My Sea Weed Slimming Aid

Hey Beauties,

On my search for additional help to loose weight and get healthier, I started to look at "slimming tablets" or as some call "diet tablets". A scary thought - I know, and it felt so extreme but on my way roaming around Wilko's high street store I thought I'd browse their selection of multi-vitamins, minerals and other tablets, and that's where I came across their own brand of "slimming aid" in tablet form but what drew me in was the THR label at the top of the packet which means Traditional Herbal Medicine.

 

 

 

 

 

So on the front and back of the box it says, "A traditional herbal medicinal product used as an aid to slimming as part of a calorie controlled diet, based on traditional use only". It says that you are supposed to take 1 tablet after meals, 3 times daily.

 

 

 

The Wilko's slimming aid active ingredient is Bladderwrack and extract of Bladderwrack. No where on the box or in the leaflet inside does it state what that actually is, nor what exactly this product does to "aid" in loosing weight. So of course, I took to doing my own research using mostly online sources.

 

 

 

Wikipedia told me this, "Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack or bladderwrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers focus, red fucus, and rock wrack". Interesting, Huh?

 

According to Wikipedia its medical use is of an anti-aging kind, "Recently the researchers found that an extract of Fucus vesiculosus, which is a type of seaweed, promotes the contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels through increased expression of integrin molecules. In this study, they investigated the effects of topical application of an aqueous extract of this alga on the thickness and the mechanical properties of human skin. A gel formulation that included 1% of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice daily for five weeks. A significant decrease in skin thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound was elicited, as was a significant improvement in elasticity measured with a Cutometer as compared with controls. In cheek skin, the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age. These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and may be useful for a variety of cosmetics". That's certainly not a bad thing in my opinion, but still no mention of how it can positively affect weight loss. My research must go on...

 

I purposely searched its uses for weight loss this time and a number of articles came up about how it does help combat excess fat. An article on LiveStrong.com by Sharon Therien speaks on its supposed uses, "Bladderwrack, a form of seaweed, is used medicinally for thyroid concerns, arthritis and joint pain, obesity, iodine deficiency, constipation and a number of other conditions. It is also used topically for the skin to treat insect bites, aging, burns and skin diseases. However, there is not enough evidence to support the use of bladderwrack for any medicinal use. MedlinePlus claims that seaweed hasn’t been effective in helping people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight".

 

Going back and finding another article to read I selected one by herbwisdom.com, "Bladderwrack is a form of kelp that has been used medicinally for centuries. The main use of the herb has been for the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. The high iodine content of the herb stimulates thyroid function which boosts metabolism".

 

I haven't actually come across anything that says anything bad about the ingredient, I decided to take the plunge and try it.

 

This particular Traditional Herbal Medicine is a Wilko's box supply of 30 tablets for 90 pence. So far I have been taking this for roughly a month, and in that month I had lost 7lbs which is half a stone. Very impressive since I hadn't actually done anything to loose any weight, apart from drink more water and walk more often. I say I "had" lost weight, as I decided to stop taking the tablets to see if they did in fact affect anything - I have since put 5lbs of weight back on BUT that could be because I've been drinking more Coca Cola Cherry in the past few weeks than previous (I have had a massive craving for it and I caved - on more than one occasion).

 

What the Wilko Slimming Aid Tablet Looks Like

 

Does Bladderwrack work? I don't know.

Will I keep using it? Yes.

Am I going to actively try to loose weight in a healthy manner? Yes!

 

Speak to you soon,

 

Have fun, Be Good.

 

Love Tessa. x

BIRCHBOX at SELFRIDES (December edition)

Hey Beauties,

 

Birchbox UK is currently at Selfridges, Oxford Street, again! Second time this year I believe and I went down there to check it out again!

Basically, you can build your own Birchbox which is awesome. There are six categories and you get to pick 1 item out of a choice of 4. And I'll quickly take you through the options now:

 

Make-Up

• BENEFIT: The Porefessional primer
• LORD AND BERRY: Silhouette Neutral Lip Liner
• MIRENESSE: iCurl Secret Weapon 24Hr Mascara
• THE BALM COSMETICS: Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Nail

• LOLA BARCELONA: Nail Polish in Gracia or Rambia
• ONLY FINGERS + TOES: Nail Polish in Assorted Shades (All of the shades to choose from are divine!)
• SECHE VITE: Dry Fast Top Coat
• SOIGNE: Nail Lacquer in assorted shades (again - All colours are gorgeous!)

