She Said Beauty | November & UPDATE

Hi girlies! Sorry that my posts have been, somewhat.. lacking recently. I've been a bit of a busy bee &, if I'm honest, I lost my bloggin' mojo! But I'm back! ;D & with plenty of posts planned.

I'll start with my little update... some of you may have noticed that the name of my little blog has changed. It's gone from 'All things bright & beautiful' to 'Things bright & beautyful'. There are a couple of reasons for this... for starters, I had a few comments from readers saying that my blog title reminded them of that Christian hymn - All things bright & beautiful, all creatures great & small... Know the one I mean? That's not particularly a bad thing; however I'm neither religious, nor is my blog about religion. So it didn't really feel fitting. But, I didn't want to change it entirely, so I stuck with the whole 'bright & beautiful' shebang! As a bit of a play-on word I also changed 'beautiful' to 'beautyful'... yanno, with my blog being a beauty one & all that! So, lemme know what you think about this - hit or miss?! Just for reference... the URL is still the same :)

Now onto the beloved beauty box that is She Said Beauty. I'm a little behind on this months SSB, but better late than never! 

• Smooth lock shampoo & conditioner by Redken. I looooove Redken. & I'm all over trying out any of their products. But can you really get much of an impression from just 1 sachet? I guess I'll find out. I'll share my thoughts in the next empties post!
• Wild rose soothing night cream by Welda. This is probably my least fave product of the box. I'm not very fond of rose scented products & I don't really like switching up my skincare, especially when it isn't aimed at combination/oily skin. I'll give it a go tho & let you know what I think!
• Enhance shimmer lip gloss by MakeBelieve Beauty. This is a gorgeous lip gloss. The colour is a really pretty pink & it shimmers like no other, I tell thee! I will add though, it's quite a sticky one.
• Royal English daisy EDT by Yardley. This is the 2nd Yardley sample I've had & I'm really quite impressed. It has a really fresh scent & is perfect for daytime wear. Plus, the full sized EDTs are sooo cheap!!
• Brit body spray by So..? So..? is a brand that featured in my early teens, so I feel this is a little teeny-boppy for me. Nether the less body sprays always come in handy & this will be chucked into my bag! 
• Matchbook nail files by Murrays Manicure. Love this product, so handy! I'm a big nail fan & always like to have a nail file on me wherever I go. So these little numbers are perfect to put in bag. Infact, they already are in my bag :) 

So, what do I think? Although this months SSB is nothing to write home about, I think its up there with the boxes I've gained most use from. The only product I probably won't use is the Welda night cream. Apart from that bring it on! 

Hope you girls are okay! Sorry it's been a while since my last post, but I am backkk ;)

She Said Beauty | October

Jeez Louise! As if it is October already! Not that this bothers me in the slightest... I love love love all the deep Autumn colours, layering warm clothes & accessories, Halloween celebrations & last, but by far not least, Christmas!! I am so excited for Christmas :D Some of you may hate me for saying that though, haha. Anyways, back onto what I came here for... It's that SSB time of the month again :)

• Advanced bio renewal masque by Cellnique.  This is the tinniest little face scrub sample I ever did see! It's a scrub mask containing fruit enzymes and acids. I'm guessing it's the fruit enzymes, but it smells pretty delish for a scrub mask. I'll definitely be using this, but I think there's only enough for one application.. so I don't see how I can really get a feel for the product. But hey! 
• Off with those heads by B.liv. This product claims to easily remove stubborn blackheads & whiteheads, as well as keeping excessive oil under control & preventing breakouts. I quite intrigued as to how well this will work. I suffer from blackheads on my nose, so fingers crossed it works.
• Fragrance by Amy Childs. Yay to another perfume sample.... naat. It's not a perfume I'd go out & buy, but it's nice & girly. I'll be chucking this in my clutch bag. 
• Beauty rejuvenating night cream by Biao. I'm a little weary of using skin care samples that aren't targeted for combination/oily skin, as they usually break me out. I'll be giving these to my Momma or sister. 
• Cocoa butter formula travel size by Palmer's. This is definitely the highlight of this months box. It. smells. AMAZING! I love it. I've always loved the smell of cocoa butter, but have never actually used any, so I'm looking forward to smelling like this! It's a really thick moisturiser too - my favourite type :)  Shame it's just a travel size. 
• Total green tea extract by Myvitamins. It's a little random to find vitamins in a beauty box, but hey ho! With the cold weather here, it's prime time for people to start getting the flu etc. I guess these are a nice way to prepare my self. Fullsize: £2.49.

