Showing posts with label Cruelty Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cruelty Free. Show all posts

GLOSSYBOX: STEP INTO SPRING


Hiya beauties. I have another post for you sharing my first impressions of the 'Step Into Spring' GlossyBox.



This is an organic peeling milk from Spanish eco-brand Naobay that removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion.

Massage gently with only a little pressure over damp skin.

When I first heard the word peeling I thought this seemed a little scary, but by the sounds of it it's like an exfoliating moisturiser hybrid. I love the earthy packaging.


With a cobra head-shaped wand to create length and dramatic volume for inky black eyes.

Zig zag the mascara from base to tip when applying.

I do love a mascara that can tick all the boxes. I love length, curl, volume and a jet black pigment. The packaging is adorable. This is my first Essence product so I am excited to try it out.


This hydrating duo repairs brittle tresses while replenishing lost nutrients. Hair is left stronger, sleeker and looking twice as thick.

Massage the shampoo into wet hair and rinse. Squeeze out excess water and apply the conditioner. Leave on for 2-3 mins before rinsing.

I have previously used other Dove haircare products and loved them so I am sure these will be a treat.


Free of toxins is this quick drying neon pastel nail lacquer in a light mint cream shade.

After applying a base coat apply two coats of this nail lacquer. Run hands under cold water to dry your manicure.

This is an okay shade, but it doesn't excite me too much. I like the packaging, but the sticker on the bottom has been placed on a bit haphazardly. I do like that it's cruelty free, but I can see more exciting nail lacquers in their range.


A moisturising sheer tint lip balm with superfood ingredients for a lip enhancing effect.

I am still unsure if I like the scent/taste as it has the classic Carmex scent with added sweetness. The product does feel very moisturising on the lips from trying it out today and the colour is actually a really nice glossy berry shade that is somewhere between a tint and a lipstick in pigmentation. It really is lip enhancing making your pout look plumped and kissable.

I am really pleased with this GlossyBox. My only negative is the chosen nail shade.

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



Love to you all



Vicky xx

LOVE EDITION GLOSSYBOX


Hi there beauty lovers. Last night I picked up my Love Edition GlossyBox from the post office which includes a 'Fifty Shades' mineral eyeshadow and a few other make-up treats. Here are my first impressions :)




Designed with 5 blades and a water-activated moisturising serum bar to keep skin hydrated for up to 2 hours after shaving.

Razors are something that I don't usually spend too much money on, but I am going to test this out tonight to see how good it is at giving me a close shave that is hopefully smooth on the skin. I always moisturise after shaving so I see the moisture bar as part of the shaving process only.


A 100% natural highly pigmented mineral loose powder eyeshadow with a creamy texture.

Inspired by the film 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' which I am sure you are all fully aware of this Valentine's weekend Marsk have created this beautiful grey mineral pigment that looks to be very wearable. 

I think it's great for day or night as applied with one layer it gives light smoke of grey with pretty light reflects. For more intensity, especially at night time I think it would look stunning applied with a wet brush.

I hardly ever use eye pigments simply because things can get messy very quickly and I am very clumsy. Not a good combo. This is why I wish brands would create more pigments that come in a tube with a sponge applicator or in a pressed pigment form for ease of use.


A nourishing, moisturising lip tint that Victoria Beckham is rumoured to be a fan of. Tinties come in 4 other shades including berry, kissed, nude and pink.

The scent of this lip tint is very sweet I think due to the trio of oils (argan, grape seed and almond). If you don't like the taste of almonds you won't like this. It's a bit like marzipan. 

It does feel nourishing on the lips and you can tell it's oil based, but it doesn't feel greasy. The pigment is not as high as I had hoped, but it is just a tint so I would use this as a lip butter only not as a lip shade. I have never been a fan of dipping my fingers into pots, but it is a cute design.


A richly pigmented, hydrating lip & cheek pomade that delivers 12 hours of wear without dryness, creasing or smudging. 100% cruelty free. Fragrance free.

The size of this palette for travel is great because it is so compact however the casing does not click shut so it would have to be kept in the box. I wish that a mirror had been included in the top of the lid too.

The two berry shades on the left are quite pigmented and good for noticeable, but not too bold lips. The shades on the right are much more subtle and I would perhaps reserve for the cheeks.

Because of the packaging not being great quality and the fact that the product actually sits in the palette a bit uneven this makes it look a bit cheap.


A conditioning waterproof, smudge proof and tear proof mascara that lengthens, defines and volumises. Push lashes upwards waiting for the mascara to dry to set into shape. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

I love trying out new mascaras and although I usually get smudging under my eyes from applying mascara to my lower lashes I never think to pick up a waterproof one.

