What's on my Dressing Table?....

One of my favourite places in the world, sadly it's not a sandy white beach, or my cosy warm bed, aside from spending time with my family and friends here is my favourite place in the world.  My dressing table! The place where I get the chance to indulge in all things girly - I love it!

Sorry this blog post seems quite self indulgent, but there have been a few requests for something a little more 'personal' and I thought, what more fitting than inside my make up room!

I thought I'd give you a little tour around my dressing area, I've numbered each item and I'll tell you a little bit about it....Here goes..... 

1. My Dressing Table.  I love this piece of furniture, it's from a little shop 'All that Jazz' in a village called Stockton Heath near where I live.  It's not a chain, although I do beleive there are a few dotted around the Cheshire area, it sells some really unique and quirky one off pieces. Their prices are so reasonable and I love the fact that it's not mass produced junk. http://www.allthatjazz-cheshire.co.uk/,  I am totally in love with the french boudoir, vintage, shabby chic theme, it's so girly. Perfect!

2. A selection of my make up brushes, I have a whole lot more but these are just a few that I use on a daily basis.  There's a few Estee Lauder ones in there, the old faithfuls MAC 217 and some Sigma and Suqqu brushes, some recent addtions by Lauren Luke, I have the large blending brush and the eyeliner brush which are great for creating smokey eyes.  I clean my brushes once a week to keep them in good condition, I find using a cheapy 2 in1 shampoo and condition keeps them extra soft.

3.A little basket where I keep every day essentials, like my Bioderma (cleansing water - great for removing eye make up) some Burt Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Handcream and Body Shop's Chocomainia Lip Balm.  The Bioderma is a mega gentle cleansing water you can apply and remove make up as many times as you like with this little beauty it doesn't leave your skin irritated or cause any redness. A MUST  in my professional kit too. The Burt Bees hand cream is so thick and creamy, smells like cherries.  I apply this several times a day just because I like the smell.  It can be a little greasy but I think thats because I use the stuff so much! Also a new lip balm from The Body Shop's CHOCOMAINIA range as a chocholic I was super excited to see this product line, it's fab, it feels, smells and tastes amazing (yes I DID actually taste it!) its just like chocolate, it leaves my lips moisturised and is a great base.  But  I tend to wear it alone as it creates a nice creamy nude lip.  Only problem is - I want to eat it everytime I wear it. A reoccuring food like theme here, why am I not surprised!

4.Candles - I am a bit of a princess when it comes to candles, I love the atmosphere they create. I find them so comforting and peacefull.  These particular ones were a Christmas gift, they are Lily, Rocha by John Rocha at Debenhams four small candles in white porcelain, ornate, style holders, they match the style of my room perfectly. They smell so refreshing and actually remind me of walking in a summer medow (ok so I don't actually do that, but if I did I can imgine that this is what it would smell like)

5. These two drawers hold the products I couldn't live without, a selection of my most used costmetics....I could talk about this forever but I wont, if any one is interested I may do a make up collection tour video in the future.

6. This little mini chest houses most of my hair tools, hairdyers, heated rollers, curling irons,etc the list goes on.  I don't use heat on my hair every day and when I do I always use a heat defence spray to avoid any damage to my locks!

7. Flowers and MORE candles, I have them in every room of my house - I love how pretty they can make a place look :) These (I think) are from Dunelm!

8.Awwww,  Mummy and Daddy, a picture of my Mum and Dad together (about 20 years ago) they're divroced now so its a rare one, I love this picture, I can remember when it was taken on a family holiday in Malta, it brings back so many happy memories.

9. Note block from M&S, I have a head full of stuff, ideas, make up looks etc, when I am at my dressing table is often one of the times I feel most inspired so it's handy to have somewhere to write it all down.

10. Finally my lamp, I am sure this is from Next, but I've had is ages so I could be wrong.  I dont use it when I am applying make up during the day as I like to apply in the most natural light possible.  I just like that it looks pretty there!

And there you have it.

