NIVEA'S ULTIMATE SUMMER SURVIVAL BEAUTY KIT

Hi lovelies. I'm back after a wee break from my full time job and blogging. I am back now fully refreshed and able to write posts with enthusiasm.

Nivea have put together an 'Ultimate Summer Survival Beauty Kit' which I have been trying products from over the lasts few weeks and want to share with you now.

So lets talk products ...........

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & BRONZE FACE CREAM SPF30

This water resistant product has been formulated specially for the face containing natural plant extract to help activate the skin's natural tanning process so that even pale people like myself can gain a healthy glow while still being protected. This has a very lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for hot summer days and nights.

NIVEA LIP BUTTER RASPBERRY ROSE

Designed to provide intensive moisture for up to 12 hours. The scent of this lip butter is amazing. It's like candy for the lips without the calories, ha ha. By nature I am not a massive fan of lip butters in tins as I prefer to use a stick, but I have to admit that my lips have not peeled or chapped once since using this product. They feel so smooth and nourished. Raspberry Rose gives a very subtle, yet flattering shade to the lips. A baby pink milky tone that is great for every day wear. I tried it yesterday under a nude/concealer shade lipstick that I usually find hard to wear and it made it look fabulous. There was no obvious creases or patchiness and it didn't look unnatural on me like those shades tend to do.

NIVEA DAILY ESSENTIALS SENSITIVE CLEANSING WIPES

In summer I think we all tend to be a little more active and just want to get outside as quickly as possible to enjoy the summer sun. These wipes are great to refresh the skin while removing dirt and make-up. The mesh design removes a little more product and dirt I feel than regular face wipes. They have a lovely scent too. I have also reviewed Nivea face wipes from this range for other skin types which you can see here!

NIVEA POWDER TOUCH ANTI-PERSPIRANT DEODORANT

Oh my gosh this I am a big fan of. It has a quick dry formula and contains kaolin mineral powder. The scent and feel of this product on the skin is amazing. This left no powder residue on my clothes or skin. I love the click and twist design. The scent instantly makes me feel relaxed somehow too.

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH INVISIBLE COOLING MIST SPF30

This water resistant product quickly absorbs into the skin leaving no sticky residue. Perfect for spritzing on the go when enjoying your summer festivities. I have reviewed many products from the Nivea Sun Range here!

I am a massive fan of the Nivea Sun Range as I burn so easily even when using some sun protection products. That has not happened since I have been using Nivea's sun protection products. The Nivea Sun Range is not only essential for someone very pale like me who burns very easily, but I would recommend it to all skin types. It's now my go to sun protection which I am now sharing with my boyfriend and his brother, ha ha :)

I would definitely purchase all of these products in the future as they are definite beauty staples!

Thanks to Porter Novelli for sending me over these samples :)

What are your Nivea summer essentials? Let me know with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

NIVEA SUN RANGE

Hey there beauties. I am so sorry that I was MIA last week, but I just got so busy. I wish I could blog full time, but those bills got to be paid until that dream comes true.

Anyway on to today's post. I was recently gifted with some Nivea products from their Sun Protect & Refresh Range as well as the Nivea Sun In-Shower Refreshing After Sun Lotion and asked to review them for you guys.

Before I start my review I just have to say how cute is my personalised travel bag with my name on :)

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH SUN LOTION FACTOR 30 HIGH 200ML

A non-sticky, ultra moisturising consistency. Enriched with menthol for a refreshing sensation on application. The silky powder and soothing oils nourish and protect against the sun. Water resistant with highly effective UVA/UVB filters.

I applied this to my face and neck. It absorbed very quickly, smelt gorgeous and was definitely not sticky or greasy. It is cooling and the menthol is definitely within the scent, but it's not like applying a heavy duty mouthwash.

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH INVISIBLE COOLING SUN SPRAY FACTOR 20 MEDIUM 200ML

A relaunched, much loved beauty must have with an improved formula. A cooling mist with a light, silky texture. No oiliness, stickiness or white residue and is quickly absorbed. With highly effective UVA and UVB protection. Water resistant.