I'm really not sure what to think about this months box. I think it's the first SSB I've been slightly disappointed with. I love the cocoa butter & I'll enjoy using the face mask, but apart from that it's all a bit mehh. I definitely don't think this box is worth the £10 I paid, & it's sad that the only full sized product is the vitamin packet.

I have a sub to SSB that runs out in December, I'm thinking of cancelling SSB & signing up to Jolie Box. If any of you girls are subbed to either of these, lemme know what you think :)

Jen xo

She Said Beauty | September

This months SSB box was entitled 'Skincare September'. I don't have a set skincare routine, so I'm always up for trying out new products :)

• Green tea whitening marvel gel by Ginvera. This is a daily exfoliator which claims to zero-out blackheads thoroughly & painlessly. I love a good facial exfoliator, it's a great way of removing the dead skin cells sitting on your face (ew). I haven't tried this out yet, so fingers crossed!
• Primed & ready smoothing make-up primer by Collection 2000. I've been wanting to try out a new primer, so I'm chuffed to have this! The only primer I've ever used is Benefit's porefessional - which is amazing! Like the porefessional this primer claims to reduce the visible size of pores & prep the face for make-up. Although I didn't notice a change in the size of my pores it did help with the application of foundation - making it easier to create an even base. I think I'm going to use this primer day-to-day & save my porefessional primer for nights out & special occasions :) Fullsize - £5.99.
• Long lasting make-up fixer by Collection 2000. I've never tried a make-up setter, so again I was chuffed to receive this. I haven't yet tried it, but it claims to add radiance and keep make-up in its place for longer. I really hope this works! Would be great for nights out. Fullsize - £5.99.
• Deep cleansing oil by DHC. I received this cleanser in my last GlossyBox, & I still haven't used it so I'm not over the moon about getting another one. As it's oil I'm a little weary of putting it on my already slightly oily skin. But, I think now that I've got 2 I'm gonna be brave & try it out! Fullsize (30ml) - £3.50.
• Spring clean cooling clay mask by Amie. Face masks are my favourite :) I love trying out all different ones, so I'm looking forward to a night in with this mask on. This mask is a deep-cleansing mask that claims to draw out dirt & impurities, whilst soaking up excess oil. Sounds good to me! Fullsize (15ml) - £1.50.
• Salt & vinegar Popchips. These were added in a little 'SSB treat'. They are a healthy alternative to a packet of crisps, at only 45 calories a bag. Unlike some other healthy snacks they are quite yummu too! Fullsize - 79p.

All in all I think it's quite a nice box :) I'm really glad I've now got a daily primer, so I can save my fave for nights out. I'm also looking forward to trying out the setting spray & the clay face mask!

If you too want to receive monthly SSB boxes, check out there site here :)

Jen xo 

She Said Beauty | August '12

As mentioned in my last post, I came back from my hols to two lovely beauty boxes :) You can see my review for the Glossy Box here. Like a mad man I ripped off the packaging, explaining the lack of pics! But you've probably all seen it before :)

She Said Beauty are always brill, this month is no exception! I'll just briefly tell you what I got & my thoughts...

• Professional choice toothpaste by White Glo. Although it's a pretty bog-standard product, I'm happy to get toothpaste! Especially whitening toothpaste. It claims to lift stains and discolouration. & it's also Australia's #1 fave. 
• Rachel powdered paper by Papier Poudre. I have wanted to try these out for sooo long! Chuffed to get these :) It's a little book of blotting paper that you use to remove excess oil from your face. You can use it over the top of make up & it just mattifies your face where necessary. I don't have a particularly oily face but after a day of wearing make-up my T-zone tends to look a little oily. These will be great for my hand bag :) Fullsize gift pack - RRP £7.95.
• Rose otto intensive lip salve by Balance Me. These were recently featured in Glamour magazines as a free gift. I'm glad I went for the face moisturiser after receiving this now :) It's a petroleum free intensive lip salve. As well as moisturise it also claims to plump the lips, protect them & smooth away dry patched. Also, smells delish! Fullsize - RRP £12. 
• Nail foils by Absolutely Flawless. Although I'm not over the moon about the pattern of the foils, I'm keen to try these out! If it goes well, of to the shops I am to buy a pattern I love. These ones are soo cheap, will be interesting to see if I can tell during application. Fullsize - RRP £1.90!
• Colour extend radiant-10 by Redken. I've heard soo much good stuff about Redken, so I'm happy to try this out :) This spray is a multi-benefit treatment spray for colour-treated hair. It also contains UV filters which is great. I'll be trying this out tomorrow morning! 
• Eau de cologne by 4711. The fact its called cologne kinda puts me off & makes me think it's a mans smell. The smell is quite nice, but it isn't girly at all. I think this might be one for the boyf!

