Review | Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Hello my lovelies.

I received the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant in a Glossybox late last year & thought it was about time I popped up a review of it.

Before trying this product I was a Dermalogica virgin, sure I'd heard about the brand & seen it in many beauty salons but the hefty price tag never appealed to me. You can imagine my glee when I saw this nestled in my Glossybox!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a gentle facial exfoliator suitable for all skin types. I have to say the formula is a little odd to say the least. It's a rice based powder that you mix with water leaving a porridge like paste that you slather on your face. 

I couldn't get to grips with making this in my palm so I simply pour a reasonable amount of powder into the lid and add a few drops of water until the paste like consistency is created. Simples!

I've been using this product once a week in conjunction with Alpha H Liquid Gold & I love it! It leaves my skin looking fresh & bright without making it feel 'overly scrubbed' or the lovely shade of red most scrubs leave it. 

I've been considering repurchasing this but with a hefty price tag of £30.60 for 75g I'm hoping this sample size will last a little longer!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is available here

I'd love to know what your favourite facial scrubs or topical exfoliators are, please pop a comment below!

Sarah xx 

Review | Glossybox August 2012...

Good evening lovelies.

This month the Glossybox theme is 'International Superstars' which I think is rather fitting as the Olympics have just ended. 

'This month, Glossybox goes global with hero products from around the world for you to try. Our beauty team selected from brands that are well known in the UK, as well as products that have cult status in their native country, which you may never have heard of before. We even have a brand representing cool Brittania herself!'

Here is what I received...

Glossybox August 2012

Included in my August Glossybox:

Vera Valenti - L'ombre a Paupiere Margarita: When I first saw this in the box I have to say I really wasn't impressed, 4 green eyeshadows?! When I swatched the eyeshadows I was even less impressed, they all lack pigmentation and they feel really chalky. I even dislike the packaging, it looks cheap & tacky to me! As you can probably tell I REALLY don't like this product!

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Lipcote: This has been a product I've always wanted to try but never got round to doing so, I remember my Mum using this when I was little! Lipcote is intended to seal lipstick, I'll certainly be giving this a go when I next wear a vibrant lipstick and let you know what i think!

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All For Eve - Eve's Balm: I've heard of this balm before & it was a pleasant surprise in my Glossybox. This balm can be used on any dry chapped skin & I'm looking forward to tying it out.

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DHC - DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: This was the product I was most excited about in this months Glossybox. I've really been into skincare recently & I can't wait to try this later today to remove my makeup!

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Allessandro - Pro White: I'm really intrigued by this product, it's supposed to counteract any yellow tones in the nails leaving white & gleaming nails. I can't wait to try this out!

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Glossybox Lipstick - Glossy Pink: Glossybox have included some own brand products in recent boxes & to be honest I've never really been impressed with them, that was before they included this lipstick in this months box! I really like the bright pink shade and the formula is really glossy. the packaging isn't amazing but it doesn't look too cheap & I like the Glossybox logo on the lid. 

Overall I like this box, it certainly isn't my favourite but I feel I'll get some use out of most products. The only product I really hated was the palette which I cannot see myself using at all!

What did you think of the August Glossybox?

Sarah xx

Glossybox | July 2012

Hello my lovelies, it's nearlyyyyy the weekend, yay!

This month I was super excited about receiving my Glossybox, after seeing what other people had received I couldn't wait to rip open that cardboard box! Here is what I received...

July Glossybox 2012

This month Glossybox want to help you get festival ready, whether you're a Glastonbury girl taking a well deserved break this year or a wireless fan. Glossybox want to help you rock the festival look & get you feeling glam in an instant. 

Included in my July Glossybox:

HD Brows Foxy Eye & Brow Palette | I was beyond happy when I saw this,  I missed the HD Brows palette the first time around and have never let myself live it down. When I saw other girls had received it it I was praying to the beautygods I would too! I can't wait to start using this & will of course post a full review soon.

Clynol Enrich Colour Shampoo | Not the most exciting product & I don't have coloured hair but it was nice to see a shampoo, something I haven't received before. I travel quite often to see my boyfriend & hate lugging bottles of shampoo around so this should come in handy!

Monu Golden Glow | This is another first for me, I've never received a fake tan is a Glossybox before so it was nice receiving something different. I won't be using this on my face as Glossybox suggest but will certainly give it a go on my body. 

Jelly Pong Lip Frosting | I've heard of these before and I was really pleased when I saw this in my box. I tried it out almost straight away & I loved the colour and feel of it on my lips. It also smells & tastes delicious, I will certainly be getting a lot of use out of this!

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion | I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Arden & I'm always up for trying new skincare so was happy when I saw this included in my box. I haven't got much to say about this at the moment as I haven't tried it yet but if I like it I'll certainly let you know.

