SUMMER IS HERE GLOSSYBOX

Hi there sweeties. I am back again today with my first impressions of this month's 'Summer Is Here' GlossyBox.

NAILGIRLS 3-IN-1 BASE/TOPCOAT & NAIL STRENGTHENER

Apply this as your base and allow to dry before applying your nail colour. Once that has dried use this product again as your top coat.

I hope this product works well as having one product to use instead of two would be a bonus, plus it has strengthening properties.

GOT2B RISE 'N SHINE SOUFFLE

This lightweight product is designed to give you textured volume along with silky shine.

Rub the product between your palms and work through the lengths of dry hair or for an extra boost use fingertips and work from the roots lifting as you style.

This sounds like the type of product my fella would like, but the pink shade of the product and the jasmine scent which I like may put him off a bit :)

This product is currently reduced to £2.66 at Superdrug in the link above.

TEEEZ TREND COSMETICS BEAUTIFUL FLAT STIFF BRUSH

To be used to apply powder and cream eye shadows.

This eye make-up brush has a beautiful design. I like the shape and density of the bristles. 

ROGER & GALLET FLEUR DE FIGUIER DISCOVERY RITUAL (SHOWER CREAM, BODY LOTION & EAU FRAICHE FRAGRANCE)

Fruit-floral and fig inspired scents. Cleanse with the shower cream, replenish moisture with the body cream and dab on fragrance for an all over irresistible scent.

I have tried quite a few Roger & Gallet products which I love and this fragrance does not disappoint. It is definitely a fruit-floral scent that is great for summer.

SO SUSAN COSMETICS CONCEALER QUAD

Can be used to cover minor blemishes and imperfections. A lightweight formula ideal for summer. Can also be used as a contouring kit.

Dot over the desired area and blend gently until full coverage is achieved.

I have yet to try this palette on my blemishes or as a contoured look, but on first impressions swatching it on my hand I think it won't give too much coverage. Lightweight products are great for summer, but concealer palettes like this need to have a little more density I feel in order to work well. I will however try it out properly before saying that I don't like it.

I am happy with this month's box, but not ecstatic. I am excited however for next month's limited edition box.

For more information on GlossyBox UK click HERE and for the US GlossyBox click HERE.

Were you excited by your GlossyBox this month? Let me know your favourite products in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

SWEET TREATS GLOSSYBOX

Hi there everyone and Happy Easter Sunday! It may be a dull and wet day, but for most of you I hope there is another day off tomorrow so it's all good. I have my April GlossyBox products to show you today. This box is called 'Sweet Treats'.

EMITE MAKE UP LIP BRUSH (L312) ~ £17

I have never seen a slanted lip brush like this before. The synthetic taklon hair is very smooth and will hopefully keep its shape well. It's allergy free and supposed to be easy to clean. I could not find this product on the Emite website so I have not added a link.

MONU SPA WARMING GINGER MASSAGE & BODY OIL ~ £25.00 FOR 100ML

Guaranteed to restore elasticity and suppleness leaving you with skin that feels nourished, soft and thoroughly pampered. With a mixture of aromatic essential oils to uplift, awaken, refresh and energise. Relaxing the body and revitalising tired muscles. Paraben free. Suitable for all skin types.

Add a small amount to your bath or under the shower before rinsing as the oil will emulsify into a milk leaving no oily residue on the skin. Can also be used as a regular massage oil.

This smells spicy with a slight lemon zest. It looks more like a loose liquid than other body oils.

MEMEME COSMETICS BEAT THE BLUES (PEARL PINK) ~ £5.50 FOR 12ML

This is a multi-purpose product designed to illuminate and highlight. Can be used on cheekbones or on brow bones to highlight. Apply under blusher for a natural dewy glow or mix with foundation for a subtle shimmer.

I am in love with this product already and I have only tried it on my hand. This has a gorgeous glow that looks very natural when blended out like you just have healthy skin. The shade is a pearly pink which looks more white or pink in different lighting. The swatch shown above is one swipe of solid colour not blended. When left to dry this swatch gave a very strong pigmented colour. I would actually love to try this on my lips for a statement look and possibly even on the eye lids, but I am not sure if it would crease. It appears to have pretty good staying power as I rubbed this swatch once dried and most of the product stayed put.