Skin Care

• ELEMIS: Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream
• NUXE: Masque Crème Fraiche da Beaute
• OLE HENRIKSEN: Truth Serum Collagen Booster
• PAULA'S CHOICE: Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Body Care

• AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES: Revive Body Gel
• CAUDALIE: Divine Oil
• LAURA MERCIER: Ambre Vanilla Soufflé Body Crème
• RITUALS: Ginkgo's Secret Caring Hand Balm

Hair Care

• JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS: Citrus & Neroli Detangler
• LIVING PROOF: No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
• NUMBER 4: Lumiere d'Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect
• PHILIPS KINGSLEY: One More Day Dry Shampoo

Beauty Bonus

• BIRCHBOX: Keyring
• L. ERICKSON: Grab and Go Ponytail Holder
• THIS WORKS: Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
• THIS WORKS: Sleep Plus Pillow Spray

After reading the little booklet with a little information on each item, I decided to take a deep breathe and brave getting through the crowd that was around all the products. I said a lot of "excuse me please" and "sorry" for about 7 minutes until my Birchbox was full of all the treats I wanted to grab, although most of that 7 minutes was taken up with me deciding what nail polish shade to purchase.

 

I decided on Benefits the Porefessional primer and as soon as I saw that it was option I didn't really pay attention to anything else in that section (although guess what - I have all in that category already!).

For nails I went with Soigne Nail Lacquer in the shade Clitoria Ternatea which is a really unique deep blue - not yet navy colour.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant was also my choice in the skin care section, reading Birchbox's sentence on it had sold it to me, out of everything else it was one that I would get the most benefit out of, it says "Thanks to the blemish-busting properties of BHA you'll have clear, calm, oil-free skin in no time". SOLD. Who doesn't want any of that!?

Picking for one item to take in the body care section was a tad bit difficult but I chose one of my favourites which is the Laura Mercier Ambre Vanilla Souffle Body Crème. It smells amazing, I love it, my partner loves it, my mum loves it, it's just a loveable product with a loveable scent. I love it.

For hair care it was a no brainer for me, much like the Benefit Porefessional Primer, as soon as I saw the Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect everything else just went out of the window. This product is amazing, it's a miracle worker, it's definitely a WOW product. It... It's... Unbelievable, if anyone was to tell me that this strengthens hair, repairs it, makes it so manageable, gives hair shine, tames fly-aways and de-tangles I wouldn't believe them. I'd laugh, be like "yeahhhh right, ok..." but it actually works.

Lastly was the beauty bonus, which to be honest - you can take it or leave it, a keyring? Sleep Sprays? A hair band made to be more than a hair band by calling it a "ponytail holder" (that did make me giggle - just call it what it is, it's not anything spectacular). After saying that though, I did pick the L. Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail Holder. I sleep well, I don't need a keyring... I like a hair band, it ensures my hair doesn't get in my face when I want it back. OK, credit given when credit due - it's a pretty neat hair band, there's no metal so it won't damage your hair, it's super stretchy and full of elastic so it springs right back into shape. Ok - I take it back, it's a pretty good "ponytail holder".

 

So yeah, you can build your very own Birchbox at Selfridges in Oxford Street, London, for £15 when the next event comes up! Or, if it's near a special occasion (birthday, etc) you could choose it for someone you love who loves finding new beauty treats, which is what a few gentlemen were there for - buying for their wives and girlfriends with the help from the very helpful Birchbox staff. They knew their stuff, so definitely ask them anything if you need any guidance. One gentleman did make me giggle though, bless him, he was buying from his wife and one female Birchbox assistant was helping him choose. I caught up with them on the nail and skin care section, the assistant asked if his wife wore nail polish and when being asked with "What shades does she usually go for?" he replied, "I don't know - I don't take that much notice" (Oh no, lol). Then onto the skin care, she asked "What skin type does your wife have?", his answer? "White", "No - I meant, what skin type does she have. Everything here is suitable for all skin tones sir. Does she have blemish prone skin? Is it dry? Does she tend to go for anti-ageing products?", "Well..." says the gentleman, whilst thinking "She has many wrinkles" he said in a rather disappointed tone (Ohh nooo, lol). Bless him - props to him for trying. She is a lucky lady, he clearly loves her to be attempting this - it would scare many men! *Thumbs Up* His answers and the way he answered, was just humorous to me - Sorry! And it wasn't just me, others who over heard had sneaky little grins on their faces - including the Birchbox assistant. I think that may have been her favourite customer - It would have been mine!

