Review: Glossybox September 2012

Glossybox is a monthly subscription of 5 high-end beauty product samples (with some full-size products sometimes, too) for £10 + £2.95 p&p.

You can earn Glossydots by reviewing the products sent to you in a quick survey, and redeem points for a free box. (1000 GlossyDots = 1 free box)

 'Tried and tested by the Glossybox Pros, Glossybox does the hard work for you'

The September edition of Glossybox was exclusively designed by Maggie Li, an up-and-coming London based illustrator, and one fifth of ZombieLondon.  The first product in the box was Techni.Art Full Volume Extra Mousse by Loreal, which can be used as a heat styling aid, and helps to block UV rays.  

The packaging is pretty standard, in my opinion, and far too much comes out at once, then more dribbles out afterwards, making a mess inside the lid.  It has a pretty strong hold, and I was able to curl my hair with just the mousse and a diffuser. it was indeed a weightless finish but I found it made my hair too crunchy.  

And that was just one 'mandarin sized amount', the packaging recommends 2.  If you don't mind the crunch in return for good volume, by all means try this product - however, I prefer lighter mousses and root boost powders so it wasn't exactly my cup of tea.

(RRP. £10.30/250ml, Available from Fabriah.com for £3.80/50ml and TheSalonLook.com for £7.63/250ml)


Second, Vitamin E Moisture Cream from The Body Shop, a 'best-selling daily moisturiser'.  I got a small 15ml sample, and it's still mostly full - I only used it once before checking up on it. 

It has little to no smell, despite its 7 fragrance ingredients and has a slight pink colouring to it thanks to the ingredient CI 14700 - an Azo Compound which has been banned from use as a food colourant due to it being a Carcinogen (affects nerve transmissions to the brain, causing genetic damage) - I don't want that soaking into my skin. 

 It also contains 5 preservatives - 4 of which are parabens.  To anyone looking for a Shea butter moisturiser, I'd recommend buying pure Shea butter.  Not this.


The third product in the 09/12 box was Extra Care, Wonder Eye Cream by Balance Me - 
'A triple-action eye cream to help revitalise weary eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines with super hydrating hyaluronic acid to help brighten and smooth the delicate skin around the eyes.'   

I haven't noticed any brightening or smoothing effects so far, but I use it sporadically, it does have nice moisturising qualities though.  The packaging is cute, and it has a really thin applicator on the 10ml bottle, so you can get just the amount you need - not a lot for eyes. 

 It doesn't have any bad ingredients, no fragrance or colour, but it does have a pretty high price tag for a product that has no visible results - if you need that extra moisture around your eye area, I'd be more likely to recommend avocado oil or Shea butter. 

(RRP. £20/15ml or £14/10ml.  Available from BalanceMe.co.uk)


Next in the box was a sample of Fame by Lady Gaga - I was so happy to see this little phial of black liquid!  I'd seen and heard such great things about this perfume and was dying to try it - it lived up to my expectations.  The black-to-clear fluid formula looks so good, I don't get bored of putting it on, just to watch it change colour.  

And the smell, I guess that's the important part, the smell is amazing - the ingredient list doesn't give too much away, with cryptic names such as 'Tears of Belladonna' and 'Incense', but essentially it smells like apricots and honey with a darker base note that I can't quite put my finger on.

It's so good that I asked for some for my birthday, and my mum got me a bottle, which I keep in my handbag (I have a Mary Poppins bag - anything you need, want or could dream of, it's in there).  The bottle is so beautifully designed, with an edgy, gold, claw-like lid and a soft and gently rounded bottle, it looks almost alien.  I love it, it's my favourite perfume, not just another celebrity fragrance, an actual perfume.

(RRP. £32/50ml. Available for £19.99/30ml, £26.75/50ml, £32.99/100ml from FragranceDirect.co.uk)


Finally in the September box was an envelope of samples of Glamoxy Snake Serum and 5 Minute Facial by Rodial.  

The Glamoxy Snake Serum is an 'advanced neuropeptide, designed to mimic the effects of the Temple Viper Venom, give a mild freeze-like effect supporting the reduction of visible facial contractions. Liposomes work to fill lines instantly and a ground-breaking oxygen carrier boosts glow and radiance for fresher looking skin with a 3D plumping effect'.  It tightens the skin and does make it look smoother, which I wasn't expecting.  

It contains Perfluorodecalin, a commercially manufactured chemical which has the ability to transport oxygen to specific locations, to  promote healing.  That can only be a good thing, right? The samples lasted me a good week or two.  It is priced, however, at £125/25ml.  A ridiculously high price for such a small amount, but it is a high-end brand and you pay for the name.