If you're thinking about signing up to a beauty box, I'd deffo recommend She Said Beauty. They never ever fail! & their boxes are always full, which I love :) To find out more, or to sign up yourself, take a look here.

Jen xox

She Said Beauty | July '12

I am going to start by saying that SSB never seem to disappoint! This has to be one of my favourite boxes yet. With Glossy Box getting a lot of stick lately, SSB have been gaining a lot of new customers - hopefully this is encouraging them to improve their boxes!

I'm sure most of you are aware, but if not - SSB is a monthly beauty box subscription. For £9 per month (plus £2.95 for p&p) you receive an average of 5 beauty samples; ranging from skin care, tanning, make-up, nail products, body care etc. The majority of products are luxury samples, but every now & again they slip full sized products in their too. I absolutely love the concept & personally I subscribe so I can try products that I wouldn't have known about/bought myself otherwise. It's also great to get a little monthly treat of the post man ;) 

Below is their beautiful packaging it always come in. 

Now, here's what I got!

• Vintage eyelash curler by The Vintage Cosmetic Company. The packaging for this little beaute is sooo pretty! If only the curlers themselves were patterned too! Anyways, great product. I didn't really need a new one, but thinking about it I have had mine for about 5 years, so It's probably about time they got replaced! There are nifty little tips & guideline on the back of the box too. For instance, have you ever thought to heat the eyelash curlers slightly with your hairdryer before curling your eyelashes?? Me either! Apparently it causes a more dramatic curl & the result stays like so for longer. Genius. Full size - RRP £7. 
• S-file by Stylefile. Soo pleased to receive this - you guys know how much I like doing my nails. I was actually looking at this file the other day in Boots! So glad I didn't buy it now. The S-file was created by some guy named Tom, who won in a previous series of The Apprentice. The design allows for easy & more accurate filing. I love that the file has 1 side for filing & the other for smoothing down.  Full size - RRP £4.49.

• Bronzer & blusher blend by Miners Cosmetics. One of the next things I wanted to purchase was a bronzer or blusher. How perfect is this item?! It isn't too shimmery & has a nice subtle pigmentation (which is what I prefer on my cheeks). Love it :) Full size - RRP £4.99. 
• Time release blemish cleanser by Murad. Currently I don't have a set skin care routine, so I am open arms to trying out new cleansers, toners etc. I haven't yet used this so I can't really comment, but it claims to reduce blemishes whilst diminishing fine lines & wrinkles. Sounds good to me! Full size (30ml) - £5.50.

• Ice crystals anti-ageing prep & polish by Freeze 24.7. As you can see the sample is tiny tiny! I just about had enough to use it once on my face. The product claims to retexurise and refinish the skin, leaving it with a vibrant & fresh new glow. This may be a spot on description; however, how am I meant to know after 1 use?! I'll admit my skin did feel nice & pulp after using this but I don't think I'd purchase the full size (£35 for 70g) because I can't be sure whether it works for me not. 
• BONUS ITEM: Beauty club reward card for Debenhams. I think that this is quite a good way to promote a store, as I'd never go & get a Debenhams card if it wasn't for this. It's basically like the Boots advantage point card (which is a God send, I may add!). You receive points when you spend money on their beauty items & receive gift cards depending upon how many points you have (1 point = 1 penny). Though, I have to add it isn't as good as the Boots card - you receive 3 points per pound you spend when you spend over £25 & 2 points per pound you spend when you spend under £25. Regardless, I'll definitely be activating & using this :) 

As you can see I received 4 out 6 full sized products! This, you cannot complain at! If you tot it up the full sized products alone they total £21.98. I think this is great when the box only costs £9!

So, what do you think of this months box? I love it! 

If you too want to sign up to She Said Beauty & receive a monthly beauty box, check them out here.

Jen xox

She Said Beauty | June '12

After 2 weeks waiting for my June SSB box, only to find out they had tried to deliver it to the wrong address, I finally have it! I must say I think it was worth the wait :) So, as usual it came in it's lovely light blue packaging as follows... 

What was inside??

I received 3 full sized products, 2 sample products & 1 bonus sample product. Along with a leaflet containing information on the products, a leaflet on BB cream & a leaflet on St Tropez. I haven't had chance to try them all out yet but here is a little info on what I received & my opinion...

