Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Review

So as you may be aware (or not  - or if not I won't be offended), I have been absent from the Blogosphere for a very long time. Long enough for me to be trying out new products without the hassle of writing about them - which in it's own right, has been awesome. The result? Reviews that have a lot of trial and error behind them. Not that my reviews were in no way trialled to begin with, but my writing skills have most certainly become more defined, therefore more reliable when putting across a point. 

My first review back, is one that I have been "umming" and "ahhing" over for quite some time. I wanted to write a review on something I personally deal with every day of my life, and therefore this may help others.

Due to the constant struggle of "womanly-hood",  I have dealt with many spots in my life time - such a grim topic. Shall I continue?

I am fairly unlucky when it comes to that "time of the month", as I suffer from inevitable break outs which take weeks to calm down. I can't remember the last time I didn't have a spot on my face. It's got the point where I am not so much bothered about the spots, but the scarring and dark under-the-skin spots they are leaving behind. 

I did some research, like most women do, and the results were remarkable.

Meet my new best friend. This bottle of gloop is proving to break boundaries; something which I never thought possible. Over the course of a few months, I was seeing changes. My dark spots, mainly around my chin and forehead area, were not as visible and my skin was not producing as many spots - a coincidence? I think not.

Although I feel the front of the bottle can be a bit misleading i.e. "Clinically-Demonstrated to Rapidly Correct Dark Spots and Clarify Skin Tone", I feel the product itself works, just not at the speed I would have liked for the price. 

At £32 (depending on where you purchase it - I got mine from their website), it wasn't the investment I was hoping for, as it has taken me up to one third of the bottle to see an improvement, but at least it works - unlike many other products I have used. Will I be repurchasing again? Well, will I need to? If this bottle can remove my dark spots in 3 months, then I do not see why I should have to, but if it will take me longer, I certainly will. 

Another pro to the cons is that it smells very much like Gin and Tonic. Unless you despise the smell of Gin, I wouldn't complain about slapping this on my face every night. 

So all-in-all this Kiehl's have impressed me with this one. If you are looking for an overnight cure to your dark spots, perhaps walk away from this one, but should you be looking for a new found friendship, this little guy may be it. 

*click the photo to be transferred to the Official Kiehl's Website

Ceri Taylor.

Caudalie Divine Oil‏

Caudalie has been a new brand seen on my shelves (and maybe for some of you too) this year and I've loved their products so far. I have yet to try the Beauty Elixir but I've tried their Eye Make Up Remover and their Cleanser and fell in love with both.
Anyway, this review is about their Caudalie Divine Oil* which can be used on the Face, Body and Hair. I was more inclined to use it on my face and hair because we all know that Fake Tan and Oil does not work, but I did try it on areas that weren't tanned too so that I could give a better review.
The bottle itself is very large (a mere 100ml), very heavy (it's made of class) and has a wooden lid with a spray cap on the top, which is really convenient when you want to apply oil - which is great compared to other oils such as Johnson's Baby Oil, where you have to pour it out instead.
For the price (£25 for 100ml) I think it really does depend how you intend to use it. As a hair oil I think it's totally worth it (read on for more details) but for the body, I'm less inclined to spend £25 on something I feel a moisturiser does just as well. Keep into account that I've used a lot of the oil now and I'm only about 5ml down.
The smell is incredible. It's very musky and fruity but isn't overpowering and made me feel like I was giving myself a pamper.

The product itself, I will talk about in 3 sections - one for hair, face and body.
For the use on hair, I sprayed it all over my hair - even in the roots - and unlike some hair oils, this one didn't dry  and go crispy so I felt like it was always doing something to my hair. I slept in it one night and woke up the next morning with it still conditioning my hair and not just masking it. It didn't leave my hair greasy, but for some people it may be differently as things that work for me, may not work as well for you, but all-in-all it just made my hair feel a lot more conditioned and healthy.
It's easy to wash out and only needed to shampoo once to make it feel clean. I've since used this on the tips of my hair before a shower and before bed for an uplift of moisture.

For the use on the face, I wouldn't recommend putting it all over because this is great for targeting dry patches or areas that don't get greasy easily such as cheeks. I used it just before I went to bed, on my cheeks and forehead and in the morning they weren't super greasy but just really conditioned.

