SheSaidBeauty - April Box

Hello Peeps, 

Well I have officially been bitten by the 'Beauty Box' buzz and I'm not ashamed to admit it. As people who read my blog know I am already subscribed to Glossy Box but thought I would pick up another one. So after seeing the first box and everyone's happy experience I am now a SheSaidBeauty Box virgin no more. 

Similar to what you can expect from beauty boxes, you receive a monthly box with high-end beauty samples to try out and review. This box also had a bit of a coup by snatching up Carmine's Director after it's recent demise/amalgamation with Glossy Box, so I know there was a lot of expectation with this move. But enough of all of this let me give you my thoughts in comparison to GB and let you know what I got. 

Firstly delivery was the same for me as with both boxes they are dispatched on the Friday and then I receive them on the Monday (some very special occasions on the Saturday!!), so I can't complain. I know this is purely down to where I live so I can't be too smug about this bit. The shesaid box is very well packed and comes in a lovely mint/turquoise box with the usual packaging of tissue paper and ribbon. What I do like is the box doesn't have a lift lid but a clever little magnetic clasp. I think these boxes will be easier to use on top of my dressing table and I will save the GB ones for bigger items and storage in my draws. Just think this little thing is really quite sweet, love something that's just a bit different. It also comes with the same cards detailing the goodies inside and the costs at full retail price. (Which is good because I will shamelessly ignore to a point some samples which I know are completely out of my normal price range). Another big point to note which will avoid the normal beauty box arguments is that everyone gets the same products each month, no worrying about getting the good or bad box.

The only thing I have disliked about this service so far, and it is a small thing, is the fact that they show you on the website what you are going to get before they are delivered. Some people may like this but because of the fact everyone is getting the same, it takes away from the lovely surprise I look forward to each time the nice Royal Mail man (yes there are female posties but mine is male) delivers my packages. 

Ok, let's see what I got; 

Filthy Gorgeous: Nail Polish - shade Tu-tu much

Full size £9.00 + 10ml

Sample size 10 ml

Combining rich cremes, delicate sheers and crystal 3D glitter pigments all worked into a long wearing, high shine, high pigment professional quality nail polish formulation. 

Ok so this was a full size sample which I love. And I will say I do love the colour. I actually recently purchased a similar one from a bargain beauty brand so really looking forward to using this. The only problem I have is they are pictured on the website with some gorgeous detail on the handle and also an removable plectrum detail which you can use on key chains and charm bracelets. I received neither so would or preferred it looked as pretty as pictured (I told you it was a small thing)

Comfort Zone, Body Expert Kit

Fruity peel exfoliator - Full size £24.50 + 150 ml , Sample Size

Aromasoul Shower gel - Full size £19.95 + 200ml, Sample size

D-Age Body Cream - Full size £48.00 + 200ml, Sample size

Body Strategist + Remodeller - Full size £40.95 + 150 ml, Sample size

Vital Leg Cream - Full size £32.75 + 200ml , Sample size

Tranquillity Cream - Full size £58.25 + 200ml, Sample size

Get your body beach ready with the Body Strategist Cellulite Remodeller which has a thermogenic action, D-Age Body Cream and Fruity Peel Exfoliater. Once the hard work is done relax and indulge with the Tranquillity Cream, Mediterranean Shower Gel, and Vital Leg Cream. 

After looking at the prices of these products I won't be re-purchasing as they are at the extravagant end of what I usually cough up. However if they are amazing you never know. Although I will probably say with the sizes of these I won't have had enough uses to sway me. The little pack features six sachet samples of each of the products listed. It's great that we have got all six, but I hate sachet samples as I can never open them properly (scissors on hand) and you only really get two uses (at a push) so not sure on this. May have to decant into some little pots for these... keep you posted. 

Mischa Barton - Luscious Lips Pink Pop

Full size £12.00 + 8g

Sample size £12.00 + 8g

Luscious Lips by Mischa is a rich, hydrating lip protector with a hint of flattering colour. This luxurious gloss combination protects with SPF15 and hydrates with vitamins to make your lips extra kissable. 

