foundation is clogging around them and they're actually quite sore. Nothing has worked so far. I've tried Estee Lauder, Garnier Intensive even just E45, nothing has worked. I've only used this a couple of times so I can't really give a full review yet but I have high hopes for this and will probably be writing a full review in a couple of weeks so watch this space!

Essie Nail Laquer - Geranium - Full Size

£7.99

I'm not usually a fan of Nail Polishes in Glossybox but I've been getting more into doing my nails recently so I was quite happy with this. I love Essie polishes, the forumla isn't the best I have come across but for £7.99, you can't really go wrong, and a beautiful shade for summer, the colour isn't great in the photo but its a gorgeous bright red with a hint of coral.

Richard Ward Couture hair optimiser style reviver - Sample Size

Full Size - £19.00

I have to admit, it took me a while to figure out what this was, from what I can gather from the leaflet it's a wheat and oil styling spray that increases shine, counteracts frizz and boosts volume. Sounds amazing on the tin but we will have to see. Going to save this for the warmer weather (if we get any that is!) to see if it can save my hair from the summer frizziness. always looking for ways to boost volume so another great product. Looking forward to trying this.

Nip+Fab Dry skin body butter - Mango Smoothie - Sample Size

Full Size - £9.95

Much like every product in the box, this jumped out at me, partly because I love mango scents and partly because I loved the bright packaging. Let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. The smell is absolutely amazing! I've used it twice so far and it smells even better when you apply it. It left my skin feeling so soft and the scent stayed on my skin for ages! Not great if you don't like strong scents, or mango's but i loved it so much that I'm ordering the Full Size. Probably my favourite product.

Balance Me radiance face mask - Sample Size

Full Size - £18

This is probably my least favourite product in the box. Don't get me wrong, I love balance me, I just wouldn't ever spend £18 on a face mask. I love the Montagne Jeunesse face masks, great value, great range and so I don't really see myself paying that much for something when I'm happy with what I'm using. Plus, I received a face mask last month in my Glossybox and I haven't used that yet. I use a face mask once a week and have a large supply of my current favourites. I am determined to give this a go as well as last months however, so when I remember to use them, I will post a review. 

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Overall, I really loved this months box. It included a wide range of products, all of which I am excited to try out and I felt that the products really suited the Spring Fever theme. Huge thumbs up for the Pearl Lowe designed box too!

LOVE

Leesha

xx

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine - #9 - Nude In Private

After walking through Debenhams most weekends and swatching this shade I finally caved!

It was love at first sight to be perfectly honest with you and after having a bad morning I needed a pick me up.

I chose #9 - Nude In Private since I'm a student with no money, the £24 I didn't have spare to pay for this needed to go to good use and I figured this was the most wearable shade for me.

The colour range is amazing first and foremost. From deep red's and a very very deep purple to really light nudes, there is definitely a shade for every occasion. 

The packaging is just perfect.

It feels really luxurious and expensive and its just so pretty to look at.

As for the finish, it does what it says on the tin, It gives a shine. Nothing too glossy but a really pretty subtle shine with a really lovely flush of colour.

the longevity is comparable to MAC, I feel that it wears just as normal, no more, no less. It does fade in the centre throughout the day but doesn't leave that annoying line/stain which is definitely a positive.

The only thing I dislike is the smell, most people love it and so It's probably just personal taste, i just think it smells too fruity and doesn't have that familiar lipstick smell. 

Little bit picky but when you're applying it, it does smell quite strongly.

Overall I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a makeup splurge that will make your day just that little bit better.

LOVE

Leesha

xx

The Semi Colon Project 2013

Just a quick note about something beautiful.

Today I have seen so many pictures on Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr supporting the semi colon project.

It aimed to spread awareness and support of Depression, Anxiety, and other mental health issues.

I think this is such a lovely idea and so I decided to show my support.

The quote that paired the campaign is this:

"a semi colon is used when an author could of ended a sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life."

LOVE

Leesha

xx

My week in pictures...

     

 My week In Pictures - 8th -14th April <3

1. Meet Biscuit, my boyfriends mum's guinea pig. He let me have cuddles and lots of photos. This one was by far the cutest.

