GlossyBox April 2014

So this post may be one month out of date, and when i return home tomorrow, I will have my hands on mays Superdrug collaboration, but as the saying goes, better late than never!

Aprils Glossybox was again a let down for me. I don't really feel I need to go into detail on much of this as it is clear to see why. The products in my box were:

1. Beat the blues - Pearl Pink nail varnish
2. Lip Brush - Emite Makeup
3. Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo
4. Sample of Sun Sense Daily Face SPF +50
5. Monu - MonuSpa Warming Ginger Massage and Body Oil

For me, there isn't a single thing hear I would use. Firstly, I am really not a fan of pearl looking nail varnish. I love light pink as a nail colour but HATE the pearl effect. I have never used a lip brush in my life and the brush was 'weak' in the sense of when you applied it, the brush hairs just bent all over the place. Having moderately fine hair, I find myself washing my hair almost everyday, and have never really found a use for dry shampoo as it never does the same as just taking a shower and actually washing it. The sample size of sun sense daily was a bit of a waste as I never see enough sun in this country to actually use anything with SPF in it and lastly, I have never given a massage in my life and I doubt I will be anytime soon. I don't think many people even use oil these days!

So as a whole, this box is a DISASTER! I am looking forward to mays collaboration with superdrug, but without a doubt I did not get my moneys worth and this has sealed the deal with me to try birch box after my subscription ends in june. Did you receive anything better in yours?

Laura x

Met Ball: The Best and The Worst

So its that time of year again... THE MET BALL! Of course it's many girls dream to one day attend but of course the $25,000 ticket price may set the majority of us back. So heres a quick little post about what I thought of the Met Ball. The theme this year was Charles James: Beyond Fashion.

I was really impressed with last years 'Punk' theme so for me, 2014 had a lot to live up to, and to be 100% honest, I don't think it did. I feel the theme should have been more solid, as it was a bit of a mish-mash. I would do top 3 and worse 3 but there are so many people to choose from! So here is my summary of my top 5 and worse 5 dresses!

Worst 5...

• In 5th Place for worst dress is Rita Ora. She did not pull this off one bit and the asemetric arm and leg bandage look is not a good one. 
• In 4th place is Solance Knowles. Two words; Orange and Frumpy.
• Taking third is Shaleene Woodley. Such a beautiful girl but with such an awful dress. I love a bit of shear material but this didn't work for her. 
• Not far in front is Maggie Gyllenhaal with what looks like some aztec bed sheets. She has never been one of my style icons, and unfortunately I don't think she ever will be. 
• Taking first for worst dress is Kate Upton. This decision comes mainly from they fact she is a stunning lady that has fallen flat on her face by wearing a dress that makes her look a little like a russian wench. I had such high expectations for her and this did not work one bit!     
• 
  

Now for the better half! It was a tough choice but here are my top 5 of the night:

• Although I didn't really seem to see the relationship to the theme (not that I did with many), Rosie Huntington-Whitely slips into 5th; the way her hair has been done really compliments the dress that shows off her amazing legs! It's a killer style dress.
• Close 4th is Victoria Beckham. She really seemed to understand Anna Wintour's theme and the simple elegance won all round. Of course it does help having Mr. Beckham on your arm but even without him, she would have looked stunning. 
• A surprisingly upcoming Kendall Jenner stole the night in a Topshop dress that suited her figure like a glove. Kendall seems to have real aspirations in the modelling world which I admire, and she seems to be going the right way about it. I think her hair could have been slightly bigger or styled different but the necklace was a win and the colour of the dress didn't dull her down.
• I am not a taylor swift fan at all but I have to admit she has style. The back of this dress is incredible and she pulls it off. Not sure about the red lipstick but her hair is perfect.
• The dress of the night goes to Emmy Rossum! She pulled this off in a way I can't imagine anyone else being able to. I don't like yellow a lot but she makes it work and she is simply stunning in this outfit! 

Just some side notes, Kim Kardashian looked a hundred times better than the granny curtains she wore last year, and a let down for me was Emma Stone. She had an amazing outfit but she went way too far on the make-up, she's caked! Cara Delevigne looked more like she was going for a night out to a bar rather than to a ball and Beyonce did not wow me in the slightest, in fact her dress was one of my least favourites. I feel she's trying too hard to be something shes not. Rachel McAdams would have been in my top 10 had I made one, she wore such a simple dress but pulled it off impeccably. Lupita's dress was insane and she was close to being on my worse list however I do commend her for pushing the boat. Lastly, Adriana Lima dissapointed me a little, but she still pulled it off and Lily Aldridge look great although a little on the stick thin side.

All of these are solely my views, but I would LOVE  to hear your best and worst!