A mini pack of love hearts sweets were also included in this Love Edition GlossyBox.

I love the actual design of this month's GlossyBox, but I am not as excited as I first was when I opened it as I wanted the make-up pigments to be more bold. I may not use the make-up much if at all apart from the mascara due to how they need to be applied.

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

Let me know your favourite products from this month's GlossyBox in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX FRESH START MUST-HAVES

Hi everyone I hope you are well. Today I want to share with you my first impressions of this month's 'Fresh Start Must-Haves GlossyBox'.



A long lasting soft, glide on eye pencil that does not snag on the skin. The shade clay suits all eye colours. Can be worn on the upper and lower lash lines and the waterline. Not tested on animals.

This pencil does feel smooth on my hand and the shade appears to be very wearable for all eye colours as it's a mid-toned brown. Not too warm or too cool. A nice alternative to black which can be quite harsh and close up the eyes. I am not sure how well this will work on the waterline for me as I have quite watery eyes and find this type of pencil doesn't usually apply well on my waterline.


A loose powder blush that applies with a soft, plush applicator puff. Comes in six shades.

This product is designed with the puff so that no powder sprinkles all over your handbag due to the puff applicator. The middle band of the pot however does twist off so I am not sure if that would be the case. It has a pop off lid so be sure to hold the band when removing it. The lid comes with a mirror which is cool. This shade Romantic is a dusky pink. Quite soft and English Rose. Great for paler girls, but can be built up for a slightly more intense blush. I am not a big fan so far of the applicator, but then I am not a big fan of loose powder or pigment products usually because they tend to spread everywhere so I can see why the puff is in place. However I find using a brush easier to get the right amount of product to sweep over the skin rather than dabbing a puff on a certain area.


An brightening oil-free lightweight, luminizing gel with pearlescent pigments to highlight the face for a radiant complexion. Dab onto cheekbones and brow bones. Cruelty free.

This is a gorgeously glowy product that will instantly give you healthy, dewy looking skin. This is another product that is not too cool or too warm and I think would work well with many skin tones. It blends into the skin beautifully. It's not ultra glittery like some highlighting products can be, but instead has micro particles that catch the light giving a 'lit from within, youthful effect'. I think this would look great on cheekbones for an awakened look as well as the cupids bow for plumped, fuller looking lips. I would also try it on my lids for an easy day or night look. It may even be nice to mix with foundations that you would like to make more dewy.


A soothing and re-hydrating skin re-balancing toner. Controls shine and softens dry areas.

I think some people don't see the point in using toners or just add them in to their skincare routine because they think they should. This is why I am especially intrigued to try this product to see if I think it makes a difference.


A sweet tasting balm that leaves lips nourished with a subtle sheen.

This does feel very nourishing with a silky balm feel. The scent is berry-tastic. I usually find lip balms to not work instantly or work for a while and once my lips get used to the product not work as well. I will keep using this and see how it goes.

I don't want to spoil a product in next month's box, but it is similar to one in this month's which disappoints me a little. I am not a fan of the spoiler card in each box as I like the fact that each month is a total surprise. It's party of the reason I signed up to GlossyBox.

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

Let me know your thoughts on this month's GlossyBox in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 3

Hi my lovelies. How are you all on this drizzly Sunday? Snug and warm indoors I hope. 

Today I have a photo filled post for you featuring lots of fab fashion and beauty brands. I attended Day 3 of the Bloggers Love Hub at the Kanaloa club on Monday evening. I unfortunately missed Day 2, but you can view my post on Day 1 here! Without anymore rambling here are the fab brands :)


I couldn't help but stand up from my VIB front row seat when I saw these exquisite designs from KOYAWO. They moved beautifully.


COLOUR CHASE COSMETICS are a cruelty free and paraben free cosmetic brand with a very exciting line of matte lipsticks with a creamy, non-drying formula. There is also an ultra rich pigment line which can be used as eye shadows, liner and I suppose just about anything else. The thing that drew me to this brand the most is the variation of shades. There are some real colour pops as well as more muted tones. I have been very luckily gifted with two of their lipstick shades so let me know if you would like a review of those.