(RRP. £125/25ml, available from StrawberryNet.com for £106.50/25ml)


5 minute facial is a 'lifting and decongesting mask that targets age spots and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen.'  It did pretty much the same as the Glamoxy Snake Serum, but to a slightly lesser extent, and it is more reasonably priced (still £35/50ml, but more reasonable than £125.)  

It contains pomegranate, pineapple and grape extracts, along with plant collagens.  It made my skin feel smoother, but I wouldn't make it my go-to product and that's purely because of the price tag.



(RRP. £35/50ml, available from StrawberryNet.com for £30/50ml)


Previous Post: Review: Glossybox August 2012 & The Eve Appeal
Next Post: Review: Glossybox October 2012

Review: Glossybox August 2012 & The Eve Appeal

Glossybox is a monthly subscription of 5 high-end beauty product samples (with some full-size products sometimes, too) for £10 + £2.95 p&p.

You can earn Glossydots by reviewing the products sent to you in a quick survey, and redeem points for a free box. (1000 GlossyDots = 1 free box)

 'Tried and tested by the Glossybox Pros, Glossybox does the hard work for you'

The first product in the August 2012 Glossybox was a bottle of Lipcote Lipstick Sealer, which I was thrilled about!  I had a bottle of Lipcore previously, but used it with a cheap red lipstick, stained the brush, stained the liquid and it didn't work properly after that.  

This one has different packaging and seems to dry quicker - I'm not sure if that's true or if it's my imagination, but my old one definitely had a red lid.  And it works! My God it works, once you put this over your lipstick, that colour is not coming off.  Don't put too much on though, I did and I had a lopsided numb face for like half an hour.  Mistake.  

With a RRP of £3.99/7ml, it's affordable and a must-have for any handbag.

The second product was Alessandro - Pro White, a nail polish with 'an optically white effect' and 'an anyi-yellow formula'.  It's meant to be applied onto clean nails and worn alone, but it has a kind of a blue/UV tint to it, rather than whitening, so I think it makes my hands look strange - Worn on top of a blue/purple nail varnish though, it's great! It gives a really cool holographic effect and is actually a pretty good top coat.  The packaging is great, too - The lid has grips on either side so you can really get a good coat on without messing up too much.  I wouldn't recommend it as a whitening polish, but if you want a subtle holographic blue top coat? Small market but you never know who's reading!  

(RRP £7.85/10ml)

Next was a Deep Cleansing Oil by DHC,  on first impressions, I wasn't impressed - the packaging looks cheap, it's a murky yellow colour that looks like olive oil (which, funnily enough, it is), it just didn't scream 'put me on your face'.  I read the leaflet, and it claimed to remove even waterproof mascara without leaving a trace behind.  I tried it, it works really well, but then when I saw the ingredients and the RRP, I was appauled.  It's basically olive oil and rosemary oil with added preservatives.  Olive oil costs, on average, about £3 for 250ml.  Rosemary oil costs about £1 for 10ml (DHC would have used less than 1ml in their 200ml bottle).  This gives a total cost for a DIY DHC of around  £2.50.  Their RRP is £18.50/200ml.

A Glossybox product is next in the 08/12 box, with a lipstick in 'Glossy Pink' - created with Kryolan.  I was a bit dubious when I saw Kryolan had an input, knowing that they make mainly theatrical cosmetics, but this lipstick is lovely. It's a really soft, dusky pink and fits my skin tone pretty well.  It feels really moisturising - my lips never dry out when I'm wearing this, and it lasts forever! - and the packaging is pretty sleek, too.  I was really impressed, I use it all the time and have received quite a few compliments whilst wearing it.  

It has an RRP of £9.50/4g, but isn't available to purchase.  Other Kryolan lipsticks are available online, with varying prices.

Finally in the August Glossybox was a pot of Eve's Balm, by All For Eve (RRP £4.95).  It's a 'soothing recovery balm' with chamomile, lavander and wild mint, which helps to nourish dry, chapped skin.  It's amazing.  I use it anywhere that gets scraped or sore or dry, and it gives such good relief instantly.  The packaging is really cute and handy, with a little mirror in the lid, and unlike my many pots of Vaseline, this one hasn't ever melted down into a gloopy mess.  Aside from being a great product, it's also for a very good cause.

All For Eve is the multi award winning philanthropic beauty venture, set up with the sole intention to raise funds and awareness for gynaecological cancer research by donating all net profits to The Eve Appeal.