Laura x

(Credit to ELLE for the pictures)

Michael Kors - Sexy Amber Perfume

When you visit duty free, the most common thing people do is smell every single perfume there until you can't distinguish the difference between two because you've smelt too many. I happen to do this recently, and I ended up buying Michael Kors Sexy Amber. It is one of three of its kind, all in similar bottles, just slightly different colours and smells, the other two being Sporty Citrus and Jasmine. Unfortunately, they didn't have a tester out for Jasmine, but it is one of my favourite smells, so had I been able to test it, I may have opted for that one instead.

I really feel like this one stood out from the others when testing, and having spent over half an hour smelling the whole of duty free, I decided that I would buy Sexy Amber. It is listed to included sandalwood, white florals and mandarin. I'm on par with the name, I don't love it nor hate it, but I do feel it leans towards tacky. The spray mechanism itself was very basic, which was good because it made it nice and simple. The bottle to me looks very sophisticated and elegant. The first thing I would say about the scent,
is that the perfume smells a lot weaker on the tester stick to when you spray straight from the bottle onto yourself. I was a little shocked when I opened up my new bottle and felt it was 10 times stronger than I had previously thought. I had the option of a 100ml or a 50ml. It wasn't too much more for the 100ml, but this is where I went wrong.

I should have brought the 50ml to try it first, instead I now have a bottle of perfume with an overpowering scent. I don't feel like I'm ever going to run out of it as you only need two sprays at the most. I went from really liking the perfume to, as similar with the name, being on par with the smell. It is very different when you have the bottle to yourself. I can't say I love this as what I thought I was buying was very different to what I got. But unless you try new perfumes, you'll never find a new scent. Have you tried it?

Laura x

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to London for 2014!

I for one am very excited that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is heading for London! Despite there only being 6 stores across the UK, I know that the brand is very popular here in England alongside their younger store PINK. This will be the first ever time the show has been held outside the US, so of course it is going to cause a divide. Some people will love the idea, others will

loathe it. I hope that there will soon be a UK website for the lingerie line, as when I have previously ordered from them, I've been hit by import tax. Maybe this is the kickstart Victoria's Secret needs to have to increase it's market in the UK. 

As I love reviewing things, I must add, more than 2/3rds of my bras are from Victoria's Secret. (and I have a fair few bras). Some people think I'm crazy for spending more than a normal about of money on a bra but the reason I buy my bras from here is simple, they are comfortable, durable and I feel good in them! Mainly, they do the thing a bra is supposed to do, support your bust. None of my bras have frayed or 'snapped' and I feel great when I wear them!

At the moment, it is due to be held at Earls Court. I wouldn't say this is the most glamourous venue however I'm sure their set designers can live up to the challenge! Of course it's every 19 year old's dream to attend, having watched as many shows broadcasted as I can find! Not much else has been said regarding the show however Adriana Lima made the announcement, as well as Lily Aldridge posting on Instagram, hinting they will both be there! Another big question to ask... who will wear the fantasy bra?!

I cannot wait for all of this to happen, I think it's a great way to increase sales internationally and increase their market and shake the system up. Is anyone else as excited as I am?!

Laura x

Sorry for lack of posting!

Just a little message to say sorry for the lack of blogging, I've been tremendously busy at the moment but I promise to do a wave of posts soon!

Laura xx

So I thought I would diverge slightly from the makeup section of my blog and look at the fashion side a little more. It's official, we have hit spring! The weather has been really lovely recently which got me thinking; what must my wardrobe must contain in order to have a fashionable spring?

1.) So the first one on my list are a pair of shoes, more like boots. These have been around for a while now after they debuted in a few fashion shows last year. I think that these have become a real hit, and spring is the time for these little ones to shine. They seem quite chunky but they sure do make a statement. I really love these little gems!

2.) Secondly is a purchase I have already made. A basic t-shirt with black horizontal lines, one that gives a sort of sailor feel to it. I got mine from Zara. I think its so easy to dress up or dress down. This is a shirt that won't go out of style anytime soon.

3.) I finally managed to get myself a good pair of jeans. To most people this doesn't seem like hard thing to do, but I have always struggled with the fitting of jeans. I brought the Leigh style from Topshop and they incredibly soft! They are the perfect length for my legs and spring is a time where it's not warm enough for shorts but you also don't need to wear thermals underneath, hence why a good pair of jeans are essential for any spring time.

4.) Next up is a boyfriend fit shirt. These are definitely on trend for this spring. Not too baggy that you look like your drowning in it but not tight that it doesn't give the boyfriend shirt look. These are everywhere at the moment and it's definitely an item that needs looking into.

5.) Lastly, accessories! I have quite a few here, and firstly, drumroll.... Pastel Nail Varnish! This is a pretty obvious one but pastels are in right now, and if you aren't up for wearing pastel coloured clothing then simple nail varnish is the way forward. 