TRESEMME INSTANT REFRESH CLEANSING DRY SHAMPOO ~ £4.99 FOR 200ML

To keep hair fresh between washes this product absorbs oil and adds volume.

Shake the can vigorously. Lift hair in sections, spraying roots outwards. Let the product absorb into the hair and massage in.

Dry shampoos are always handy to have not only for days when you don't want to wash your hair, but for an added volume boost.

VICHY LIFTACTIV ADVANCED FILLER ~ £31.00 FOR 30ML

This product has been produced to visibly correct the look of deep and vertical wrinkles as if filled. To give you a happier less sad and tired appearance. This moisturiser is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Apply to face and neck day and night alone or with your usual daily moisturiser.

Due to high pure retinol content please note!

When using this product it is advised to use an SPF of at least 15 during the day. Avoid sun exposure or artificial UV exposure. Do not use in conjunction with other retinoid products. Space out to using every two days if you have feelings of discomfort in the early days of use to allow the skin to become used to the retinol. Avoid the delicate eye area.

This sounds like quite a strong product which I will try out, but I am confused that it is suitable for all skin types due to the warnings. If I had really problematic sensitive skin I may be a little nervous trying this, but it does advise to ease your skin into using it so I guess its down to each individual to decide if it's right for them.

VICHY LIFTACTIV SERUM 10 EYES & LASHES ~ £24.50 FOR 15ML

Suitable for all skin types and sensitive eyes. Illuminating eye contours for a more youthful appearance as well as fortifying the lashes. Hypoallergenic and paraben free. 

Apply with fingertips gently to the eye contours.

Hopefully this will be great for tired eye days. I guess that it can be applied to the lashes in the same way, but the Boots website doesn't really advise on this so if anyone knows please advise in the comments below.

The stand out product for me in this month's box so far is the MeMeMe Cosmetics product. 

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.

What are your favourite products in this months GlossyBox. Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

E.L.F. 50% Off Haul

Hi there gorgeous Beauty Addicts. I hope you are all doing good. Today is my first day back at work after two weeks off for the festive season. Did you have much time off or were you back into work mode straight away?

Just before Xmas I bought some things from E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.co.uk) as I needed to replace some products and wanted to take advantage of such a good discount so here is what I picked up.

Left: Studio Translucent Matte Powder £3.75, Link

This product looks lightly pigmented, but it does go on clear. I don't use the sponge it comes with. Instead I use a large powder brush and sweep it over my face after foundation and concealer to set it. This is a great product for those on the go. The compact is very slim and clicks shut so you know it's secure. It is not hard to open like some compacts can be. The mirror is so handy too. I use this every day as part of my make-up routine unless I am using the product to the right.

Right: Studio High Definition Powder (Translucent) £6.00, Link

I prefer the effect that this product gives, but it can be a little messy to open and close. Thankfully the powder particles are translucent so you are not left with coloured pigment all over the area where you apply your make-up. When I apply this I tip the container upside down, shake it side to side, tip it the right way up, open it and use the same powder brush that I use for the above product in the same way. I have tried the sponge, but it doesn't sweep over my make-up as I would like. I think this product is amazing. It really gives you a soft focus effect. I think it would look great on anyone as it just gives a softer look to the skin and makes my base make-up look a little more flawless. This now also comes in Colour Shimmer. A nude skin-tone shade and Colour Corrective Yellow which describes itself. I did think about getting the Colour Shimmer shade, but I am waiting for reviews on it as I don't know if I want a colour powder. The Colour Corrective Yellow shade I am unsure on. I believe yellow correctors are meant to tone down redness and even out skin-tones, but please correct me if I am wrong. I guess if you suffer with rosacea or have quite blemished skin then it may work well, but again I am waiting to see reviews on this.

Left: Studio Brush Shampoo £3.75, Link

I have already previously reviewed this product here so I won't harp on about it. Mine had run out so I had to replace it.