For the use on the body, I sprayed this on my legs when they were super dry and on my arms, and I found I wasn't completely blown away but I found they did have more moisture locked in - they just generally felt a lot more moisturised. I am a Moisturiser kinda gal and haven't used oils before but I think for hot weather it's perfect! I can really see myself using this when I'm on holiday (along with suntan lotion) to create a great, long lasting tan.

All-in-all I just really enjoyed using this product, especially on my hair. I think it's a great was of moisturising the different areas, especially great on the hair and tricky dry patches. I'd definitely keep using this product because I haven't found an oil that does such a varied amount and smells this good. 

Estee Lauder BB Cream

I've been a huge fan of BB Creams for a while now, Garnier being my first one! BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm and was originated in Asia. Because of my problem skin (I have red cheeks ALL THE TIME) I always look for things to make my skin more presentable before putting Foundation on top. I also find BB Creams are almost as good as Primers depending what you pick up. 
Estee Lauder BB Cream is quite thick compared to others and gives a better coverage (which I really love).. It comes in 2 colours but they suit most skin tones but I chose the Light. I found £32 for 30ml was incredibly pricey, even more expensive than Double Wear! I closed my eyes as I bought it and I'll always have the price tag at the back of my mind.
Was it worth the money? I don't think so. I really love the product as it's a great coverage before foundation and as you can see in the above picture my foundation looks as smooth as anything after no top ups for 6 hours. I really like it but I do think it's incredibly overpriced and I would happily convert back to Garnier BB Cream because of the price. For the product, I feel it does a better job than Garnier but for a lot less money, I'd rather use Garnier even if it has a few more flaws. 


Have you tried a BB Cream? Any recommendations? 

REVIEW: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser has been clogging up my blogger feed for some time now, and although I was captivated by what it supposedly did, I didn't actually purchase one until I got absolutely sick of my sensitive skin.
The reviews I have seen have been praising this product to the heavens. It really was supposedly THAT good! And yes, it is a great product if you have sensitive skin.
I normally get very red patch patches on my skin and I saw that many people that used this, actually kept red patches at bay. I also suffer from irritated, sensitive skin so I knew the natural products in it would help.
They did! They definitely did, but I also inherited some awful, awful spots.
I don't normally get spots all over my face, just the odd one here and there, but this product broke me out terribly. It cleaned my skin very well and I loved how you apply it to your make up and then wipe away with the muslin cloth. I kind of thought to myself, ''maybe this is good?''.. Maybe it was pulling all my unwanted, under-the-skin spots, to the surface, but ultimately, I just don't think my skin loved it as much as I did.

I wanted to be able to write a raving review [It's not all bad!] but I got spots. End of. I know this has only happened to a select few so don't dis-guard this product if you think it'll work for you! It's relatively pricey but I got a free sample of Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic which I do really love, so it wasn't ALL bad!
It's very soothing and closes my pores without irritating!
Overall, I do like the range as it's soothed and calmed down my redness but I can't carry on using a product that makes me break out. I've been using it for 3 - 4 weeks now and it's just the same story every day!


What do you think about Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish? Yay or nay?

MAC Lipstick - Speak Louder

This has to be the first Lipstick I've actually brought from MAC that ISN'T a nude. Ok, so I've technically only bought 3 Lipsticks now, and I'm very decisive on what colours I choose. I need to make sure it's a colour I'll actually get a lot of use out of because I find £13.50 is quite pricey for the amount I earn and I can't possibly afford to splash out on a Lipstick I'll only wear once or twice.

I have, however, 'splashed out' on a less nude, more colourful, Lip colour. Say hello to Speak Louder - the name says everything.
I absolutely fell in love with this Lipstick. The colour really suits my colouring and enhances everything! The texture is pretty good.. It doesn't dry out my lips but also doesn't keep them glossy. 
The finish is Cremesheen and I found that this finish lasts a hell of a lot longer than most of my lipsticks but can be slightly drying.
The colour is on the blue side of red (if you get me blud).. So it's a more purple-red-pink than just pink!
The staying power is remarkable. I looked for the famous lip stain on my glass of juice this morning, and there wasn't a single bit of colouring. I also only applied twice while at work and it stayed on my lips perfectly, for a good 7 hours!

I love the colour. It's the reason I bought it. But the other details make this my number one Lippy at the moment. 