I applied this clear liquid to my legs and feet. It absorbed quickly into the skin. The only thing I don't like is that it smells like hairspray on application, but you don't really notice it after a few minutes.

I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH INVISIBLE COOLING MIST FACTOR 20 MEDIUM 200ML

The Beauty Editor's favourite gives an instant cooling sensation with this refreshing mist. With highly effective UVA/UVB filters and a continuous menthol spray action leaving a light even layer over the skin. No stickiness or white marks. Can be used at all angles. Water resistant.

I applied this to my arms, shoulders, hands, torso and back. This clear liquid absorbed very quickly also. This one also smelt a bit like hairspray, but again this was unnoticeable after a few minutes.

Again I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

Applying any lotion all over for me always seems like a chore whether it's just everyday moisturising or sun care. These products make light work of these rituals. For quickness I would use as a preference the spray or mist. 

They all absorb really quickly with no stickiness or excess residue left on the skin which ticks all the boxes for me. 

I am very pale and although I love to lie in the sun I am always fearful of burning. I had been laying in the sun from 3pm-5pm as it is advised that you avoid sun exposure between 11am-3pm. I noticed slight redness on my knees, face and arms after 2 hours so I was sensible and came out of the sun. These products protected my skin really well as although I had redness I did not burn.

NIVEA SUN IN-SHOWER REFRESHING AFTER SUN LOTION 250ML

The latest wonder product from Nivea offering intensive moisturising to help soothe skin. This water activating lotion is to be used in the shower to instantly cool and refresh the skin after sun exposure.

In the shower apply all of your usual products including your usual shower wash. While the skin is still wet apply this product all over. I applied it to my face also and it didn't do me any harm, but be careful if you have sensitive skin as I am not sure that it was meant for the face. Rinse off the lotion and you are free to get on with your day or night. No residue will be left on your towel.

This lotion absorbed quickly into the skin. The baby soft scent is amazing and the product formula is so moisturising. It feels like a layer of silk surrounds the skin after application. Even my face felt like a baby's bottom. Even if you don't use this after sun exposure I would say this is a great product for impatient people like myself who just hate body moisturising. It takes all the hassle out of it. No sticky feeling. No white residue. No need to stand around naked waiting for it to absorb before you can get dressed. I love it. 

I am very happy with all of these products. I will certainly be more likely to step out into the sun this summer :)

Please note that although the SPF factors I used suited my skin you should use the factors that you feel are best suited to your skin type and length of sun exposure as well as perhaps the time of day.

If you have tried any Nivea Sun Range products let me know your favourites with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

SUNSENSE SKINCARE SUN PROTECTION REVIEWS

Hi everyone and Happy Easter Bank Holiday Monday! Have you all been fully enjoying the Easter break? I do hope so. Today I have four products to review for you from SunSense. For those of you interested in protecting your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays which can cause sun damage, skin pigmentation, premature ageing, skin cancers and wrinkles I am sure these products from Australia's No.1 sunscreen brand will interest you.

SunSense are a family orientated brand producing products to protect all ages and skin types. SunSense products contain high-quality ingredients that bond quickly to the skin with most new formulations including Vitamin E and 3% niacinamide for healthier, younger looking skin.

Swatches as above

SUNSENSE ANTI-AGEING FACE (TOP LEFT)

Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face and neck after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. A mild temporary stinging may occur. If severe stinging or irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This white lotion comes in a bottle with a small hole at the top to disperse product and a screw top lid. The bottle did not collect product at the top over use. The product felt like most face lotions I have used, absorbing easily into the skin. There was a slight sting on one sensitive area of my face, but it was minimal and went away after a few minutes. My forehead became a little dry while using this for about a week. There is no scent to this product.

