Birchbox - Dec 2013 Christmas edition

Birchbox Website

So this is the Christmas edition from Birchbox and i must say i was quite impressed. However again it wasn't overwhelming. Maybe we have been spoilt with Laura mercier these past two months to appreciate the contents fully. In looking at my box after some thinking, i came to the conclusion it was a far more cohesive box then its counterpart. It had items for haircare, skincare, makeup and nail item to jazz your look for the festive season. 

Contents :

Nail Rock - Glitter nail art kit

Twistband hair tie

Sin care - Party girl Facial serum

Alima pure - Luminous eyeshadow

Number 4 - Non aerosol hair spray

Aromatherapy Associates - Bath oil 

So my box was very generous and quite surprising. I wasn't expecting the serum or to receive quite decent sample sizes. This sin-care facial serum is always a nice option within a box to trial new skincare. Aromatherapy associates i really like there oils and only takes a small amount to gain great throws of scents. 

So the party items in the Nail rock kit (Mine was the golden glitter) i usually would find this quite messy and just go with adding a top coated glitter polish. However I'm willing to try something new and pamper myself for an evening doing my nails. Plus its a full kit so you will gain a few uses from this set. The Alima pure eyeshadow is a lovely almost duo-chromes of vanilla and golden tones to add to a lovely christmas look. Really multi functional use as you can use this as a subtle highlight for new year as well (If your going for a party look).

The twist-band is a really good item to have as an emergency in your bag. As you may find you need to tie your hair up when it gets too hot within a function, this will protect your hair. Unfortunately my hair is so thick it would not hold my hair as from previous experience. I will try this one to see if the band is better able to hold my hair on this occasion.  As with the Hairspray it offers a light and free coating on the hair, however it was in my opinion not going to offer my hair the hold it requires. 

So overall the box as i said was good and covers all the bases to help the party season go off with a bang, plus its great sample sizes. All the things we ask for in beauty box but just don't feel this years boxes went far enough to surprise. The gift card was useless as to spend $20 in a overseas shop then all the customs and expense that comes with it, really is not worth the hassle. Especially when you think they could have bulk sent them over to distribute in our boxes. So a better box then counterparts but could have had more wow factor. 

Eye of Horus - Liquid Define eye liner

http://www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk



So one of the most eagerly anticipated brands I've been dying to try. After seeing Australian bloggers rave about the products, the've finally arrived to the UK. The sheer beauty of the Egyptian era , makes there slogan "Awaken the Goddess" even more appealing. 

 Brand information about the "Eye of Horus".

Suffering from sensitive eyes and fine brittle lashes, the girls behind our brand researched how the Ancient Egyptians used natural waxes and oils in their iconic eye products. We used the ancient formula as a basis for our eye makeup range. To provide products that are long lasting, non irritating, nourishing and great for sensitive eyes, avoiding the use of nasty chemicals. We are an Australian owned company, who is committed in "Awakening the Goddess" in every woman. We know we are all beautiful, no matter what age. No matter where we have come from or what our life story is.

Ethical Mantra

Our products are not tested on animals and we deliver only the best. All our cosmetics are Paraben Free, and contain as much natural content as possible. We are renowned for ;

- We pride ourselves on fast delivery

- Not Tested on Animals 

- Only offer high standard products 

-  Stand by the product and will listen to our customer, 100% satisfaction  

-  Wont use animal hair for cosmetic brushes 

 

 

So the product I chose to review was the Liquid define eye liner. As I do love eyeliner,  I have yet to find a pen version that delivers. The main reason I want a precise and pigmented pen is for my makeup bag. As gel liner is not travel friendly especially in application. 

So the liquid define arrived in the most beautiful packaging I've seen in a long time. Embossed with the Eye of Horus logo in gold, then faint hieroglyphics running up the centre of the bag. I read the magazine, then just dived right into trying this product. I must apologise as in my effort to capture the pen on my camera, the gold glare made them very blurred. So I will show you the promotional picture.

 

 

So my impression of the packaging is sleek, however it's a pen so it will justifiably look like a lot of brands offerings. The most important questions  are its capability to deliver, ease of use/ pigmentation and staying power. 

Pigmentation

 I will start with saying I did two review tests. The first was to apply a swatch to my arm to see the close up effect, the second was ease of use. I was asking myself :  

- Does it smudge or bleed ?

- Did it chip or flake through the day ?

- Was it pigmented and for how long ? 

 

 

 In the picture is a poor photo of the nib of the liner. Finally the swatches which as you can see are bold, striking and intensely black. They didn't bleed, smudge or flake for a good 7-8 hours and removed easily with a baby wipe. I'm very impressed with this liquid liner and it's pigmentation. Rich and flawless. 

