Glossy boxes Mystery Box...

Glossy Box have FINALLY announced what the Mystery March box is about. With most of us hoping to find out on the 25th on their website, like they said, we were instead faced with a puzzle whereby we had to work out what the word was with the different letters we received. 

The letters all turned out to spell:

K N I G H T S B R I D G E.

Which, as many of you would know is where the high end designer shop, Harrods is located. Here's Glossy Box's Facebook announcement:

We are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with Harrods to bring you our limited edition March box. This exclusive GLOSSYBOX will contain luxury cosmetics that can be found at Harrods. If you are not yet a subscriber, then this is the perfect opportunity to join us and indulge in luxury. P.S. We hosted a press event last night, introducing this exclusive March box. This means that you may see some reviews about the boxes before receiving them. We hope that this will not spoil the surprise for you but add to your excitement and anticipation. All boxes that follow this will be a surprise (as per usual).

Love, The GLOSSYBOX team x

 

I was actually one of the 'lucky' ones to see a couple of spoilers last night on Twitter, and I must admit, it's looking good girls!! Lets just hope we receive boxes of equal value to the ones I see!!

 I won't post a pic of the contents yet, as I know a lot of you like the surprise...I am one of these people, but if I see a spoiler going, I can never resist the temptation to look. I have the will power of an ant!!

If you want to sign up to receive the special edition March Harrods Box, please use my referral link below:

http://www.glossybox.co.uk/invitation/NDM2Nw==?utm_source=Customers&utm_medium=link&utm_term=NDM2Nw==&utm_campaign=Refer-a-friend/ 

 Thank You!! xxxx

ProActiv Haul/acne skin problems

I'm so excited! Today I went shopping, with the thought in mind that I would be buying the ProActiv Acne system. For anyone that doesn't already know, this is now sold in the U.K, in Boots stores for £39.99. Anyway, when I got to Boots, I see they had a 3 for 2 offer on it. So, yes, I took advantage of that offer! So I got £120 worth of product for how much? Zilch, nothing, £0!! No I'm not lying... I used my Boots advantage card points! So, because of the offer, it cost £80 in points, but not a thing from my bank card/purse. I'm one happy girlie!

It's no secret to my followers that I haven't been blessed with the best skin. From the age of 12, I had breakouts and no amount of Clearasil/Oxy was going to clear it up. I eventually persuaded my mum to take me to the doctors, where he prescribed me all sorts of creams and lotions to help me. The one I ended up sticking with was a gel called Duac, which kept my spots under control a bit more and complimented my sensitive skin well. However, as he had warned me, after a while, my skin would become immune to the product and would no longer respond to the gel... and this is exactly what happened. A few years after I had started the treatment, my skin was now the worst it had ever been. With big breakouts on my forehead, cheeks and chin, my face to me, looked a state. It wasn't just the acne though...it was the scars that were left behind. I noticed my skin started getting a bit pitted, and knew it was time to do something immediately before I literally become scarred for life!

This is not a great pic, but I have deleted all the others. But anyway this was my skin before...with a tonne of makeup on!

I took myself to the Harley Medical Clinic for advice on what to do. The consultant recommended laser treatment. Although it was very expensive, by this time I was prepared to sell my car if needs be to get me nice skin (fortunately, that didn't have to happen)! That may sound bizarre, but I'm sure anyone that suffers from acne, would understand how much it can knock your confidence. Anyway, unfortunately my skin didn't respond to the laser treatment. Next, I was recommended a skincare system called Obagi. With this being the same price as the laser treatment, I was a bit hesitant in case that also wouldn't work. But, thank christ I trusted it! It was a system made up of 7 different products you use at home. Some you use in the morning, some in the evening. Within a couple of months of starting this, my skin had pretty much cleared up, my scars had faded and I had a huge smile on my face. I have been using it religiously since. 

 My skin after/during treatment :)

However, whenever I see adverts for Proactiv on the Tv, I had always been intrigued. Would it work for me? Would it be more affordable? Then the other week, when I see Katy Perry's gorgeous smooth face on the screen, and the bloke announcing the system was now available in the U.K, I knew I had to try it!! Now here I am with 3 boxes of the stuff! Each box contains enough product for 60 days.

Fingers crossed that this helps keep my spots at bay, just like the Obagi. 

I will be doing a review on it once I have been using it for a significant time.

Have any of you ladies had skin problems? What has worked for YOU? xx

And The Winner Is....

Ok, so today I finally managed to get to 100 followers!! Wooohooo. Thank you all soo much for following and taking the time to read/comment on my blog, it really means so much to me! 

As promised, I have counted up the entries and one was picked at random.