I do love a good lip balm, however I don't think I have ever finished a full tub. I usually prefer them in stick form as they are less messy to put on and you are spreading less germs this way. However I do have a few tubs I go to. This smells lovely. Its a mix of candy floss, strawberries and just a generally sugary sweet scent, and I love putting anything sweet near my mouth.  It has a medicinal taste which is dissapointing with the lovely smell and doesn't have much pay off in terms of moisture. I had to get quite a lot of product on before it felt like my lips weren't dry. Not sure I will reach for this or re-buy as I have some lip balm favourites already. 

Bellapierre- Shimmer Powder - SP003 Champagne

Full size £12.99 + 2.35g - Sample size £12.99 + 2.35g

Using 100% pure Mica powder, these beautiful shimmer powders will provide long lasting, vibrant colour. 

Subscribers also get an amazing 40% off purchases made on Bellapierre.co.uk in April, enter code SSBAPRIL at checkout. 

Wow another full size product which you can't complain there. I will admit I don't know what this is... I am going to assume this is an eyeshadow or face glitter pigment, but there isn't really any details give by SSB. There is a little film sticker over the damper which I warn you to be careful taking off as the powder does poof out when you remove it. The colour is amazing and the pay off in terms of pigment is lovely. Its a very pale beige colour with a lovely sheen. I am going to use this as an eyeshadow and I think it will be very pretty with this new weather. I hope that there is not too much fall out from the powder thought as I will end up looking like a 12 year old. 

Bharti Vyas - The Ultimate Therapy (UTR) Face and Neck Polisher

Full size £22.50 + 125ml - Sample size £1.80 + 10ml

The face and neck polisher contains walnut shavings that gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin, whilst helping to correct any skin imbalances. 

Get 15% off your first treatment at the Bharti Vyas holistic therapy and Beauty Centre's, call 020 7935 3512 (Marylebone) and 020 8863 6353 (for Harrow) and quote SSB001

Well I love a good exfoliator and am really keen to try out new skincare products so will see how I get on with this. Once again though for skincare products the sample size i feel is too small to gauge a real response. I don't have highly sensitive skin but it does take awhile for it to get used to a product. I have in the past used a new product off the back of a sample... but then 2 weeks down the line found it didn't return the same results any more and the things it was supposed to cure had returned. I am sure this will be something nice to try for its natural components though has many of the scrubs/exfoliators I have used in the past contain the plastic balls. 

Erno Laszlo - The Holly wood Collection

Ava Gardner, Instant Eye Repair - Full size £85 + 0.5z, Sample size  (no idea)

Marilyn Monroe, Morning Beauty Rescue - Full size £95 + 1.7 oz

Katherine Hepburn, Intensive Porcelain Veil - Full size £140 + 1.7 oz

Grace Kelly, Refresh Moisture Infusion - Full Size £125 + 1.7 oz

Greta Garbo, Velvet Night Cream - Full Size £175+ 1.7oz

Featuring five NEW products based on custom formulations taken from the archive and updated with the latest skincare technology. 

Well this one is a bonus so beggars can't be choosers. However for the fact that this has been added as an extra and in another beauty box is was given as one of the main items really puts a dampener on that other box. I am really happy that with the Body Expert Kit in sachet form that this has been added as well. Once again I hate sachets and would very much prefer dinky tubes or pots, but hey ho. It will be great to see the effects of these as well, because the cynic in me feels that they are just skincare lotions and potions with the added names of famous Hollywood stars... but we will see. Will I purchase the full size of these products... hell no.. have you seen the price tags on those?? Well unless Blokey is rocking out on the rich list without me knowing. 

And last but not least another little extra for the Easter season. 

Mmmmm, Beauty and the Chocolate, it may not be the next title for a new Disney cartoon but it is a girls dream.. 

So all in all, apart from my moan about the secret  being revealed and also the abundance of sachets, I am really pleased with this box. It offers a mix of skincare and make-up from not only high-end brands but also brands that I haven't necessarily heard of or would pick bits up from when browsing the aisles. For the first of my subscription this is a good sign of things to come... Keep it up SSB. 

Reviews on my favs to come. 