GOLD COLLAGEN is a sugar-free liquid beauty supplement that nourishes skin from the inside out targeting the visible signs of ageing. One shot is 20 times more effective than applying a collagen skin cream or taking a collagen pill. As we age skin becomes dull and less elastic. Collagen plays a major part in keeping skin supple, smooth and youthful. Dehydrated skin looks less plumped and vibrant. This is when fine lines and wrinkles start to appear or deepen if already visible. This product claims to reach the dermis deeper layer of the skin producing more collagen and hyaluronic acid to fight against the ageing process. It is recommended to drink 1 bottle each day for at least 4 weeks, but preferably 8 weeks or more for the best results. So for healthy skin, hair and nails will you be trying out this peach and passion fruit flavoured tipple? I have one bottle which I think is worth a shot ;)


SLENDERTONE are a brand that I was happy to see there. With a variety of appliances to tone those parts that need some help firming up they are a popular brand. I have a Slendertone Abs belt of my own and I really do think that when added to a healthy diet I do feel more toned and firm in my abdominal area. I was very kindly offered the opportunity to review a product of my choice and so I chose the Face toner. After I feel I have had enough time to see a difference (12 weeks scientifically proven results) I will post my review so keep an eye out for that!


SNIFFY WIFFY are a skincare brand that aims to take care of your skin and remind you to check yourself. Yep you didn't read that wrong. Sniffy Wiffy have a collection of handmade body products labelled with simple guides for checking your bits and bobs (that's breasts and testes ladies and gents). This way we can all SNIFF out Cancer at the earliest stages. With every purchase a donation is made to charity too. I myself check my breasts every month. So get checking while you get pampering ;) I was gifted with four scents of hand cream which I will of course review for you.


HIFAS DA TERRA are a mushroom based line of products. That sounded a little strange to me at first, but let me tell you that if they have me interested (which I am) and I don't eat mushrooms ever there must be something to them. There are so many mushroom types with a host of benefits for you inside and out and your pets. Yeah I know crazy right. So what types of products does this brand offer? Raw mushrooms and spices for cooking, honey blends and chocolate. Supplements including ones to fight infection, immunity balance and digestion as well as capsules for pets and syrup for children. Plus skincare and a massage range. Phew I think they have it covered for all the family. I have been gifted with some serum samples as well as the facial soap shown above. As I have IBS issues which some of you may know I have been asked to follow up and speak with this brand to discuss which products would be most beneficial for me and I believe review for you.


ZUZKA NATURAL BEAUTY cover skincare for both men and women as well as body care, hair care and 100% pure mineral make-up. The scent of their products are absolutely amazing all handmade from organic herbs, plants and flowers. Free from harsh properties and cruelty free they have advanced skincare for all skin types. Susan Kohutova is a qualified beauty specialist and registered medical herbalist with over 20 years experience as a consultant and therapist. Susan herself previously suffered with extremely sensitive, allergy prone skin and so decided to develop her own range free of the main skin irritants. These therapeutic formula's are designed to nourish and care for your skin while pampering you with their herbal aromas. I truly felt like I could drift to sleep while sniffing away at these products. The formula's felt lovely. I have been gifted with the Organic Precious Oil and Manuka Balm so I will of course review those too :)


BOW BOUTIQUE have a fantastic celebrity inspired on trend fashion and accessory line including bodycon, sexy designs for girls who like clubbing as well as fashion wear for an evening meal or event.


MIFANI are what I like to think of as shoe candy. Choose embellishments to rock your current footwear or purchase Mifani's own custom designs. It's customising made easy for fashionista's who like to change things up.


MATTHEW CALVIN is the designer and producer behind this stylish and contemporary jewellery line. Made from quality hand crafted materials this range with it's clean, simple lines has a very modern edge. If you would like to have a truly unique experience at Matthew Calvin you can take part in the bespoke service which includes engravings, reconditioning or replicating old jewellery, custom designs and full day design and production experiences. I love the purity and sustainability that Matthew Calvin offers. These pieces are meant for keeps!


SUMAYAH DERIA have a line or elegant, modern evening and event wear. There are lovely applique designs as well as sequined pieces in this range which boasts rich jewel tones and more muted shades. The brand tee is a great every day piece that could easily be mixed and matched with a blazer and jeans or a high waisted skirt and blanket scarf for example.

 Hair care and styling brand UMBERTO GIANNINI and CHARCOAL-SPA were also in attendance, but I did not unfortunately get to speak with them. I did meet Charcoal-Spa at BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 1 however if you would like more information about this skincare brand as well as the skincare brand NDULGE who also attended Day 3.

To go forward in time here is Day 4 of the Bloggers Love Hub. I missed Day 2, sorry lovelies.

Let me know your favourite pieces and/or brands from this post in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

HJ MANICURE LUXURY 5 FREE NAIL POLISH

Hey sweets. Happy Sunday to you all. Where did this week go? I have no idea. 

I have recently been sent some nail polishes to try that are free from Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin. Perfect for cruelty free and vegan friendly beauty lovers. HJ MANICURE has been created by model/session manicurist Helen J. 

