April GlossyBox - Earth Month

This month is Earth month so GlossyBox have brought out their own 'natural' box with a host of organic brands.

Products mentioned in this video:
Caudalie - Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum
Inika - Organic eyeliner
Ayuuri - Natural Body Wash
Figs & Rouge - Lip Balm
Kai - Perfume Oil

To subscribe to GlossyBox for £10 a month to receive your own box of beauty treats please visit their website here.

What do you guys think of April's box? Have you tried any of these brands before? What theme would you like to see for an upcoming box? xxx

Glossybox Men: Spring 2012

Why should girls have all the fun? Glossybox for men is a quarterly grooming box with 7 luxury sized samples perfect for the modern man.

The Spring edition landed on my doorstep a few days ago - just in time for me to have a sneaky peek before passing the goodies on to my not so modern man ;).

This box contains:

• The Legends London Alum Matchsticks (£1) - This book contains 20 individual astringent matches which can be used after shaving like a traditional aftershave to calm razor burn. Super portable and ideal for traveling!
• Organic Homme by Green People Active Fix Repair Serum (£16.50 for 50ml) - This certified organic men's facial repair serum with proven anti-ageing effects is great for sensitive skins and is suitable for those prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne & skin blemishes.
• 4711 The Original Eau de Cologne (£10.95 for 50ml) - For more than 200 years this cologne has delivered on its promise: using this unique fragrance refreshes the mind, body and soul. 
• FAB Body Moisturiser (£13 for 226.8g) -  This daily essentials moisturiser is perfect for all skin types, but especially effective for sensitive, reactive or dry skin.
• Liz Earle for Men Face Scrub (£13.25 for 75ml) - This scrub is one of the bf's firm favourites! It's active natural ingredients include cooling eucalyptus, exfoliating pumice and jojoba beads to smooth away dead skin cells for healthier-looking, ultra-smooth skin.
• Kyoku Sake Infused Shave Cream (£25 for 170ml) - Another one of the bf's (and my) favourites. This shave cream is amazing on delicate skin as the friction-free silicone micro-particles coat the skin to ensure consistent skin to blade contact to significantly reduce drag – no more nicks and cuts! It also comes in a sensitive version.
• Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soaps Lavender Hand Sanitizer (£3.99 for 59ml) - This hand sanitizer is infused with organic lavender essential oil and comes in a handy spray size perfect for any man bag.
• Fudge Hair Shaper (Mint) (£12.20 for 75ml) - The blend of natural waxes, ceresinand carnauba wax delivers both texture and shine. Hair Shaper Mint also contains hydrolised wheatprotein which strengthens and improves the condition of hair whilst styling. It has a strong hold with a semi-matte finish and a refreshing mint fragrance.

For more information or to subscribe to Glossybox for Men (£15 plus p&p) please visit their website here.

Will you be purchasing a subscription for any men in your life? Have you tried any of the products in this season's box? What do you think of them? xxx

Glossybox - Harrods Edition

This month Glossybox has an extra special treat in store for their subscribers. The March Glossybox is being brought to you in association with Harrods beauty hall!

This special edition box contains five out of a possible fifteen products including Clarins moisturisers, Fendi, Valentino and Versace perfumes, Bliss body butter, Molton Brown shower gels, YSL serum and SK-11 cream. Though my favourite product of them all is the adorable Burberry miniature lipstick!

The products I received in my box this month were:

• YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum (can't wait to try this!)
• Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath and Shower
• Narcisco Rodriguez for her
• Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serim (love this)
• Burberry Miniature Lip Mist Copper no.202

I may have to go all out and admit that this is probably my favourite G'box of all time. I love the mix of products and brands and can see myself using every single one. Oh and did I mention the mini Burberry lipstick?

It's probably unnatural to get so excited about a mini lipstick, but it's just too cute!

What do you think about the March box? Are you excited by the Harrods edition? Which of the products are your favourites this month? Do you have also have a strange obsession with miniatures? ;) xxx

Valentine's Gifts for Her

Although I am under no illusion that many men frequent this blog (if you are one then please identify yourself!) nevertheless I thought it would be fun to create a little Valentine's gift guide for girls. Most boys need a little nudge in the right direction... ;)

Dior Garden Clutch Palette (£55) - What could be more romantic than this beautiful Dior palette with three sumptuous eyeshadows and two pretty lip glosses? The packaging is absolutely adorable and luxurious - absolutely perfect for Valentine's day!