Later Peeps. xxx

Antics:#3 The Help

Hello Peeps, 

So I promised to write a review on this film the other day but due to some work issues (I will let you in on this soon) I've not had much time for writing any posts. However it is here and I think quite apt considering it is Mother's Day (UK Holiday)

Anywhoo... I settled down on the couch last Wednesday night after work, and as always the TV schedules were appalling. I don't really understand this as you would of thought the TV bigwigs would of locked onto the fact that there is just nothing on... or is this a sign from them telling me I should have a much larger social life. hmm. However rather than sitting and watching some non-descript documentary or another re-run of CSI I decided to get a film on pay-per-view and opted for 'The Help' which has recently been released on DVD. 

The Help is a story about the white and black segregation during the 1950's of southern America. It looks at the story of maids and servants of black ethnicity working in the homes of affluent white people. The whole film revolves around the character 'Skeeter', a spunky all-american girl returning from college to pursue a career as a journalist at her local paper as to gain more experience for bigger and better things. She is first assigned to a cleaning column and from the get go you can see she is not like the other girls in her area. She appears to aspire different things from the marriage and motherhood that so many had around her. But not just that her mentality and ideas seem to be far more modern, with her obvious distaste of the racism around or any examples of bad doing. 

The story then moves on to her connection with one maid, and the story goes on from here with the look into their plight and the goings on they experience. I don't want to go any further with this as I think I will spoil it for you all but I can say this film is much more than about racism. I finished this (surrounding by an empty box of tissues) feeling this is more of a tale about motherhood and love, and every different guise this could fall into. Whether it was biological, adopted, too much love, not enough love, having a mother and losing a mother. 

This is something we have all experienced, whether its the lack of, the having or the loss (and unfortunately we will all experience this). I don't want to be down in the mouth on such a lovely day but if anything take away a lesson that you never know what you have got till its gone. Please watch this film, sit down with your mum and a box of tissues and thank yourselves for the lives we are in today and for the loved ones we have. There are also some amazing laughs so don't worry too much. Brilliant film, brilliant sentiment. Will be buying this soon. 

Happy Mother's Day everyone

Later Peeps. xxx

Antics: #2

Hello Peeps, 

Well what a crazy life I lead.... what an amazing and fantastic social life I have, being out every night to attend this soiree to this event and this public openi... Oh yes wait, that's not me at all. Whoops!

So yes I haven't been up to much at all apart from work very long hours in the office and adding to my calorie intake hourly! (Note to self something must be done about my weight soon, otherwise my bathroom scales will be calling in a union rep) However I have taken part in a bit of film viewing action over the last couple of days and I thought I would share my thoughts on this, in part to make me feel I am doing something constructive. 

Disney's John Carter 

So me and Blokey headed off to our local Cineworld for date night. Yes I am not in a middle aged marriage with a bunch of kids haranguing round my ankles but with both of our schedules and Blokey working away we do have to book time in. And to be honest the cinema is our perfect venue for date night as it includes vasts amount of calorific treats and an opportunity to sit in a darkened room not talking to each other for 2 hours, Bliss! Anywhoo I digress, it was his turn to pay so he had prepared himself for a full on block/carnage/car-chase/action packed evening as his hopes were set on watching the new Mark Wahlberg film Contraband... unfortunately due to the choice available and timings it was left to my pitiful and quite flimsy choices. So the new Disney venture into live action sci-fi, John Carter, it was. 

First point was I did want to see this film but it wasn't ever put at the top of my list, it was more of a 'meh' and a 'I'll get it when its on DVD' option. I love sci-fi and horror films and even included these as much as possible into my work when going through my degree, so I had high hopes that this would be my next cult or guilty pleasure. As with everything I do I always like to read a few reviews and lot around this film featured on the technological cinematography (more about this later) and also on the Director, as this is his first furore into live action film. When you look at the list of someones back work and it includes Finding Nemo, Wall-E and even Toy Story from the Pixar arm of Disney, expecting big things. 

So we made the selection of our evenings viewing and headed over to pay. We decided it was best to go with the 3D viewing as it was available, so what the hell, it must make it better right?... right?. Any way two tickets, two pairs of 3D glasses, two drinks, one bag of salted pop corn and one bag of minstrels (Blokey's may I add as he is very possessive of the choccy treats) .... and how much would you guess?? £36 pounds!!! £36 POUNDS. Now I have watched documentaries and news pieces on the high mark up of Cinema pop corn and dont really care because I love it.. this I am not arguing about but £10.60 odd per Adult to see a film and then to be charged an extra 80p on top of that for the glasses!! Send in the Rip off Britain team because that is ridiculous.