This is a really different type of blog post for me but it was requested so I wanted to do it, what do you think?  Did you find it at all interesting?  I would love it hear your thoughts and comments :)

Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream Review

I've never bought into the whole multi million pound business of anti ageing products. I truly believe that with a good skincare routine, using an SPF every day, exercise and diet (blah blah blah) is a good enough effort in keeping the signs of ageing at bay.  Saying that I am all for a quick fix and I'd be lying if I said I don't get a little bit excited when something claims to make my life easier! I was sent the Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream recently and I have indeed discovered a little gem!

To be honest at first I didn't realise that it was a specific anti aging product, for women over 40 apparently (I am 28) had I realised this I probably wouldn't have tried the product, but having been using it for over a week when I discovered this I was already feeling the benefits and wasn't about to stop.

So, what do Clarins say about the product?   

It's a new Extra-Firming Night Cream that protects against free radicals and encourages better skin renewal. Skin becomes smoother, enriched and is noticeably more beautiful. An innovative night cream that not only addresses skin renewal and firmness, but also helps to slow the ageing process with neuro-immune protection. Formulated for women around the age of 40 with very dry skin, it helps skin to maintain its defence mechanisms and enhances vitality to keep skin looking fresh, younger-looking and velvety-matte. Proteins gently lift the skin so that lines are smoothed, features become better defined and the skin's texture is soft and smooth. Upon waking, features and relaxed, and the skin is firm and revitalised. . Glistin helps maintain the skin's nerve endings and regulates skin's functions Alfalfa firms and repairs Rosemary soothes and relaxes Silicon and Vitamin E protect against free-radicals Moringa seed oil and Shea Butter nourish and soften very dry skin

And here's the science part.... the 'Neuro Immune Protection' means that the product has broadened the fight against ageing by addressing the role that the skin’s nerve endings and immune cells play in the process. Which means that advanced skin-treatment not only targets skin cells but the skins’ entire neuro-immune system!

Sounds a bit intense huh?  Their claims are big right? 

Whatever it does, it works! Ok so it hasn't changed my life, it's only a cream, but it has significantly improved my skins' appearance and that is good enough for me.

Clarins say this is for very dry skin, in fact I have normal/combination skin and it works great for me. It absorbs into my skin beautifully without leaving it feeling greasy or overloaded with product. 

I apply in the evening after my cleansing rountine. I use about a 5p size blob (I could get away with using less if I am honest) and apply in gentle sweeping movements across my face, taking at least a minute or two to really massage into my skin.  A litte goes a long way and it's a good job really...this cream retails around £48 for 50mls (I have seen it on some websites for as little as £38)

Yes, I know -  it's not cheap and I certainly wouldn't spend this much on a product lightly, it really is worth the money for how it made my skin feel alone, however even more so when I looked at the before and after pictures and noticed the difference to the fine lines around my eyes, £48 or not,  for me the results speak for themselves!

(Both pictures were taken in natural and may I say very unforgiving :( light!, both in the same postion in the same room with the same camera to give a fair reflection)

I feel its only fair to say that I do use other products of course, I am not claiming that the entire difference is down to this product but I know for sure it's been a huge factor.

BEFORE

AFTER (4 weeks)

I don't really care that it's a product for over 40's, it has made my skin, brighter, firmer, feeling renourished, hydrated and velvety soft to touch. It feels so luxurious on my skin and I actually look forward to applying it at night!!

I am not claiming that this is the all singing all dancing wonder cream, but it really does leave my skin feeling refreshed and renewed and when I wake up in the morning my skin seems so much brighter.

After using it for 4 weeks I can really see a significant difference, the fine lines around my eyes have faded somewhat and my skin definately feels tighter.

Clarins have done it again....another MUST have product :)

Love your flaws...then conceal them!

5 OF THE BEST CONCEALERS

Don't you envy the flawless skinned beauties that grace the pages of the glossies?

There's always one staring up at me from a magazine on the coffee table (almost in disapproval) when I am dunking a buscuit in my tea!

I don't remember the day I found out that these were not in fact a 'real' depiction of a woman, but by god I bet I was happy that day! The day I found out that no-one is actually that perfect and in fact there's no real miracle cream hidden in the beauty room at Vogue that achieves this polished perfection - it is in fact a technological wonder we all know as Photoshop!