 

Don't forget to check to check out BirchBox for yourself, and keep an eye out for any up and coming BirchBox and Selfridges events!

 

Speak to you soon,

 

Have Fun and Be Good.

 

Love Tessa x

 

Decembers Birchbox!

Hey Beauties,

I love a new month, because a new month means a new beauty box, and a new beauty box means brand new little goodies to try out! Ohh I hope I fall in love with some of these from my December BirchBox!

As with all of my beauty box subscriptions, I got an email to say something along the lines of "Horray! Your new Birchbox has been despatched and will be in your hands soon!" and usually that "soon" is around 24hours, but oh no, not today, that "soon" meant give me a few hours and I'll be knocking at your door! WOW. I have never had it so fast.

Although I must admit, I was confused at first as I was given a blue bag rather than anything box shaped. I was thinking about all the orders I had made online but nothing came to mind, it was oblivious to me what it was. I opened the packaging delicately to find a clutch bag. The bag looked familiar, I had seen it somewhere before but where? I picked up the outer blue packaging again and examined the label - Nope, nothing on there to say where it was from. Only by chance the light caught some fine letters on the bottom of the bag and my eyes noticed what it said "BIRCHBOX". That's it! That's where I had seen the clutch bag, on the emails and on their website!

Photograph: Birchbox UK

This is my December BirchBox! A sexy medium sized clutch bag with one part faux black leather, one part dark green velvet and the other part golden glitter fabric. Definitely a party piece, which is perfect for a party girl in this party season. However, if I was given an option between a clutch bag to hold my goodies or a box - I'd had picked the box. I just don't use clutches, this will just go to waste which is sad because it is a nice clutch.

I open up the popper and I see all my goodies inside, making me feel excited again. Usually I'll have a flick through the booklet first, but not today... I'm straight in there picking up all the little goodies! Benefit, Skin & Co, Model Co, Ciate London, Elemis and Roloxin. Where do I start!?

 

Let's start with the Model Co lipstick as lips seem to be a massive part of beauty fashion at the moment (especially with Kylie Jenner releasing her Lip Kits which sold out in 30seconds!). Sleek shiny black packaging with white writing "Model Co", a pink sticker on the bottom with the name Kitty, pretty standard and nice. The shade itself is  a natural pink tone, a my lips but better colour, I would imagine this colour would suit pretty much everybody. It's a nice dusty pink, silky smooth and moisturising in texture on the lips with a subtle sheen.

The Elemis product is the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream which it to be used in the day time and it's in the anti-ageing category of skin care. It has one claim and that's "Reduce the depth of wrinkles". I'm in my mid-twenties, which is the right time to start using light anti-ageing products but because this says it reduces the depth of wrinkles, I may just be a bit too young to see the benefits of this day cream. I don't have many wrinkles and any I do have are no where near deep set or forming my skin to be any less plumper in areas, it's still pretty smooth. I'm thinking of giving this to my mum to try, she's a big fan of reversing the look of her age without doing anything dramatically - strictly over the counter in stores is where my mum will go for her facial care items, so I shall be giving this to my mum (maybe as a little stocking filler for Christmas actually!).

Still keeping it skin care, Birchbox have included a sample Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Treatment. It's a facial mask and I am a huge fan of facial masks, I love them. I will be giving this one a go - although the "lift" implies it may be an anti-ageing product or it could just mean "lift" as in refreshing as it does state its a revitalizing treatment. I had to dig the booklet out and read about this, so Birchbox says "If you've got a big party coming up, or you just want to feel a little more skin confident, then this wrinkle-smoothing mask will be your new BFF. It diminishes pores, firms the skin, and boosts radiance - for up to 24hours after use!". After reading that I'm definitely going to give that one sachet a-go. Sounds like it should be good!