6.) Handbags, this is also a place to put pastel to use. I recently saw a lovely pastel blue bag on Asos and I'm currently counting my penny's towards it. Again, if you aren't keen on pastels, a plain white bag is also an option. You can't go wrong with a classic black bag either, but remember, spring is associated with bright and developing colours, and it could be a bit too dark. 

7.) Jewellery! Statement jewellery is on trend right now, however I am much more of a simplistic person when it comes to it. My solution is to wear several simple bracelets, a watch and a plain necklace as well as a simple ring or two, to give the same effect but it is slightly less forward. If you are comfortable wearing chunky jewellery, then go for it!

These are a few of my trends for spring. Do you agree or disagree? Would you add anything? I want to know you Spring items that are a must! 

Laura xxx

Spring Beauty Tag

So the lovely beautypie.co.uk tagged me in her Spring Beauty Tag post, and so of course I'd love to answer her questions!

Here they are...

1. Do you change up your makeup when Spring arrives? If so, how?

I always wear quite minimal make-up anyway but in spring, I lovely keeping things simplistic, not too overwhelming. I feel like summer and winter are the times to make your statement and spring and autumn are the more low key times. At the moment, I am trying to find a good nude lipstick!

2. What's your favourite Spring fragrance?

I would say Miss Dior Eau De Toilette as it is quite florally for spring but a friend recently introduced me to Paco Rabanne, Lady Million and I am in love! I am a Dior fan but it is one that I always use. 

3. What's going to be your favourite accessory this Spring?

I recently got a necklace off of Etsy with my name on a gold chain, so for jewellery, this would be it. However I need to invest in a good handbag too!

4. What's going to be your most worn item of clothing this Spring?

It would be between a pair of boots I have from Aldo, they are plain ankle black with a very small heel or my dress from Mango, its black with sheer long sleeves. If you type in Mango Miranda Kerr into google images, its the first picture that comes up for me. (theres some building in the background)

5. What are your Top 3 favourite Spring nail polishes?

My first is actually a top coat. If you have a clear nail varnish, put seventeen Nail Xtras Glitter Top Coat over it. It makes such a lovely shimmer! I also love Models Own Fruit Pastel Nail Varnish, in Blueberry Muffin. They are scented so they smell lovely! Lastly, any of the Sally Hansen nail varnishes, they are all incredible!

6. Do you prefer pumps or sandals in Spring?

Definitely pumps. I am a pumps person all the way! I do love sandals but more in summer, you have to have the right outfit, and normally summer clothes go better with sandals.

7. What's your favourite Spring jacket?

I have a very outdated black coat from H&M with a fur hood. My brother recently brought me a lovely navy jacket from Massimo Dutti though, and I am in love with it! 

(I would like to add an eighth question of my own!)

8. What brand is best representing your spring style?

This would be a toss up between Zara and a small company called Ark. For me, they have both nailed this spring vibe!

Thank you to Zoe for tagging me, it's really lovely to see what everyone things are the essentials for spring!

My tags are:

Daisy daisydaisyxxo.blogspot.co.uk

April beautifaceblog.com

Laura lifeandlipstick.co.uk

Katie katiesworld-ofbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks for reading, anyone can respond to this by answering the questions that I have, I'd love to hear all your views!

Laura 

xxx

Lush Sexbomb Review

This bath bomb was the one that really took my eye as I walked into the shop. I decided to treat myself and really couldn't decide which other one to get, and the lady said to me, 'get the green one, they're not making them anymore'. So I am excited to review the green bath bomb tomorrow, as it seems like a last chance to do so.

It has been a while since I've used a bath bomb, so I was so excited to finally get to use it! The smell from the bag was amazing so when I took it out of the paper lush bag, I was even more impressed with it already. I ran my bath, with no other bath products, just water. I dropped the bath bomb in and within seconds it started to fizz and an amazing aroma filled my bathroom.

It sounds very over the top, but honestly, it was such a relaxing feeling. The nice thing was that it made my bath turn a lovely pink afterwards. This bath bomb cost £3.25. I really liked how it was presented with a flower shape in the top. The flower never fully dissolved. I can't think of any negatives, apart from when I emptied my bath it was covered in pink grains, so I had to spend a bit of time cleaning that, but I guess that would happen with any bath bomb. It was a very good size for the price, I felt like it was worth every single penny. I might set myself a task to try out as many of their bath bombs by the end of the year, and then tell you which is my favourite of the all.


If you haven't got round to using a bath bomb and you would really love to try one, I would suggest you start with this one, or something similar. To be honest, I have always had great products from Lush, so I could say that any product you use would be really lovely! They are worth their money. I would say it is hard to tell the individual smell whilst in the shop as there are so many overwhelming smells in the store that it's hard to tell which is which. In my experience, its always good to ask someone that works there so they can tell you which is worth buying.

Laura xxx

GlossyBox February!