So what do these products promise? A glossy, professional formula that is fast drying, highly pigmented and long lasting with a smooth application while reinforcing and protecting the natural nail. 

There are 4 collections aptly named HOLIDAY, CLASSIC, HJ SIGNATURE & NUDE. In the core range there are 16 vivid colours as well as 4 new shades and a Dual Top & Base coat.


Left: COCO & Right: MIDNIGHT SKY

Coco is described as a brown/pink shade. I would say it's a brown based nude with a pink undertone. It looks a deeper shade than the camera was picking up here, but not as dark as shown on the HJ website linked above. This is a great everyday shade for any occasion. Very wearable.

Midnight Sky is from the A/W Shimmer Collection. This is the signature navy blue shade at HJ MANICURE. It is a gorgeous deep blue with a fantastic, glossy shimmer.

I applied both of these shades at the same time to alternate nails for an effective contrast of subtle and deep shimmer.

It's advised to apply the Dual Top & Base coat first, followed by two coats of your chosen shade and finally the dual product once again. I did not have this dual HJ product so instead I used my own dual top and base coat.

These are very opaque and pigmented polishes that apply easily with a not too thick brush that covers the nails beds with the perfect amount of product. They both have a lovely finish. The shade Midnight Sky was a lot more glossy because of the shimmer effect. They did dry very quickly with a smooth application. I like the fuss free packaging that looks polished in itself and would sit well on display in any nail polish collection.

My only negative is that they did not last more than 2 days for me before chipping. I can not say if the HJ MANICURE Top & Base coat or another such like product would have kept the polish on for longer, but I have had other polishes last longer using my own dual top & base coat.

Let me know your favourite shades from the HJ MANICURE COLLECTION in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

FAITH IN NATURE POMEGRANATE & ROOIBOS SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Hi everyone. I am back again today with a hair care review from a brand that is new to me FAITH IN NATURE


FAITH IN NATURE POMEGRANATE & ROOIBOS SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Both products are suitable for all hair types with certified organic ingredients, cruelty free and vegan friendly. Pomegranate and Rooibos are natural antioxidants packed with nutrients that are great for cleansing your hair and skin. I chose this shampoo which was also kindly sent to me with a matching conditioner because I like the idea of something cleansing and natural to really nourish my hair and scalp. 

The scent of these products is natural and refreshing, but not in a peppermint zingy kind of way. 

The shampoo I applied to wet hair massaging it in to remove product build up and applied again to clean my scalp followed by rinsing. I always do this two step process to ensure my hair and scalp are clean and free from product. I then applied the conditioner from mid lengths to ends, leaving it on for a few minutes while I exfoliate, wash, shave or whatever in the shower for a deeper treatment followed my rinsing.

I found this shampoo to be quite strengthening and thickening. It adds density to the hair strands which suprised me as when washing my hair felt so squeaky clean I thought it would end up perhaps flatter without product. The conditioner worked well as a partner to the shampoo.

I would recommend the shampoo to those who want a thickening, cleansing and strengthening shampoo. The conditioner is nice if you want a matching set perhaps for scent, but I would say it's not as essential as the shampoo.

These products are very affordable in these 400ml sizes I have, but they are also available in massive 5 litre options.

I found it very difficult choosing which product I wanted to try from the shampoo range as there are so many fantastic options for different hair types.

As well as hair care FAITH IN NATURE also have lots of products for body care, skin care, baby care, home care and gifts.

Have you tried products from FAITH IN NATURE? Let me know your favourites or which ones you want to try in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: STARS AND STRIPES

Hi beauties and Happy Sunday. How amazing has the weather been? A little erratic I know, but then in the UK that's normal. Today I have my first impressions of this month's American themed 'Stars and Stripes' GlossyBox for you.




This cult American favourite is formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments and antioxidants, providing moisturising long lasting colour and protection against the sun.

I have the shade Ruby shown in the swatch above. This to me is a real American girl shade. This blue based red is stunning and highly pigmented. It feels very smooth and glided onto my hand beautifully. It appears to be quite moisturising in texture and I think this shade in particular will last quite well, but I of course will need to test this out when I wear it. The quilted packaging design of the lipstick tube really appeals to me. There are 5 other shades within this range which I would love to try.


An oil and fragrance free lightweight, moisturising formula to even out the skin tone, reducing redness and brightening the eyes while keeping eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.

Apply this creamy formula with the doe foot applicator to the lids and blend with fingers.

It looks very similar to the E.L.F. eyelid primer. It has a skin tone shade that blends away sheer. I am looking forward to seeing how well my eye shadows last when using this product.


