Be right back!

Good morning girlies!

 

I am going to be distant in the next few weeks due to me moving house. There is a serious amount of packing to be done as well as unpacking, of course. Also, it isn't definite that we will have internet access for a while so I may not be able to post properly for a few weeks - though I will try to blog whenever possible. Also, I am going on holiday at the beginning of August too so will be away during that time as well.

 

Where am I going? I currently live in Bolton (UK) and have done all my life but me and the fiancé are now finally getting our own place in the Preston countryside. Very excited!

 

I really hope I'll be back to blogging soon :) going to miss you all!

 

 

Much love,

Leanne xx

Glossybox UK July: Opening

So on Tuesday, I recieved the July Glossybox and I was disappointed with the packaging inside as it arrived all shoved into one corner and the tissue paper was ripped quite badly - which is unusual for Glossybox; usually their packaging is really neat. Looking aside that issue, it was a great box this month.

 

The theme for this month is 'Seaside Splash' and the lovely summer design on the box illustrates this. I was very surprised at the packaging, though this type of theme was expected.

 

 



Anatomicals - Spray Misty For Me Facial Spritz

 

Though I think this is a really useful item to have during the summer and will definitely be packing in my suitcase, I don't really think it's a beauty product as such - so why have we received it in a beauty box? The facial spray is intended for spraying on the face on hot summer days to both cool down and set make-up. I love anatomicals as a brand anyway; they're products are just right up my street! Haha. Also, this is the full-sized product - bonus.

 

 

Bamboo Style - Boho Waves Tousled  Texture Mist

 

To use this spray, spray onto damp or dry hair and shape with fingers for desired style. I've really wanted a product like this for a long time so was really excited when I saw this. It's a superb product to aid this summer's hairstyle; which is definitely all about loose wavy beach hair. It adds texture and volume - which is a must for me.

Sleek Makeup - Pout Paint in 'Pin Up' and 'Peek-a-boo'

Like everyone else, I was slightly confused when I first saw these tubes in my Glossybox. Girlies will have received the red paint (which is called 'pin up') with either a blue (which is called 'peek-a-boo') or silver one too; however, the blue and silver pout paints are for mixing so thankfully, there will be no blue lips for me! Though I haven't tried this out yet, it promises to give a long-lasting satin finish - ooo can't wait!

Ciaté London - Paint Pot in 'Speed Dial'

As you probably all know, I do love my nail polishes so was pretty excited when I first saw this, though I have already got a similar bright orange shade. You will have either received this shade or a pink one - and I am very satisfied with the colour I have received. This usually retails at £9 and look - we've received the full-size product!

Coola Organic Suncare Collection - Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturiser

Of course, Im sure this goes without saying - a massive essential for summer.  To use, apply over the face in upwards strokes which will give you SPF protection within 30 minutes, with recommended reapplication every two hours. Teeny tiny sample but this will definitely be coming on holiday with me.

Liebster Award... I've been nominated!

So first of all, a massive thank you to the lovely Ashleigh @ beautyandbits who has nominated me for the Liebster Award! I would definitely recommend checking out her blog if you haven't already; she's a fabulous beauty blogger who deserves more followers than she currently has. I've never been nominated before so I'm super excited to do this!

RULES

- The nominees answer the 11 questions set by the nominator

- Then choose 11 of your favourite blogs with under 200 subscribers to be nominated

- Then make up your own 11 new questions for your nominees to answer

- Let your nominees know that they've been tagged

- You cannot tag back

 

QUESTIONS SET BY BEAUTYANDBITS

 

1. Heels or flats?

I am 5'10 so usually wear flats because I'm already tall enough, without heels. I would be towering over everyone if I wore heels all the time!

 

2. American TV shows or English TV shows?

I don't watch a massive amount of TV but I prefer English TV shows.

 

3. One thing you couldn't leave the house without?

My phone - it's like a part of me! Haha.

 

4. Sweet or savoury food?

I love sweet food - I'm a sucker for chocolate and cakes.

 

5. One beauty product you couldn't live without?

I'll have to say mascara because it completely changes my whole face and I feel so weird when I'm not wearing it.

 

6. Drugstore or highend?

I'm abit inbetween with this one; I think it depends entirely on the product. I absolutely love buying beauty products from Boots [drugstore] but then there's a few highend products which I couldn't live without.