Right: Studio Powder Brush £3.75, Link

I still have one of these and it cleans up really well, but the top feels a bit loose so in case it comes off I thought I may as well get another while the sale was on. This brush is fantastic at applying my foundation. It is made from synthetic fibre and the brush hairs fan out into a flat top. They have movement, but are still quite dense. I apply my foundation section by section. I put my foundation on the back of my hand and dab the brush into just a little product for each part of my face. I then stipple the product on and voila I get a nice even finish. Sometimes I add more product to areas that are a little more red. 

Right: Studio Makeup Mist & Set £3.75, Link

I have already bought this product a few times, but I haven't used it for quite a while as I was waiting to order more things. I previously reviewed this product here.

Left: Studio Bronzer (Cool) £3.75, Link

I have always wanted to try this bronzer, but because I have so many already I felt too guilty to buy another. Because this was reduced to 50% off though I felt like it was okay to try. 

Swatches Described In Photo As In Palette

I think this is a nice palette to have. These matte shades I think are perfect as they are not to dark a bronzer for my pale skin tone. I wanted to get this palette also because I think it will double up as a great eyeshadow palette. Perfect for travellers and so compact with again a good sized mirror.

Top: Mineral Eye Liner (Black) £3.00, Link

I had to replace my previous one of these as I was rushing one day and twisted up too far before applying it. Needless to say it snapped off. It was my fault so I can't blame the product at all otherwise I wouldn't have bought another one. I also have this in the shades Coffee, Midnight & Ash. There is another shade called Metallic Purple too. I think this is such great value. It goes on very smoothly to create a thin or thick line. A great product for those who are new to using eye liner or just not that confident with it.

Bottom: Studio Matte Lip Color (Rich Red) £3.75, Link 

I already have this product in the shades Coral, Tea Rose & Praline I believe. There are other shades of Natural and Nearly Nude, but I thought I would go for something bold. I have yet to try this shade, but the ones I already have from this range are so easy to throw on for an every day look. This shade I will need to take more care when applying though or I will look like a clown.

 Top: Mineral Eye Liner (Black)

Bottom: Studio Matte Lip Color (Rich Red)

The lip color looks more fuchsia pink than red to me, but it is still a very nice bold shade.

All prices shown in this post so far have been the full price. For this haul with my 50% off discount including delivery I only paid £18.70 which I think is blooming brilliant for 8 products.

So that's everything cherubs. I hope these reviews were helpful. Did you take part in this 50% off sale? What are your E.L.F. likes/dislikes and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

 

Make-Up Brushes: The Big Clean Up

Hello Beauties. I hope you are all fine and dandy. I have just been doing the usual housey stuff today so I won't bore you with that. As I was in cleaning mode I finally got stuck into giving my make-up brushes a good clean so I thought I would talk about how I clean mine :)

Left: E.L.F. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner £3.75/$3.00

An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Helps to keep your brushes lasting longer for extended use.

Net Weight: 2.02floz (60ml) *New Size. Improved Leak Resistant Bottle

Net weight: 2.02oz (60g)

This product is so easy to use. You just spray it onto the brush after each use. I tend to wipe the make-up product onto a tissue after spraying this on the brush to remove at least some product between thorough washes. I think it's nice to use this daily or at least every couple of days. This bottle lasts such a good amount of time. It is now leak resistant. I have never had a problem with the bottle leaking, but I don't travel with it.

Right: E.L.F. Studio Brush Shampoo £3.75/$3.00

An anti-bacterial brush cleanser for thorough cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Washes away traces of dirt, makeup, oil and debris from your brush while conditioning the hair to provide a clean and soft application for every use. Directions: Cleanse brush regularly by massaging a small amount of the shampoo with water and working it through the bristle from the base of the brush outward. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water. Reshape the bristles and lay flat on a clean cloth to fully dry before next use. Net Weight: 4.1floz (120ml) Net weight: 4.1oz (116g)

I have just used all of this up so I need to order some more. This has lasted for quite some time though. The product is of a gel consistency. I just squeeze some product into my clean palm and swirl the brush into it. I then rinse with cold water and repeat as necessary until the water runs clear. I then dab the brush hairs onto a towel to check for any make-up. I re-shape and lay onto a flat towel.

