As always, I was very impressed with my She Said beauty box this month. I just feel that the products are well worth the money you pay for the box, and you get a really great range of products as well as most of them being full sized! So here's what I got this month, and what I thought of the products.
The first thing i received in my box was the Stylefile designed by the apprentice winner, Tom Pellereau. Because i'm lame and don't actually watch the apprentice, this was the first time i'd heard of this product, but it's a very awesome concept whereby the shape of the file follows the curve of your nail. It makes nail filing a lot easier and I like that it has one side that's quite rough for filing and shaping, and the other is smoother. It says on the packaging that these are also supposed to last 12 months which is cool. I think these would make a really nice gift for friends and family, maybe a good stocking filler for mum! They're also a reasonable price of £4.49, cheap enough to be an essential in every girls make-up collection. This was obviously a full sized (and very useful) product in the box.
The next product I pulled out of the box was the Vintage Cosmetic company's eyelash curler, another full sized beauty essential and this one retails for £7.00 so I've already got the value of my box. I've really enjoyed using these curlers, before I didn't bother with eyelash curlers but they do actually make all the difference! I use these by holding the curlers under a hairdryer for a few seconds on a low setting and then curling my lashes before applying mascara to set. This product comes with replacement pads too, making it totally re-usable!
Can I just point out, we are now on the third full sized product in the box which is the Miner's cosmetics Bronzer and Blusher blend, retailing for £4.99. I would have to say this is the product I am most impressed with in the box. I absolutely love the glowy finish it gives me, and it has definitely worked it's place into my daily make-up routine. This is a product i will most definitely repurchase! I absolutely love the blend of the two colours making it look noticeable on your cheeks but not over the top.
And yet again, we have ANOTHER full sized product! This is the 30ml version of the Murad time release blemish cleanser retailing at £5.50. I'm going to be honest with you guys and say i've only used this a couple of times so far this month, but based on those couple of times, this is a really good cleanser making your skin feel really clean. I'm lucky enough to not suffer with acne or blemishes, so I can't say i've noticed a difference on that part, but it does a good job at cleansing and it smells really good too. It has a sweet, but fresh citrus-y scent. I've used this as suggested by massaging onto dampened skin, then washing off with warm water, but tonight i think i'm going to give it a go with the clarisonic and see how i feel. I've only used it in the morning so far and it really has made my face feel fresh and awake. I also love that this product is against testing on animals - always a bonus!
So the only actual sample sized item in the box was this ice crystals anti-ageing prep & polish sachet by Freeze 24.7. A full sized product of this retails for £35 so it is definitely a luxury product. I haven't actually tried this yet, so i can't review it, but it says it is a powerful resurfacing cocktail that re textures and refinishes skin for a vibrant and fresh new glow. I don't really like getting anti-ageing products in my beauty boxes, but when you have 1 sample and 4 full sized, it's hard to complain about minor details!
Finally, as a bonus product (as if we hadn't been spoilt enough already!) each box contained a Debenhams beauty club reward card, so if we did want to go out and buy these products in full sizes, or repurchase them, we can earn points to spend in store. I think this is just a lovely added touch to the box and that She Said have really thought it all through. I think you can possibly pick these up in Debenhams? But i haven't got one yet so this was really perfect for me. It says on the front of the card that you get points and money rewards when you shop, free samples, free makeovers, skincare consultations, emails and exclusive offers and competitions when you register your card online.
Overall, i think i was spoilt rotten with this box, it contains some absolutely amazing products that I know i will use everyday and repurchase again and again. If you'd like to sign up to She Said beauty, you can view my profile here. What's your opinion on this month's box? Do you have a beauty box subscription?
This months Glossybox was always going to be tough following the Christmas edition, and i have to say, I am slightly disappointed this month. Skincare is just not my thing because i have eczema and i don't like trying moisturisers in case they cause more irritation. I have to say though, i love that Glossybox are making special edition boxes because it keeps things exciting, and the sweetie included was super cute :)
The first thing that caught my eye was First Aid Beauty's Gentle Body Wash because the packaging was sweet and i expected it to smell really yummy! But unfortunately it was totally unperfumed and i didn't think it was anything particularly special either. I applied this last night after bathing and then this morning after washing, particularly on my legs and i haven't really noticed any difference in my skin, maybe i need to try it a few more times but I wouldn't buy the full size product for £10, that's for sure.
I have mixed feelings towards Murad's Primer sample too, sorry to be a moaner. This product was one of my favourites in the box simply because i'm a big believer in primers, I currently use Garnier's BB cream, but i'd love to try the illamasqua satin primer (hint hint!). So i've tried this a couple of times already and the overall finish isn't bad actually, the issue i have with it is that it doesn't seem to spread well, if that makes sense. With the BB cream, a little bit goes a long way, but the application of Murad's primer just feels too.. elasticated. Also it seems try dry up quickly, like when i rub it in, it goes all "bitty" on my face. I love the packaging though and it does give an even coverage and radiant glow.
Yet, more skincare! In all fairness, Clarins are such a good brand so i understand why Glossybox have chosen to include the Extra-Firming Day and Night creams. I don't really use firming creams at the moment but i did try the Night cream last night and it seems nice enough. I can't really give a good review on them i'm afraid! My mum also gets Glossybox and she's far more likely to use them so if anyone wants to know any more, leave a comment or tweet me and i'll ask her what she thinks! For £46+ for a full sized product, i would expect quality though.
The Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner was definitely my favourite product in the box this month, although again there are a few downsides to the product - again, sorry for the negativity. I received this product in Midnight blue and the colour as you may be able to see, is lovely and pigmented. I think this will work really nicely for a smokey eye actually and it's easily smudgable too which is nice. My mum received the Powder Pink colour which i think i may be borrowing at some point because it looks like a good eye brightener! I also like the handle on the end of the liner for when i near the end of the pencil, it's a good idea and makes the product feel more expensive. The issue i have with this product is the fact it is actually quite small minus the handle! I look forward to trying out the pencil properly - hopefully on Friday night!
Sorry if this review was too negative for you, but it's my honest opinion of the box and i know Glossybox can't always please everyone. In fact i know loads of people really loved this month's box so let me know what you thought! Much love xxx