 

7. If you could go anywhere, where would it be?

I've always wanted to visit Australia - it's such a beautiful, sunny place and everyone just seems so friendly and carefree there.

 

8. Eyeshadow or lipstick?

I've really gotten into lipstick really; Im loving wearing bright red lips with lots of mascara and a thin line of eyeliner - perfect!

 

9. Favourite blogger?

I don't have just one blogger because I keep up with so many different blogs. It's impossible to choose one because they're all fantastic! I've tagged a few of my favourites to do this post.

 

10. Favourite place to shop?

For beauty products - Boots (you all know how much time I spend in there!) For clothing - I shop mostly in high street stores; New Look, Next, Topshop, River Island etc.

 

11. What made you start blogging?

I've been watching beauty bloggers on YouTube for a long time and even started my own beauty channel on YouTube about 2 years ago but I didn't really get a massive response so gave up in the end. I then discovered beauty blogging on Blogspot and loved reading everyone's posts so I decided to set up my own blog last February. I remember having 0 followers for the first few weeks but I didn't give up hope. Blogging on Blogspot or Wordpress is definitely easier and much more fun than doing it on YouTube!

 

MY QUESTIONS

 

1. If you had an unlimited amount of money to spend in any one store of your choice, where would you choose?

2. What's your favourite make-up brand and which of their products do you use the most?

3. Describe your daily 'getting ready' routine and how long does it take?

4. What's your favourite colour nail polish?

5. Do you ever leave the house without make-up?

6. What's your favourite summer trend this year?

7. Do you prefer straight hair or curly hair?

8. Do you dye your hair? If so, what's your natural hair colour?

9. Is there anything interesting that your followers don't know about you?

10. How long have you been blogging for and what made you start?

11. Have you got any tips for any new bloggers out there?

 

IM NOMINATING...

1. Gabrielle @ thelastbrokenroad

2. Fatema @ wondergirlsbeautyblog

3. Laura @ lollylaura1991
4. Lupe & Cristal @ punkyandbubblesbeauty
5. Yun @ beautylicious08
6. Rachel @ lustslovesandmusthaves
7. Alana @ buttonsbeadsbeauty
8. Grace Alice @ gracealicebeauty
9. Gracie @ gracierosee
10. Jenni @ jennimystyle
11. Jessica @ thedoilyduck

Congratulations to you all on being nominated! Id love it if you could take part by answering the questions I have set for you. Remember to let me know when you have completed it as I'd love to give it a read and find out which blogs you're loving.

Beauty samples: haul & review

I haven't done one of these in a long time and I thought it would be a really fun idea to do it again. I have so many samples of things lying around from lots of different places; some are from Glossybox's, some came as a free gift with magazines and others I have ordered to try before buying. I am a firm believer that first impressions always count so samples are a really convenient way to try out a product and see what I think of it instantly, before buying.

 

Elizabeth Arden - 'Visible Difference' Skin Balancing Exfoliationg Cleanser

 

Elizabeth Arden is one of my favourite skincare brands but I was pretty disappointed with this cleanser. It irritated my skin and made me break out in spots, but maybe this was more of a personal thing which won't affect everyone. It is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling soft, but it didn't exactly do me any favours.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Sad to say this - but no.

 

 

Elemis - 'Loving Lips' Quenching Lip Balm

 

I had high hopes for this but it was a case of me comparing it to my favourite lip product, so not liking this one as much as that. The Elemis lip balm had a peppermint taste, which was really nice but I felt like it didn't give my lips enough moisture and softness and I had to reapply quite frequently.

 

Would I purchase this based on my sample? No.

 

 

Yves Rocher - Nutritive Vegel 24H Comfort Nourishing Cream

 

I received this moisturiser in a Glossybox and remember being really excited to try it out. It is a fantastic product; it sank into my skin really quickly and felt soft and nourished for 24 hours - as promised. My face was glowing healthily after use - would definitely recommend this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sampe? Without a doubt!

 

 

L'oreal Paris - Anti-fatique Nude Magique BB Cream

 

This was the first ever BB Cream I had used but personally, it wasn't for me. I prefer wearing a proper foundation instead. I just didn't feel like I had enough coverage - maybe if I had flawless skin, I'd love this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

 

Balance Me - Moisture-rich Face Cream

 

I like face creams with a thin and creamy consistency but this one was incredibly thick and took much longer than other moisturisers to sink into the skin. Not a bad product as such, but it felt so so heavy on my face!

