February Birchbox

I gave in and had to try the new Joliebox, now called Birchbox. I got a three-month subscription to give it a try and this is my second month. So far I am really enjoying it and it's a nice alternative to the Glossybox. Anyway, onto the contents of this month's box...



Korres Guava Shower Gel - This can at the perfect time because I have been wanting to try a Korres shower gel and was just about to get one myself! I'm really excited to try it out and hopefully it'll be as good as my favourite Lush shower gels!

Vichy Thermal Spa Water - I am probably the most excited to try this product. I have been wanting to try the Caudilie Beauty Elixer for a while and this is a similar type of product. You can use it as a toner, to set make-up or just to refresh your skin.

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner Pencil - Another great product. This is a nude-coloured eyeliner so it will be great to use on the bottom lash line to brighten the eyes. I have actually been looking exactly for something like this so I hope it works out well!

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump N'Thick Leave-In Thickening Mist - This is the only product I won't get use out of. Because my hair is kinky-curly, styling products like this tend to really dry it out and so I stay well away from them!

EBOOST Natural Energy Booster - I love how in Birchbox there are lifestyle products included. This is a "natural, nutrient-rich, no-crash tonic".

Eyelash Curler - I don't really use eyelash curlers because I'm lucky enough to already have quite curly eyelashes. I'll definitely give this a try and maybe it'll do even more for me.

What do you think of this month's Birchbox?

Mini Review: L'Occitane Angelica Instant Hydration Mask

L'Occitane Masque Rosee du Matin Instant Hydration Mask

Because of the cold weather, my skin has been feeling quite dry and dehydrated. I use the Liz Earle Face Moisturiser everyday but lately I feel like my skin needs a little extra something, so I decided to give this face mask a try.

I have used it a few times and and am still not too sure of how well it works. As you can see, it has a gel-like consistency and once applied it is becomes transparent. While it is on, it feels really soothing and sort of like its sinking into the skin. After use, it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. However, I haven't really noticed that my skin feels more hydrated than before. All in all, it is a pretty good face mask but I have yet to see the long-term results. I will keep trying it though and see what I think when its all used up.

What is your favourite face mask for hydrating the skin?

Rosey

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Sorry I have been away for a while but university work has been piling up recently! Anyway, I thought a nice Valentine's day post would be a collection of some lovely rose-themed products I love!



Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment - I got this in this January's Birchbox which I just started a 3-month subscription to. It is similar to a tinted lip balm so it moisturises your lips well but also leaves a rose-coloured colour. It is great to keep in your handbag and put on when you're on the go!

Diptyque Roses - This was the first Diptyque candle I ever tried and I really loved it! The scent of roses is strong and fills the room in no time so the candle will last for ages!

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - Of course I couldn't write a post about my favourite products and not include something by Lush! I recently bought this in a mega shopping trip and it has quickly become a favourite. It is a body conditioner, which is basically the same as a hair conditioner but for the body. It works in a similar way to their 'Buffy' Body Butter which has been a favourite of mine for a while now, but I actually prefer this because it is easier to use and store. The scent of this is amazing too, like a field of roses!

Elizabeth Arden Rose Gold Highlighter - This is a lovely highlighter and actually the only one I own! It looks exactly as the name suggests, like rose gold particles on your skin and it gives your cheeks a lovely glow.

Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour in Rose Gold - I bought this after watching one of Shirley's YouTube videos where she used it. It is the perfect rose gold colour and has a dainty and flirty look to it. I used it recently to re-create Scarlett Johansson's look which you can see here.

What are some of your favourite rose-themed products?

Mini Review: Yes To Carrots Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

I have previously heard a lot about the "Yes To" brand, which uses organic fruits and vegetables in their products. There are various lines such as Yes To Carrots, Yes To Cucumbers, Yes To Grapefruit and loads more, which each target different skincare needs. The Yes To Carrots line is 'nourishing' and so, in addition to carrots, contains ingredients like sweet almond oil and shea butter. As a natural product enthusiast, I was obviously excited to try it out!

Having used it a few times, I have found that it works pretty well. The exfoliating particles are really fine so it is gentle enough for everyday use but at the same time it leaves my skin feeling properly cleansed. It is quite nourishing, it doesn't leave me skin particularly dry, but at the same time it is not as nourishing as my Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser. All in all, I would recommend it for anyone who is looking for an everyday exfoliating cleanser with gentle natural ingredients.

Have you tried any "Yes To" products?

Recreate the Face: Scarlett Johansson for ELLE UK

I have been a little obsessed with Scarlett Johansson's editorial for the ELLE UK February 2013 issue. I have kept it on my table since I got it and glancing through it over and over. I particularly love the way her makeup was done for the editorial. It is basically my favourite type of look - simple, fresh and pretty! I decided I have to take a crack at re-creating the look myself, so here it goes.



Face
1. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser in 'Mocha'
2. Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder in 'Warm Chestnut'
3. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in 'Chestnut'
4. Laura Mercier Cream Highlighter (bottom left)







Eyes
5. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser in 'Mocha'
6. Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour in 'Rose Gold'
7. MAC Eyeshadow in 'Twinks'
8. MAC Eyeshadow in 'Swiss Chocolate'
9. Dior Lash Plumping Serum
10. MAC Eyebrow Pencil in 'Stud'
11. Sleek Eyeshadow in 'Bark'




Lips
12. Chanel Lipstick in 'Rouge Coco'
13. Reve de Miel Lip Balm
14. MAC Lipstick in 'Velvet Teddy'







I am actually quite pleased with the final look. This is the first time I have ever attempted to recreate a look I saw in a magazine or anywhere else so I think I managed quite alright, especially with the eyeshadow which I am completely clueless with! I adapted the look a bit to match my skin tone and I think it turned out all right!