 

Ease of use 

 I then went to trial ease of use by doing a look with the liner. It was a simple natural look, to show off the liners appearance on the eyelid. Application was in my opinion very easy and I rarely use a liner pens. As I find they drag, then clog's so i opt to use a brush and gel formula. I've only found 2 liquid liners I can purchase for travel use. 

 

 

As you can see in these pictures, it gives a thin and even application of liner. You  can build this up to suit your look. I just wanted to show the area we all find troublesome, being the inner eye. I find this is where my mistakes happen and I then need to thicken to make it symmetrical. This didn't happen and my liner took me 5 minutes (usually takes me 10 with a gel and brush) and I was amazed. I will continue to use this liner from now on because of all the points I've raised. 

 

 

So in conclusion the Liquid define did not disappoint in any way. It delivered on all the points I personally look for, if I was to purchase a pen liner. I only have two that I would pick to have in my makeup bag. This liner is on the more premier price point. So I would re-purchase, however I would need to see how long it lasts before any problems arise. (E.g - dragging, drying out, etc)  If it does last a good amount of time then I would repurchase as a treat. I would however look to purchase the eyeliners, as the colour selection looks stunning. 

I can't wait for the palettes release also, as I've had a little look and they are divine. 

 

So thank you to Eye of Horus for allowing me to review for them. 

 

Smooch Cosmetics - New lipstick releases (Steamy Nights collection)

So once again the wonderful Smooch have sent me a product to trial for them. Coming new collection of lipsticks. The new Steamy nights collection contains some beautiful shades of deep reds with more berry tones, for all us who love to show our lips to there full potential with some bold lipstick and colour. Also some pink morphing reds for those girly days in us where we want to rock some more pink then deep tones. Im so excited that i have already earmarked for my collection additions to purchase as they are stunning. 

Smooch's ethos is 

It all came about whilst getting ready for a celebrity bash. Kitty mused over the fact that cosmetics were a little like underwear – you have your everyday white, black and nudes, the base or foundation of your lingerie collection. Then there are the items you save for special occasions, the highlighters, the products that outline and define drawing attention to those areas you want to focus on. Be it the lacy bra that offers extra cleavage, the super sheer pants to give you a great bum, or the thong for no vpl.

Kitty wondered “Why can’t we have a cosmetic range that combines the two?” A range of make-up that could be viewed as basic but made one feel special every day. Launched in 2011 Smooch Cosmetics currently create products for Eyes, Face, Lips and Nails. Who needs shades of grey when we have over 50 shades of pink, red, plum, purple…..? At Smooch it’s all about confidence. We love our packaging but know that if we were to peel back the lace you’d still have a product that helps you to look good and feel great.

"The six saucy shades have moisturising qualities and boast long lasting shine." .... They say about Steamy nights and Indeed they do :OD 

I will place the colours released and the link to the colour below. I was sent was Berry kiss. A mix between a deep raspberry red and wine colour, looking quite scary in the tube it is not so and i implore anyone to try something out of there comfort zone plus they are build-able. 

So the Six new shades are -

Berry Kiss - A lovely deep wine/raspberry colour with a hint of sparkle to it without being over the top

Courtesan - The boldest shade of the pack being a deep vibrant purple

Devils Darling - This is a bold bright Crimson 

Flirtini - Bold pink with shimmer and hints of purple 

The 2 not on the site as yet are : 

Racy Lacy - Deep red, new take on the classic red we all know and love (looks to me like a red mixed with a deeper shade of scarlet included, taken to a new blood red level)

Sweetness -  Described as the ultimate cute colour for summer 2013 and to unlock the inner "Sandy" from grease. (Its a red with a mix of a sweet barbie pink hint )

Swatches and colour in the tube 

The lipstick is deeply pigmented but as you can see it transfers to the lips really nicely and not too intense, so can be built upon if you wish to wear this during the day. I think this Berry kiss is a lovely summers day colour when lightly layered. Plus they are not drying and very hydrating formula as were the last lipsticks I've tried from the range. 

Colours on my lips 

I really do want to purchase more from Smooch as i think i could really do some amazing looks with there line and if you are craving for affordable makeup with lovely packaging and chic twist on vintage then Smooch is for you. I adore the packaging with the pink and black lace detailing plus the tubes pattern just translates all the way in the product what Smooch are trying to achieve. 

I will be trying to get some face products and more eyeshadows next week to purchase and review for looks and also to see the quality of facial makeup on offer. This summer collection still has set my pulse racing and I'm over the moon that the quality just keeps getting better and the shades increase. 

Well done Smooch, i will be back for more to review soon. 

Have you tried Smooch ? What do you think ? 

Smooch Cosmetics Website