January Glossybox

ANGELE Paris

RED NAIL LACQUER

Classic reds are my favourite choice when it comes to nail varnish. This is a bright and brilliant hue, perfect all year round, with a lovely finish. 

Teeez Cosmetics 

OASIS GEM LIPSTICK

This lipstick was a beautiful coral shade. The thing that stood out to me is how well the condition of my lips felt after. It contains coconut oil, which I love.

UNANI 
DERMO DEFENSE FACE MASK

Couldn't stop touching my face after testing this mask. It felt super fresh and clean too. It contains Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, I've researched the benefits of this ingredient and it can supposedly sooth acne flare ups and shrink pores. I have to admit before doing this research I did notice my pores had improved. It works well with sensitive skin types, a lot of masks I use give my face a little sting, this face mask was definitely friendly to my skin.

GLOSSYBOX Eyeshadow 

IN GLOSSY MAUVE

I personally think this is an ideal crease colour and would work brilliantly with a smokey eye. The texture felt lovely too. It has a good depth to it and shines slightly different hues depending on the lighting. Gorgeous. 

Madara 

CELLULAR REPAIR SERUM

This months Glossybox included this full size product worth £38! It contains birch juice which I found interesting. I found an article http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/forget-coconut-water-birch-sap-is-what-clean-living-londoners-are-drinking-in-2015-9977165.html ...according to the director of Madara she says "In Latvia, we drink birch sap a lot in spring as this is our tradition, it provides skin with vitamins and other biologically active substances, such as free amino acids, and valuable sugars to rejuvenate, protect and reduce the signs of aging. Recognised as a pure potent anti-ageing ingredient, it is one of the Nordic women's beauty secrets". 

Here's a link if you want to subscribe to Glossybox http://www.glossybox.co.uk/

Makeover Photoshoot Iggy Azalea

Done a fun Iggy shoot as the subject loves her. For the skin, I applied Estee Lauder Double Wear, which is amazing. It's a liquid foundation with a matte finish and covers flawlessly. I also used the Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer which is one of the best ones I've ever used. I lightly went over the face with the NYX Smooth Skin translucent powder. It's really cheap and doesn't interfere with the colour it just locks in the make up and ensures a matte finish. To contour I used the Sleek contour kit in light. I contoured the cheekbones, sides of the nose and a bit round the sides of the forehead. I used the Rimmel blush in Pink Rose. For the eyebrows I used an angled brush and the shade Faint. 

There isn't too much going on with the eye shadow for Iggy's make up look, it's just mainly eyeliner. I used the Naked Basics palette. I put Venus in the inner corners with a bit of Faint and Crave in the outer corners I done this to create a elongated shape, like Iggy's eyes. I used Rimmel Glam Eyes for the liquid eyeliner, it's a really thin brush so you can apply with more precision. For the eyelashes I use Eyelure Lengthening No116. These are quite thin and natural but long. Iggy doesn't usually wear big falsies and it makes the eyeliner show more. 

For the lips I used BarryM LPS3 in Infinite Pink. 

If you want to see how I edit my pictures, let me know. I may do a post on this soon. For more of my photography and makeover photo shoots check out my website its http://emilyvictoriaphoto.com/ if you want to ask about prices and availability for a shoot email me emily@emilyvictoriaphoto.com

 

Winter Fav's

SNOW FAIRY
Was so glad to receive some more Snow Fairy this Christmas. Smells so goood wish I could eat it and it's all pretty and sparkly. Love it. Going to stock up this Winter so I can use it all year round. Such magical, lovely smelling shower gel. The gift also came with some Pink Fun, which is a good versatile product. You can create bubbles and wash your body and hair with it, it smells lovely and feels like play-doh.

LANOLIPS
I got this Lanolips product in my Glossybox but it's been a lip saver this Winter. My lips cracked open as per this Winter, I used this for about 5 days and they're perfect. I've tried other products but this has been by far the best lip care I have come across. Nearly ran out, will definitely be purchasing some more. The colour of this one is lovely too, this one is in 'Rhubarb'. This product is also against animal testing!