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

Balance Me - Radiance Face Mask

 

Another Balance Me product, but such a different opinion. I have used this face mask twice and both times, I hae been really impressed with the finished result. Skin felt soft and even after use with a much brighter, radiant complexion.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Yes.

Review: No7 Stay Perfect Foundation & Natural Blush Tint Powder

 

On my recent trip to Boots, I stopped by the No7 counter to try out their 'match made service' to find the best-suited foundation for my skin. I found out that I am 'Cool Vanilla' (which is actually the second fairest shade! Wow!) and was really keen to give this a go! The No7 advisor explained that the foundations come in lots of different variations and coverages and I would probably be here all day if I had to name them all but it's a fabulous idea that everybody will be catered for, whether you need lots of coverage or just a small amount for a natural-looking finish.

 

I opted for the 'Stay Perfect' foundation which is a natural/semi-matte finish with medium coverage. I am super happy with the results! Good riddance to them awkward make-up lines around your face; this liquid foundation blends into the skin beautifully and I needed just a small amount to feel fully covered. I felt like my face was glowing and looked incredibly healthy after use. Of course, if your natural skintone is pale (like mine) then sweeping a bronzer or blusher across your cheeks will solve all problems and result in a natural, truly stunning finish. I would definitely recommend using the match-made service to all girls out there. It takes only a few seconds of your time and the finished result is amazing.

 

Would I repurchase? Oh yes - this foundation isn't going anywhere!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Stay-Perfect-Liquid-Foundation_1273498/

 

 

Whilst buying my foundation, I also picked up No7's Natural Blush Tint Powder in 'Coral Flush' which is a light but elegant pink blusher. I have been on the look out for a good blusher for a long time and I picked it up and bought it without even thinking or trying it out first... because I just fell in love with it and knew that it would work. On the cheeks, it isn't as crazily vibrant as it looks; it's so natural and subtle and finishes off any look. I particularly love wearing this with my match-made foundation. I have heard lots of people raving about the 'Soft Damson' shade of this product so maybe I will give that a go next time too. Yep, I'd repurchase - without a doubt!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Natural-Blush-Tint-Powder_1273442/

Review: Soap & Glory 'No Clogs Allowed!' Face Mask

 

Im sure you all know by now how much I love Soap & Glory products. Im so dangerous when Boots have a '3 for 2' offer across the whole Soap & Glory range! So yep, as usual I went crazy buying pretty much everything in sight.

 

I really wanted a good quality face scrub/mask and loved the sound of this one, and it's received fabulous reviews too. It's super easy to use; you apply a grape-sized amount to your fingertip, wet your hand and rub together before scrubbing into the face, where it will heat up. Then you have the option to wash off straight away or leave on for a few minutes before cleaning off with a wet exfoliating sponge - which comes with the product for free.  I decided to leave on for a few minutes and now use twice a week.

 

Now with my very mixed review! I love how soft and even my skin felt afterwards; I could really feel the benefit from leaving it on my face for a few minutes. I genuinely had a glowing complexion afterwards and my face looked much more brighter and awake. This costs £11.50 from Boots which I believe is very fairly priced and considering you do only have to use a small amount, it would last a long time. HOWEVER, the only downside is that it is supposed to be a 'deep pore detox' but my (very stubborn) blackheads have not budged yet. Perhaps it requires quite a few uses for this to happen? (I'll be sure to let you know if my opinion changes!)

 

So overall - I love this product, but it doesn't really do what it says on the packaging.



NOTD: Maybelline Colour Show - Superpower Blue

(Image above from lipglossismylife.com)

 

I have really been loving Maybelline's 'Colour Show' collection recently for so many reasons! Firstly, the colours themselves are so pretty and requires just ONE COAT to look fabulous - which is so rare. Also, I've noticed that they dry super fast and the quality is amazing too; they last many days without chipping and the colour doesn't seem to fade either.

 

Maybelline Colour Show - Superpower Blue (654)

 

I have always been a sucker for blue nail polishes and this lovely teal shade is stunning. It only required one coat but I applied two just because I always apply two coats no matter what! Like I've already said; the quality, the strength of colour and the speedy drying time is amazing. What shocks me the most is that this costs just £2.99 from Boots but it is on the same level as bigger, more expensive brands. I can't wait to buy more shades from the collection!

 

 

I recently blogged about a different nail polish from this collection too. Read it HERE