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Skincare Samples | Also included in my box were some sample products from the Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference skincare range. As mentioned above I like trying out new skincare & will be giving these ago over the weekend.

Overall this has to be one of my favourite boxes if not my favourite Glossybox to date. I was over the moon when I saw I had received the HD Brows palette & I will use everything that was included in the box, a first for me!

What are your thoughts of this months box?

Sarah xx

Lifting The Lid: Glossybox June Edition...

Hello my lovelies, I'm baaaaack!

I had an amazing time in Turkey & have a post planned with lots of photos etc but I wanted to get this post up first =]

When I arrived home from Gatwick yesterday my Glossybox was sat on my bed waiting for me, I couldn't wait to rip the box open & see what I'd received!

As you can see we're back to the normal pale pink box & this month the box is themed around Summer. 

Here is what I received...

As you can see I received site quite an away of different products. Here is a closer look at what I received:

Vichy Dermablend:

'Vichy's expert camouflage foundation stick for minor to severe skin flaws.'

I was really excited when I saw this, it's a really good size for a sample product and I can't wait to try it out. 

Glossybox Pro Beauty Brush:

'This classic series natural goat hair blush brush gives a super soft make up application.'

I haven't used this brush yet so I should probably hold judgement but I don't think I'll be getting much use out of this brush. The brush feels really scratchy and the brush shedded when I removed it from the packaging. Not impressed!

Caudalie Eaux Fraiches:

'Refresh your senses with these invigorating and energising fragrances.' 

I wasn't too impressed when I saw yet another perfume sample but this is actually a very good size for a perfume sample at 10ml. The fragrance isn't something I'd normally choose as it leans heavily towards the floral side but I'm sure I'll use it sometime!

MeMeMe Sensuous Nail Gloss:

 'A 5ml high shine nail gloss in this season's key catwalk peach shade.'

I've never tried anything from the MeMeMe brand before and I'm a big fan of a nude/peach nail colour so I'm looking forward to giving this a go.

BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer:

'Multi purpose pure mineral bronzer. Add a touch of summer warmth to your face.'

I'm not too sure about this product, it's far too shimmery to use as a bronzer and the size of the pot is far too small to dip a face brush into. The colour itself is lovely so I'll probably end up using this as an eyeshadow.

Overall this box was ok but it certainly wasn't one of my favourites. I like the Vichy Dermablend sample and look forward to trying the nail polish out but everything else is a little meh. I'm super jealous of anyone who received the Dermalogica sample set! 

What did you think of your Glossybox this month?

Sarah xx

May Glossybox Giveaway Winner Announcement...

Hello my lovelies, I hope you're all well & looking forward to the weekend =]

This is just a super quick post to let you know who has won my May Glossybox Giveaway, being the ditz that I am I accidentally ordered 2 so I decided to give one away!

& the winner is...

*drumroll please*

Charlie from Eat.Play.Shop.Love

I'll email you shortly confirm your details =]

Thankyou to everyone who entered, I've now reach over 900 followers & that is amazing! I will be hosting another giveaway when I reach 1000!

Have a lovely Friday!

Sarah xx 

WIN! A Glossybox May Anniversary Edition... **NOW CLOSED**

Hello my lovelies, I hope you're all ok =]

Me being the silly billy that I am I accidental ordered 2 May Glossyboxes so I have decided to give one away to my lovely followers!

The below image is simply for illustration, you will receive a completely brand new Glossybox still sealed. 

How to enter:

♥ Make sure you're a follower of this blog via Googe Connect (top right)

♥ For one entry leave a comment on this post with your email address.

♥ For one extra entry tweet about this giveaway & make sure you mention me when you tweet so I can see it, my twitter ID = xbeautygeekx please also state that you tweeted when you leave your comment.

The boring bit (the rules)

♥ You must be a follower of this blog via Google Connect.

♥ You must be 16+ or have your parents permission as I will need your address to send the prizes. 

♥ This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!

♥ All qualifying entries will be entered into random.org and a winner selected at random.

   

This giveaway closes on Sunday 3rd June 2012.

Good luck!

Sarah xx

Lifting The Lid: Glossybox 1st Anniversary Edition...

Good evening my lovelies, It's finally Friday, Yay!!

May marks the first Anniversary of Glossybox and to celebrate this the May Glossybox is a special Anniversary edition.

I personally can't believe Glossybox has been around for a year, it feels like only yesterday I was ripping open my first box, How time flies!

 Here is what I received in this months Glossybox...