All nice and clean :)

My make-up brush roll is super convenient, but I do need a new one as I have a hole in mine. To clean it up as it does get messy I simply use cheap and cheerful face wipes to remove make-up product and dirt. There may be some that are machine washable I don't know, but mine is not.

Now I am going to be honest and admit that my make-up brushes have needed a clean for a while. I used to be pretty good at taking care of them (slaps self on wrist for neglecting them). I intend to give them a spray with the Daily Brush Cleaner after each use and shampoo every week or two as I don't wear make-up every day.



Check out eyeslipsface.co.uk or eyeslipsface.com for the cleaning products from E.L.F. I have not added links as they never seem to work once I post them.



How often do you clean your make-up brushes and what products/process do you use to clean them? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all

July 2012 Empties

Hiya Everyone. I hope you are all having a blissful weekend. Today I have a massive post for you as I have used up so many products in July. I will give you my opinions on each of the products so check it out below.

Left To Right:

Johnson's Baby Cotton Pads ~ 99p Per Pack Of 50

Previously reviewed here.

Davines Authentic Moisturising Face/Hair/Body Balm ~ £17.40

I received this product in my March 2012 JolieBox. This product can be used in various ways, but I have been using it as a cleanser/make-up remover. I squeeze some product onto the Johnson's Cotton Pads and wipe away make-up and dirt. I don't rinse my face off afterwards as it's a cream product that gets wiped away so I don't feel the need to do this.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer ~ £Various depending on size and if spritzer or bottle

I received this as part of an Anniversary gift from my fella in June 2011. I have already reviewed the smaller spritzer version of this product here. This was quite refreshing when I got badly sunburned a few weeks ago. This product comes in bottles and spritzers. Check out the link here.

Please excuse the kitchen roll in this photo, but as you can see some products get messy :) 

Left To Right:

Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser, 15ml for £7.50 or 50ml for £19.00

I received this product in my May 2012 JolieBox. I'm not too much of a fan of rose scents usually, but this didn't bother me as it wasn't too strong an aroma. This was a nice enough face cream.

Balance Me Wonder eye cream, Various Prices on ebay.co.uk 

I got this free with my August 2012 issue of Glamour Magazine. It's nice and smooth to use, but I don't think it made any difference to my eye area.

Montagne Jeunesse Hot Chocolate Self Heating Face Masque, 99p for a 15g sachet

I picked this up while in New Look some time ago. This masque is meant for normal, oily & combination skin. Mine is dry, but I just picked this up on a whim and thought I would try it anyway. I used my usual cleansing methods before applying this then wet my face. It's quite a messy process applying this as it does have that warm, runny chocolate texture. Don't attempt to eat this though as trust me it is self heating which I didn't realise when I bought it. I did have a little panic at first as I thought this stuff is really warm on my face, but then I read the sachet and the panic was over. It is really fun to apply. You can really smell the orange chocolate scent. After 10-15mins I removed the masque with warm water and a flannel. My skin was fine even though this was not meant for my skin type. I am not advising you to try it though if you unsure if this will work okay on your skin!

Elizabeth Arden Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, Optimizing Skin Serum & Gentle Hydrating Cream SPF15

I received these samples in my July 2012 GlossyBox. 

Elizabeth Arden Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, £17.00 for 150ml

This was a nice cleanser to use. I wasn't sure about the scent though. It's quite hard to describe.

Elizabeth Arden Optimizing Skin Serum, £38.00 for 30ml

Now I have to say I really liked this. It felt like it was really doing something for my skin and I don't say that too often. My skin felt smooth and plumped instantly. It is quite expensive, but I might consider buying it in the future or asking for it for Xmas.

Elizabeth Arden Gentle Hydrating Cream SPF15, £32.00 for 50ml

I didn't expect to be lucky enough to like two products out of the three, but I did. This face cream was lovely and combined with the serum I felt like I was truly pampered. Again it's quite expensive, but for 50ml I guess it's not too bad.