And then the film... this should be the bit your really interested in. I really can't say much about it. I liked it but I didn't love it. I didn't particularly hate anything about it either but it just lacked energy. It is a fairly far fetched plot but aren't all Sci-fi films supposed to be. But I knew the ending of this film within the first 20 minutes, which I hate about films. And also the 3D technology which is why this film was held off for for so long, not worth the plastic glasses that rested on my nose (Which we had to pay for!). There were only a few elements that were actually obviously 3D and most of these were in the opening titles and adverts. And also I found that towards the end my eyes were sore and in some scenes the speed of the action made it hard to really see what was happening, it was like a marathon for the eyes, when all I wanted to buy into was a country walk or if most an amiable jog. 

So, .... rant over. Please go and see it, and let me know what you think. and if not in the cinema at least get it on DVD. This is worth a watch ... it is just fairly disappointing when you can see the possibilities of the franchise slipping away before your eyes (or not if you are wearing the 3D specs).

This has worked out quite long so I will be adding my thoughts on another film I watched recently in another post so check for my next update on The Help which I ordered off the TV. 

Later Peeps. xxx

P.S Due to the results of above and the slight grunt I got from Blokey afterwards when I asked him what he thought... don't expect any reviews of my choices of films (except the next one) for a while. I have been banned from film sourcing for awhile now. : (

My Thoughts: MUA Love Heart collaboration

Hello Peeps.

So I was a bit naughty recently and went a bit mad on the MUA website, spending a vast amount of money that I really shouldn't of, as you do. I picked up some really good bits that I am going to review in due course but I thought I would start with this collection first.

As alot of you have probably seen in the news and other bloggers posts MUA have recently joined forces with Love Heart sweets and brought out a range branded with their iconic imagery and cute names and phrases. The range features a selection of nail varnishes and also a collection of lip balm products.

 I picked up two nail varnishes and one of the lip glosses and I thought I would share my opinion on the ones I got. The first nail varnishes.

 

This was the first one I used with is called 'UR FAB'. It is a lovely dark dusky pink shade which is fairly grown up but with still a very girl edge with the pink. When I applied this I will have to admit I wasn't expecting much at all for the product - Very very wrong. In just one coat it applied perfectly. It went on well with a full opaque coverage. You probably can get away with just one coat, however the creature of habit that I am I did apply two. It lasted for roughly two days without chipping which considering the bad condition of my nails this was really good. 

 

 This was the other colour that I bought and it is called 'Love U 24/7'. This was my favourite of the two. It was very bright a vivid shade of mauve, which I would compare to that of smartie purple. It applied the same as the first and lasted several days without any chipping. This also applied quite matte which I liked a quick slick of top coat and it would change to a more shiny version. Two in one lovely. 

The last item I bought from the range was one of the lip balms, and out of the four on offer I opted for the one called 'Kiss Me', purely as it would look really rather sweet in my handbag. I know from a few other blogger posts I have read that some people are comparing these to a similar product produced by MAC. I don't really understand why people would spend so much money on a lip balm just because its made by a brand, especially if it works in the same way as this one. 

The balm has a slightly fruity and vanilla type smell which is really nice, although I would of preferred something a bit stronger. When I first used this my lips where in a terrible condition after the winter months so it didn't have much effect at all. However after a week or so I have warmed to this product and it now has pride of place in my frugal handbag essentials. Another bonus for me is it has a slightly fruity taste without the overly synthetic taste most balms/glosses/and even lipsticks have which make me feel sick most of the time. 

So all round at £2.50 a pop none of the little gems are going to break the bank, but they do offer a lovely quality with kitsch branding reminiscent of my childhood. I will be purchasing the other shades in the nail range and maybe in try another lip balm. let me know if you would like me to review these as well. 

Later Peeps. xxx

Life and Times: Oh Boy....