The winner of my first ever giveaway is...

MythicalKinkii

Congratulations!!!! I will be emailing you shortly to get your details for posting your prize.

Thank You ALL so much... keep your eyes peeled for my next giveaway!

Gina xx

Good News...!!

Today has been a very exciting day for me, not only did I receive my fab Carmine box, I also went for my first scan!! Yes, I'M PREGNANT!!!! It was an amazing feeling seeing our baby on the screen, and seeing the little heartbeat. It's such a relief knowing everything seems to be going well. So I done the big announcement today (close family/friends already knew), and everyones really pleased for us. Me and my partner are over the moon! Roll on September....(that's when I'm due by the way)

Love you all xx

Carmine February Box!

Eeeeeek, my Carmine box has arrived, hooray!! After reading a review on what was in it before it arriving, I was massively excited when it was in my hands. I pretty much ripped the box open, I think my partner thought I had gone crazy or something? haha! 

I have always said Carmine was my joint fave box with Feel Unique, but after FU's unfortunate demise, Carmine is my firm all time favourite box. It has not let me down once! I LOVE YOU CARMINE!! It's not too late to sign up for this box though guys, please click my referral link to sign up, and you will receive free delivery on your first box:

http://www.carmine.co.uk/0htfI

 

Right, first up we have...

Balance Me Rose otto Body Wash. Exquisitely fragranced in the name of spring, this natural body wash will leave your skin velvety smooth and smelling like heaven. For 10% off both body washes visit balanceme.co.uk and use code CARMINEWASHES2012. Exp 30th April 12.  

Body washes will always get used by me, although I do have a long line of them waiting to be used. This is just the first full size item this month, at 125ml, and being a fan of Balance Me, I'm sure this will be a treat to use.

Next, the Andrea Fulerton Nail Varnish in Eliza. Developed by celebrity nail technician Andrea Fulerton, These popular shades are incredibly glossy and long lasting. Try it and you'll be up there with celeb clients including Mishca Barton, Kyle Minogue and Penelope Cruz. 

Well, if Kylies a fan, then so am I! There are 6 different colours available from the Carmine boxes, and I received a gorgeous shimmery Turquoise colour. As much as I love this colour, I doubt I will get much use from it because of work, which is such a shame! It's Nice bright colour for spring. This is the 2nd full sized item this month, at 5.5ml.

 Diego Dalla Palma The Lipstick in shade #42. From one of Italys top brands, this sophisticated, intense pigment lipstick provides the perfect touch of long lasting colour. Chic and en Vougue, It's all you need for La Dolce Vita. 

This little lipstick is sooo cute, about the same size as the Jane iredale lippy from JB's box. I received this in shade #42, which is a reddish brown copper kind of colour. This is not a colour I would normally wear, I tend to steer clear of browny colours, and head towards brighter colours instead, but I will definitely give it a go. Perfect size for popping in your pocket at work. It also has a gorgeous smell, which is something I've smelt before but I can't quite put my finger on (help!!!). 

White Glo Professional Choice Whitening toothpaste (24g). Get ready to brush your way to a perfect smile, a la Jessica Alba. From the Australian Brand that makes formula's for coffee and tea drinkers, just a drop of this whitening toothpaste will leave your pearly whites in mint condition! 

I was so excited to receive this, as it's a product I have never seen/received in a beauty box before. I'm a big fan of any teeth whitening products, so will be giving this a definite go... and will be sure to hide it from my partner. Although I'm not sure that a toothpaste is going to make my smile like Miss Albas!

Steam Cream Steam infused skincare. These colourful tins are designed in Japan contain the latest concept in skincare: a lightweight, all in one moisturiser featuring nourishing oils - that can be used literally from head to toe. Explore Steamcream's full at steamcream.com. Receive 20% off your next purchase using the code carmine20. Exp 30th April 12.

I am so damn excited to use this product, I have heard so many rave reviews about it. This is the 3rd and final full size item in this months box. I'm in love with the cute little tin also, I got the seashell design, but there are lots of gorgeous designs available. Because of my oily skin, I won't be using this on my face, but as it's an all round moisturiser, I'll be treating my hands and body to it.

As an extra, we also received a perfume sample, which I hate when it's included as one of our 5 products, but love it when they're added as an extra, which Carmine does very well. 

Yardley London Peony Fragrance. This Fresh, Feminine fragrance, captures the scent of the delicate peony flower and compliments it with delightful fruity notes and warm amber undertones.

So an absolutely brilliant box once again from Carmine, with some gorgeous products packed in!
I love the fact there were 3 full sized items this month, some other boxes (I won't name names), barely manage to put in one!