Update on NAKED and Champneys

Ok, so after doing reviews on all these products, I started using them again - because let's just say I wasn't too amazed by these items to say the least. These have actually become a part of my daily skincare routine, which is making my face so soft and relatively spot-free!

Naked Skin Bare Faced Cheek Softening Face Wash £4.49 for 200ml*
Originally, I did really like this product - as you will see in my post here. I really enjoyed using this product and have since been using it EVERYDAY. I just wanted to write this up to update you on how I feel about this product and what is does.
I use this every morning and sometimes at night to get rid of any greasiness or make-up that may be balancing on my face. I find this product has really, really improved my redness on my cheeks dramatically and therefore haven't used as much foundation on my face, resulting in better skin - WHO KNEW?
It's not too drying on the skin, and have only had a few breakouts (only one spot at a time) which have disappeared completely within 2 - 3 days. I would really recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin and perhaps people prone to breakouts and blemishes.
I'll definitely be repurchasing as my bottle is nearly out!

Conditioning Cleansing Milk 200ml for £7*I wasn't really at all interested in this cleansing milk because I always prefer 'eye make-up remover' or 'make-up remover' products rather than 'milk' eww. But no, this has been quite a surprise..
I have found that it's very conditioning and can make the face relatively greasy but paired with the right product, it can be fab-u-lous! I pair it with my 3-in-1 Daily Cleanser Spot Control by Neutrogena (which I've mentioned in a few of my videos) because it's quite drying in areas but really does eliminate spots, so this kind of counteracts the greasiness of the Cleansing Milk and works wonders. I wake up with such soft skin that looks effortlessly energised.. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with oily skin - unless you pair it with a drying cleanser or toner. Check out my previous review here.

Naked Skin launched in Superdrug

When I received these products, I must admit, I hadn't really used (or really heard of) Naked products before. This doesn't put me off a brand at all as I feel it has room for a place on my shelf. I can't comment too much on the previous Naked products but the Naked brand has branched out and has launched its first skincare range, Naked Skin into Superdrug stores.

The first thing that caught my eye and pretty much won my heart, was that it's 97% natural - which can only mean one thing for me.. Good skin! Not one of the new products in the range contains sulphates, parabens or petrochemicals - which sound highly unappealing anyway! These products are also vegetarian and vegan friendly so they suit all and are ideal for sensitive skin (as the review will tell you)...

Naked Skin Bare Faced Cheek Softening Face Wash £4.49 for 200ml
Ok, where to start?
This products is amazing. I've used it for over a week now, every night and have seen a dramatic change in my complexion.
I'm always suffering from redness in the cheeks and cleansers always seem to make this worse but this really does cleanse deeply without tingling or reddening.
Before applying onto a damp face, it squeezes out like a gel cleanser but once rubbed onto the face, it creates a foam which cleanses deep into the pores. I would find the next day, my spot appear reduced or completely gone! I actually had a jolly good bum wiggle when all my under-the-skin spots had actually GONE over night! I use this also in the morning to clean away any greasiness from the night before that may have formed.
If you like strong smelling products, this is for you, because by no means is this a non-perfumed smell. It's completely natural, but the 'natural' is a bit too much for my nostrils. It smells like mint and aloe vera but reasonably strong.
I also found it didn't really create any greasy areas but perhaps made my skin quite drying in places but I would highly recommend this product to anyone with sensitive and oily skin.
9/10

Naked Skin Perfect Getaway Cream Cleanser £4.49 for 200ml
I've been using this product when trying to remove makeup at night and find it does a really good job without irritating my skin. It doesn't smell quite as strong as the Face Wash but I feel it doesn't do such a good job. I normally take off most of my makeup with this and then use the face wash after to eliminate any stubborn makeup that won't budge.
Perfect Getaway cleanses and moisturises my face without too much oil being produced after (I find moisturiser brings out all the unwanted oils in my face GRR) and is great for a 2-in-1 as I don't really need a moisturiser after.
My skin has been a lot less spotty and black-head-y (yum) which makes me feel so much more confident.
All-in-all I think this product is great for people with dry and sensitive skin, but the two products together really counteract each other!
7/10

Will I be repurchasing? YES! If I don't find any other cleansers that meet my criteria like these two have, then certainly! My skin looks spotless and oil-free without too much drying. PERFECT!