SUNSENSE DAILY FACE (TOP CENTRE)

Shake well. Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face, neck and chest after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. Avoid eyes and contact with irritated skin. If irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use. Contact with clothing may cause discolouration.

This product comes in a flip top tube. It's not a greasy formulation. It has a sheer tint which is yellow based (as above). The product blends well into my skin giving a glow and evening out skin tone. This can be worn alone or under make-up. There was a slight sting again on a blemished area, but it went away as before. Cream does collect around the hole opening unlike the first product. I did have a dry patch appear on my chin within about 1 week of using this product. This has no scent.

SUNSENSE ANTI-AGEING FACE MATTE (TOP RIGHT)

Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face and neck after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. A mild temporary stinging may occur. Avoid eyes and contact with irritated skin. If severe stinging or irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This comes in the same type of bottle as the first product. There is a slight stinging that goes away pretty quickly on blemished areas after application. This does have a tint also that I feel makes me look much more youthful, healthy and generally just have a glow. It is a more brown toned tint that was a little darker than my skin tone, but I made it work with blending bronzer over my chest area. The tint is definitely buildable for those wanting a slightly deeper tone. I did have dry patches on my forehead when using this again forming over about 1 week. This is also unscented.

LEFT: SUNSENSE DAILY FACE

RIGHT: SUNSENSE ANTI-AGEING FACE MATTE

I realise that it almost impossible to see these swatches. I had almost completely blended them into the skin so that you could just see the tone, yet get an idea of how natural looking they are.

SUNSENSE LIP BALM

Apply to clean, dry lips at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply frequently. This product leaves a gloss finish to the lips. If irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This comes in a squeezy tube with a screw cap. The nozzle does get messy with continued use. The product is a white cream balm (bottom centre in first swatches). When I first started using this product I loved it. There was no stinging sensation on application and the balm felt very moisturising and nourishing. Unfortunately my lips did not feel the same after a couple of days and actually felt a little sore. There was no change in the appearance of my lips, but it just felt like the product wasn't working for me. I did continue using it for the whole period of testing out all these products so a good few weeks, but my lips didn't feel any better.

Overall I would like to say that I don't think these are bad products. I do feel that they just didn't work particularly well for my skin type as most of them are mattifying and I have dry skin. If it wasn't for the drying effect the tinted products would be current favourites of mine.

Many thanks to Truth PR for sending these to me for free to test and review.

Have you tried any SunSense products that you absolutely love? If yes, let me know with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

Sunscreen Protection. Is It As Harmful As The Sun?

Hey there lovelies. I hope you are all doing great. I have been having a lovely time on my break from work. We visited Spitalfields market and the Cutty Sark in Greenwich on Sunday. On Tuesday we went strawberry picking then on to Whitstable where we ate chips and doughnuts on deck chairs by the sea. I have been waiting to have a long break from work since January so I am loving it :)

Recently I was contacted by Michelle who works in the Skana Spa in a small town in Upstate NY. Michelle contacted me in the hope of passing on some useful information to my readers.

We all know that prolonged sun exposure can be harmful to our skin as it can cause sun damage in the way of sun spots, sunburn, ageing (wrinkles) and more importantly Cancer. Michelle informed me though that there are chemicals found in most sunscreens that are in fact dangerous for our skin. Here is some information that Michelle sent to me on this topic.

We all know that excessive exposure to the summer sun can be dangerous to our skin. The mineral and chemical filters that make up the active ingredients of most sunscreens help protect the skin in sunlight. The more common sunscreens available to consumers contain chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate to just name a few. However, what most people do not know is these sunscreen ingredients can also be harmful and actually pose risk to human health.

The most problematic chemical that is used for making sunscreens in the United States is oxybenzone. This chemical is found in nearly 80 percent of sunscreens, even though it is recommended that people avoid it. Oxybenzone can penetrate through the skin, cause an allergic skin reaction, and even disrupt hormone levels.  Research has found a correlation between higher concentrations of this chemical with increased risk of endometriosis and low birth weight in daughters.