Spineless Classics Full Text Novel Posters (from £14.99) - Her favourite book can come to life in these amazing prints. Whether you go for romance with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet or Mary Shelley's Frankinstein, I am sure she would appreciate such a thoughtful and original gift.

Folli Follie Bonding Ring box set (£110) - You can never go wrong with something sparkly! Every girl loves a little variety, so now is the perfect time to invest in a beautiful rose gold or silver set of four stacking rings. Each one can be worn alone, or combined to create some serious bling.

 

Joe & Seph's Gourmet Popcorn (from £4) -  Instead of queuing up in Thornton's or Godiva to purchase the usual box of chocolates, why not treat her to a delicious bag of handmade popcorn from Joe & Seph's. They have an amazing selection of flavours from salty caramel (my favourite) to a special Valentine's day concoction that combines rich Belgian white chocolate infused with caramel with a fruit cocktail of pure strawberry. Yumm!!!

Ted Baker ROCKSY purse (£55) - This cute patent leather purse with a heart detail clasp would fit into any girl's bag and with space for six cards and two note sections it's also small enough for a night out, or romantic meal out... whether or not she is paying ;p.

Beauty Box Subscription - The gift that keeps on giving with a beautifully presented box of cosmetic treats arriving on her doorstep every month. There are so many to choose from, but my favourites are:

• GlossyBox (Valentine's 50% off code: AFF50GLOSSYBOX) - £10 per month here.
•  Jolie Box/ Boudoir Prive - £10 per month here.
• Amarya Beauty Box (natural & organic products) - £10 per month here.

Nail Wraps from Myleene Klass (from £5.99) - I love these cute little nail wraps with the perfect heart shaped design. Each pack comes with 24 stickers, enough to cover both hands and feet, plus a handy (see what I did there?) nail file.

More Than Words... (from £75). Personalised gifts are always extra special, but can be a little tricky to source or make. This website creates beautiful artwork to your precise specifications. Tell your special someone one what you love about them, or create art featuring memories you share.

ClaireaBella Canvas Bags (from £14.99) - These have been popping up in the hands of celebrities everywhere. Although the canvas bag itself is perhaps not the most exciting accessory the cute designs and individual details, such as the name and bespoke cartoon, make it absolutely adorable!

Mulberry Alexa (from £650) - If you are looking to really spoil her you would struggle to do better than a classic Mulberry Alexa bag. I am absolutely in love with the new Silky Snake Print in playful pebbled beige, or the smart nightshade blue. 

What are you hoping to receive this Valentine's Day? Will you be treating yourself or a loved one to something special? xxx

Valentine's GlossyBox

 The January 2012 GlossyBox - Special Valentine's day edition!

For more information about Glossybox and to subscribe for £10 per month please visit their website here.  You can also receive 50% OFF the Valentines GLOSSYBOX with the code: AFFGLOSSY50OFF

To enter the GlossyBox Valentine's day competition for your chance to win a trip to Paris for 2 visit their facebook page here!

Have you tried GlossyBox? What do you think of the boxes you have received? Will you be subscribing to any beauty boxes this year? what are your favourites? What products would you like to see included in these boxes? xxx

*I am a GlossyBox ambassador, so this box was sent to for review consideration. I was not paid for this video, or to promote GlossyBox. *

Blake Lively Hair feat. Neal & Wolf products with Glossybox

A few weeks ago I filmed a Blake Lively inspired hair tutorial for Glossybox using Neal and Wolf products. We decided to go for one of Blake's signature styles - a deconstructed wave look with a few boho braids thrown in.

I am really pleased with the way the video has turned out and I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful! Let me know what you guys think!


The bf accompanied me on the day and managed to capture some behind the scenes shots.

The before...

The final look:

This hairstyle is so easy to create and can be done using a curling iron or hair straighteners. I really loved using Neal and Wolf products for the first time. They smell absolutely amazing and leave your hair feeling weightless. I especially recommend the Harmony Intensive Care Treatment (£12.95) and the Elevate Volumising Lotion £11.95). After the video I went straight to a colleague's leaving party and can testify that the curls stayed in for quite a few hours of dancing!