The last skin care product is a Skin & Co Sicilian Body Gel with organic Sicilian Orange and Olive extracts. Its smells divine, orangy and refreshing. I can imagine using this in the mornings and it completely awakening me, these cold and dark winter mornings make waking a massive chore for me but I can see this shower gel making that task of getting up so much more enjoyable.

We have a gorgeous mini nail varnish in the bag by Ciate. I'm really liking this one - it's definitely one for the party season. I have the Couture Noir shade which is a clear nail varnish with small white and black strands of glitter-esk material. Baring in mind that is basically an effects nail varnish it applies really well and feels smooth on the nail which is a massive bonus for me and it's less likely to chip and peel. I'm pleased with this nail varnish, it can be used alone to create the on-trend negative space nails or over colour painted nails.

Lastly, it's two Benefit products rolled into one little package, one side for the party - the other for the morning after! We have the infamous lash-hugging gel liner pen 'They're real! push-up liner' and the well sort after under eye gel 'Puff Off' in which 94% of 31 women said the eye area looks smoothed after 7 days of use. Nice! I'm using these - I'm not giving them away, I am a complete and utter BeneBabe and proud.

 

So the December BirchBox (or should I say bag) was a little hit and miss. I would have preffered a box (sorry) and the anti-wrinkle Elemis day cream is a little bit before my time, considering I'd happily try and use the other products shows that this isn't a bad beauty 'box' and besides, my mum will get use out of the Elemis day cream so really it's just the bag that will go to waste... I think I'll give it to a local charity shop and make a small donation at the same time.

See you again next year for the first BirchBox of 2016!

 

Speak to you soon,

 

Have fun and be good.

 

Love Tessa x

Black Glitter Phone Case : DIY, Crafts.

Hey Beauties,

I have been obsessed lately with black glitter, and there are two things I want completely covered in the magical shiny stuff... And those two things are my phone case and my nails.

This post is going to be about my phone case, and how I turned it from a standard case to a glamorous, gorgeous case. The nails tutorial will be coming soon - and they are the bomb!

First up I done a little bit of research on google (of course) for the best way to do the phone case; what type of glitter? what glue? what is the best form of application? How to seal the glitter? etc. 

I needed to buy Extra Fine Glitter in my chosen colour (Black), a plastic (non-porous) hard phone case (I found mine in the colour black), PVA crafts glue, Plastic glue spatulas and an Extra strength glue. I will write down below (at the end of the post) where I purchased my bits and pieces from along with any links I can find to the item.

First up, you want to protect the area you are working on using an old sheet of paper (I used a bit of wrapping paper), then you want to grab yourself an A4 sheet of paper and fold it down the middle (this will be so you can pour your excess glitter back in to the container easily).

Open up your glitter pouch/pot ready, grab yourself a clean glue spatula and open your extra strength glue. Pour and spread the glue over your hard plastic phone case, then sprinkle plenty of glitter over it. Wait a few seconds, then tip your phone case up letting all the excess glue fall off. Pour the glitter back into its container, wipe any glue off the nozzle with a damp tissue and put the lid back on. Wait about 15minutes, and then apply a second coat of glitter. This time using a clean glue spatula and PVA glue as a bonding agent.

It really is such a pretty mess!

Wait for it to completely dry. Once dry, mix in a clean container - 1 part PVA glue to 1 part water, mix it together using a clean spatula. This will be your sealant. This little mixture is what will be applied over and over again until your phone case is smooth and no glitter is transferred onto anything else. Apply it using the spatula you mixed with, wait for it to completely dry and repeat the process. Once it feels ready and complete, it is ready and complete! Feel free to pop it straight on your phone and shine like a diamond.

I absolutely love love love love my new phone case, I really do. I'm so in love.
I'm thinking of buying some other shades of glitter and creating a whole wardrobe of glitter phone cases, I think my next colour will be white and then maybe rose gold (if I can find it). You could also use the extra strength glue to attach little embellishment pieces like little 3D nail art type bits. That would be super cute, a bow here or there with a few other gorgeous bits. I'm super excited about what I can find to really make my phone cases my own.

