Glossybox November 2014

After a couple of limited edition collaboration, Glossybox are back this November with their usual matte pink design. With beauty boxes it's always nice to have that immediate wow factor, something which they've definitely achieved this month and although there's no theme the products inside are by far my favourite in recent months:
 

Glossybox November 2014

Glossybox November 2014

Glossybox November 2014

There are 3 full sized products this November and going from left to right, there's Umberto Giannini miracle worker frizz treatment, Mono skincare refining capri facial oil, H20+ face oasis hydrating treatment, Lollipops make up eye pencil and Burt's Bees lip shine. Also not shown is a gift card with access code for Best Secret, an invitation only website with discounted designer items.

On opening the box what really wowed me was Burt's Bees lip shine in Pucker. A gorgeous cherry red shade which goes on very sheer, is beautifully moisturising and perfect for adding a hint of colour and moisture during the day. Lollipops eye liner on the other hand is deeply pigmented, creamy in texture and long lasting once applied.

Coming into winter I always find myself focusing more on skincare and Glossybox have got it absolutely spot on with their 2 samples this month - a hydrating face mask and balancing treatment oil. Both products that I'd use anyway and from well known brands that I'd trust to look after my more delicate winter skin. The only product that isn't for me is Umberto Giannini frizz treatment although I'm sure I won't have too much trouble passing it onto a more appreciative friend.

Overall a really lovely selection of beauty treats. We've already been given a sneak preview of Bellapierre cheek and lip stain which will be in next month's box, but seeing as it's Christmas I can't wait to see what else they've got planned!

Glossybox, RRP £10 plus £2.95 P&P, available online here.

Are you a beauty box subscriber? What was your favourite product this month?

5 year anniversary and Leighton Denny giveaway winners

A big thank you to everyone who entered my recent giveaways. Having numbered all the entries, I used random.org to pick both winners. So without further ado, congratulations to Victoria who is the winner of Leighton Denny light & dark perfume and to Natasha who has won my 5 year anniversary giveaway.

5 year anniversary giveaway

Leighton Denny light & dark perfume giveaway

Victoria and Natasha can you please both reply with your full name and address by November 23rd and I'll arrange for your prizes to be posted as soon as possible. Thanks again to everyone for entering and look out for another giveaway coming up soon if you weren't one of the lucky winners this time!

Pinterest desk inspirations

Since moving back to London this summer I've become rather obsessed with homeware and interior design. Living in the same flat as I did when I was a student I've been wanting to update the decor and make it a bit more stylish and homely. One of the first things I did was to invest in a new desk and since then I've been browsing Pinterest non stop for ideas:

source

 source

 source left and right

source left and right

I wanted to invest in a dedicated space for blogging and top of my list was a new desk, which I ended up ordering from Argos. The desk itself is pretty simple but I love that it's got 3 drawers and a mini shelf so plenty of space to keep all my beauty products and electrical equipment.

Looking through Pinterest it's clear that I like the look of white furniture with bright colourful accessories. Not only will it make a pretty background for photos it'll also help to brighten up the room and hopefully inspire some creativity too. I'm now compiling a wishlist of storage ideas, pretty flowers and beautiful prints and I'm sure a trip to Ikea will be on the cards soon. Let me know if you have any recommendations or homeware hauls as I'd love to take a look too! 

What are your favourite Pinterest accounts? Are there any particular stores that you'd recommend for homeware?

Autumn empties (and favourites)

Looking back I can't believe it's been 2 months since my last empties post. I know I must say this all the time but seriously where is this year going? I can't believe we're now a third of the way through November already and Christmas is just around the corner! Since my last empties post I went on holiday to Taiwan and the weather changed from summer to winter in the UK, which I think is reflected in the 12 empties this month:

Autumn empties and favourites

Not surprisingly there are several travel minis and with the colder weather I've been reaching for more nourishing balm cleansers, gentle body washes and thick hand creams and body lotions. I loved the Emma Hardie and Elemis cleansing balm and I'm sad that they've both run out at the same time. Luckily Debenhams have a good offer on at the moment and I'm planning on picking up a new one asap.

I'm also a big fan of Organic Surge superfresh awakening body wash. There's no SLS so the formula is gentle and non stripping on the skin and the bergamot enriched scent perfect for freshening up in the mornings. Of course it wouldn't be an empties post without a dry shampoo or two and this month I've been using a Batiste mini and VO5 plump me up dry shampoo. Both did the job well and are repurchase worthy, although Batiste deep and dark brown still remains my favourite dry shampoo by far. Other mentions include Hydraluron moisture jelly and H20+ spa sea salt body lotion, both of which were super hydrating and kept my skin soft and nourished this Autumn/Winter.

How did you get on this month? Do you have any particular favourites?

No7 advent calendar - 25 days of beauty treats

Following on from Monday's post, it seems like we are going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to advent calendars this year. No longer exclusive to the world of high end beauty, it's nice to see more affordable high street brands joining in the fun too. No7 has been a real favourite in recent years and I can't wait for December to start opening their 25 days of beauty treats advent calendar:

No7 advent calendar - 25 days of beauty treats

No7 advent calendar - 25 days of beauty treats

With it's pretty pink and gold colour scheme No7 25 days of beauty treats is one of those timeless gifts that I could see myself buying for best friends and mums alike. Rather than ruining the surprise I thought I'd give a sneak preview instead. Sticking to what they know best there's a good mix of make up and skincare, including some of my all time favourites -beautiful skin eye make up remover, protect and perfect and high shine lip crayon.

For me this would be the perfect excuse to try out some new products as well as the chance to stock up on old favourites (minis like this will always come in handy for travelling). It covers the full 25 days too, so there'll be a nice little treat on Christmas Day. Best of all it retails for just £35 making it one of the most affordable advent calendars this year.

No7 25 days of beauty treats, RRP £35, available in store and online at boots.com

Will you treating yourself to a beauty advent calendar this year? What's your favourite No7 product?

The Body Shop 24 days of joy advent calendar - Christmas 2014

It seems that Christmas decorations are going up earlier and earlier every year, but now that it's November I feel like we can finally start to get excited about the festive season and all the great gifts sets that will be on offer. One thing that's always been really popular are beauty advent calendars and this year I thought I'd kick things off with The Body Shop 24 days of joy advent calendar:

 The Body Shop advent calendar - Christmas 2014

 The Body Shop advent calendar - Christmas 2014

Housed in a festive looking red holdall, The Body Shop 24 days of joy offers a selection of their best selling skincare, body care and make up. Unlike some of the other brands on offer nearly everything in here is a deluxe travel or full sized product, making it one of the best value advent calendars on the market this year.

Whilst some of the products are the same as 2013, The Body Shop have launched several new ranges and it's nice to see them included as part of this year's advent calendar. I won't spoil the surprise, but suffice to say that you can expect to find goodies from their new nail colour and glazed apple collection, as well as the usual classics. I'll be saving the rest of the doors till December but if you can't wait then there's a full list of all the products on their website. I'd recommend buying early too as advent calendars are always one of the first gift sets to sell out and there's nothing worse than being disappointed!

The Body Shop advent calendar RRP £50, available in store and online at thebodyshop.com,