Hello Peeps,

So this may be a bit controversial in subject matter and my opinions but I think it also it worth saying,

Recently I had the most exciting and happy news when I found out that my bestie Leppy had given birth to a gorgeous baby boy. With all of the happiness that this has brought and the pride I have felt towards my friend it has been a bit of roller coaster for me. (Selfish I know but I promise it will sound even worse as you read on)

Dublin!!! She will hate me for this pic. lol.

Me and Leppy have been best friends now for almost 5 years and I can say it has been the best few years of my life. We have holidayed together, shopped till we dropped and had so many giggling fits I couldn't write them all down here. She has been my go to girl when it came to a cry on your shoulder moment and when you just needed to go out on the lash and forget the world. We are not in any stretch of the imagination spring chickens but when she came to me last year to say she was pregnant, all I can say was I was SHOCKED.

This life event is not about me... it's about her and her partner sharing something so amazing and starting the next chapter of their life together with their new bundle of joy. However all I could feel was jealousy and panic... what would happen to our friendship? It wasn't just me and her anymore there was going to be a baby in the way. There wouldn't be any impromptu shopping trips... no late nights on the razz stumbling back in the early hours hugging our kebabs.... no more holidays abroad or around the world which will bring us amazing giggling tales ( If you haven't ever seen a small blond girl wear all of her clothing at one time and then try and squeeze herself into her suitcase , you haven't lived). Was I going to lose my friend? Was my friend leaving me behind??

I began to question where I was in my life. I am a few years older than her and always thought that it would be me that would go through this first... and at the time I began to analyse every little thing I did. Why was I not ready to have child? Would I ever have a kid? Is my career really the be all and end all of everything? Do I even have a career? .... questions and questions whirled through my head.

As it came to the end of her pregnancy we had the now traditional baby shower, and I found myself sitting there with all of her new friends wondering if I still fitted in her life. Even worse than that staring at the ever growing bump in front of her I still couldn't get into my head that she was going to have a baby soon. That a baby was going to come out of her and be in the world. I think this is half the reason that I resisted in getting any presents... it didn't feel real and was still harbouring feelings of jealousy.

However, the time came .... and oh my god he is amazing and she is amazing. She brought him into the world at a lovely healthy 7lbs 11... and I wont go in to anymore detail as that's her thing really but here he is at 12 hours old.

Managed the trip to see him.. and yes the jealousy had subsided and I gave in and bought him quite a few adorable bits. I was actually scared and nervous of meeting him.. I know ridiculous that a 26 year old was scared of a small bundle little baby... but I was. But I shouldn't have been .... I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life, Not only Baby Leppy but Leppy herself. She looked tired obviously but she just glowed and that look and smile of pride on her face when she looked at him couldn't be beaten.

All of my fears have subsided and I know now this is not the end for me and her and our unusual antics but is the next chapter in her life, which I will be ever so proud to be apart of. I wish Leppy, Daddy Yorke and Baby Leppy all the best in their new little family.

Later Peeps. xxx

P.S Not only tried to use the event of the baby to cure my own fears but thought it would be a good time to see a bit of compassion or sensitivity from Blokey and took him along to meet Baby Leppy. Unfortunately I think all he actually got out of it was a great appreciation for their new leather corner sofa.Typical!! lol I'll try again next time then.

PPS. Please let me know if you have gone through something similar... Did you ever get jealous of your friends route into adulthood?

Glossy Box: March - The Harrods Edition

Hi Peeps. 

Ok, so I finally have got the well hyped up and promoted Harrods box and I thought I would give you guys my thoughts as soon as possible. Actually really happy that I was actually awake and didn't miss the postie this morning as mine are usually delivered on a Tuesday (Also surprised with the sore head I have this morning I was even alive at 8:30 this morning). Anywhoo... let's get on with a review and I will try not to be too scathing, but I will be honest. 

So here goes...

First I do like the box, however... I think I have been spoiled of late as have had 3 special edition boxes since I subscribed in December so I am probably not as excited about this as I should be. I am very weirdly in love with the Harrods ribbon however, it looks rather posh and just has this luxe air about it. If anyone has any tips or examples of re-using the ribbons please let me know. 

So what did I get and what did I think. 

1. Narciso Rodriguez - For Her Eau De Parfum - 1ml

For her is Narciso Rodriguez's first fragrance. A tribute to women's grace and power of inspiration. 

With it being International Women's Day this week the title description of this perfumes seem very apt. 