It seems as though sunscreens are just as much an enemy as the sun is to our skin, with these harmful chemicals. That means the health risk far outweighs all the benefits. So how can you protect your skin? The best method is to find a sunscreen that is pure and natural. These can be found within stores, but it is just as easy to make at home so that you are in complete control of what is put on your skin. 

So here is the recipe for the DIY Natural and Safe Sunscreen.

What You Need

1/4 cup Diaper/Nappy Rash Cream

1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

1 tablespoon Cocoa Butter

1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel

1 teaspoon Sesame Oil

1 teaspoon Beeswax

Place all of the above ingredients into a glass bowl. Set it on top of a pan of boiling water to allow all of the ingredients to melt together. After the mixture has been thoroughly combined together, let it cool. Finally, store the sunscreen in a cool and dry area, such as inside the refrigerator.

The oils included in the homemade natural sunscreen offer a great natural source of SPF protection without all those harmful toxins seeping through your skin. They also moisturise, so that you are left with smooth skin without all the sticky white mess. Unlike store products that leave you surrounded by an unpleasant odour, the natural oils give a pleasing fragrance. This recipe will allow you to enjoy the summer sunshine, while also keeping your skin looking bright and healthy! 

The SPF of this DIY sunscreen is 30. It should be applied as if it were a shop bought product so every time you go back out into the sun or every few hours.

I have not tried making this recipe myself, but if you do try it please let me know how it works for you. 

Please be aware that everyone's skin type and the level of sun protection that they need is different so I can not be responsible for if this DIY sunscreen works for you. Please be careful and follow the recipe correctly and apply as often as needed to suit your skins needs. I can not guarantee that this sunscreen will protect you as I am passing on this information without trying the recipe. Besides what may work for your skin might not work for mine and vice versa.

Have you ever made your own sunscreen or other skin care products? Does your skin respond better to them and are they more cost effective? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all 

 

Seaside Splash GlossyBox

Hi there beauties it's good to see you back or welcome if you are new to my blog. Today I have my latest GlossyBox products to show you so here they are.

Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Texture Mist, £23.00 for 125ml

It’s nourishing formula moisturises and protects hair whilst defining it gently. Suitable for all hair types it provides added shine and strength. 

Spray on damp hair and massage into the roots for extra effect.

A nice product to use in the summertime for that beachy wave effect.

Coola Organic Suncare Collection Mineral Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint, £29.99 for 50ml from amazon.co.uk

Providing UVA/UVB protection while fighting free radicals, soothing, toning and minimising pores. Anti-ageing benefits. Reduces inflammation and balance moisture. 

Apply evenly over face in upward strokes. You are SPF protected 30 mins after application. Reapply every 2 hours while in direct sunlight or after swimming/sweating.

Anything that prevents the wrinkles, adds sun protection, moisturises and minimises pores is worth a try in my book.

Pukka Ayurveda Radiance Serum, Currently reduced from £32.00 to £24.00 for 50ml

A wonder serum that will leave your skin feeling fresh, bright, soothed and toned. Free from parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and colours. Suitable for all skin types. 97.5% organic content. Cruelty free International Leaping Bunny Program.

Apply a thin layer to the face and neck before moisturising.

I have always wanted to try out the Pukka tea range, but never got around to it. I had no idea they have a skincare range too. Looking forward to trying this.

Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me Facial Spritz, £6.00 for 100ml

Rehydrating and calming for the skin. Suitable for all skin types. Hydrating facial mist.

Spritz onto the face after cleansing or even over make-up to refresh and set make-up.

I do like to use a face mist in the summer months and if it helps prolong how my make-up maintains then all the better. I tried this this morning though and I will be giving it to my friend as I don't like the smell. It smells like I am a lot older than I am.

Ciate London Paint Pot Pocket Money (PP107), £9.00 for 13.5ml

The ultimate in understated luxury, this creamy fudge nude is a sweet treat for fingers and the perfect girly indulgence. Break open your piggy bank and splash out on some me time.

