July Favourites

So August has arrived, therefore I thought today I would do a post of my July favourites; a small list of all the products I have loved over the past month. Moreover, I am pleased to report that not only are these products fantastic but affordable also. 

I have 10 products to tell you about this month, three of which are hair, four cosmetics and two beauty products. 

Hair Products

Schwarzkopf Got 2 b oil-licious weightless Dry Oil Mist - RRP £3.99, 200ml

This has become a favorite of mine over the growing months, more so in July. With the weather heating up my hair has dried out, therefore I have been searching everywhere for a nice product to help with dryness. Moreover, whenever my hair gets dry it becomes frizzy and unmanageable. This spray is designed for those exact situations, it tames the hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. 

Schwarzkopf Got 2 b oil-licious tame & shine Styling Oil - RRP £3.99, 50ml

Having been so happy with the oil mist I decided to branch out and looked at the other products in the oil-licious range; this is the styling oil, as you will see from the picture above (at the front) it is only a small little bottle, however a little does go a long way. The oil is a non-greasy formula including argon oil, which is always a healthy bonus - it can be used either prior to washing your hair, after you have washed your hair, prior to drying and also for styling dry hair. I personally use this oil after washing my hair, it has helped make my hair shiny, healthy and moisturised once dried. A great little addition to my hair routine.  

Batiste dry shampoo XXL Volume - RRP £3.99, 200ml

Every girl needs a dry shampoo on there vanity unit and Batiste is one of the best I have ever come across, specifically the XXL Volume edition. A quick little spray over and my hair becomes voluminous, alive and looks fresh; fantastic for on the move. The best element of Batiste products is that they do a product for everyone, no matter what you want from your dry shampoo, you will find it with this fantastic brand. 

Cosmetics

Max Factor Face Finity all day Primer - RRP £10.99, 30ml
I have been loyal to my MAC primer for long enough, however over the past few weeks I have found myself reaching for this very affordable alternative. My sister very generously gave me this primer, I will always be grateful, I do not own many Max Factor products but this primer is fantastic, not only does it smell beautifully refreshing but it is remarkably smooth. Make up lasts all day and skin feels moisturised and nourished. I will defiantly be re purchasing this new beauty essential.  

Rimmel London BB Matte - RRP £6.99, 30ml

Consider how much I have used this product I should have placed it at the top of the list. I LOVE this BB cream, not only does it apply effortlessly but it also blurs pores, evens skin tone and leaves your face looking beautifully matte, but not dry. 

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes, Extra Black - £10.99, 9.2ml

I walked into Superdrug with the goal to purchase the new L'Oreal Million Lashes So Couture, however after much debate and a little chat with a sales assistant I walked out with the extra black million lashes instead and I certainly do not regret it. The brush itself has a multitude of bristles which separate the lashes, giving you long individually bold separated lashes, that last all day long. Since purchasing this mascara I have not even reached for any of my others, holy grail status here. 

Maybelline New York, Colorstay Stripped Nude Lipstick, Coffee Craze - RRP £6.99

I actually purchased this back in May, however, I did not use it too much. Having given the lipstick a shot, it has successfully made its way into my every day make up bag, it is a beautiful moisturising nude that is remarkably similar to my lip colour but adds a slight shine. A lovely nude, lovely quality and lasts very well considering it is a drug store lipstick. 

Other 

Johnson's Face Care Makeup Be Gone, Extra Sensitive wipes. 25 Wipes - RRP £3.03

I always like to have make-up wipes for those nights I am far too tiered to wash my face. I came across Johnson's range whilst shopping in Asda and have actually grown rather fond of them. Like always I purchased the sensitive option as I don't want any harsh ingredients on my face. These wipes are 100% fragrance and alcohol free and leave the skin feeling cleansed and soft; they even remove waterproof mascara and bold eye liner easily. Great purchase if your on the hunt for make-up remover wipes. 

Nivea anti-perspirant stress protect rollerball deodorant - RRP £2.09 for 50ml

Having mostly always used spray deodorants it did not occur to me to try this little roller. However, it was actually bought for me and with the weather only getting warmer I was not going to turn it down. Gosh, I am glad I didn't, the deodorant itself has lasted all through July, it smells fresh, clean, moisturised and it does not need to be frequently applied. Once is enough, sometimes twice throughout the day, depends on what I am doing. 

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July Glossybox 2014

Glossybox Review, July 2014 - Stars and Stripes Edition 

So it's that time of the month again when the little pink box (blue, red and white box this month) arrives full of beauty goodies. Yes. I am talking about Glossybox; a subscription service which delivers 5 products to your door, once a month to enjoy. The box itself costs £13.25 overall, that includes delivery, although the box gets cheaper depending on your subscription choice. There is four subscription choices; first the monthly subscription, 3 month subscription, 6 month and an annual option also - the price of the box gets lower the longer subscription you make.