It's not too late to sign up to receive this box, please use my referral link below and you will receive free delivery on your first box:

Sign Up for this box Here.

http://www.carmine.co.uk/0htfI

What do you think about this box?

Carmine Beauty Box!

Ladies (and gents?), I have just seen a blog review for the February Carmine box despite delivery being only yesterday, and I have to say, it looks absolutely a-maze-ing! I love it so much, I actually think its made my weekend...and my box isn't even here yet! So to all my fellow Glossy box and Jolie box subscribers who may have been a bit let down with their boxes, this is just the pick me up I think you'll need. Everyone needs a special treat, right?

Sign up to Carmine NOW in order to receive the Feb box. 

Please use my referral link (below), which will also mean you receive free delivery for your first box! ...

http://www.carmine.co.uk/0htfI

Here

As soon as my box arrives, I will be doing a review on it.

I can't waittttt :)

P.s. Please let me know if you would like the link to the blog review on the Feb box, didn't want to post it for the people who don't want to ruin the surprise.

xx

Jolie Box February Review.

Today I arrived home from work to the (VERY) long awaited Jolie Box. Before customers had even started receiving their boxes this month, Jolie Box were already in many customers bad books. They claimed to have posted these out on Friday second class, however, even 5 days after delivery, a lot of customers had still not received them. I've received 2 other parcels this week sent both 2nd class, which were delivered to me within 2 days. What makes matters worse is Jolie's poor customer service. When customers try to get answers on their Facebook page, Jolie always reply with the same scripted messages, which are no help what so ever.
Anyyyywayyy, enough moaning...for now. So I open my Box to find the much anticipated bag they promised, which was inside the box. Not sure if I prefer it so the shredded paper, as that always comes in handy with presents/parcels, but it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

First item:

Taaj Himalaya Micellar Water. An antioxidant and tonic makeup remover that will revitalise and purify skin. This is a decent size item, at 100ml, but I doubt I'll be getting any use from it as I use medicated cleansers for my skin. I found the full sized item of this (500ml) on the Internet for just under £10.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic Hand cream. An organic hand cream with shea butter and almond extracts. A cute 20ml size, which is suitable for carrying in your handbag or pocket. I get through quite a bit of hand cream, so this is a welcome member to my large collection. After testing, it's left my hands very smooth and hydrated, without that greasy feeling. Has a nice expensive kind of scent, without being overpowering.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque. This ultra conditioning hair masque will rebuild damaged hair for improved shine and elasticity. Win! I love Deep hair masques, and I loveee Macadamia. I've recently ordered their hair oil after finding it a million times better than Moroccan Oil. As happy as I am for receiving this item, my only criticism would be the sachet. Yes, it's a generous 30ml, but I find sachets so hard to use. Would have been a lot more practical if it was in a little tube or something? But hey ho, can't get everything we want, right?

Kimia Rejuvenating Facial System. This facial oil and hydra-activator will nourish and heal the skin. I received this in 2 little bottles of 1ml and 3ml. At £74 for the full sized system (30ml/100ml), it seems like quite a luxurious product. I won't be using this I doubt as I try to steer well clear of any facial products containing oil, my skin produces enough of it naturally, thanks! I know some of you received the alternative which was the cleansing oil, and it was a sachet. As you probably know by now, I'm not a sachet fan at the best of times. But what clever clogs thought of an oil in a sachet?! Seriously, that must be a nightmare to use, so I do feel for you guys!

Jane Iredale Just kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Pink. An all natural, multi-purpose stain that adjusts its colour to your mood and temperature. Wow, what a claim that is! This is a very cute size, and as soon as I see the colour, I knew it was a keeper. The colour being like a coral pink, my absolute fave colour! It smells gorgeous, very fruity and summery, although the colour when applied is not as pigmented as I thought it may be. It has the most subtle colour, so will be used by me as more of a lip balm. Although the colour intensity may change when my mood/temperature does? Hmm can't see that happening lol.





New subscribers also received a Jolie concealer brush which the rest of us got in our Christmas Boxes.

All in all I didn't find my Jolie Box too bad, especially when compared to the diabolical February GlossyBox. However, compared to their previous boxes, and the a-maze-ing French Jolie Box, it's definitely not spectacular. There are a few items I'll get good use from, so I'm content. I think the main disappointment for me was the fact they had a month off in Jan to sort their issues out, and the fact we were kept waiting (and possibly lied to), the box just didn't match up to our expectations.
I know a lot of you were very unimpressed with your boxes and service from Jolie Box, and I'm sure they've lost a good few subscribers.

What do you think ladies?