The Eve Appeal is a Gynaecological Cancer Research Fund - For better detection and prevention of all five gynaecological cancers.  Formed in 2005, they have been working hard to provide funding for the Department of Women's Cancer, based at the University College London.  

Reports show that The Eve Appeal have consistently provided 15% of the department's total income, as well as promoting awareness through a variety of campaigns and events.

In buying this range of paraben free beauty products that were designed to instill courage and poise and which frankly no bathroom should be without, you are choosing to make a difference to the lives of all women across the UK.

Previous Post: Healthy Skin & Body Smoothie Recipe
Next Post: Review: Glossybox September 2012

Healthy Skin & Body Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:
(makes about 1 pint)

2 pears
1 banana
2 kiwi fruit
2 cups (or small handfulls) of spinach
1 cup of water
1/2 to 1 cup of apple juice 

Method:

Chop pears and banana, and add to blender with spinach.  
Slice kiwi in half and remove flesh from skin using a tea spoon.  remove the white centre and add green flesh/black seeds to blender.
Add 1 cup of water and 1/2 to 1 cup of apple juice.
Put in glass.  Drink!


It is bright green, has a strange fluffy texture you'd expect from a milkshake, not a fruit smoothie, and it has spinach in it??  It tastes amazing and it is ridiculously good for you - a few of the health benefits listed below:


Pear:

Vitamin C and Copper - Antioxidants which boost the immune system

Boron - Helps the body retain Calcium, protecting you against illnesses such as osteoporosis.

Glucose - Boosts energy levels

Fiber - 1 pear contains 20-25% of your RDA of fiber, which aids digestion.

Folic Acid - Pears contain 5% RDA Folic Acid, which not only makes for a healthy pregnancy, but also helps to prevent against certain cancers, strokes and loss of sight.


Banana:

Fiber - One banana has 11% of your RDA of Fiber

Potassium - The high amounts of Potassium in bananas (13% RDA) helps to lower your blood pressure, lowering chances of heart attacks or a stroke.  Potassium also neutralises Sodium, helping your body retain Calcium.

Fructooligosaccharide - Helps Calcium absorption and nourishes healthy bacteria in colon.

Protease Inhibators - Break down bacteria which cause stomach ulcers, along with obstructing the  replication of cells and viruses such as HIV.

B6 - One banana contains 36% of your RDA of B6 - an anti-inflammatory which acts against heart disease and obestiy, maintains the lymphoid gland (reponsible for white blood cell production for fighting infection) and is important for cell formation and nervous system function.


Kiwi:

Potassium - Kiwis contain just as much Potassium as bananas, see above for the benefits!

Anti-oxidants - Kiwis contain Vitamin A, C and E, which protect the body from free radicals, dramatically improving your health over time and protecting against cardiovascular disease, cancer and obseity.

Fiber - Keeps the colon healthy and lowers cholesterol levels, protecting against cardiovascular disease.



Spinach:

Fibre - One cup of spinach contains 36% of your RDA of Fibre, which keeps the colon healthy, aids digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.

Flavonoids - a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach -- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer. 

Neoxanthin and violaxanthin - Anti-inflammatory and present in unusually high amounts in spinach.

Vitamin C - Anti-oxidant
Vitamin E - Anti-oxidant
Beta-Carotene - Anti-oxidant
Manganese - Anti-oxidant
Zinc - Anti-oxidant
Selenium - Anti-oxidant
All serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Peptides - By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin - Protect the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. 

Vitamin A - One cup of spinach has over 337% of your RDA of Vitamin A - which not only protects and strengthens "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection. 

The high amount of vitamin A in spinach also promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, keratinization, acne and even wrinkles

Vitamin K - One cup of spinach has over 1000% of your RDA of Vitamin K, which prevents the breakdown of bones, cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as maintaining a healthy nervous system by helping in the process of building the sheath around nerves.


Previous Post: Review: Glossybox July 2012
Next Post:  Review: Glossybox August 2012 & The Eve Appeal

Review: Glossybox July 2012

Glossybox is a monthly subscription of 5 high-end beauty product samples (with some full-size products sometimes, too) for £10 + £2.95 p&p.

You can earn Glossydots by reviewing the products sent to you in a quick survey, and redeem points for a free box. (1000 GlossyDots = 1 free box)

 'Tried and tested by the Glossybox Pros, Glossybox does the hard work for you'

The first products in the 07/12 box were some Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Line sample sachets & an
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion SPF 15 sample.  