If you try this out, please please please tweet me a photo (@misstessaleanne), I can't wait to see them and gain inspiration from you!

Speak to you soon, don't forget to leave a comment.

Have fun, Be good.

From Tessa.

(*Click on the item to go to the website: Extra Fine Glitter in Black, Thin Black Phone Case (for HTC Desire 620), PVA Glue, Glue Spatula, and Extra Strength Glue. If I've forgotten anything - let me know!)

Have yourself a merry a little mani!

Hey Beauties,

It's Christmas (well, nearly... but it might as well be as it's Christmas season)!
Ugh, I looooove Christmas - every single thing about it. The giving, the lights, the decorations, the trees, the happy faces on children (the not so happy faces of parents who have a horrible bank balance right now lol). T'is the season to be jolly. Tra-lalalala-lala-la-la! (I hope I haven't missed out any lala's lol).

I took a trip into Superdrugs to have a peek at their make up deals (they have so many). As I walked in with my little T'Bear holding my hand, Superdrugs had their own little radio station playing and just as I got to the make up counters they played a little Maybelline advert which basically said 3 for 2 on Maybelline AND if you get 3 products you get a cute mini manicure set of two nail polishes - perfect for the holiday season.

Now I knew what I wanted, I was looking for a nice black nail varnish, a good clear top coat and anything else that caught my eye. I'm honestly not born with it, I need all the assistance I can get from these beauty brands and after hearing the advert, Maybelline was my choice of brand. Black nail varnish and top coat spotted within an instant, now what did I want for free? Apart from a cute mini mani set of course, I chose a setting powder. Boring - I know, but I wanted a change from my Rimmel London one.


So back to the free mani set, there were two to choose from. Both had Color Show 60seconds in red, and there was a choice from their Color Show Jewels in a gold shade or a silver. Of course I picked gold because to me, gold and red are super Christmassy.

There are so many ways to wear these, but for the moment I decided to wear red on all nails but my ring finger and completely jewelled that one up in the glided in gold. If my nails were long enough I may have painted the whole nail in gold jewels and left the red for the tips, or I was thinking of alternating my nails; one red, one gold, one red, one gold, etc. Or I could wear red all over with glitter jewels on top, I dunno... so many choices - not enough Christmases in a year!

I have one tiny bone to pick with the formula, I had a soak in the bath and the nail polish, basically, just peeled off. It was strange, to have perfect little shaped red bits floating in my very bubbly bubble bath but hey... And, oh, another bad bit - they chip real quick. So I'm constantly topping up even though I did use a top coat (Maybelline forever strong super stay gel nail color 7 days in Transparent). These flaws are a shame because the colours are so flawless, and I actually really love the jewels collection. Plus they are super affordable.

Am I doing anything wrong? Is it the formula or is it me?

I hope you have a merry little Christmas and enjoy yourself a merry little mani - I do recommend these! *whispers* Especially as they are free if you get 3 products from Maybelline.

I will speak to you soon, I promise... I won't leave it so long between posts. Don't forget to leave a comment :)

Have fun, be good!

Love Tessa x

The Big Issue

Hello!

I wonder what do you think this blog post is about if you just saw the title.

Yesterday morning, my little T'Bear and I went on a little trip to Sainsburys. We didn't want anything in particular, we just decided to browse, we ended up leaving there with cup cake mixture, a Frozen hoodie and leggings and a little Oleg toy as a Christmas stocking filler. As we were at the checkouts, T'Bear ran off to the little £1 toy machines, she was fixated on the Minion balls with keying's inside, fortunately for her I had £4 in my purse (two £1 coins and a £2 piece). She got two very cute little minion keying's and off we were walking out of the store.