NESCAFE GINGERBREAD LATTE'S

I know it doesn't fit in with the beauty theme but....Nescafe Gingerbread Latte's have been slightly addictive for me this year. I brought 3 boxes to stock up but me and my friends have got through them. I couldn't keep going to Starbucks and Costa every time I wanted a Gingerbread Latte, so I got these not expecting them to be as good...they actually are though. Thought it would be rude not to share.

USPICY 10 PIECE BRUSH SET
I actually got these USpicy brushes from Amazon...like Merry Christmas to me. I didn't expect them to be as good as they are as they were so cheap but thought I would give them a try. I actually find some of them better than my more expensive brushes. I tried contouring my cheekbones with the flat brush and was chuffed with the result. They're soft and application is spot on. If you're just starting your brush collection these just show you don't have to pay out loads. They were presented lovely too, great for a gift.

OPI
LOUVRE ME LOUVRE ME NOT
GOT THE BLUES FOR RED
I have been mainly using these two colours this Winter. I would show you what they look like on my nails but my extensions have just come off and my nails are looking all decrepit, sorry about that. LOUVRE ME LOUVRE ME NOT is a beautiful deep purple shade with a blue shimmer and some fuchsia tones, it's so pretty. GOT THE BLUES FOR RED is a classic dark red, I probably wear this colour the most now.

 

Glossybox, my Thoughts

I have been receiving Glossybox for 3 months now and I have to say I have been pleased with every month and can now give an accurate review. I'll show you the October and November boxes. If you want me to do the December one as soon as I receive it, let me know.

Glossybox has been a lovely treat to receive every month, I like the element of surprise and I get my beauty fix for a great value. It's a great way to try new things, I would really suggest it for bloggers, makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts. I looked into quite a few boxes but liked the overall content of Glossybox the most, then I saw a voucher for 40% off so thought ah may as well. I chose the monthly option which allows you to unsubscribe at any time, just in case I was disappointed. The longer you agree to subscribe the cheaper it is a month.

OCTOBER 

My favourite/most used items from the October box would have to be the Nicka K Airbrush blending sponge and the Lanolips lip ointment.

1 The Lanolips lip ointment in rhubarb is becoming empty rather quickly. I get terribly dry lips this time of year, as well as conditioning the lips the shade and slight glossiness was aesthetically pleasing also.

2 The airbrush blending sponge made blending my foundation very easy, it works well slightly damn, the consistency of my foundation was spot on. I use this most days now.

3  This box included a full size moisturiser called Talika photo hydra day. I sometimes use this as a base for my foundation. It didn't feel greasy, which I hate and it didn't feel heavy either. You can tell it's an expensive item, this moisturiser alone cost £24.85.

4 The Jelly Pong Pong play paint is great as a little can go a long way so you get the benefits of using it on your cheeks and lips and will last ages. You only need to use a tiny amount, it was good for me as I can look a bit washed out and pale during the winter and saves people from telling me I look ill when it's just my face.

5 So Susan haute light highlighting pencil. I liked the peachy tone as it blended well with the skin as opposed to white. I mainly use it on the waterline but it's great for highlighting the brows too.

NOVEMBER

1 The MUA eyeshadow palette has great shades for both day and night. I wasn't feeling optimistic about the quality as it's so cheap but the colours came out well and had good pigmentation. I thought this palette was great and I've already used it loads.

2 Revlon super lustrous lipstick. This lipstick felt and looked gorgeous! This month you got to choose from four shades. I chose the nude as I had an abundance of the other hues, I also like to wear quite dark heavy eye makeup so subtle lipstick shades are appropriate for me.  

3 Emite diamond heart primer. It had a slight peachy tone to it which helped even out my skin tone and I looked so healthy. I looked radiant so how can I not love a bit of that. Very pleased. 