We all have flaws, me more than most. I love my flaws, ok ok...I accept my flaws (mind you that’s mainly because I know I can hide them) the fine lines, the darks circles they're punishment for too many late nights, too much sun exposure and working until 3 am in the morning.

 It's the footprints of my life on my face. But it doesn’t mean I want to look at them!

Because there's no 'real life' Photoshop.....we have concealer.

I tired and tested SO many concealers, I've hand picked some the best to share with you.  There're not all cheap but well worth the investment.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer - £13.50

What MAC say

A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-blemishgenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations.

It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains Silica to help adsorb the skin's oils. Concealer has an SPF of 35 and is available in a wide range of colours.

 It can be applied with a medium to firm fibre brush (try the 242 Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

Why I think it’s great

I have horrendous dark circles, no matter how much sleep I get! This concealer works better than any other I've tried to cover them completely, and it really brightens my under eye, as soon as I apply it my eyes pop open, I find it makes a great primer for eye shadow too.

Be careful when using it around the delicate eye area, you only need a small amount, too much and it will look cakey and the product will settle and emphasise the finest of lines. I tend to use my fingers to apply and I find it works best when the product/my fingers are warm to ensure an even blend.

 If it's blemishes you're concerned with this works wonders, if you want to hide a pimple or anything on your face, this is the concealer that will cover it.

It has an SPF of 35 which I love and comes in a wide range of colours you can pick these up for around £8 on some sites on the net.

Laura Mercier Secret Cover Foundation - £26

Laura Mercier say

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage completely camouflages dark circles, minor imperfections and discolorations. Secret Camouflage contains a unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of colour and one to match the skins undertone, making it possible for every woman to custom-blend her own perfect shade.

Why I think it’s great

 I adore the mix of the two colours in this palette, you really can create the perfect shade of concealer for your skin tone, it’s not the best product for under eyes, I tend to find it too heavy but works fantastic for blemishes. It has a velvety consistency and is easily blend-able, and never cakey.

 

e.l.f Complete Coverage Concealer - £3.50

What e.l.f say

Savvy beauty shoppers rejoice—now there is no need to buy new concealer from season to season for meeting the different needs your skin tone may have.

 e.l.f. introduces a sleek quad compact filled with four brilliant, customizable concealers ranging from light, medium and dark shades.

 A must have for anyone’s makeup kit these highly pigmented, professionally formulated concealers offer ultimate coverage to disguise a range of boo-boos and flaws including blemishes, dark circles, redness and uneven skin-tone for a flawless, makeup artist finish!

Why I think it's great

This product has made it into my top 5 for a few reasons, it's a fantastic little product - great shades, works well as an everyday concealer and it's a bargain! You get 4 different shades of concealer in the palette and it comes in light, medium  and dark so you can be sure to find the right colour. 

It's quite thick, I wouldn't recommend it for under eye concealing as it really highlighted my fine lines and emphasised my dark circles. I really didn't like the smell (plastic like) however, it is great on blemishes, pigmentations, I've also used mine to mix with lip colour to give a mattified lip colour. If your are on a budget this is a great concealer for everyday use.

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation  - £15

 

What Vichy say

VICHY DERMABLEND Corrective Foundation with its malleable coverage texture and no mask like effect gives 12 hours of coverage of uneven skin texture, dark circles and diffused redness.

Why I think it’s great

Now,  I'm cheating with this little number,  it's actually a corrective foundation, but for me it’s the BEST CONCEALER. This is pretty heavy-duty and for me beats them all hands down.

 It has a wide wange of shades because it's a foundation so you can really find the perfect colour to match your skin tone.  It truly covers completely, pimples, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, whatever. (I mix it with a little eye cream under my eye to avoid it looking to cakey)

Its great value too, approx £12 for 30ml and it lasts forever!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Illuminating Brush Concealer (Illuminating and anit fatigue action) - £8.99

What Bourjois say

Double action concealer for a brighter complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result!