There was a guy sat outside selling The Big Issue, he looked worse-for-wear, with dirt over his face, un-kept dark clothing and a little odour oozing from him. He barely spoke but smiled and held up his small pack of The Big Issue magazine, I kindly declined "Sorry" and I walked past him but there was something about him that seemed to catch me, and my daughter for that matter. We both kept looking back. I dug into my purse for the £2 piece I knew I had, I gave it to T'Bear and said to her, "Give it to that man over there. He needs it more than we do". She looked a little confused at first, she knew what I was saying - she was just shy. "Common then, I'll be coming with you" and with that she walked over to him, she held her hand out to him whilst pinching the coin in her fingers. He took it from her gently and smiled. After placing it in his pocket, he gave her a thumbs up but I did notice that he wanted to speak - but just couldn't. I think he was overwhelmed with emotion because it looked like he was chocking up, his mouth was opening but nothing was coming out. I just smiled, and T'Bear and I started to walk away. After a few steps she turned back at gave him a thumbs up, I smiled at her - the biggest smile - she done me proud. I looked back at him and he was wiping tears from his eyes. Seeing that - I nearly started crying too, my heart felt so strange with all sorts of feelings roaming through it. Pride, happiness, sadness.

When we got to my parents house I felt the need to share what had happened and how I felt. My dad said something along the lines of, "I bet you've just made him a millionaire. Not a lot of The Big Issue sellers are genuine homeless and 'helpless' people, Tessa". I said that he looked genuine to me, like he really appreciated the gesture. My dad disagreed and went to speak about a programme he had watched, The Big Issue sellers that the cameras followed went to nice houses - houses that were better than what you and I have.
I spoke to my mum later that night about it when she got home from work, "He's probably got more money than you have" was what she said.

Are they cynical? Am I naive? I'm now questioning my actions, did he really need it more than my daughter and I did?

This post is much more different from my usual post, and I'm sorry if you don't enjoy it but it's something that's been playing on my mind. Nearly 24hours later and I'm still thinking about it. I hate that there could be fraudsters out there. I give to many charities, all who I think are worthy of a donation because I can see how they really help others in need.

Was giving to The Big Issue seller right? I can't believe that I'm having doubts...

NARS | GlossyBox | Limited Edition | Unboxing and Review

Hey Beauties,

 

In (I believe) Octobers beauty box by GlossyBox UK there was a flyer releasing very little information about a collaboration that was taking place within November and that collaboration was with the infamous, NARS cosmetics.

 

On the 16th of November at 9am (GMT) the black NARS GlossyBox went on sale and by 9:35am they had all completely sold out. Congratulations to GlossyBox and NARS for an amazing collab! The boxes sold for £30-£35 (depending on if you were a subscriber or not) and held 5 products inside! Which I will take you through soon...

 

A number of days later I had a knock at the door from my very friendly Royal Mail Postman, James, I saw the standard delivery post box that GlossyBox have  in his hands and instantly got excited. I couldn't wait to get inside and rip it open. No signature required - even better - less time to use up, more time to get the box open and peek inside!

 

The NARS box itself is different from the standard pink cardboard boxes; its the same dimension however its got a smooth texture to it, much like the NARS packaging, it's black and dare I say it - so sexy. I didn't even think a box could be sexy - but it so can. I'm weird, sorry... forgive me.

 

 

Black tissue paper inside wrapped around my treats sealed with a black GlossyBox sticker and a black NARS ribbon... It even smells different to all the other boxes.

 

 

As standard the box came with a little booklet to tell you what goodies are inside; Audacious Mascara, Larger Then Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, The Multiple, Blush and a Satin Lip Pencil. I love what the NARS Founder and Creative Director, Francois Nars, has quoted at the bottom of the booklet, "Don't hold back. Be bold. It encourages others to do the same". If that's not inspiration to get creative and strive to achieve whatever look you desire then I don't know what is.

 

 

Audacious Mascara, Nars say "For long and lustrous lashes, sweep a coat or two of NARS' latest mascara on your lashes - wiggling the wand from root to tip. Its clever brush design has a mix of long and short bristles, little lengthening hooks and is slightly tapered to lift, curl and amplify your lashes". I say "All true - mostly. 100% my lashes were transformed after using this mascara, the colour was extremely black which I love - really made my eyes pop. Definitely lifted and amplified, 100%. Only downfall is the 'curl' part, my eye lashes are annoyingly straight (I'm pretty sure I have some kind of Asian/Chinese/Japanese heritage), to get my eye lashes to curl is an impossibility, don't get me wrong - on application, yes my lashes did curl (slightly) but they soon dropped. Apart from that - I love this mascara.