Left To Right:

Hello Kitty Toothbrush, £1.00

I received this for Xmas. Actually I got two from two different people because they know I love Hello Kitty. The other toothbrush I already reviewed here.

2 x 100 Johnson's Cotton Buds, 200 buds for £1.00

I previously reviewed these here.

Cherry Culture Bubble Gum Lip Balm, Free for me with my order, but at the moment $0.99 for this stick

When I got this free with my Cherry Culture order I was like yeah that's cool. A lip balm is always handy, but this smells fun like childhood. The texture feels amazing on your lips. I like the twist up tube, but this product does melt a little in the heat. The packaging for this scent now shows up as purple on their website. There are some fun looking other scents of this product too. I think I would like to try Strawberry, Grape and Raspberry.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, £5.00 for 15g or $7.84

My Mum gave this to me, but I'm afraid it's just not a product for me. This does have a really nice lemon scent, but when I applied it it didn't feel like I was really applying anything useful. 

Burt's Bees Hand Salve, £7.15 or $4.16/$4.49

This had the same texture as the above product and a kind of medicinal smell. I know Burt's Bees products are quite popular and maybe I just have the wrong ones, but these did nothing for me. Sorry Mum.

Left To Right:

Vichy Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick, £16.15 for 12g or $27.00. Trial Pack £3.89

I received this starter kit in my June 2012 GlossyBox. I tried this product in the shade Porcelain 11. I tried this with my fingers and with a flat make-up brush. I tried it as both a foundation and as a concealer. I also tried it with and without translucent powder. Unfortunately it did not work for me in any of these ways. I found it very drying on my skin. It concealed a certain amount, but as I found it quite dry and patchy I almost would rather have tried not to cover my blemishes at all as my skin did not look good after applying it and I was conscious of this.

GlossyBox Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush, RRP £15.00

I received this brush in my June 2012 GlossyBox. I like how this brush feels to the touch, but it does malt a bit and it just wasn't a great brush for applying my blush or contouring. I think it just doesn't have much shape to work around the face.

Jane Iredale Purelash Extender & Conditioner, £13.00 for 30g or $16.20 for 9g

I received this in one of my beauty boxes a long time ago and it has lasted ages for this wee sample. There was a period of time when I didn't use it because I couldn't find it, but I really like this product. It does give that extra something before you apply your mascara. It's a good base that lifts the lashes before you coat your usual mascara over the top. I think E.L.F. do one though so I will see if that's any cheaper and perhaps give it a try.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Volume & Length Mascara (Black), Sent to me for free

I was sent this mascara for free. You can Google this and find it on many links. I have already reviewed it here. 

Left To Right:

Ayuuri Natural Body Wash (Sensual Indian Rose), £4.95 for 200ml

I received this product in my April 2012 GlossyBox. This was nice enough to use. It lasted quite a while. The bottle was a little hard to open, especially in the shower and I don't like these bottle to squeeze the end of the bottle out of, but it did what it was meant to.

Gorgeous By Gok Sensational "Liquid Gold" Body Wash, £2.99 for 200ml

I received this as part of a Xmas vanity set from my Mum, Link. I love the smell of this range which usually comes out at Xmas exclusively to Boots. I will be asking for more this Xmas. This leaves a really nice glisten on your skin.

Boots Mango & Orange Blossom Shower Gel, £1.29 for 250ml

I bought this on a 3 for 2 at Boots. This does have a nice scent, but I do find it a little sickly after using it for a while.

Boots Coconut & Almond Shower Cream, £1.29 for 250ml

This was one of the other ones that I picked up in the 3 for 2. I really like this one. It has a milky, creamy scent.

Left To Right:

Gorgeous By Gok Sensational "Liquid Gold" Bath Essence, £2.99 for 200ml

This was also part of the same gift set. I enjoyed this product as much as the Body wash.

Gorgeous By Gok Sensational "Deluxe Gold" Body Butter, Various links on Ebay

This was from the same gift set also. This smells just as great and leaves a gorgeous glisten on the skin. My only bug bear with this product is that the yellow tint in it stains my clothes after applying it. It does come off clothes in the wash, but it's not great if you are wearing white. 