I found the line quite drying, despite claiming to moisturise and balance the skin.  I'll be honest, I used the sachets once and then they went to sachet narnia - i lost them and will probably find them later in the year at the back of my wardrobe.  I wasn't impressed with these products, and definitely wouldnt pay the RRP of £32/50ml.

The second product in my July box was a Jelly Pong Pong Lip Frosting in Irish Cream Pavlova.  It's a really cute lipgloss with candy inspired packaging and it's very pigmented, bright pink.  It doesn't smell at all like Irish Cream, but it smells nice, is really light and it lasts quite a while on my lips.  

It also contains healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, although my lips have never been inflamed to the point that I needed that, so I'm not sure what it adds.  With an RRP of £10/15ml, it's pricier than most - in fact, MAC Lipglass only runs at about £3.50 more.  

Next was the 

HD Brows Bombshell Palette, and you can read my full review of this here. RRP £19.95.

The final product in the July box was 

Clynol Enrich Colour Shampoo, with liquid jewel extract and UV filter, which 'provide diamond-like shine to help resist damage and fading - a

nd it’s not just the colour that gets protection – the delicate structure of each and every strand gets an easy ride even after 30 washes, thanks to gentle, powerfully strengthening Keratin.

'

 

It claims to keep colour intensity at 90% for 30 washes, however the sample only lasted 3, so I can't verify that one! I can, however, say that my hair felt strong, healthy and had a nice bounce to it after use. (RRP. £9.35/300ml, Available from CheapSmells.com)

Previous Post: Review: Glossybox June 2012
Next Post: Healthy Skin & Body Smoothie Recipe

Review: Glossybox June 2012

After mentioning Glossybox in a few of my blogs so far, I've decided I should start reviewing the boxes I receive - starting with the first one I got, back in June 2012.

Glossybox is a monthly subscription of 5 high-end beauty product samples (with some full-size products sometimes, too) for £10 + £2.95 p&p.

You can earn Glossydots by reviewing the products sent to you in a quick survey, and redeem points for a free box. (1000 GlossyDots = 1 free box)

 'Tried and tested by the Glossybox Pros, Glossybox does the hard work for you'

The first item in my 06/12 box was a little box with 3 samples of Agent Provocateur Eau Provocateur perfumes.  I won't lie here, the box is in my makeup case and the phials are still full.  I don't like perfume samples and I don't want to smell like these ones smell.  The Black one, L'Agent, is supposed to be 'fresh' and 'floral'.  It smells like an old man's house.  The Pink one, Signature, is 'citrus teamed with red fruit' - honestly smells like talc. And finally, the Red one, Maitresse, is supposed to be 'a floral feast'.  I just don't like it.

This one was a let down, I'm afraid. 

(RRP £39/50ml - available from AgentProvocateurParfums.com)

Second in the box was a Glossybox brush, 'Made with best quality goat hair with natural tips from Asian mountain goats'.  The hairs are indeed super soft, but they don't pick up any product, and they don't lay it down - which, for a makeup brush, isn't all that great.  The design is okay, I like the all-black look, and it hasn't shed at all, but it just doesn't do the job.

(RRP £15)


Next was a sample size Yves Rocher Ultra Volume Sexy Pulp Mascara.  It has a really nice curved brush applicator, and lays on the product really well - coating individual lashes with no clumps.  As it claims, it doesn't weigh down lashes, it's not heavy but still gives a good impact.  The pigment's good (I have the black one - also available in brown and blue), and it stays on for ages.  I have no complaints about this one!

(RRP £16.90, available from Yves-Rocher.co.uk for £8.95 - online exclusive)





Vichy Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick

 'Ideal for camouflage of skin concerns such as dark circles, acne marks, redness, dark spots, vitiligo, and the masking of tattoos. Product benefits: 40% pigment concentration- Twice the coverage of a traditional foundation. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Sweat resistant & water resistant. SPF 30. Long lasting-14Hr hold.' 

Despite all it's miraculous claims and the recommendations from anyone I mentioned it to, this isn't suited to my skin.  It provides really heavy coverage, which broke me out - although I'm sure for someone less sensitive skin, it would work well.  I do think it's a lot to pay for what is, essentially, a concealer stick, and there are similar, less expensive products on the market.  