4 It was nice to see some Eyelure lashes in there, I adore eyelure. These are the natural lashes. I don't actually wear big heavy lashes, I love them but they do not suit my eye shape. They are very subtle but better than mascara alone. 

5 The Royal Apothic body lotion contains lactic acid from milk proteins. I use this when I come out the bath, it feels refreshing and I stay hydrated for ages.  

Looking forward to next month 

xxx

Natural Beauty Life Hacks

No1

Coconut oil

I have been so glad to discover this one.

Skin- Coconut oil has now pretty much replaced my moisturisers. I also use it with sugar to make a good scrub. It's also great to use with shaving. It can also be used as an under eye cream.

Hair- It has been said that coconut oil doesn't only condition the hair well but stimulates hair growth too. It can prevent other hair problems such as dandruff.

Make up Remover

Lip Balm

Cuticles

There are so many other benefits, the list just goes on. It's magical stuff.

No 2

Aloe Vera Gel

Moisturises dry skin

Reduces stretchmarks

Helps prevent under eye dark circles

Helps treat inflamed skin

Helps to reduce scarring

Can be applied to sunburn or burnt skin

No 3

Honey

 I've used honey as a skin mask numerous times. I mainly use it on my spots or problem skin areas. 

Manuka honey in particular has caused miracles for my skin.

Natural cleanser
Softens skin
Manuka Honey-Prevents aging and reduces scarring and spots
Moisturiser 

No 4

Rose Water

Can help soften and tone mature skin

Can reduce puffy eyes

Is a great toner

Can help with oily skin types

Natural makeup remover

Prevents skin irritation

Adds a nice glow to skin (I was very impressed)

Can help prevent signs of aging

Mascara My Top 3

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No 1 Loreal Telescopic (extra black)

I have tried a lot of mascaras in my lifetime but I always default back to this one. I get the most comments about how long my eyelashes are wearing this mascara. The style of the wand creates amazing results. The only downside I would say is when it's brand new it can get a bit messy but I'm used to applying it now. I have yet to find a mascara that lengthens my lashes and frames my eyes as well as this one. Love.

No 2  Benefit Roller Lash

This is the best free sample I ever had. I will definitely be purchasing this, the sample ran out quickly. I find this mascara similar to Benefit's 'They're Real' mascara but more lengthening and easier to remove.

No 3 Benefit They're Real Mascara

I found this created the best volume out of all three and I found it neat and very easy to apply. The lashes were all separated nicely. The only downside is it's quite difficult to remove but it lasts so well. I also noticed there is now a special remover for it, which is a bonus.

Sleek i-Devine Palette

                   

I have been on the look out for some good value eye shadow palettes. I tried and tested a few for you all and discovered these little gems. Sleek i-Devine eye shadow palettes had a great range and I had some trouble picking. I chose vintage romance as I adore golds and purples and the oh so special palette for the pink shades.

I only paid £7.99 each for these, there are 12 shades in each. Overall I found the colours were well pigmented and very good value for money.

Oh so special palette shades

BOW, ORGANZA, RIBBON, GIFT BASKET, GLITZ, CELEBRATE, PAMPER, GATEAU, THE MAIL, BOXED, WRAPPED UP, NOIR 

Vintage romance shades

Pretty in Paris, Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes, Lust in LA, Romance in Rome, Propose in Prague, A Vow in Venice, Marry in Monte Carlo, Honeymoon in Hollywood, Bliss in Barcelona, Forever in Florence, Love in London 

Here are some looks I tried out.

Oh so special

For this look I applied Organza on the lid and blended out with Gift basket in the middle to outer edge. In the outer edge I used celebrate, I also used gateau on the lash line.

Vintage romance

I applied Meet in Madrid on the lid and tear duct. Marry in Monte Carlo in the crease, Honeymoon in Hollywood in the outer corners, blended with Forever in Florence to darken the outer corners. 

I used Real Techniques Make-Up Brushes: Your Eyes Enhanced Starter Set to apply these looks. Great set of brushes, has everything you need and great value.