Hello Kitty Liberty Body Scrub, 99p for 50ml and 50ml body butter included

This was part of my Xmas Gifts too. I love the scent and the packaging, but I didn't like the actual look of this product. It's a little brown.

Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Skin With Aloe Vera Shave Gel, £3.25 for 200ml or $1.97 for 7oz

I got this free with some other products that I bought from Boots. I like the Gillette shave Gels as they do give a smooth surface for shaving. This had a very neutral scent.

2 x Bic Razors, £1.27 for 5 razors

I got these in a pack as a present for Xmas. They do work pretty well. They are quite sharp which is good, but I can cut myself a little more easily if I don't take my time.

Left To Right:

Superdrug Essential Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

I can't remember if this can I bought myself or if it was given to me for Xmas. This was about 69p from Superdrug, but I can't find it on their website. I previously reviewed this here.

Boots Pretty Body spray, £1.02 for 75ml

My Mum gave this to me as she didn't like it much. I found the scent non-offensive though. It is quite pretty as the name suggests and a little floral.

Bex London Londoner Urban Fragrance (W1X), £81.00 for 100ml

I received this in my July 2012 GlossyBox. See my thoughts in that link. The tube stopped spraying near the end so I couldn't use the little bit left in the bottom.

Hollister California Perfume, Various Links On Ebay

My fella bought this for me at Xmas a couple of years ago. I have had this before and it's really nice. It's quite a sexy, but not overpowering scent. I would say this is more of a day scent for me personally.

Beyonce Heat Perfume

There are so many places to find this such as Ebay, Amazon and Argos that I would just say Google it as I bought mine a couple of years ago as apart of a gift set in the January sales from ASOS. This has a very warm and sensual scent. Definitely more of a night time fragrance. Quite seductive.

So that's all folks. What products have you been loving and loathing in July? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

ModelCo Face Base & EcoTOOLS Make-Up Applicators

Hey Darlings. I hope you are all very happy and well. I'm good at the moment and enjoying my last week off before returning to work on Monday. The sunshine has come at a good time, but I really need a sun lounger to fully appreciate it. I really want one that lies flat and isn't too expensive so if you have any recommendations on where I can find one please let me know :) Today I have a few reviews for you so I will get started.

First up is ModelCo Face Base Skin Primer. This product was sent to me by Kilpatrick PR for free to review. The idea behind this product is to smooth out the skins surface in preparation for make-up application. In other words to help disguise those fine lines, wrinkles and pores. This product is to be applied after your moisturiser, but before your foundation application to help your make-up last up to 10 hours. It can also be used as a face moisturiser. It is meant to protect the skin against drying and seasonal conditions, rehydrating and leaving the skin feeling velvety smooth. This primer is also oil-free and suitable for all skin types. It has a translucent formula as you can see from the tube.

I have used this primer quite a few times and I do enjoy applying it because it really does feel silky and velvety smooth to apply. It really does feel like it leaves a gorgeous layer on your skin. Now I have only used this as a base for my make-up, but I would be happy to use this as a moisturiser. I have to be honest and say I haven't noticed a change in the way my make-up lasts or the way it looks. I don't think it has any effect on my fine lines or pores either, but I will continue to use this product as I enjoy it's moisturising properties and the way it feels on application. This product is available on the ModelCo website for £30.00 (45ml), Link. This product is also available at boots.com for the same size and price. On the information I have this is also available at Debenhams, but I can not find it on the website sorry.

Next up I have some make-up applicators to review for you. The first one was sent to me for free to review by Kilpatrick PR. This is the EcoTOOLS Bamboo Blush Brush. This make-up brush comes from the 6 Piece Brush set which you can view on the EcoTOOLS website here. This brush has a bamboo handle, recycled aluminium ferrule and soft, cruelty-free bristles. The brush I have came with a resealable pouch as shown on the left. The brush is made from hand cut synthetic hair which is apparently the easiest type of brush to wash as it keeps the shape of the brush and dries it more quickly. 