The new Naked Skin range also includes:

Naked Skin Blinking Lovely Eye Make-up Remover £4.49
Naked Skin Looking Good Soothing Eye Gel £7.49
Up Tone Girl Toner £4.49
Thirst Aid Moisturiser £7.49

Have you heard or tried any of Naked's products before? What can you recommend?

To visit and follow Naked go to NakedBodyCare.com, their facebook page and their twitter page.
Their products can be found nation wide in Superdrug stores, online and on www.kmiclub.com

Champneys Review

I was sent a reasonably big package last week with all these goodies in! I've been having problem finding the right skin care routine for me and as soon as I saw these I hoped they would solve my problem.
Champneys are affordable yet luxury products and I had such positive feedback on my other Champneys products last time, so couldn't wait to try these out!

Illuminating Beauty Balm 30ml for £12 *

Anything with the word 'Illuminating' in automatically attracts my attention so this, I thought, would be a great product to try out. Although I did not see any dramatic affects at first, my skin had started to look more radiant over a week or so, but I more or less used this as a moisturiser.
The actual cream itself has a pearly-look to it and little product is needed to fully cover the face. It doesn't feel that luxurious on my skin, which is slightly off putting, but I have noticed my grey-ish looking skin has been developing a more brighter complexion. 
I wouldn't go as far to say that this product is worth £12 as I didn't feel nor entirely see my skin appearing a whole lot better.

4/10

Collagen Intense Repair Serum 30ml for £15*

This product has been by far my best 'night time' product. I normally use a normal moisturiser or night cream before bed (so I don't have dry skin in the morning) and this has been working wonders. I'm not entirely sure if it's causing breakouts just yet (because I've been using lots of NEW products lately and I seem to have horrid under-the-skin spots).. But this has been keeping my skin SO moisturised and smooth without any greasiness. I've also been trying to cope with horrid dry patches on my neck and face and a dab of this sees it off in a few days.

This also claims to brighten skin, which I can feel in my skin (if that makes sense) but doesn't necessarily show.

For a good application and softer skin this product is a go-to for me.

7/10

Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil 75ml for £10*

This is probably my least used Champneys products, purely because I don't tend to use body oils in the winter, although I think I should. I like to use body oils because I find these lock in a lot more moisture than the regular moisturiser from boots but I just can't bear to have oil underneath layers of jumpers etc. The other downfall to this product is that it's shimmering. I don't have a problem with shimmering products because I believe these actually compliment the skin a lot more, but the fact it transfers every so slightly to my clothing is a put off. By all means, I think I'll be lathering this on in the summer, but for now, it's a no-no.
The orange shimmering oil applies very well (once shaken effectively) and looks very much like instant tan, but more natural and sun kissed.
For now, I'll be saying no no no.. But in the summer, I don't see why not!
7/10

Conditioning Cleansing Milk 200ml for £7*

I was slightly worried when I saw this product was for normal to dry skin, as I am neither. Yes, I can have the odd dry patches of skin, but this does not label me as a sufferer of dry skin. Quite the opposite infact. I was, however, right. It isn't the product for me at all.. It was so moisturising and gave me gloriously smooth skin, but after a few hours I started leaking oil. Not pretty.
For any dry skin sufferers, this product may be just for you.

I applied this with a cotton wool pad and removed my makeup with it and then washed the rest off with warm water. It look my makeup off like a dream but the after effects left me greasy.
Taking into account how this gave me such supple skin, I would recommend this to normal to dry skin sufferers and to definitely stay away from if you are prone to greasy areas.

5/10

Citrus Blush Shower Gel 200ml (unknown price)*

I received this shower gel on its own but I think it's normally partnered with the Citrus Blush Body Lotion or the Exfoliating Kit from the Citrus Blush Range.

I really love this product because of the smell and the regal feel of it standing there in my shower. I've never really been a lover of shower gels for the way they make my skin feel, but mostly for the smell. Luckily this product smells divine, otherwise I wouldn't rate it so highly.

Although it's relatively hard to push the product out of the tube, it's no biggy. I'm so glad it's lasting as long as it is, because it's making my bathroom smell of oranges, but a little bit of it goes a long way - which is always a bonus.

7/10

January 2012 GlossyBox

 As many of you have also commented on, this months GlossyBox has taken it's time coming! And I'd really love to be cynical (as it's that time of year) about how it was definitely not worth the wait - but I would be lying. This is by far my favourite box since it's launch. Of course, this being my second one, means I haven't tried out the previous boxes, but I've read enough reviews to have a good idea as to how good each individual box was!