Conceal those imperfections in the stroke of a brush and smooth away dark circles.

It is enriched with light reflecting pigments to illuminate the darker areas of the face. Its unifying texture will glide onto the skin with a feather-light feel and give you a truly illuminated result!

Its innovation: A practical brush tip pen releases just the right amount of formula for a precise application, perfect for touch ups on the go!

Available in 3 natural shades suitable for all skin tones

Why I think this is great

I LOVE this,  it beats, YSL Touché Éclat and Clinique Airbrush in my opinion. I only use it on the eye area and around and down the middle of the nose to create a slimming, contoured effect. It really covers those dark circles and brightens the eye instantly, a staple in my make up kit!

What concealer do you use and what do you love most about it?

Complextion Perfection - For £3.50? Really?...Yes Really!

If you're anything like me, I'll bet you've spent hundreds of pounds over the years to achieve that flawless complexion?

Over the years I've tried and tested more products than I care to remember.  I've cleansed, toned and moisturised every day, taken vitamins and minerals and try to eat all the right foods. (okay so I've indulged in the odd chicken kebab after a vodka induced night with the girls but more often than not I reckon I am a pretty good girl) 

I have facials as much as I can and I've gotten involved with all all the latest fads not ONE THING has given me the result I am looking for.

No matter what I have used, how much money I have spent,  I have but never found that 'perfect' product that hides all my flaws, or that concealer that hides a multitude of sins. 

Answer.... there is NO one magic product,  its doing all of the above....

 but something I have came across recently has SIGNIFICANTLY improved and revolutionised my make up kit! Along with the following...

Step One

Cleanse, tone and moisturise, morning AND evening and I mean PROPERLY not using a makeup removal wipe a Johnson's or pampers baby wipe either, yeah yeah I know loads of people will say if its good enough for a babies ass and all of that.... fact is, my skin is no where near as perfect as a babies ass so it needs a little bit of effort (I will do a separate blog on skincare if you are interested - let me know) 

Step Two

Apply a primer, honestly, I always thought it was tosh, but it's really not, it really does prepare the skin and give you the perfect base to work with.

Step Three

 Conceal before foundation application and then after to achieve that flawless look (Again I will do a separate blog for some of my favourite foundations and concealers along with how to apply) Always use a light reflecting concealer for the eye area to avoid that cakey look.

Step Four

Foundation -  it's all in the application!  I've contacted some fantastic make up artists and they have all said something different -  sponge, fingers, brushes, its a personal preference, basically whatever you feel works best for you.  And I have tried all methods with many foundations.  But THE BEST so far has been the Stipple Brush, I swear its like a little miracle!

I've always been a bit of a make snob, thinking the more money you spend on a foundation the better the finish.  With some products I guess this is true.

However I recently purchased the ELF Cosmetics 
(Eyes Lips and Face  http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk ) 

Studio Stipple Brush and I am not kidding (nor am I sponsored or have any loyalty to this brand) this really has changed how I apply my make up  and more importantly how flawless I can get my completion.

AND THE BEST THING ITS £3.50.......YES £3.50!!!

What do they say?

This new antibacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. Studio brush!

The layered bristles create a soft airbrushed look that's perfect for applying foundation or adding colour definition to cheekbones or highlighting with soft layers. Use this brush with any liquid or powder face product such as foundation, blush or bronzer to build your coverage from sheer to heavy.

So why do I think this is so good?

Well, I was (and still am) a huge fan of Estee Lauder Double Wear - it gives an amazing coverage and blends like a dream, equally I LOVE Chanel Pro Lumiere, gives a more natural finish and give and amazing dewy glow both retail around £30

BUT the amazing thing I found is when I applied the cheapest foundation (Bourjois) with my stipple brush I gained a similar, I'd go as far to say, ever BETTER coverage with this cheaper alternative.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation collection were brought to my attention by the AMAZING Lisa Eldridge (Make up artist to many celebrities) I tried it out and I was so impressed, their colour range is amazing and it blends and sits on the skin as good as any luxury foundation. Last for 16 hours too!