Have you watched any of Glossybox's tutorials? Did you like the look I created in this video? Have you tried Neal and Wolf products before? xxx

Glossybox vs. Boudoir Prive

http://www.glossybox.co.uk/ - £10 per month (+p&p) to receive 5 luxury product miniatures from high-end brands in each box.
Some of the brands involved: Batiste, Illamasqua, Lalique, Ciate, Murad, OPI, Xen-Tan, KMS, Weleda, Daniel Sandler, All for Eve.
Products in my box:
HD Brows (Eye&Brow Palette) - £19.95
L'Oréal Professionnel (Mythic Oil) - £14.95
Mary Greenwell (Plum Eau de Parfum) - £60 (for 50ml)
NUXE HuileProdigieuse - £37.50 (for 100ml)
StriVectin (SD Eye Concentrate) - £49 (30ml)

Check out my review of the August GlossyBox here. 

http://www.boudoirprive.co.uk/ - £10 per month (free p&p) to receive 5/6 deluxe size samples in each box.
Some of the brands involved: Agent Provocateur, Cargo, Jane Iredale, Bloom Teas, Mai Couture, Tropic, Etat Libre D'Orange, Colber MD.
Products in my box:
Zoya nail varnish - £3.80
Agent Provacateur perfume
Cargo eyeliner
Tropic scrub
Macadamia Oil
Colbert MD moisturiser

Both of the boxes were sent to me for review. This is not a sponsored video and all opinions are, as always, my own.

Have you tried either of these services? Which is your favourite? Let me know your thoughts my lovelies! xxx

GlossyBox!

When I first heard about GlossyBox I couldn't hide my excitement. As a beauty product junkie I love trying new products... and lots of them, so what better way than an assortment of miniatures delivered to my door every month?!

GlossyBox is an exciting new enterprise that aims to provide cosmetics lovers with the latest, on-trend products at a fraction of the price. For £10 a month (plus £2.95 postage) you will receive a beautiful box of treats containing 5 miniature luxury products.

Each GlossyBox is lovingly wrapped and comes with a card that lists the contents and information relating to the ingredients and prices of the products. I always think it's especially lovely when products are well presented and I can't fault the cute packaging of each GlossyBox. I will definitely be using these as gift boxes in the future. On a side note - I have to admit that I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to wrapping. I secretly keep all the tissue paper and gift bags I receive at events to use in future - after all even a bottle of cheap vino feels more special when presented in a beautiful bag to the host of a Friday night dinner party ;).

Each Glossy Box is different as you can't pick the products that will make up your box each month, but personally I like to be surprised, and pleasantly so when I try new products I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself. However, if you are a tricky customer you can create your own personal beauty profile on the site which will help to determine the right products to fit your needs and tastes. You can also choose to fill in a feedback form on the products you receive, with each completed form earning you a glossy dot, while 20 glossy dots will earn you a free Glossy Box!

The July Glossy Box had a fabulous range of products and I was very happy with my selection, which was made up of:

• Nouveau Lashes (£8.95) - Gorgeous, natural strip lashes that are perfect for adding a little extra flutter to any eye look.
• Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil 100ml (£19.95) - I have been obsessed with this oil from the first sniff. It smells absolutely delicious, is 100% natural, sinks into the skin quickly without leaving any greasy residue and with its mix of Jojoba, Sesame, Sunflower, Wheat and Macadamia Seed Oils has been extremely moisturising on my post holiday skin. It's also beautiful when added to a bath. I love!
• Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Explode (£13) - beautiful, wearable lipgloss that looks great on its own or over any bright lipsticks.
• Ciate Nail Enamel (£9) - I love Ciate nail polishes as the thick brush makes them easy and quick to apply and they have such great coverage that you can easily get away with one coat.
• Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe (£28.99 for full size) - I haven't had a chance to try this out, but I have heard great things about Xen-Tan so I am hopeful it won't disappoint!

Overall I am extremely happy with the selection of products I received. The four full size products (excluding the tan sample) make up a total retail value of just over £50! I have already recommended this service to all of my friends and colleagues and have received such great feedback from everyone. I really can't say enough good things about it! I was sent my first box to review, but having seen the calibre of the products featured I have absolutely no doubts about signing up. Even if not all the products will be to my liking they will make great gifts!

Have you signed up to GlossyBox? Are you tempted? xxx