 

Large Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto, Nars say "The rich, creamy texture glides on and leaves a smudge-proof trait of intense black", it also states that it will stay put for 12 hours! I haven't used this yet, to be honest I find it difficult to wear eyeliner because I feel as if my lids are quite small as it is and I simple don't have the patience to use it but what I can say is that it is smooth in texture, the black is a gorgeous true black and after swatching on my hand it did feel like I may have drawn a temporary tattoo on as it took a little while to make it come off. I believe their claims.

 

The Multiple in Orgasm (Honestly - excuse my mind - but I thought this sounded like something you might find in Ann Summers), Nars say "Use it like a crayon" warm it up on the back of your hand and "dab it along your cheekbone, lips, eyes and even body for a shimmery warming contour". So far I have used this as a highlight on my cheekbones, as a colour on my lips and as blush. Its a buildable product so use as much or as little as you want to get the desired look your after, its a gorgeous pink tone. I'm not a fan of shimmery blushes so I won't be using it for that again but it works perfectly as a highlight and to add that extra wash of colour and shimmer in areas.

 

 

Blush in Orgasm (the same shade as The Multiple), Nars say "Use it alone in the say for a delicate, natural-looking flush then layer it over The Multiple in the evening to create a luminous, intense finish". This also has shimmer in it, although I love using this because it makes the cheeks glisten without being too 'highlighty' (if that makes sense). Again - its a gorgeous pink shade, I use it quite sparingly as blusher but it's definitely buildable if your into that sort of thing. Its in powder form and feels nice on the skin, it doesn't look cakey, it glides on effortlessly with a brush. A really nice product. I'm very happy to have it in my collection.

 

 

Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, Nars say "The dusty rose shade of this jumbo lip pencil is the perfect suits-all hue for autumn. Its silken texture drenches your pout in a slick of moisture-rich, creamy lipstick". This is a dark, pretty shade of pink, a little goes a long way with this formula. I like to outline my lips with it then smudge inwards to fill the lip in (I then use The Multiple in Orgasm that also came in the box on the centre of my lips. Pat my lips together and I'm done). I was really pleasantly surprised at how great this product feels on the lips, it's so smooth, so much like silk. I was worried that the colour pay off wouldn't have been great because of it but the formula is perfect, the pigmentation is amazing. It doesn't last all day but it lasts long enough! Its so easy to apply though that it really is a pleasure to use and wear. I can't fault it.

 

 

All in all, I am super happy with this GlossyBox collaboration with Nars. Thank You GlossyBox. I think all the products are at the highest of standards - and you can't expect anything else from Nars! They are perfectionists and they are great  at what they do; from coming up with gorgeous cosmetic ideas, to formulating them, designing them, the lot - Thank You Nars.

 

I hope to see more collaborations like this with GlossyBox in the not so distant future. Maybe Tom Ford? Anastasia Beverly Hill? or even Charlotte Tilbury? *Fingers Crossed* they also make more boxes - so more people can delve into a limited edition beauty box like this!

 

I am super happy to have got my hands on one before they completely sold out, and I am super happy that I got to review it here for you to read. What would you like to see GlossyBox do next? What would be your ultimate product or brand to try out?

 

Speak to you soon,

 

Have fun and be good.

 

Love From Tessa. x

 

 

 

The Rose Gold Edit GlossyBox with Really Ree

 

Season's Greetings Beauties,

December is here, and what comes with a new month? A new beauty box!

On the 4th of December I had an email from GlossyBox UK to say that they had despatched my box and I will be getting it within 3 - 5 days. WooHoo. Well, its the 7th of December and there was a knock at the door this morning, it was the post man!

So, as all GlossyBox subscribers had been told - the December/Christmas/Party season box is in collaboration with the gorgeous beauty blogger, Really Ree! Filled with 6 (not the usual 5) beauty goodies, the box is sure to be a hit. Not to mention the beauty of the box, gorgeous rose gold and white. Ugh. Just Gorgeous. I want all future GlossyBoxes to be in this design. I love it.

 

Upon opening the box, the theme of a white and rose gold Christmas carries on through, a rose gold ribbon wrapped around a crisp white sheet of tissue paper with shredded white paper inside as a nest for all my goodies.