AND its priced around £9 (there's also a light reflecting concealer in the range which I actually prefer to YSL Touche Eclat)

I really believe the secret is in application, I have spent money in the past on expensive foundation brushes (MAC, Estee Lauder, Sigma, Paula Dorf to name but a few) they've all been pretty decent, but for me I don't get an even, blended application with a foundation brush I find it a little too cakey.

but I SERIOUSLY recommend the ELF STIPPLE BRUSH it is amazing!

Give it a go girlie's you wont be disappointed, follow ELF on Facebook they are always posting discount codes etc.

Do you have a favourite stipple brush - let me know?

Salon Ten Spa Day in Shropshire

So.....I was bitten by the Groupon bug back in September, I was more than a little excited when I searched for a Spa Day near Birmingham, only to find a quirky little place tucked away in the Shropshire countryside, Salon Ten in Much Wenlock were offering one of their full day spa packages (usually £110) for £35! Yeah - I know...  £35 quid!!! I had to read it twice too!

Needless to say the plastic was out before I even read the fine print (well, that's not strictly true, I read it thoroughly, this was the first time that I was using Groupon so I was a little apprehensive)

However everything was in order.  Shortly after making the purchase I received my coupon with details of how to book.

Obviously there were certain restrictions… you couldn’t book the spa day on a Saturday, over Christmas etc, but that was totally understandable considering the outstanding bargain.

Booking Process

I called Salon Ten the very next day after I made the purchase via Groupon.

I was hoping to have some pre Christmas pampering, I was very flexible with the dates I had available but I was told there were no appointments until January 2012! 4 months away was a little unreasonable but they explained that they had received a phenomenal response so again, kind of understandable.

I made the booking for February 2012.

What was included

Salon Ten Face and Body 'Wake Up' Full Spa Day

£110

Morning Refreshments

Use of the Spa Facilities

Light Lunch

Wake Up Exfoliation (A marine salts exfoliation with citrus and essential oils that leaves you feeling invigorated)

A seasonal Facial using the fabulous Sothys of Paris latest seasons treatment to match the mood of the season

Luxury Jessica Manicure to complete the whole effect using the latest technology (can be exchanged for a luxury pedicure)

End your day with afternoon tea and biscuits.

On The Day

We arrived at the Salon, after a beautiful drive through the Shropshire countryside we arrived in the little village of Much Wenlock.  I was a little surprised that I found a little quaint hair salon I couldn't see the 'spa - iness' (what was I expecting for £35, yes I know, that's what I told myself) so I stepped inside with an open mind and couldn't wait to relax.

We entered the front door which led us stright into the hair salon,  which looked great.

We were greeted by a friendly receptionist who took us to the second floor. 
No morning refreshments, no tour of the facilities etc....
We were then given baskets with Robes, Slippers and a towel, we were shown into a treatment room (together), told to take our clothes off and put our robes on.  First shock!...good thing we knew one anothe,  we had to get undressed in a cold and uninviting treatment room.  "oh well" we thought and just laughed about it and put it all down to the girly experience.  Hardly professional though.  I've been to enough spa's to know it's all about putting your clients at ease and this certainly wasn't the best start.

I was expecting crisp white robes and fluffy slippers, instead I had to climb into a grubby brown robe and slip my feet into fake tan stained, paper like slipper thingys. I think this was the point where I started to think ok, I get this was on the cheap, but come on - dirty slippers?....Hardly the luxury and I was expecting.

We sat in the room fiddling our thumbs waiting for someone to come and collect us, it didn't happen, so we peeked our heads out of the door to find the therapist waiting for us.  I was more than uncomfortable having to go out into a busy waiting area in a dressing gown and dirty slippers.

The Treatments

My friend was taken to a separate room and I was left in the changing room/treatment room.  The therapist told me to climb onto the bed make myself comfortable etc etc.  There was a vague attemp to make the room 'spa like' and slightly relaxing, with the red voile drapes and crazy whale noise music.  But the room felt (and was) cold and uninviting, there was a grubby, old fashioned looking shower in the corner of the room which I guess was practical buy hardly luxurious.