• Packaging:The size of this sample is not the smallest I have received... But I do regularly get perfume samples like this and of this size for free from my regular freebie hunts. So I am abit disappointed with the amount we have been given.I think I will get maybe 5 spritzes out of this (one of which I have used to test for you guys)
• Smell/look: It is a floral but musky scent. It smells fairly passable but I would say it is a bit too grown up smell for me. I prefer fresher more fruity or linen type scents. 
• Response: Although I will use this as another option to my perfume list, I won't be buying this. It is unfortunately just not ticking the boxes for me in my usual likes.

 2. Molton Brown - Heavenly Ginger-Lily Moisture Bath & Shower -50ml

Vitamin-rich fruit extracts boost the skin and invigorate the senses

• Packaging: It is a squeezy plastic bottle in the usual Molton Brown design. In travel size. I can't fault MB for this as not only do I love the packaging but I do get comments from guests when they see them sat on my bathroom side. I have even given these types of travel size items as gifts to friends. 
• Smell/Look: I attempted to gauge the smell of this after spraying the NR sample so not sure if this will be an effective response. But they do smell fairly similar. I have had this flavour before and it is quite floral and strong. It is pleasant tho and not too strong for the nostrils. 
• Response: Another shower gel which will sit on my bathroom shelf until I either go on my travels/or give away to a friend. MB is a lovely brand but after a count up with over 9 bottles of the same size I wont be racing to reach for it. (No more shower gels please GB)

3. YSL - Forever Youth Liberator Serum - 5ml

A powerful serum enriched with 3 glycans to help increase youthful activity in skin cells (In Vitro Test). Use one drop day and evening on cleansed skin, prior to applying your daily moisturiser. You can also visit YSL at Harrods, The Cosmetic Hall, ground floor - for a free skincare consultation. 

• Packaging: I must say it looks amazing. Space age skincare at its best. It comes in a box which inside is a small metal bottle with a rubber droplet. The colour is a lovely metallic pink/lilac which if nothing else will look good in my skincare box. A sturdy packaging which is always good when receiving samples. 
• Smell/Look: There is a fairly faint scent to this which is just there in the background but not too much. When you open the pot and withdraw the droplet the serum definitely has a suspicious colouring and consistency (I'm trying not too be rude here so please use your imaginations). I applied a small drop to my hand and its quite viscous and rubs in well with a light texture. It rubs in very well and even with one tiny drop you can see this stretching all over the face. It also left my skin feeling very soft but also like it was there. I may be bucking the trend with this but when applying products I don't want them to be heavy but I also want to feel they are still there, and not rubbed away to nothing
• Response: I am fairly disappointed in relation to this as I was recently asked through a Facebook campaign to try this specific product already. So could of received the same if not bigger sample for free. However I have been looking for a new serum for my skincare routine as my recent one has run out. Although only 26 (I am saying it like this as a moment of positivity as normally I feel like an old hag as I approach the big 3-0) I am including anti-ageing products into my routine as they seem the most effective in their response to my skin. Will test this one and let you know...

4. Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Mist Copper No 202 - 0.8g

With a balmy, lip-loving formula, Lip Mist offers sheer colour with an irresistible gloss shine

• Packaging: What can I say .... the packaging in beautiful. Its one of those products you pick up and start stroking it and oohing. (Think Gollum from the LOTR) Yes you have all done it with shoes and bags and generally any shiny thing. It comes in a textured beige box with the usual gold branding lettering synonymous with Burberry. The lipstick case is silver cubed affair with plain on the bottom part and the hatched Burberry pattern not only etched into the top but also into the lipstick (I did try to take a snap of this but my camera is shocking and cant take pictures of things that small... oh I say), so this is very lush on the ohhing and ahhing stakes
• Smell/Look: No scent to this one, which some of my more sensitive sisters will love. The colour is a rose pink type shade with a hint of beige in it. I am not the best and describing this I am afraid. When applied the colour is not that far off from my natural lip colour which is really disappointing. It does apply quite thick but makes my lips feel moisturised and gives a glossy rather than matte effect. 
• Response: Disappointed, upset and let down. This was THE product I was looking forward to getting in my box.... and now that I have got it I don't know if I want it. The sample size is so small and was expecting a full size one to me honest. (Yes more fool me). Also when applying its so small I felt it was a bit fragile so expect this one to snap very soon. However in terms of Burberry itself the quality is outstanding. I have been having a lipstick revival recently and this is my first high end one. I don't know if I will buy this shade (will test it with my normal makeup palette) but I will have a look on their counter when I am there next. 