 

 

The first product I see is the StarSkin Brightening Bio-Cellulose second skin facial mask the After Party one. It's infused with one full bottle of serum (30ml) and the face mask itself is the most advanced premium mask material. Its made in Korea and claims its intensely energizing, radiance boosting, evens skin tone, dark-spot correcting and skin texture smoothing. It also says on the packet that its moisturising, stimulating, refines, heals, renews, contains omega-3 and probiotics. WOW. Oh and it also has ingredient of the moment - coconut. StarSkin have so many facial masks to choose from and I can not wait to try this one out as well as pick up some more (but of the different type) in store!

 

 

The next product that caught my eye was the liquid lipstick by Essence in the shade Show Off. I have heard of this brand before and actually own a few pieces from them, they are rather good considering the price of them. The shade is a vibrant pink colour, the formula itself is pretty good - its not patchy, has great pigmentation and has the shine of a gloss (it also doesn't feel tacky but smooth and nourishing). The packaging is much like other liquid lipsticks but I do appreciate that the container within the square packaging that actually holds the formula is in the shape of a lipstick bullet. I think that's a pretty good design, especially from an affordable brand.
 

 

Next up is another affordable drug-store brand, it's Collection and it's a nail varnish from their Long Lasting Nail Effects range in the shade 32 Strawberry Gold. I've just painted my thumb nail and I'm finding it difficult to describe the colour, it's not a bad colour - it's nice and definitely one to go well with an outfit for the party season. It has golden sparkles of glitter, lots of it, it's glistening in the light. I would say the colour itself is like a pink-bronze, the colour pay-off is excellent as I have only applied one coat and won't need another and because it is only one coat it's less likely to chip (in my opinion). I'm actually fond of this colour nail varnish, I didn't think I would be but it looks so much nicer on than in the bottle.

 

 

The next item that caught my eyes because its in a box and it has 2 little bunny rabbits on the back which means its cruelty free (yay), is the So Susan Statement Skin Highlighter Pencil (although it's more of a crayon). It says on the product itself "An instant remedy to lifeless, lacklustre complexions". The first thing I noticed when applying it from the crayon itself was that it drags and pulls the skin, unlike other stick form highlighters that I have used in the past. So I will try applying it with a brush next time, there will definitely be a next time to use it though as it's a really good highlighter. It catches the light and reflects and glows so beautifully off the skin, it also looks really nice on my pale skin which is a massive bonus for fair skin ladies. Its a gorgeous highlighter, it blends out well and adds that  light sheen to the highest points to compliment your facial features. The formula is gorgeous and perfect.

 

 

The second to last product is one that I already (proudly) own and its the Talika photo-hydra day moisturiser. This has been a saviour to my skin this winter, my skin has never been as dry as it had gotten this year and this instantly perked it up. What I love about this product is that its so innovative, it uses energy from natural light to delve deep into skin and really moisturise it. Another thing I like about it is that it's made in France and by a French company, and the French know about their skin care!

 

Last but not least is a product that reminds of a Garnier eye-roll on product, its Etre Belle Golden Skin Caviar Eye Roll On. Beauty Blogger, Really Ree, says "I think complexion perfection starts with the eyes and this little delight is all you need to instantly soothe and hydrate delicate skin". I needed to use it as soon as I saw it, I am obsessed with eye roll on products, this glided over the thin skin of the under eye area so so well, it instantly made me feel more awake, it's cold at first but that is what makes this so pleasing and cooling. I think with continued use I'll notice a difference in the complexion of my under eye area, I'll definitely keep using this product for now - out of all eye roll on products I have tried - this one is the one I have really noticed a change in the way my eye area feels and made me feel more revitalised.

 

So there we have it, all of my 6 products! All I am pleasantly happy with! Well Done Really Ree!

 

I was expecting to dislike one or more items in the box, simply because it's been a while since I disliked an item in the beauty box... Sounds silly I know but I am genuinely happy with all products. I'm impressed with the picks!

 

Oh, and I'd just like to put it out there that if you like the look of my GlossyBox and decide to go for it and grab one for yourself - you might not get the exact same things that I have, simply because the products are picked for your precise profile. Give it a shot and see what you get! Make sure to share it with me :)

 

Speak soon,

Have Fun and Be Good.

 

Love Tessa x