I had a hydrating facial which I must say was lovely, very moisturising and left my skin feeling beautiful, the therapist was very friendly and professional but to be honest I couldn't relax because it was SO cold in the room.

The Facilities

We were then escorted to the 'Relaxation Area'

It was basically a loft conversion with a few wicker loungers, grubby blankets and old copies of Cosmo!

Not quite the haven we were expecting.  Nevertheless we decided to take it for what it was, put our feet up and enjoy.

I've got to say I was pretty gobsmacked when we were shown the kitchenette in the relaxation area, we were told where the tea bags were andthat the milk was in the fridge!!! Now I am no snob, but I've go to say this was the first time I've been to a spa and I've had to make my own brew - original, I'll give them that.

We thought we would take advantage of the spa facilities. Swimming pool? Jacuzzi?... No. 

Ok, again what did we expect?  But, there was a sauna. We were shown to the sauna which was located in what I can only describe as the back yard! We had to walk outside to get to it.

We were then taken for our Luxury Jessica Manicure an hour or so later ( I had called the day before to swap my manicure for the pedicure, it said on the coupon that I could do this but I was told by the receptionist I could only have the mini pedicure - again no best pleased but I got over it )

Our manicure and pedicure was nice enough, until all my nails had smudged and full of air bubbles. My friends manicure was the same.

It was approx 2pm and we still hasn't been given our light lunch (which turned out to be two triangle sandwiches each on a bed of soggy iceberg and a packet of walkers ready salted crips to share) must admit my patience was wearing pretty thin at this time and it has occured to me if I'd have paid £110 I would have been complaining right about now!

We still has the exfoliating scrub to go but our experience was that unconfortable and quite franly - rubbish, we decided to leave three hours early and skip the main treatment.

Bad Points

The overall feel of the two floors of treatment rooms and spa were grubby, not very well maintained and certainly not at all relaxing.  All you could hear was the constant hum of hair dryers and chatting from the hair salon below.

 Good Points

The staff were friendly

The Sothy products (which were availble to try) seemed fab and I will be investing in some, had my experience been a more enjoyable one I would have most certainly returned to the salon for a treatment.

Good website and extensive treatment list, infact their brochure was impresive and I guess what with this and their excellent website was partly why I had such high expecations of this place.

Overall

To be fair the salon were bombarded with 'Grouponers' since the offer, not surprisingly really - over 800 according to one of the therapists.  I assume they were not expecting the kind of response they received. However it was my impression that companies such as Salon Ten do these special offers to attract new clients in the hope of repeat business. I certainly would have returned had I had a more enjoyable experience.  I can't help but think that Salon Ten gave the same treatment to all the 'Grouponers' because we'd got a cheapy!

I would love to go back and experience the Spa Day again, booked at the full price to see if the service differed, however the facilities alone do not come close to that of some high end spas where you can pay around £150 for a real spa and luxury (or even just someone to make you a brew!)

I wouldn't return to this spa, it was far from the relaxing day I thought...the facial I suppose was worth £35 pounds, you I guess you can’t really complain.

x

January Glossybox Review 'Valentines Box'

I received my January Glossybox last week - it’s (worryingly) becoming the highlight of my month, I am becoming strangely addicted to the anticipation and joy the contents of my little pink box brings me!

It arrived a week later than normal because it was a 'valentine’s special' other than the little sweetie inside and the hot pink box I failed to see the difference to this box and previous months.  Oh, wait! – no I didn’t! There WAS NO DIFFERENCE!  

Maybe the Valentines box should have been red, I know the Christmas box was red,  maybe that should have been gold or silver, maybe a sultry red lipstick, maybe a sexy seductive scent....maybe I should work on the marketing team for Glossybox.  To be honest, I am not really all that bothered, but why all the hype about this so called 'Special Box'. Making us wait a week longer, and for what? A minging sweet (that stuck to my teeth by the way) and a box in the colour that Barbie would be proud of.