So sorry for the post one after the other, but as mentioned before, I only get to open my boxes when Im home from uni as I don't send them directly there. Luckily I break up next month mid march, so my next review should be on time!

I was so much more impressed with this box! A lot lot lot more impressed. I didn't like the kisses all over the box, I thought it was a bit over the top, but then again, it was the Valentines Day edition. Those of you who have read some of my posts will know I'm a big fan of presentation.

Firstly the chocolate! Lindor was a very cheeky valentines addition to the box. Everyone loves a little bit of Lindor! It would cost £0.79 for one, and they are really lovely!


The Ciate nail varnish is very good quality and I would have rather have gotten a pale shade, but at
least I didnt get a purply colour as I'd never purply pink. I don't have a good red, and this is a really solid colour so I can't really complain as I still really like it. AGAIN, on presentation, I love the little bow! It's really expensive for a nail varnish I think, £9 for the 13.5ml bottle so I am happy to have received this.

The Kajal Master liner wasn't the greatest of quality however I can see how it would be good for the smokey eye look. It is a classic black which is good because Im not a big fan of the coloured eye liner look. Maybelline is a good brand and normally quite reliable so I look forward to testing this one out. It is worth £5.99 for the 13g, average pricing.

I've never been a big fan of the Body Shimmer's but this one seemed pretty nice, and had a good smell. 'Cherry Blossom'. Nice name. It has a sort of pearly effect. I've never heard of Nougat as a brand but I think I will definitely look out for some of their other stuff. It is £14 for 250ml. This was a 100ml bottle so thats worth £5.60.

I was really shocked to have a Toni and Guy product in my box, I didn't expect it. So although I've never really used any sort of hold product, I am definitely excited to try this out as it isn't a product I would pick of the shelf. It has a very good reputation as a brand and it smells lovely too! It's retail price is £7.20 for the 90ml, which is the one I received.


Now surprisingly my favourite product was the Cocktail Kiss Lipgloss. I absolutely love it! It was the first product I picked up as my eye was drawn to it. I put it on and it felt and smelt amazing! This is one I will be replacing when it runs out. This costs only £2.99 for the 12ml.

In total, the worth of this box was £31.57, more thank 3 times what I pay. Very happy, but can the march box live up to this?

GlossyBox January!

I am well aware that it is the second of march, however being at university means that i only get to open my boxes when I come home! So here are two Glossybox posts in a row. When I opened up my first ever Glossybox, I was really impressed with the quality of the box and eager to open it. I loved the tissue paper and ribbon, and I will definitely be using them as storage boxes. I understand that the first box was a back-to-basics box, however I wasn't overwhelmed by it.

I have heard such great things about the company and I think its and amazing idea to send little products that you may not normally buy, which is why I signed up to a 6 month subscription. There wasn't anything inside that made me go wow. My first thing I felt was regret, as I was torn between Glossybox and Birchbox. Maybe after this subscription ends, I could give them ago.

Like I said, I was very impressed with the presentation. Probably my favourite product were the tweezers from 'The Vintage Cosmetic Company'. I loved the floral pattern and the cute plastic packet it came in. Ironically, I've always stolen my mums set so now I finally have my own pair. According to leaflet, they are worth £8. Not a bad bargain considering I pay £9.95 a month.

I've never really bought into the eye patches, so I must give this ago. You can see in the packet that they are well hydrated as you can see the liquid in the packet. I'm glad there are two sets. I am a sufferer of bags under the eyes so maybe this is a silver lining to the box? From other reviews Ive read, they seem to have good feedback. They are worth £6 for a pack of 3. As there were 2, this is work £4 in my box.


Other boxes that I've seen have had the Vaseline moisturiser which I would much rather have had. Mainly because instead I received the Montagne Jeunesse Face masks. If any of you saw my twitter a few weeks ago, my skin didnt respond well to in, and made my eyes sting and caused a lot of pain. So unfortunately I can't used these as they cause some sort of reaction. However I would be more that happy to put them in a giveaway when I do one. This is more of a personal disappointment. They cost £1.09 per mask, and there were two, so thats £2.18.

The Yu-Be Moisturising Cream I don't feel should have been in the box. They are really tiny and are worth £13.50 for 33g. These are 3g tubes so are worth about £1.22 each. There's nothing that gives me the impression that these are better than any other skin cream. I cannot really review this product that well because there really isn't that much to it. Personally I really dislike the smell, its as if its some hospital antiseptic. This is a real no for this product.

Lastly, the Balance Me super toning body wash. It is a quite nice smell but its definitely not my favourite. The presentation of the bottle seems really dull too. The small 50 ml bottle has a retail price of  £10.25 for 250ml, so thats £2.05 for the 50ml.

Overall, the boxes worth adds up to £18.67. Not bad but I wouldn't rush to buy any of these products. What were your views?

Laura xxx