 How pretty is this tissue paper?! I managed to save it & will be using it to wrap a present in the future =]

My box contained:

♥ Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel - I know these shower gels can come in handy for traveling purposes but I'm getting bored of receiving one every month. I haven't tried this particular shower gel yet but it smells really masculine to me, I might give it to my boyfriend for our holiday.

♥ Lolita Lempicka Perfume Samples - I know some people don't like receiving perfume samples but I personally don't mind them for slipping in my clutch on a night out. I probably wouldn't choose these perfumes myself or purchase the full sizes but they're not bad & I will use them.

♥ Weleda Face Cream & Body Milk - I haven't tried this yet so I can't say too much but I'm always happy to try new skincare and look forward to giving this a go. 

♥ Collection Lasting Colour Gel Liner - I was quite surprised to see this in my box & it was black, a colour I will actually use! I saw that a few people received the brown liner and I'm so glad I received the black. I'm a big gel liner fan & look forward to trying this out. 

♥ HD Brows Brow Beater - I was SO happy when I saw this! I missed out on the first HD brows product that came with a Glossybox last year and have never lived it down. I'm a big fan of filling in my brows and it's an important part of my daily routine so this product is right up my street. I tried it this morning & I really liked it. I don't want to say too much yet but I will be posting a full review soon. 

♥ Mirror & Balloon - With this being the Anniversary edition Glossybox included a mirror & balloon as bonus products. I'm really happy with the mirror, it's doubled sided with one side being a magnified mirror and it will be perfect for slipping in my handbag. The balloon was a really sweet touch and my nephew has enjoyed playing with it =]

Overall this box wasn't bad. It's certainly not my favourite box and I probably won't use all of the products but the HD brows product certainly made up for it.

What are yours thoughts on this months box?

Sarah xx

Glossybox March 2012 - The Harrods Edition...

Good evening my lovelies, I hope you all had a fab weekend.

I feel like such a bad blogger recently and I know I need to pull my finger out & post more! All I've wanted to do is sleep after work recently but I'm going to schedule a few posts & get into the swing of things this week I promise =]

I've been away visiting the boyfriend this weekend and when I got home earlier my glossybox was waiting for me, perfect ending to a great weekend!

I had already heard it was going to a Harrods box from various blogs but I was still excited when I tore open the cardboard box to find this...

As you can see the box is absolutely beautiful but I expected nothing less from Glossybox. The box itself is white, another colour to add to my collection! The contents is tied with a beautiful Harrods ribbon & sealed with a Harrods sticker, what a lovely touch!

Contents:

As you can see Glossybox really upped their game for this box & every product is a luxury brand. Here is what I received...

Clarins - Extra Firming Body Cream: 'A formula rich in regenerating and firming plant extracts which immediately helps to lift and tone, for firmer and a younger looking body.' I really was happy to see this in the box, I love Clarins as a brand and the 30ml size feels like you're getting a good amount of product. I probably don't need to use this all over my body but I will certainly be giving it a go on the thigh/bum area!

Molton Brown - Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower: 'Vitamin-rich fruit extracts boost the skin and invigorate the senses.' A MOLTON BROWN PRODUCT, EEEEP! I was so happy when I saw this! It smells absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to try it in my bath later. Again, this is a 50ml size so even though it is sample size I think it's a really good sample size.

YSL - Forever Youth Liberator Serum: 'A powerful serum enriched with 3 glycans to help increase youthful activity in skin cells.' I probably don't need to start using a product like this considering I'm only in my early twenties but I'm going to give a go and see how I get on. I might not need the anti ageing properties in this product but I have read it can also help with skin luminosity and adding radiance, sounds good to me!

Narciso Bodriguez - For Her: 'For her is Narciso Rodriguez's  first fragrance. A tribute to women's grace and power of inspiration.' Errrr, what? Ha. This was probably the product I was least excited about in this box. It smells really nice and I find perfume samples really handy to keep in my bag but it's really just another perfume sample to me. 

Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Mist Copper No 202: 'With a balmy lip loving formula, lip mist offers sheer colour with an irresistible gloss shine.' I was over the moon when I found this tucked away in my box, the design of the lipstick is beautiful and I can't wait to show it off to my friends. I thought the colour looked a little brown for me but when swatched & on the lips it's alot more wearble and glossy, almost like a lim balm. 

This has to be my favourite box to date and overall I'm really impressed with the quality of the products in this box. Every time I think of cancelling my subscription Glossybox release a box like this that makes me want to stay! 

Glossybox is available here priced at £10.00 per month + P&P.

What did you think of this months Glossybox?

Sarah xx

Glossybox February 2012: The Fashion Week Edition...

Good evening my beauts! Hope you are all well =]

I'm writing this whilst stuffing my face with pancakes and watching The Brits, perfect evening! 