Nevertheless the packaging is beautiful, (I love the usual black and pale pink box) it looks classy, feels expensive and appeals to the Glossybox target market. As always I feel like I am getting such a treat, I love tentatively peeling the little sticker (trying not to tear the tissue) I always do in eagerness I just cant wait to see what little delights are inside.

I must say I was pretty impressed with the contents this month and hey, isn’t that what its all about?

Here's what was in my box.

A Skinny Eyeliner from Eyeko in Midnight Blue – Full Size price £9.50

I was really pleased that this was the full size sample this month, this full size pencil usually retails around £9.50 so I was delighted and really felt that with the first product got value for money (£12.95 inc postage and packing) The colour is a great change from the normal black/brown eyeliners I would usually go for but I guess Glossybox are doing what they say on the tin, introducing you to products/brands you wouldn’t usually buy.

The extra long, tapered pencil does helps with precision application and makes it really comfortable in the hand. The application was soft and creamy, although the pencil did feel a little hard; I'll probably try and warm the product next time. It’s a lovely texture to manipulate with a smudge brush and creates a great smokey eye effect, although the pencil didn’t have a great deal of pigmentation on the waterline. All in all, a fantastic little product and welcome addition to my kit.

Body Moisturiser from FAB Approx 30ml – Full Size price £10.00

I wasn’t familiar with this product but as always up for giving it a go. The moisturiser was quite thick so you don’t need a great deal, it absorbs into the skin beautifully, leaving a silky soft sheen without that greasy feeling.  It’s for sensitive skin and its fragrance free.  I can really feel a difference in my skin it feels more hydrated, softer and plumper.  A great product for the winter when your skin is extra dry.  

I will be buying a full size of this one for sure!

Extra Firming Day Cream from Clarins 15ml – Full Size price £46.50

This bottle is a third of the size of the full sized product so you’re getting around £15 worth of product in this sample. I’ve been thinking about investing in a firming cream so this was a great addition for me.

The cream is quite thick, but a little goes a long way (needs to for the price to be honest!) and whilst its left my skin initially feeling smooth and well moisturised I haven’t yet seen and great improvement. 

 To be fair I think a products such as this need a little longer than a week to trial, so I will report back on this little number if i turns out to be anything fantastic.

Extra Firming Night Cream from Clarins 15ml – Full Size price £48

Same as the above really it feels like it has helped my skin but it doesn’t feel any different to the day cream if I am honest, if I was going to invest in either of these products I would perhaps just buy the day cream and use that at night too.

One of my favourite make up artists, Lisa Eldridige says in one of her skincare tutorials she doesn’t see the benefits of a night cream if you have a good skincare regime, she has beautiful skin so I am sticking with that theory!

Hybride Skin Perfecting primer – Dewy finish from Murad – Full Size price £29.00

I’ve been looking for a primer so this product is a perfect sample for me. It’s a 5ml sample so worth roughly £5 and should have enough in there for about 2-3 weeks (depending how much you use and how often obviously). This was the perfect colour for my skin too which I was really pleased with. 

The little pump action bottle was easy to use, I used two pumps per application and this was enough product to give me complete coverage.  It was a medium consistency and blended really well, it left my skin silky smooth, and practically flawless, the perfect base to apply my foundation.

 To be honest I like quite a full coverage, flawless look, so usually use a primer, then foundation, a concealer and set it with a powder (I have pretty good skin and I really dont trowel it on, I just like the flawless look) I've never entertained the idea of a tinted moisturiser for a more natural look, but this product left my skin feeling so fresh, dewy and perfect I will definitely be using this and this only in the summer when I like to go for a more natural look. 

Overall I was really happy with the January Glossybox (apart from the unecessary hype) the products I received were great and I suppose this is what counts.  It really emphasised that this was a worthwhile monthly investment for me.  Two of the product samples this month were actual things that I needed (ok, ok wanted) anyway before my Glossybox arrived. Instead of going out and spending money on products that I'd have umm'ed and ahhh'ed over, I now can go out and make my purchases confident in the knowledge that these have been tried and tested by ME!

Well Done Glossybox - Now hurry up with my February box!

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