• The long handle provides you the best strokes every time.
  
• The 250 bristle flat brush guarantees a flawless even finish.
  
• The bottle ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in your hand for maximum control.
  
• The formula is amazingly pigmented, long lasting and available in a range of finishes whilst formulated to be easy to apply.
  
• And the satin bow Finishing touch which crowns each polish. Perfection.

Paint a second coat for a solid pigment finish.

I wasn't sure how this would look on my nails with it being a nude, but I have to say I have already tried this and I love it. A blog post will be coming up soon with how it looks! This bottle is adorable too.

So that's all of the products in this month's box. I think this is a lovely box, especially for this time of year. The box itself is bright and summery too.

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

Which products did you receive in this month's GlossyBox and are you happy with them? Will you be signing up if you haven't already? Let me know in the comments below. 

Love to you all

 

Completely free from parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and colours - See more at: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/skincare/shop/radiance-serum-item.html#sthash.UfWlFu1E.dpuf

A wonder serum that will leave your skin feeling fresh and bright - See more at: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/skincare/shop/radiance-serum-item.html#sthash.UfWlFu1E.dpuf

A wonder serum that will leave your skin feeling fresh and bright - See more at: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/skincare/shop/radiance-serum-item.html#sthash.UfWlFu1E.dpuf

A wonder serum that will leave your skin feeling fresh and bright - See more at: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/skincare/shop/radiance-serum-item.html#sthash.UfWlFu1E.dpuf

A wonder serum that will leave your skin feeling fresh and bright - See more at: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/skincare/shop/radiance-serum-item.html#sthash.UfWlFu1E.dpuf

June 2013 GlossyBox: Summer Looks

Helllllooooo and Happy Sunday. Are you having a relaxing one or out and about? I went out for a lovely meal and drinks last night. I started with spinach and feta filo pastry parcels followed by a posh spag bol, yum :)

Today I have my GlossyBox products to show you that came in my Summer Looks box this month. So here are the products ........

Top Left: Monu Professional Skincare Hydrating Moisturiser SPF 15, £29.95 for 50ml

• prevent sun damage and premature ageing
• blurs imperfections and corrects skin tone
• paraben free formulation

After cleansing and toning apply to face and neck using gentle upward movements, either use as your moisturiser or apply over the top of your existing moisturiser. Can be applied throughout the day to maintain optimum protection.

This feels like a cold cream that is quite refreshing. It has a very soft scent which is pleasant.

Top Centre: Figs & Rouge Coco Rose Lip Balm, £4.95 for 12.5ml

Shimmering Blush Pink Tint for a touch of Glamour. Replenishing & Long Lasting with delicious moisture protection.

• 100% Natural Ingredients
• Petroleum Free
• Paraben Free
• Mineral Oil Free

This is a really pretty soft pink lip shade with silver glitter shimmers. I think this will be really nice for the spring/summer season. I don't usually like most rose scents, but because it is coco rose it's actually quite nice. I think this would be really great if used on the eyes too. 

Top Right: MeMeMe Cosmetics Long Lasting Nail Gloss Wild (82), £5.00 for 12ml

Features maxi-brush technology to guarantee a seamless and professional one-stroke application and a glossy finish.

Apply over a base coat and finish with a high shine top coat.

I have added the website in the link above and although I can not find this actual shade on there I have seen this range sold in Superdrug if you want to look for it there. I think this colour is gorgeous. A lovely deep purple shade. 

Bottom: Helen E Cosmetics Eye Pencil With Smudger Black, £8.00 for 1.2g

• 15 luxurious colours to choose from
• Long wearing and waterproof
• Non-dragging formula with professional smudger

Use as a regular kohl liner or blend with the smudger.

This is actually a really nice looking deep black kohl liner that glides on smoothly when swatching. I am looking forward to trying this.