5. Clarins - Extra Firming Body Cream - 30ml

A formula rich in regenerating and firming plant extracts which immediately helps to lift and tone, for firmer skin and a younger looking body. 

*Need someones help here as I think that alot of people got Clarins products in last months box - Please let me know because if the case naughty naughty GB*

• Packaging: It is a white tube with the usual red Clarins writing. Can't say much about this as its just a white tube. Boring. 
• Smell/Look: Not much of a scent from what I can tell. (Unfortunately for you guys as I am sitting here writing this the NR sample from the 1st product is not only lingering I think it is getting stronger lol. ) It is a thick cream almost to a balm texture. Rubs in well and did leave my skin feeling soft and not greasy. 
• Response: I don't think I can give you a really good review of this yet. I have got two areas of wobbly bits that I will be applying this too and will see how I get on. Hopefully you are not prudish but I will give this a go on the bum and bust area. Both need alot of work but with varying different skin types here I think it will be a good test for the results of the cream... Keep you posted. 

So GB, did you deliver on the Harrods hype. I will have to say no. I was looking forward to getting a chance to try high end products that I hadn't really heard of. Apart from the NR perfume who I have heard of the designer but not this furore, I have heard of and used these brands before. 

Also the size of the samples was horrendous this month. I am not sizeist and you would really think I have a complex with large things going from this post, but I am not happy with this at all. 

Another thing to note as well if any of you got involved with the whole argument on the cost of the products in the last box and how they where disparagingly different.... you may have noticed that GB have not published the cost of these products in this months box. This may just have been a harmless exclusion but I am just saying its very apt. 

In all I will get some use out of these products. I generally prefer make-up items and I will put my two pence in about another shower gel and another moisturiser ... but I doubt this moan will be heard. GB please get back to concentrating on a varied amount of products and brands, get these personal profiles working to your advantage and give us what we desire, and stay the hell away from themed boxes for a while. Get the fundamentals right first please. 

So what did you get in your boxes? Let me know what you thought

Later Peeps. xxx

My Thoughts: Rituals Zensation foaming shower gel

Hello Peeps. 

I received this out of my first ever furore into 'Beauty Boxes' and it was the full size item (200ml) I had got in the box. At first I was bit non-plussed about this item. I looked at its simple but maybe poncy packaging and even took into account the retail price of the item and almost excluded from my mind as a product that I would ever buy with my own pennies. I also remember this type of product coming out a few years ago as the new big thing in shower gels so just thought it was an out dated fad.

Oh boy was I wrong.

Packaging and Smell:

Firstly it smells delightful. The bottle indicates it a mix of organic rice milk and cherry blossom, but it can described and fresh but slightly (ever so slightly) floral. So plus points already. The bottle is a metal canister with a matte finish and a squirty nozzle. I actually like the feel of the bottle, weird I know as its just packaging right.

Application/Ease of Use:

I used this while in the bath.. (would of loved to have used it in a shower but mine is so poor in terms of pressure there is no point :(  joys of renting ) and it came out as a cloudy grey gel to start and then started to foam when it hit my skin. The foaming action is amazing and I had to use rarely anything to get a full coverage of my body. I will warn you when you do squirt it out it has a habit of going quite mad and wanting to shoot itself across the bathroom but this just brings some hilarity to the situation.

Results: 

Now this left my skin feeling brilliant, soft and hydrated. After using this I didn't even feel like I needed to use moisturiser it was that good. Also a plus side to its foaming texture is I double it up as a cleanser and also as a shaving foam when it comes to my twice weekly purge of my horrible black fuzz. So win win on the double up.

If not to go on and on about how much I love this product I have been using it ever since I got it which was some time in January... even more proof of its lasting power.

I can't remember the price of this but I have heard its on special in Debenhams so I will definitely be hot footing it down there to stock up on more. Amazeballs.

Later peeps. xxx