Without further ado, I shall crack on!

CLARINS Extra Firming Day Cream £46 for 50ml

I was overly surprised to see TWO products from Clarins in my GlossyBox! Not just one ladies! As many of you may already have read, I love to use products which have an instant effect (whether it's fake tan or toners) and this product does not disappoint. I felt as if it probably wouldn't work straight away as it says to apply every day (and normally it REALLY means it may not work first time trying but if you persevere, you will see results) but surprisingly my face became incredibly smooth and luxurious in a very short period of time i.e. from my dressing table to my wardrobe. There is a slight tightness to it, but not so it feels as if you've been injected with fat from your arse. This creates a lovely smooth base for makeup application.

It also didn't kick up a fuss with  my sensitive skin!
8/10

CLARINS Extra Firming Night Cream £48 for 50ml

This is very similar to the Day Cream but with slightly more moisture added. You know it's a keeper when you find yourself waking up with THE smoothest skin and no spots have appeared overnight - especially for a night cream which tends to have more oil/moisture in it. My skin felt super smooth after applying this last night and then with the Day Cream on top!
Although slightly more expensive, this night cream ticks the boxes. It's light, it's moisturising, keeps the grease at bay and also tightens up your skin to feel rejuvenated.
8/10


FAB Body Moisturiser £13 for 227g
I must say, I'm definitely a Body Shop Body Butter kinda-gal. I will occasionally purchase the odd randomer (in moisturisers) but will always stray back to Body Shop in the end - purely because I feel they work and they also make me want to eat myself. This, however, is very much a surprise to me. I didn't expect it to work.. At all.. It doesn't smell (only a slight chemical scent which is hardly noticeable), it doesn't scream THIS IS THE ONE.. But somehow, as I was casually feeling my skin earlier, I was like... WOAH. I'm incredibly smooth.. It's not normal for me to be smooth as a tabletop, I've got slight chicken bumps on my arms and can't seem to get rid of them, but this, my friends... works wonders! Only ONE application and I'm seeing a difference! For £13, it made such a difference to my skin and I think I'll be repurchasing the full size!
Shame about the small sample size though!
9/10

MURAD Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy £29 for 30ml
Where to start..
This tiny, tiny sample gave good results. There.
It's slightly tinted in colour, seems slightly water-based and created a good base for makeup. Does it compare to other Primers? Maybe.. I personally didn't feel a difference, apart from easier foundation build-up but my boyfriend (who does stare at my face) told me my skin looked "glowing", I repeat "glowing"..
So .. It may be worth another try! I'll be caking it on so I look like a light bulb when he next sees me.. *bad joke*..
I rate it: 5/10
My boyfriend rates it: "a solid 8/10"

EYEKO Skinny Eyeliner £9.50 - Mine was 'Powder Pink'
I was SOO happy that I received a pink eyeliner.. Ecstatic more like! I'd wanted a reasonably flesh-toned eyeliner for a while, to cover up red eye sockets (how graphic does that sound!) I would have preferred an actual flesh-tone but pink is near enough... I'm still getting to grips with using one, as I don't ever use eyeliner.. But the long metal handle really helped me keep my hand steady..
I'm not entirely convinced that the long handle is actually at all sensible because when it's not going in your handbag, it could be used for a weapon. Not cool... But when at home, it is handle to have the extra length.
I didn't see a dramatic difference in my eye redness, but perhaps I need to apply more.
The waxy consistency is really durable though and easily blendable (not a real word buy hey)!
6/10



Although all these reviews on the products seem overly loved, I can rest assure you that I have by no means overrated these products in my opinion. My skin may work differently than others so what works for me, might not necessarily work for you. If you're subscribed to GlossyBox, I hope you liked your Valentines GlossyBox! I loved mine!

REVIEW: Clinique Redness Solutions Cleansing Kit

For Christmas I received quite a few presents, all of which I have adored and used since, but this one was by FAR my most wanted and most loved! This is another small rant about my skin condition, but I've had inflamed skin ever since I was a small girl and have pretty much had it my whole life. I'm starting to accept that I may always have it, but I'm grateful there are so many products aimed at my condition now. I've been told redness is caused by Alcohol, stress and/or hot, spicy foods... All of which I don't have/eat/drink.. I know it's to do with the sensitivity of my skin, so I look for products to help.