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2.My newest purchase was one of the YSL rouge volupte shine lipsticks. I picked up #9 which is a nude/pink shade. its absolutely perfect. Let me know if you want a full review :)
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3. Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint. I loved both the pastel lilac and blue and couldn't choose which one to wear, so I went with both.
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4. My tortoise and best pal Elliot munching on some lettuce...NOM.
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5. My lovely boyfriend Matthew playing with a remote control car that I bought him. Definitely still a kid.
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6. A yummy hot chocolate that I polished off after a walk up the lakes with my family. It was huge and this photo just doesn't do it justice!!
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7. A cold drink on a hot day, paired with a huge bourbon. Bit sickly towards the end but it was rather lovely :)
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That's all for now
LOVE
Leesha
<3

Whats my favourite Lipstick?

MAC Satin Lipstick - A27 Faux

I am 100% the world's most picky person when it comes to lipstick. I can go shopping, have millions of swatches on my hand, and yet no lipstick.

I went for years wearing absolutely no lipstick because I couldn't ever find my perfect lip colour.

Then one beautiful day in manchester, I discovered my love...

MAC faux.After a day of my usual swatching, I had pretty much given up hope until I tried one more time at the MAC counter.

I asked the assistant if she could recommend a nude colour that would suit me and that's when I was first introduced.

This gorgeous satin finish lipstick looks gorgeous on the lips. The slight taupe undertone makes this the perfect neutral shade for any occasion.

I sometimes find that MAC lipsticks aren't great for longevity but I actually found that this one lasts a decent amount of time.

This now has pride of place in my daily makeup bag and I have a feeling it's going to be there for a long time!!

10/10!!!

Leesha xx

Maybelline Fit Me Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder - 220 Natural Beige

I recently picked this up in my local boots as I had completely run out of my Rimmel Stay Matte and I was desperate for a replacement. In a bid to try something new I decided to hunt this down as i had seen a few Youtubers rave about the Fit Me range. 

In my opinion, the shade finder wasn't great as I found that none of them really matched my skin tone and because the cards were glossy the light made it quite difficult to tell. Nevertheless, I managed to work it out and picked up shade 220 which is a natural beige shade. My first impressions of this product completely made up for the problems I had with the shade matcher. 

I found it really easy to apply and although I didn't use the applicator provided my Real Techniques powder brush did the trick nicely. It mattified my makeup brilliantly without looking cakey and created a really smooth finish. As for longevity I did find that it wore off a little quicker than the Rimmel Stay Matte but didn't seem to go patchy like some other powders have done when wearing off.

 Overall I have really enjoyed using this product. The shade range is brilliant and the little mirror in the packaging is a really nice feature for on the go touch ups. I will definitely be repurchasing this! 

8/10

Strengths: Shade range, smooth finish, easy application

Weaknesses: Longevity, shade finder

Leesha xx

Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher

I recieved this sample along with a gift purchase a few months ago but didn't really use it until last month but let me tell you I am now stashing my savings for the full size!
I've never really been one for anything of the pore minimising variety but if I'm honest the amazing smell of this product really stood out so I decided to try it. At first I thought it was just going to make my skin greasy because it has quite an oily feel to it despite it being a cream but it was an absolute dream as a make-up base. It may not be the primary function of the product but I absolutely loved it under my foundation!
I started with this to see if I could see a difference in my pore size and although it did seem to even out my complexion slightly I cant say it was a huge difference however, the fact that it made my skin so smooth and made the mundane task of applying foundation so much easier definitely makes it a winner for me.
It also has moisturising benefits and on lazy days I even skip my moisturiser (naughty!) and use this as the only base before my foundation. I feel like it improved the longevity of my foundation and made it so much more even as well.
The sample size is 7ml and the full size bottles start at £40.00 which is a little on the steep side for my poor little student budget but I've been using the sample for a month now and its hardly gone down at all.
I think this is perfect for a quick all over smooth finish and it definitely feels luxurious on the skin.
I will definitely be rushing out as soon as I can for the full size!

Until next time lovelies <3