Organic Surge Colour Protect Conditioner For Colour-Treated Hair, £5.99 for 200ml

• Natural and organic conditioner
• Untouched by harsh chemicals
• 100% silicone free detangling and conditioning
• Lychee extract works to prolong colour radiance and improve manageability
• Prevents colour fade, protects from heat styling and environmental damage
• Intense natural moisturisers help revive, smooth and gloss the hair
• Animal-friendly, suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Use after Colour Protect Shampoo. Massage Colour Protect Conditioner through the lengths of your hair then rinse well. Avoid contact with eyes.

This has a nice fruity scent to it.

I am really happy with this box. I feel like I will make good use of this one. 

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

Which products did you receive in your GlossyBox this month and are you pleased so far? If you have already tried these products what do you like/dislike about them? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Pearl Lowe Spring Fever GlossyBox

Hi there lovelies. I hope you are all fine and dandy on this gorgeous spring day. Today I have the contents of my April GlossyBox to share with you so here I go ........

The box itself is in a floral vintage inspired style. Absolutely gorgeous and so feminine. It was designed by Pearl Lowe so all credit to her.

Top Left: Sun Sense Daily Face SPF 50+, £18.50 for 75g

Sunscreen ideal for all year round protection –  use it every day on the face and neck.

• SPF 50+, UVA and UVB broad spectrum, facial sunscreen
• This light, soft cream has an oil-free base and is tinted for a sheer matt finish
• Helps protect against premature ageing from sun exposure
• Oil-free base – ideal for combination and oily skin

Anything to protect my skin from the harmful rays is worth a go.

Top Centre: Yves Rocher France So Elixir Purple Yves Rocher Eau de Parfum, Usually £44.00 for 50ml, but two sizes with one reduced in price

Described as an intoxicating and magnetic fragrance. A unique combination of botanical ingredients: Infusion of tuberose, essential oils of vetiver, bergamot, patchouli and benzoin extract to create an incredibly feminine, floral-woody elixir.

Spray onto pulse points.

I am sure this would be a wearable scent for a lot of people, but it's not really to my taste unfortunately. It feels a little too old for me. A little too vintage. I do think you could wear this day to night though.

Top Right: Nip + Fab Dry Skin Fix Body Butter in Mango Smoothie, Currently £4.95 for 200ml, Usually £9.95

This rich, whipped body butter repairs dry + dehydrated skin with 24 hour moisture-boosting ingredient Aquaxyl which has been shown to improve the skin's water reserves. Subtly invigorates the skin with the fresh, fruity scent of mango!

Apply to clean, towel dried skin after showering or bathing.

This cream feels really nice and smells more like a creamy mango rather than the really obviously fruity scent that I was expecting. I like the subtlety of it. This also comes in scents of Pistachio Sundae and Coconut Latte.

Bottom Left: Sleek MakeUp Blush in Pixie Pink, £4.49 for 8g 

Highly pigmented blushers to brighten and define cheekbones, available in 10 shades. These silky-fine and long lasting blushers create a subtle and radiant glow and suit all skin tones.

Apply using a small powder/blusher brush by swirling the brush over the surface of the blusher. Tap off excess and apply onto the apples of the cheeks to emphasise your cheeks and your smile.

There is definitely a great range of shades and I would say there are at least a few shades to suit all skin tones. 

This cool toned blush is very spring/summer. This will definitely make the cheeks pop if built up heavily like this swatch. It can be dusted on lighter however for a subtle pinch of colour to the cheeks. This is the middle ground between an English rose and a barbie shade as it can be worn to determine both.

Bottom Right: Essie Nail Lacquer She's Pampered, £7.99 for 13.5ml at Superdrug, Boots and other stockists.

To the victor go the spoils. Work hard and treat yourself like a VIP with outrageously luxurious scarlet.

Superdrug say this is from the winter collection so I am unsure why it is in this box, but I love the colour anyway. A gorgeous rose scarlet that I would wear at any time of year.