• Self tan perfect legs by St Tropez. This product is full size at £10 a time, meaning I've already got my pennies back :) SSB were giving out 2 different St Tropez products this month; one being the self tan perfect legs & the other a gradual tan everyday body lotion. I wouldn't have minded either of these, however I'm glad I got this one as I've tried a spray on tan before. So in a nut shell, its a 360 aerosol spray giving you instant colour with an airbrushed finish. Sounds like a dream to me! Can't wait to give this a whirl. 
• Tranquil touch indulgent bath elixir by Elemis. This is a body soak which claims to leave your body feeling soft & mind soothed. It contains cocoa butter, patchouli, cedarwood & vetivert leaves. This is the very reason I am going to have a long soak in the bath tomorrow morning! :)

• Whipped shea body button: Lemon zest by Mischa Barton.  This claims to be a super moisturising body butter with energising blends of lemon, lime, cranberry, red currant & grapefruit. This product is also full size, costing £10. I'm reaallly glad to receive this. I love body butters, especially thick, creamy ones like this. I think it smells gorgeous, but if you aren't into your citrus smells then this definitely isn't for you. 
• Temptress strip lashes by Let's Go. I know some people hate receiving lashes in their beauty boxes, but I'm a massive fan so I don't mind :) I especially like the lash style I received - they aren't too big & aren't so natural that they are unnoticeable. Perfect for a night out! This item is full size & worth £8.95.

• Royal diamond eau de toilette by Yardley London. I am really rubbish at describing smells, as my sense of smell really isn't very good. Howwwwever, I do actually like this scent. It's quite mature scent but it's really fresh & I think would make a lovely day time perfume. It's a steal at just £9.99 for a 50ml bottle!
• Green tea nude cover BB cream. I'm sure most of you have already heard of BB cream, it is allll over the blogging world lately. I've read so much about it but haven't yet tried any, so I'm really glad to get a sample! It claims to do so many things all in one - hopefully it works as well as it sounds!

I can't wait try my products out. I'll be sure to review any I think are amazing!! Just a re-cap for you... SSB is a monthly subscription at just £9 (+ £2.95 p&p) per month. It's a fab monthly treat & always brightens up my day :) Fancy joining yourself, take a look here.

Hope you enjoyed my post :)

Jen xox

She Said Beauty box: May

Okay, so I know I am realllly late in writing about the May She Said Beauty box. However, I only signed up last week so I received the box really late compared to everybody else. I thought I'd still do a post on it though, as it's my first ever beauty box (yayyy!).

Today has been horrible! I had my a 3 hour exam :/ 1 of 4, for my final year. Urghh. So it was really nice to come home to my beauty box after that stress.

The She Said Beauty box arrived in a very gorgeous hot pink box, containing....

Taaaa-daa!

The box is a little scuffed on the light hand side, but I don't mind - that happens. I will definitely be keeping the box, its a lovely colour & will be great for storing nails varnishes, etc. 

So, inside the box. What did I get?

Beautifulll packaging, I love the tissue paper and bow :) Anyways, with the box I received a 40% off voucher for Kim Kardashian's perfume, from her fragrance website, & a little leaflet with information of the products I received. 

Here's what was inside the box...

I haven't really had chance to use all of the products yet, so I'll do a quick over view :)

• Certified vegan lip whip by Inika. This product was full size, usually costing £14.30, which already makes the box great value for money. I received it in peach, which isn't to my usual taste. I think over a nice pink lip stick it will look great. The texture is of the best lip gloss I've ever had, it isn't sticky at all & my hair hasn't yet glued it's self to my lips! 
• False lashes by The Vintage Cosmetic Company. I loveeeeeee eyelashes, so am very happy I received these. I was sent 'Connie'. They are quite natural looking, but I'm sure they'll boost the volume and length of my natural lashes. After I've finished my exams these will definitely accompany me on a few nights out. 
• SPF 15 with tan accelerator by Green People. With summer around the corner this a great product. I can only hope we get some sun! The product also claims to speed up your tan by 25% :) Bonus!
• Eau De Parfum by Kim Kardashian. The fragrance isn't my favourite, but it's still nice. It comes in a little 3ml roller ball sample, which is so easy for application. I'll definitely be putting this in my bag!
• Lotus Soap Trio by Natio. I haven't used an actual bar of soap in so long, I'm actually excited to use this. I haven't opened it yet as I'm moving back home in a couple of weeks and because it's quite a big bar I know I won't use it by the time it comes to packing up. I received 'white locus' & it smells so nice & fresh. 
• The last product was a bonus 3 product sample gift by Snowberry. I haven't had chance to use these yet, so I can't comment too much. The samples are quite small so I don't think it really gives you chance to experience the benefits of the creams. They were bonus gifts though so I'm not complaining :) I received nourishing rich day cream, bright defence night cream and intensive renewal face serum.

So, overall I am really happy with my first She Said Beauty box :) I will definitely make use of all the products, my favourite being the eyelashes! I look forward to my June beauty box :)

Jen xox