So this months Glossybox is a Stars and Stripes theme, i.e American Hero beauty products. My guess, is that the American theme is in honor of the 3rd July, which of course is also known as independent day in America. Therefore, let me introduce you to the July 2014 Stars and Stripes Glossybox -

The box comes with 5 products in total, 4 of which are full size;
1. Bellapierre Cosmetics Ltd Mineral Lipstick in Mandarina
2. Absolute New York Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer
3. Classic Carmex  moisturising lip balm
4. Color Club Nail Lacquer in Glossy Seal
5. Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque








Bellapierre Cosmetics Ltd Mineral Lipstick in Mandarina, 3.5g RRP £20 

This product was actually a sneak peak given by Glossybox some time ago, therefore I expected it within the box just like every other subscriber. I believe there was three possible shades you could have received, I received Mandarina which is a beautiful dark orange shade. The product I received was also full size, therefore making it a great little gift and bargain for the £13.25 box.
This cult American favourite is formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments, and antixidant including Vitamin C and Vitamin E, providing long lasting colour and protection against the sun.

As you can see from the image swatch the colour is very vibrant, it also very smooth on application and moisturising. However, my absolute favorite thing about this lipstick is in fact the smell, it smells gorgeous! Very much reminds of Galaxy chocolate, I know I will be fighting to not lick this all off. I am yet to test it for a full day to test the durability of the lipstick. The lipstick is also, although I can not yet confirm, supposed to add protection from the sun - if that is true then I will be sure to be packing this lovely summer color for the beach!

Absolute New York Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer, One Size 7.9g, - RRP $4.99 

This is again a full size product, I have never actually heard of this brand but defiantly looking forward to testing it. So the Glossybox leaflet describes this product as;

This oil-free, ultra-creamy formula evens skin tone around the eye area and keeps eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.






Ever since I discovered eye shadow primer I have generally stuck to Urban Decay, having fallen in love with the formula. However, I am delighted to have received this little gem, which judging from the price is extremely affordable. Of course upon opening the box I was compelled to swatches this primer, and although it seemed very creamy and thick at first, once I had blended the product into my skin it appeared slightly oily - although this is not always a bad trait when you are perhaps placing powdery eye shadows on top. The product can also be used alone, without eye shadow as a neutralizer for redness on the eye lid and to make the eyes appear brighter.

Classic Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm, 7.5g/8.5ml - RRP £2.69

The third full size product is this Carmex lip balm. Carmex is a very well known loved brand and I am certainly not an exception, so I was pleased to have this in my box.
Loved by celebrities and makeup artists all over the world, CARMEX is the original lip balm and the only way to soothe dry, chapped lips. With menthol, camphor, and beeswax, lips are nourished, conditioned, and protected from the elements all year round. You need this staple in your bag!

This product is essential for dry, cracked lips which is what I find myself suffering from regularly, I apply numerous times in the day lip balm so I very much look forward to placing this little pot into my handbag. Carmex was invented in the USA in the 1930's and boasts a sale of over 130 every minute - an impressive portfolio that was defiantly well deserved in this Glossybox American hero's theme.

Color Club Nail Lacquer in Glossy Seal, 15ml - RRP $8

The fourth and final full size product this months Glossbox offers is this delightful, very appropriate coloured nail lacquer, here is what Glossybox had to say about it;
Color Club nail polish is proudly made in New York with only non-toxic, cruelty free ingredients. The shade Glossy Seal has been especially formulated for your July Glossybox!

Evidently, this appears a limited edition colour specifically for Glossybox, great! The image above shows two coats of the lacquer on my nail, without a top coat as I just applied the polish quickly, to give you an idea of the colour and its application. The formula is nice, shiny and fairly thick although, I would always recommend two coats just to give the colour its true pay off. I am not a big fan of dark colours but I am not going to complain as evidently this colour represents America - given its an American box I expected such a colour to appear. The product is nice if you like the colour, however, I am not too keen so therefore can not see myself using it too often although that is no criticism to the formula or application. Moreover, at $8 this is defiantly an affordable polish, even on the exchange rate.

Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Detoxifying Mudd Masque, 15g Sample - Full size 120g at £18

This is the only sample product I receuved this month, which is absolutly great! Glossybox in the past have been known for offering far too many samples, but it would appear they have really stepped up there game! Rather than attempting to explain the full effects of this masque I will offer you the Glossybox description;
Dirty Girl unclogs pores, cleanses skin and gently exfoliates. Pascalite Clay absorbs pore-clogging impurities while Salicylic Acid removes dead skin for a visibly fresher, more radiant complexion. Apply masque liberally to clean skin and treat for 5-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

As far as sample sizes go this is not too bad. I would guess that I could possibly get two applications out of this small tube. However, if the product proves to be amazing, then Glossybox has included a discount code to receive 20% off any one purchase at Pur Minerals at M&S (Marks and Spencer). The product itself is a grey thick cream, as seen above it obviously, as described looks like clay. I am yet to try this product but from what I have read and seen it appears a nice little masque, coincidentally I have been breaking out so maybe this is exactly what I need! My only issue with this is the smell, its very potent, almost medical.

Overall I am in love with this months Glossybox, never have I found it this simply to write a review of so many products at once but this was easy. Some great little gems, if you have not already done so then I would highly recommend subscribing, I myself, was going to unsubscribe this month just because I have received three boxes so far and was not very impressed, however after this little treasure I will be keeping faith and loyalty with Glossybox for a little longer.


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