So that's everything folks. I am really pleased with this month's box. I am not too keen on the perfume, but one out of five ain't bad. The box itself is a keeper too. I love that GlossyBox have themed boxes and hope that they continue to do so.

For more information on GlossyBox UK check this link and for GlossyBox US check here.

What products did you receive in your Glossybox this month? Are you pleased with the products? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm

Hey it's me again sweetie pies. I have a skincare/make-up product to talk about today that many people have tried and tested, but I thought I would give my opinion too.

I received my Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm in my November GlossyBox where you can find full information on this product along with my first impressions. I wasn't too sure about this when I initially tried it out. It felt different from the Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream that I had previously tested, Link. I like that it's SPF25 as all skin protection is good and goes towards anti-ageing. This has a very thin formula which I suppose is to be expected as it's water based. It felt like this was giving something back to my skin, like a little drink if you will. This product is also oil-free. I would say this is a lighter coverage BB than the Ginvera as more of my natural skin poked through. On a general note I prefer more coverage than that, but it is buildable and can create a nice base with a little work. I applied this with my fingers, massaging it around the contours of my face. I applied about two layers all over my face and neck, then more to more reddened, blemished areas. This product comes in one shade so it may not suit everyone. I do like this BB, but to get the coverage I want it takes a little more time than other products. It does have a nice brightening, dewy effect though so it's worth it if you have the time.

You can find this product at Boots for £18.00 for 50ml or Sephora for $34.00 for 1.7oz.

You can see how this looks on my skin in this FOTN post.

Have you tried this BB? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Do you have any favourite BB's or Dr. Jart+ products I should know about? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Love to you all

June 2012 JolieBox: 1st Birthday Limited Edition Box!

Well Ello my Hunnies. Boy have I missed you and missed blogging too. I hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend. Today is Friday the 13th, but I hope that you all have a wonderful not awful day. In today's post I want to show you the products I received in my June 2012 JolieBox. This box is limited edition to celebrate JolieBox's 1st birthday.

I love this fun and pretty anniversary box. I think it definitely represents the brand well. In this edition of JOLIEMAG contents include the hottest beauty products in France right now, a step-by-step guide to applying a red lip, favourite JolieBox products and much more.

Inside the top and bottom lids of the box.

Just how cute are the little birds helping her paint her nails and apply her make-up.

Left To Right:

Elysambre Natural Lipstick (217201 Glossy Red Brown), £9.03 for the next 11 days, usually £11.29 for 3.5g

I do like this shade of lipstick. It is a berry red shade with a brown undertone. It looks very matte in the tube, but when I swatched it on my hand it felt quite smooth so I think I might like it as I can find matte lipsticks quite drying on my already very dry lips. This matte lipstick contains pearl and gloss which is what I think will hopefully help in keeping my lips moisturised. This has a small pop off lid. The lipstick itself has the typical lipstick scent, but it's not at all unpleasant. This is smaller than most of my lipsticks, but on my information card it states this is full size.

Institut Esthederm UV inCellium Spray, £42.50 for 150ml

This is a spray bottle as titled above. This has a soft, subtle scent like suncream as essentially that's what it is. You can also use this 7 days prior to sun exposure to protect your skin. Good if it works in preparation for a holiday I guess, but it's way expensive. I know it's meant to help prolong the length of your natural tan, but I would not pay this price. I could have done with this last week when I got very sun burnt though. Ironic really, ha ha.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream, £29.00 for 50ml

This is meant to be ideal for dry to normal skin and as mine is so dry hopefully this will work well for me. This feels very smooth and has a very natural, subtle scent. Almost like cucumber. This is a new product.