The box contains:

- Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser

- Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream

- Clinique Redness Solutions Mild Clarifying Lotion

- Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream

- A cute little leaflet on directions of the product

 Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser

This was originally my first ever purchase from Clinique, and ever since this product (and the really lovely lady who helped me) it's been my favourite brand for Cosmetics since! I've featured this in posts and vlogs before, but never with any other Clinique products. I do, however, now own the Redness Solutions Foundation too, which I love, but use little of. This cream has a very light formula with a green tint (I was told it was the Tea Tree which helps cool the redness) and is a light coverage to put on the face. The instructions say to cover the face in this and then wipe off with a cloth or tissue, but I find it's easier and more effective to squeeze some onto a cotton wool pad and cleans with that.
Advantages

- Leaves my skin feeling cool and cleansed effectively

- Definitely reduces my redness for a while

- Smells fresh and clean (cucumber and tea tree extracts I was told)

- Tightens my face to feel rejuvenated

Disadvantages

- My skin flares up after a few minutes as soon as the cooling wears off

Best for a quick fix and effective cleanser that lasts a long time.

Clinique Redness Solutions Mild Clarifying Lotion

This, I presume, is a toner... I hope it is anyway! I mean, who makes bundles like these and doesn't include a toner. Ok, blonde moment over!
Although I still use this product, I find that it isn't as 'mild' as it says it is. I have very red cheeks and this 'mild' clarifying lotion doesn't do it for me. I have to wait at least an hour or two to see the effects but by then, I would have put my makeup on and done my hair..
Advantages

- Closes any pores I may have had

- Gentle on skin which is sensitive

- No stinging sensations

Disadvantages

- Too strong for MY skin

- Leaves skin slightly tight and dry

Best for skin that is sensitive and slightly greasy

Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream

This product may be my favourite out of the whole bundle. It's conditioning, but soothing as well.. You only need a tiny amount but a little goes a long way with this product. This is my second tub of this stuff and I love it! It's very very mild, but for a cream, it's thick but not too greasy - just right in my opinion.

Advantages

- A little goes a long way (making it last a lot longer than some creams!)

- It's incredibly gentle on the skin

- Can be used as a night cream as well

- Reasonably sized tub with price label

Disadvantages

- May not be so good for people with very greasy faces

Best for sensitive skin types looking for a moisturiser that doesn't leave them with stinging faces



Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream

I have to admit, I'm not really a hand cream kinda gal. Firstly, I don't suffer from dry hands anyway, but secondly, I can't stand having overly moist hands when doing things. So I can't really do a review on this product, because to be honest, I don't use them and haven't used them.



Estee Lauder DW and MAC Blot Powder REVIEW

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Today was the first time that I used this foundation and I think it's fair to say it's my favourite of all time! So many of my friends use this and always have perfect looking skin, but I've never really thought about buying it because I always see other new and up-and-coming foundations I want to try. I've been using Infallible by Loreal and I really do favour it over most foundations, but this one has a thicker and less-greasy coverage, which I wanted.
The application is so trouble-free and glides on so smoothly but the final look is what I love the most. I look like I have flawless skin, but not too matte or too greasy to look fake. I normally suffer from a greasy T-zone and normally have to reapply foundation over these areas but this one has been as non-greasy as anything I've tried before! It's also stayed put all day - which is a first!

I paid £19 for it because I got 20% off through my staff discount, but it normally prices at £26.50 from Debenhams or other stores as such.
I think for £26.50 it's a great deal because when I applied it, I didn't need much product at all to cover my face - and I have really uneven skin tone to prove it's good!

I also bought...

MAC Blot Powder/ Pressed

I've seen loads of reviews on the MAC Powder and how good it is and really wanted to purchase it. I'm using a Collection 2000 at the moment in a similar colour but it isn't translucent enough for me - I can see the powder so much on my skin and I always look like I have severe dry skin!
This one, however, maintains my foundation ALL day (and I mean all day.. I woke up at 7 and went to bed at 12 and it was still there!), it also prevents my greasy T-Zone getting too bad. At times I touched the areas to see if I needed powder, and to much surprise, I didn't, whereas before I'd be re-applying the powder every second.
Both products will be so happy in my makeup draw! They are by far my favourite products at the moment and can see them lasting a long time. If all goes well, I'll be re-purchasing these (but I won't speak to soon, you never know what might happen!)
Anyway, hope you all have a lovely day!