Loved by celebrities and make-up artists this staple product is designed to soothe, relieve and moisturise dry, chapped lips.

I have tried this on my lips today. The balm does feel very nourishing and softening. There is a slight tingling from the menthol, but it is not uncomfortable on the lips. I am not overly keen on the scent as I don't really enjoy beeswax products. I don't really like dipping my fingers into products like this either, but I will use it anyway as it does appear on my first application to have a nourishing formula. These are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in the link above.


This is a non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish.

The shade Glossy Seal that I have has been especially formulated for the July GlossyBox so I don't think you will be able to get your hands on it, sorry. However there are some really gorgeous shades within the collection, including some fantastic duo chromes so check out the link above. I have not tried this brand of nail polish before so I hope it applies well and lasts well too.


This is a lightweight daily moisturiser that offers sun protection as well as revitalising, brightening and age-defying benefits. For normal, mature, blemish, oily and combination skin types. Apply to a cleansed face and neck.

This has a seal on it so I won't open it yet. This is another new brand to me so I will let you know how I find this product to work on my skin.

The stand out product for me in this box so far is the lipstick. It's such an impact shade that will instantly make you look like you have put a lot of effort into your make-up whether you have or not.

What were your favourite GlossyBox products this month? Let me know your thoughts on these products if you have used them before also in the comments below.

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



Love to you all



Vicky xx

Festive Treasures GlossyBox & NOTD

Hi there sweeties. Xmas is just over a week away and I still have so much to do, but one thing that always relieves any stress is the arrival of my GlossyBox :) This months box is a fab one so let me show you the products.


Loving the Xmas theme!



A natural mineral formula free from harsh chemicals and rich in jojoba oil. Non sticky, long lasting and tastes great. Cruelty free and BUAV approved. Suitable for vegetarians. 

My thoughts:


This is obviously a very natural lip gloss. It doesn't feel sticky at all. It's texture feels quite creamy and nourishing actually. I am not sure how long it will last on the lips as I have only just applied it. I wouldn't say it tastes good or bad. I think this shade is so neutral that it will suit all skin tones and could be worn over any lipstick due to it's milky, nude glossy shade.


A cream gel formula that is fade and crease resistant. Long lasting vibrant and shimmery shades.

My thoughts:


I have always wanted to try one of these Maybelline Color Tattoos, but for some reason never actually picked one up. This shade looks fantastic and I can't wait to try it out. I think it will look superb when paired with the lip gloss above too. Now that this swatch has dried on my hand I have to say that this shadow is pretty resistant to budging. I had to really rub it with my finger to see the tiniest specs flake from it, but lets face it who is going to rub over their eyes so harshly. I will store this upside down to stop it drying out as quickly. A good tip for cream and gel eye formulas!


A 3 in 1 razor that lathers, moisturises and shaves. 100% natural aloe and enriched vitamin E to moisturise. The packaging is natural too. Pivoting head design to smooth around body contours. Indicator lets you know when to replace blades. Fragrance free.

Wet the conditioning solid to activate. Keep skin and razor wet as you shave and press gently.

My thoughts:

I find the thought of shaving without applying a gel or cream first a little weird, but I am happy to try this as it saves the need for another product.


One coat coverage with a satin smooth finish that dries quickly.

Apply a base coat, apply one or two coats of the Seche Nail Lacquer and a top coat.

My thoughts:


Here I have applied a base coat, two coats of the Seche Nail Lacquer, my E.L.F. nail polish in Twinkle and my nail drying spray. Here is a link to this Seche shade on the Seche website so that you can see the colour better. I applied this on Saturday and it lasted until Monday when I did 4 hours of housework. It probably would have lasted better with the Seche Dry Fast Top Coat, but cleaning the house always chips my nails no matter what I use.


This full size Eau de toilette comes in a heart shaped, black jewelled bottle.

The scent combines fruity honey and sweet top notes, the heart notes complement with Orchid, Jasmine and Peony and the base notes are deep with Amarylis and black incense.

My thoughts:

This is my first Lipsy fragrance. I do like the bottle design, but I do not have a bottle to show you so you will have to look in the link above. It looks so much like the design of the Diesel Loverdose Tattoo fragrance. I am not sure who brought theirs out first though. Although both fragrances contain jasmine the other ingredients seem to be different. I do like this scent. It's a little deeper than other Edt I have tried which I like as I prefer a stronger scent. I can smell the fruity honey, but it does have a sensual, deep base.

So far I have been very impressed by this box. For more information on GlossyBox UK check this link and for the US GlossyBox see this link.

Which products did you receive in your GlossyBox this month and are you happy with them? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all

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