Yon-Ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Cream Normal to Oily Skin, Price unknown

I'm sorry I can't tell you the price of this product as it doesn't say on my information card or on the Yon-Ka & JolieBox websites. This cream feels nice and has quite a zesty scent. This is not for my skin type, but I didn't fill in my beauty profile as I have had a lot of trouble with payment of my JolieBox's which I will explain later on in this post. I would have liked to try the cream meant for dry skin as a preference. The tube of this cream I have is 50ml which I'm not sure if is full size? I am not sure why I would be sent two face creams in the same box?

JolieBox Nail File, Free

This is a cute little extra that I will use. There are also a few discount codes in this box which is great. 

Now onto the reason I will no longer be purchasing JolieBox's. Every month for the past few month's there has been some sort of problem with paying for my boxes. With my June box JolieBox could not rectify the problem. I received a new bank card a while ago, but once that had been updated on my details that payment went through, but for my June box this was not the case. I updated my GlossyBox bank card details and those boxes have been coming through fine so I have no idea what's going on. I don't really want to open a new bank card simply to pay for my JolieBox's and so this will be my last box. JolieBox very kindly sent me this June box for free due to the inconvenience of having this issue each month and I really appreciate it. I have really enjoyed this year with JolieBox and I hope they have another successful year. Happy 1st Birthday JolieBox! I will miss you :(

For more information on JoileBox please check out this Link.

Which products did you receive in you anniversary box? Are you happy with them? Have you had any payment issues?

Love to you all

NOTD/July GlossyBox

Hey lovelies. I know it's been a while, but I have been off from work with my boyfriend enjoying some quality time together. I hope you are all well? While I have been taking time out I have seen Transformers 3, which I loved and I went to Thorpe Park. Yes I did scream a lot, but I totally loved it. 

So now on to the topic of this post. These are the items that I received in my July GlossyBox:

This is my first Ciate Nail Enamel. I love the cute bow on the bottle. This applied very nice and evenly on my nails, but I found the colour to be quite a dull orange. I would have preferred the lime green colour shown on the GlossyBox website as I have colours similar to all the others.

Here is the colour applied to my nails in Speed Dial (023)

Next I received this Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Involve:

I don't have a lot of experience of using pigments so this will be fun to experiment with, but I must admit that I don't think I will use this mauve shade that much. It is a real shame as I have a few Illamasqua blushers that I bought at London IMATS in January. I use them a lot and adore them, but I just don't think this is a product that I will benefit much from. I would have much preferred the Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Explode if I'm honest. One thing that I must say about this pigment pot is that I found it so hard to open. I had to prise it open with my tweezers. I really think that this pot would benefit from a flip top lid.

Here is a swatch of Involve

I also got this LP Skin Therapy (Lip Rescue Gel). I actually do like this product. I really like the smell of the orange oil in it. It is said to improve the shape and contour of your lips. Now I don't know about that. I personally did not notice any change in that way, but there is a tingling effect that does not sting like some lip plumpers do. It does give you very glossy lips. I would say this is a product to use when you are not using lipstick as the gel is quite tacky. I found it too sticky to apply any lipsticks. I have had much smoother lips since using this, but I wonder if that is because I am not wearing lipstick as often?

This is what the applicator looks like

Another product I found in my GlossyBox is this Ultra Sun (Face 30). I really wish I had applied this when I went to Thorpe Park this week as I got sun burnt on my chest and neck. It's water resistant too so it would have been perfect for the water rides. Oh well too late now. This cream has a nice consistency.

Lastly I got this product. It is the Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil. 

I haven't tried this product yet. To be honest I'm not a massive fan of how body oils feel on the skin, but I will try it. I am a bit put off by the fact that it looks slightly medicinal also. I know oils are meant to be good for the skin so I will give it a go.

Out of the possible products that GlossyBox gave out in the July box these are the five I would have liked:

Ciate Nail Enamel (in the lime green colour), Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Explode, LP Skin Therapy (Lip Rescue Gel), Orla Kiely Eau De Parfum and Xen-Tan (Deep Bronze Luxe). Even though I only received one of my chosen products I am still happy with what I received for £10.

What did you receive in your July GlossyBox? Did you like the products?