This brush does feel incredibly soft. I would not have recognised this to be a synthetic brush, but then I am no expert on make-up brushes. I have tried this with my bronzer for contouring and as a blush brush and although it does the job for both which is handy if you don't have enough room to take both brushes on the go with you for travel I prefer it as a blush brush. It feels very gentle on the skin. The bristles of the brush are domed, but the sides of the domed bristles are shaped to be more flat than circular. If you prefer your blush applied more circular on the apples of the cheeks then this may not work as well as other brushes as it has a more direct application. I prefer applying my blush in longer strokes toward my temples to emphasise my cheekbones so that's why I think this works well for me. You can buy this blush brush on boots.com for £7.99 or the set for £15.99. boots.com also have an offer at the moment on selected EcoTOOLS products of buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 price. 

The brush on the right is the EcoTOOLS Bamboo Finishing Kabuki. I was given this product for free as part of goodie bag. The goodie bag I was given at this Speed Beauty Event where I was invited by Kilpatrick PR. I have not been asked to review this product, but I will anyway. This has a contoured handle for ease of use. It is made from synthetic taklon bristles which are 100% cruelty-free and has a bamboo handle. This brush can be used for powder, blush or bronzer. It also comes with a resealable pouch for storage. On the EcoTOOLS website it says this pouch has a zip-top closure, but mine has a plastic press closure a bit like a resealable sandwich bag.

I have tried this kabuki in three ways. I wanted to see how this worked as a foundation brush as I use a flat top brush at the moment for foundation application. This left streaks in my foundation, but I think that's because my usual foundation brush is a lot more dense and the bristles not so far apart. It felt uncomfortable to use in this way also as it felt a little bit spiky.

I washed the kabuki so that I could try it with powder products. It took a couple of days to dry and returned to it's original shape. The thing I think that ruins the shape slightly is when I take it in and out of the resealable pouch as the only way to grab it is by the bristles which splay out a little at the edges when being pulled from the pouch. I noticed one hair come out when I washed the kabuki, but I can't say if that will happen each time as I have only washed it gently once. 

I tried this with blusher and I didn't feel like this was the right shape for it at all. I don't feel like I have much control over where the blusher is going and again it feels a little spiky on the skin, but I am hoping the kabuki will soften with more use. Don't get me wrong it's not scratchy just not as soft as the Blush Brush. 

Lastly I tried this kabuki with my bronzer to contour my face. I contour under my cheekbones which this is great for due to the flat top that has movement so it's not too defined a line. I go around my temples, the sides and tip of my nose, under my jawline and over my neck and decolletage. I try to do this quite lightly all over as I am so light skinned and concentrate more under my cheekbones as that's where I want more definition.  This is the most perfect brush I have used for this area of my face so far and I would recommend it for this alone. The handle makes controlling the brush really easy too. I just wish the pouch was different. Here is the information for this product on the EcoTOOLS website, Link. You can buy this on boots.com for £9.99 where again you can take up Boots selected EcoTOOLS products buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 price.

The last products I have to talk about are these EcoTools Bamboo Cosmetic Applicators. These came in the same goodie bag mentioned above at the Speed Beauty Event. I did receive these for free. I was not asked to review them, but I will.

These have bamboo handles and soft, smooth, firm tips to line, shade and blend. They are meant to be used flat to apply a wash of shadow over the eyelid or use the tip to line, shape and contour. They can be used to apply concealer under the eyes or on blemishes over the face.

These look at first glance to be the type of eye shadow applicators you get in eye palettes. I usually just throw mine away as I normally do a lot of blending and contouring on my eyes with various brushes, but I gave these a try.

The tips feel a lot smoother than those that you get with eye palettes. These I found fine to use with applying a flat, light colour, but for contouring and darker shades these would not work well for me. They are great for travel as they are so small and you get 20 in each pack. There are 3 different sizes in the pack. I admit I have only used the applicators shown in the top of the pack in this link though. They are not too bad for lining the eyes with shadow. I can not say how they work for concealer as I have not used them for this. I could not find these on the boots.com website I'm afraid, but they should be available in store. EcoTOOLS are also available at Superdrug and Tesco, but I could not find them on their websites, sorry.