(RRP £19/12g, available from TheGarden.co.uk)

The final product in the 06/12 box was a tiny sample of the Summer Warmth Bronzer from BM beauty.  It is a mineral bronzer with the fewest ingredients I've ever seen in a product - Mica, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  It is very pigmented and applies really well.  It has a really dark colour to it in the packaging, but it goes on as a nice warm golden bronze, with a bit of a shimmer.  It builds well or you can leave it as a light dusting for a healthy looking glow.  It's not too expensive, and it has no bad ingredients (In fact, all their makeup is free from parabens, BUAV, animal products and synthetic dyes/fragrances) so it gets a big thumbs up from me.

(RRP £8/4g, available from BMbeauty.com)

Previous Post: Review: Seche Nail Lacquer

Next Post: Coming Soon...

Review: Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner

 Color Maintainer Conditioning Whipped Cream 200ml

(RRP. £14.30)

'Leaves hair soft, shiny and full of vitality. The milk derived proteins condition and restructure the cortex and cuticle of the hair, special emollients add deep and long lasting hydration and Integrity 41 preserves the colour. Soft and creamy, a comfortable and fast way to condition hair without weighting hair down.'

Another product I received in my Glossybox (December 2012), I was initially disappointed when I opened the box and saw a hair product - I have the products I use that I know I like and won't mess up my colour, or make my hair feel claggy - and then I took off the cap.

Holy milk bottles, it smells so good.

It smells exactly like those milk bottle sweets you get - like milkshake - and the smell lasts all day.  I've been caught smelling my own hair countless times, and caught Chris smelling me - shamelessly, I might add - when he gives me a hug.

It's different to the other leave-in conditioners I've tried, as it's a mousse.  I was expecting it to leave my hair crunchy or dry, but it just leaves it super soft and bouncy.

It doesn't take away from my colour, in fact, it looks so much healthier and richer after use - which I suppose is to be expected from a colour maintaining product! 

The mousse is used on towel-dried hair, just squirt a bit into your hand and watch it expand, give it a smell, get it on your nose by accident, squirt a bit more onto your hand, tip your head upside down and rub it in.

Then dry and style your hair as normal.  Easy.

The only downside to this product, that I can find, is that it is a more expensive product, the cheapest I've found it online is £10.76 (Free UK Delivery), from BeautyBay.com, or £12.15 (Free UK Delivery) from FeelUnique.com.

I wish Glossybox would stop taunting me with products I fall in love with and then can never use again, but then I am paying for a subscription to try products I know I can't afford... Catch 22.  Either way, this is amazing and if you can justify that much for a leave in conditioner, this is the one!

Let me know your favourite leave-in conditioners and let me know if you try this one in the comments below :)


Previous Post: Review: HD Brows Bombshell Palette
Next Post: Review: Glossybox June 2012

Review: Seche Nail Lacquer

'Seche, creator of the award-winning Seche Vite Top Coat introduces its first colour line: Seche Nail Lacquer.  Available in 33 stunning, fashion-forward shades, Seche Nail Lacquer delivers on both style and substance.

The high-intensity colour makes application onto the nail even easier with one stroke leaving a strong pigmented and long lasting colour. Add Seche’s Dry Fast Top Coat for a rapid-dry protective layer that will give nails a gorgeous, salon-finish.'

Another Glossybox product, Seche Nail Lacquer is now my go-to nail product for everyday wear.  I have the colour Elegant, which is a 'bronze shimmer' with lovely red/orange tones to it.


It is also available in an impressive range of 33 shades/colours, from neutrals to greys to bright pinks, there's a shade for everyone.

The bottle is a very generous 14ml, and it only takes one coat for a flawless finish, which I haven't found with any other nail varnish I've tried.  It has a thinner brush than average, which I personally find helps with application.  You can get into the edges of your nail without it spilling over onto your skin.

It only takes a tiny amount on the brush to provide good coverage and that, again, stops the spillage and mess.

On average, this nail polish lasts me between 5-10 days, whereas every other one I try chips within about 5 minutes - my nails just repel any colour that comes near them!

They do have a feature on their website, Virtual Brush On, where you can 'try on' their nail varnish, but to be honest, you're better off googling the shade you're interested in and seeing it on other peoples nails.


 Seche Nail Lacquers are definitely at the higher end of the price-scale with a RRP of £9.95/14ml (available from Nails By Mail), they're not exactly budget-friendly.  But they are worth it, with only needing one coat, and lasting so long, and having a pretty big bottle.  

Compared to Essie's 15ml bottles for under £5, or O.P.I's 15ml bottles for under £8, it just depends whether you want to spend that extra money for the added benefits that come with Seche Nail Laquers.



Previous Post: Review: HD Brows Bombshell Palette
Next Post: Review: Milk_Shake Leave-In Conditioner