December GLOSSYBOX 2011

Ok, so here it is! My first EVER GlossyBox! I first became interested in GlossyBox when I saw it featured on many blogs I read and Youtube Channels I sub and it pretty much fitted my criteria - wanting to develop my knowledge and broaden the horizon of the brands I know and love.
The first thing I noticed about the GlossyBox as soon as it arrived, was it's size. I hadn't raised expectations on it's size but it just seemed to be a lot smaller than what I thought it was. OH WELL!
I feel I can't comment too much on whether this month's box was 'good' or not but I do like the variations of products here. The actually sizes of them are reasonable as I feel the only thing I probably won't use, is the smallest product.
As to say the least, the box colour is stunning and the wrapping really does make me feel like I'm opening a present early!

The items in this months GlossyBox include:
BIONOVA Eye Wrinkle Treatment


This product was packed in a rather well-sized cardboard packaging but was a slight disappointment when I opened it to find it was actually 10 times smaller then the box but other than that, I have yet to try it out. I do feel, however, even after filling out a questionnaire on the GlossyBox website about my age and products I use, that this product will not come into great use until 30 years have gone by. I will, however, lend this to my mum (in her 50's) and ask for her opinion.


BLINK+GO Eyeshadow and Blush Palette


At the moment I'm going through a phase in which I'm OBSESSED by eyeshadows! And when I saw this eyeshadow palette I did start thinking of new colour ideas. I, for one, am not entirely impressed with bright, pop coloured eyeshadows but can definitely see myself using the yellow and white. The colours themselves are very shimmery and heavily pigmented which is great for the Christmas/winter season. There is also a blush included underneath the palette - which I hadn't even noticed (me, being me)..


CARGO COSMETICS Classic Lip Gloss

The Lip Gloss was actually surprisingly non-sticky, which I appreciate A LOT! I have so many moments where the wind blows my hair into my mouth and it sticks to my sticky Lip Gloss - not pretty. I got the medium shade - the Lip Gloss is actually in my bag at the moment, so therefore my feet won't let me go get it to tell you the colour. For what it's worth, it's a peachy-pink colour which appears translucent on my lips but looks glamorous! The applicator is a LITTLE on the small side (nice pun) but it's not a huge issue! The Lip Gloss is moisturising and non-sticky with a natural colour to add. 


DEBORAH LIPPMANN Mini Nail Varnish in Razzle Dazzle with 'Stripped to Go' Sachet


What can I say? This is a fab colour for Christmas and New Years. As you would have seen, it didn't take me long to try it out, and I found that only 2 coats create a lovely glittery surface. The drying time isn't TOO bad, but I did however have trouble pulling up tights after 10 minutes waiting time. I recommend doing your nails at a computer so finger nails are facing up and not doing labouring work. I actually used the Sachet of Nail Varnish remover too today because I had a smudge incident at college and had to remove the majority of it. The nail varnish remover is shaped to curve around your finger to eliminate the colour and extracts it SOOOO well! I normally have a right hassle taking nail varnish off and end up with cotton wool threads stuck to my nails. THIS however didn't do that. It nourished my nails so I didn't have dry or brittle nails after - THANKYOUUU!
(Please ignore how messy my nail varnish was applied - I was rushing!)


RITUALS Foaming Shower Gel


I haven't used any Rituals products before but cannot wait to try this out. What's funny is that my bathroom has recently undergone a makeover and is colour schemed as Bright Pink and Purple. "Ooo" I hear you say! Yes.. And so I was SO pleased when I realised this would match it - and the hundreds of Bright Pink Shampoos I have! The smell is divine! The notes include Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil which sounds reasonably sophisticated no? I agree! It's a full size bottle at £6.50 and claims to "gently cleanse your skin and leave it silky soft and smooth." Well... I'll have to keep you up to date as I'll be trying this out tomorrow morning!





As my first ever GlossyBox, I'm very pleased with the products I have obtained! I cannot wait to try everything out - including the Eye Wrinkle Treatment (why not!) and perhaps do an 'Up to date December GlossyBox Review'??
Anyway, I found this was a great investment, and can't wait for January's Box!!