So that's all of my reviews for this post. If you want to try any of these products I think they all work in some way, but the one that stands out for me is the kabuki.

Thank you to Kilpatrick PR for sending me two of these products to review and for gifting me with the other two at the Speed Beauty Event. I have two other products sent to me by Kilpatrick PR yet to review and they will be coming soon.

Have you tried any of these products and are you a fan of them? Which products do you like/dislike from ModelCo and/or EcoTOOLS and why?

Love to you all

June 2012 GlossyBox

Hey you little stunners. I hope you are all doing good. Today I have my June GlossyBox to show you with my initial impressions.

Left To Right:

GlossyBox Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush, RRP £15.00

This goats hair blush brush feels nice and soft. I will give this a try and see how well it applies my make-up.

MeMeMe Cosmetics Sensuous Nail Gloss, £4.50 for 12ml

This is described as a peach shade. I would say it's more of a nude cream almost skin tone shade.

BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer, £8.00 for 4g

This product is described as a medium, golden mineral bronzer. I would say this is a very golden slightly rose brown bronzer. I think it would be a great eye colour and a highlighter, especially at the tops of cheeks. It is also suggested to mix it with body lotion to create a shimmering bronzing cream. This has a sheen to it rather than a shimmer though.

Caudalie Eaux Fraiches (Zeste De Vigne), £26.00 for 50ml

Out of the three fragrances in this range this one is a very citrus and zesty scent. I can definitely smell the mandarin in this. Really refreshing and a generous size. When I sprayed this a lot came out so be careful of this.

Vichy Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick, £19.00 for 12g

I always love trying out new foundations in the discovery of the perfect complexion. I love that they have included a good variety of 6 sample shades with this starter kit. Each shade has a suggestion for the skin tones it will suit which is very helpful. I have noticed a lot of changes in the pigmentation of my face so it will be interesting to see if this covers just enough, not enough or way too much. Red veins are something on my face I find really difficult to cover with just foundation and concealer so I can't wait to see how this works.

Overall I think this is a nice box. There isn't anything that I am disappointed with so far, but the Vichy samples are the thing that has really caught my eye.

If you want more information about GlossyBox please check out this link.

Which products did you get in your June GlossyBox? Did you like them?

Love to you all

Speed Beauty Event

Hi All. The weather has been glorious and I love it. I am going to get straight into my post today as I picked up the keys to the house I have bought with my fella on Friday so we are all over the place getting ready to move in while still going to work. 

On Thursday I attended the Speed Event at the Haymarket Hotel to peruse products from rapidlash.com, RapidBrow, modelcocosmetics.com, ardelllashes.com, No. 4711 and ecotools.com.

The Double Up is latest style from Ardell

My Champers :)

Coooooeeee :)

I think it's great that EcoTools recycle. Their make-up brushes feel amazingly soft.

I was a bit wary of trying this heated lash curler out as I didn't want to damage my lashes, but I loved the results. I curled my lashes with my mascara that I had already applied on. It's the Turbo Lashwand and retails at £22.00, Link :)

Both eyes styled with the Turbo Lashwand. The eye on the left with Fibre Lash added, £35.00

Both eyes with Fibre Lash added

Only the top lashes have been styled with the products mentioned above. I like how the Fibre Lash gives you fuller looking lashes, but it makes your lashes look a bit clumpy and I like mine full yet separated.

I was told that this is a unisex fragrance, but to me it smells more masculine and I think the packaging is too.

Now on to my Goody Bag of free products ....

The RapidBrow & RapidLash products I will save for a time when I need them as my brows and lashes are quite full at the moment. I am looking forward to trying out these Ardell lashes as false lashes are something I really want to master.

I hope this make-up brush from EcoTools works well as it was mentioned a lot in discussions. The tanning products I will of course try as with this gorgeous sunshine I don't want to show off pasty white legs. The fragrance I will probably pass on to my boyfriend. The memory stick is handy.

Thank you so much to Kilpatrick PR for inviting me to this event. It was great to discover more about a few brands at one event. I also met some lovely people which I hope to catch up with again soon.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts on them?

Love to you all