Is it just me that feels like I only received my previous Glossybox a couple of days ago?! Seems odd to have another so soon! I thought I'd show you what I received this month...

As you can see the box is back to being the normal glossybox, I personally think they should have a different colour or theme for every month!

EEEEEP! This card excites me, alot! I can't wait check out Glossybox on Friday! I wonder what it could be?!

Contents & Thoughts:

♥ Dr Bronzer Magic Liquid Soap: 'A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils.'  Am I the only person who is completely confused with this product, I actually don't know what I'm supposed to use it for! The instructions make no sense to me. If you know what this is for please let me know in the comments!

♥ Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm 'Intense hydrating treatment for your hair'  This was the product that I was probably most excited about in this box, I have never tried a Paul Mitchell product before and I have always been keen to. I've been researching it on the internet and it appears you should use it on damp hair before drying your hair, I can't wait to try it out.

♥ Como Shambhala Invigorate Body Lotion: 'A revitalising blend of essential oils that puts you in a perfectly uplifted mood' Surprise surprise another body lotion. This really didn't excite me at all, I already have far too many body lotions and I really don't like the smell of this. Thumbs down!

♥ BM Beauty Pure Mineral Eyeshadow: 'Award winning pure mineral eyeshadow' I've never really dabbled in mineral eyeshadows so this is a welcome addition to my makeup collection. I was glad I didn't receive the pink shade as I would never have used it but the grey shade that I received looks slightly more interesting.

♥ DUWOP Venom Gloss: 'Combining subtle tinited lipgloss with DuWop's Lip Venom to create Venom Gloss' One girl can never have enough lipgloss & I'd heard of Lip Venom before so this was a welcome surprise. I tried it for the first time earlier today & I love the smell! It really made my lips tingle & I'm not sure if I really liked this, I'll give it another go and see how I get on with it.

Overall I really wasn't impressed with this box at all. Nothing in the box made me think 'WOW' and I was quite disappointed when I opened it. I'm so tempted to cancel my subscription but I know the month I do something amazing will be in the box!

What were your thoughts on this months box?

Sarah xx

Glossybox - February 2012 Valentine's Edition...

Good evening lovelies, Monday is over, Yay!!!

I started my new job today & the day went super quick, never a bad thing for a Monday =]

I called my Mum at lunch to see if my Glossybox had arrived and when she told me it had I couldn't wait to get home & tear open the box!

As always the box was wrapped beautifully and tied with a ribbon. Part of the appeal of Glossybox has to be the packaging for me, if the products arrived in a plain cardboard box I would probably cancel my subscription, how shallow! This month the box has a Valentine's theme and the box is hot pink rather than the usual baby pink colour, I love the fact they have started to change the colour scheme with each theme, it makes each box just a tad more interesting.

Content & thoughts:

♥ FAB Gentle Body Wash: 'A moisturising irritant free everyday cleanser ideal for even the most sensitive skin.'  This product promises to cleanse, calm redness and relieve dry skin, what a perfect product for this time of year. I haven't tried this product yet but I have given it a whiff and it really doesn't smell of anything, strange!

♥ Devines Moisturising Balm: 'The authentic result of our commitment is a precious line of intelligent products, rich in natural ingredients.'  This is an all purpose balm that can be used on the hair, skin and body, how interesting! I'm really looking forward to trying this out and I will of course report back on the best ways to use it. 

♥ Devines Cleansing Nectar: 'The authentic Devines formula for the beauty and delight of every woman.' Once again this is a multi purpose product that can be used to remove make up, to act as an all over body mask or to cleanse the hair. I've never tried a product like this before and it's another product that I can't wait to try. I'm not entirely keen on the smell, it's smells very natural and I do much prefer sweet smells but I'll give it a shot!

♥ Murad Skin Perfecting Primer: 'Oil free primer ignites a radiant glow powered by light enhancing minerals.' This was probably my favourite product from this box, my eyes lit up when I saw a primer was included! I was really shocked to see this was a skin coloured primer and not clear, all primers I have tried in the past have always been clear. I've tried this out and really liked the results but I will of course have to give it a proper road test before I can do a full review.

♥ Eyeko Skinny Liner: 'Get a handle on your eyeliner for precise definition and intense colour with a long lasting finish.' How beautiful is this eye liner?! I've never seen such a lovely looking eyeliner before! I was really chuffed that I received the light pink shade, it's a shade I would never buy but I was more than happy to receive. From what I've heard this shade is great for using on the waterline to make you look awake and for highlighting on the eyebrow. Much more interesting than yet another boring black liner!

Overall I was really impressed with this box. The novelty of receiving a beautifully wrapped box of goodies every month has not worn of yet and I already can't wait to see what will be appearing next month!

What did you think of the Glossybox this month?

Sarah xx