Secret Santa 2011 Evaluation

Hi,

I wanted to put up this post to inform you of a few things and also to talk about the overall Secret Santa that was held this year.

Positives:

The majority of participants managed to follow everything and do everything very well, albeit simple things like make sure posts are read and packages sent.

People were happy with the gifts they received and enjoyed taking part!

Negatives:

EDIT: I have some emails so may be able to help that way - I don't have all of them though!

A few people did not manage to follow all the guidelines which made me extend deadlines, I can't force people to post on the correct dates but I left more than enough time for everyone to find a gift and post it. I said please post by 1st December, some people hadn't posted until 10th December.

Some people haven't received their gifts and are contacting me 2 weeks after the date I set and after Christmas for me to help them, when I clearly stated please contact me by 14th, or if you haven't received a gift by then. Those that did, I was able to deal with their inquiries and respond quickly. I've received really very rude emails blaming me, when people clearly haven't read the constant flurry of Secret Santa posts I've been writing.

I've been very angry and upset recently because of people's rude emails and the fact that I'm being blamed for their own faults. I clearly set out terms and conditions, and I think it is a bit obvious that if you are participating you should really keep up to date with all the posts. I assumed that everyone had received their gifts and deleted the spreadsheet with all the details a few days ago, when I meant to delete it immediately after the 14th. I think people who were sending or receiving gifts from Europe had a major issue, sending to and receiving from other countries was fine. I don't want to make this post too negative but I am furious, I felt sorry for the people who had sent their gifts on time and received nothing but this email has completely flipped that around. If you haven't received you gift and haven't bothered contacting me or reading the posts I put up then I can't do anything to help you, and now I don't have anything to go on, so you've lost your £15 you spent on the present.

Next year I originally thought I'd make it UK only and maybe a £10 spend, but I have been put off it completely and I won't be hosting another Secret Santa or taking part in one, obviously people aren't competent enough to follow rules, read my blog or to think that I have other things to do, which is why I've posted so many times that I am on a blogging break. I even noticed some participants don't follow the blog, how did they expect to keep up to date with everything? It took me ages sorting everything out for this Santa, absolutely ages, I had to match people up, make sure everyone wanted to participate and agreed to the terms, then email everyone individually twice, or more with their Santa's details, I don't think it's worth it if people can't even abide by the terms!

To conclude:

There will not be a Secret Santa held on this blog next year, or probably ever again, because of the few that can't keep to the rules. By entering you chose to agree to all the terms and still didn't manage to pull through. It is NOT my fault if people didn't receive their parcels and didn't bother contacting me until 4 weeks after the sending date. Congratulations to all those who did participate successfully and contacted me immediately regarding any issues.

Thank you for reading, I'm sorry this was a very long post, but frankly some of the emails I have made me cry. I thought it was a valid reason enough to write this post, I've tried not to be too angry. I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and I wish you all a prosperous 2012.

Winners of My 4 Christmas Giveaways!

Hi!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, and a belated Merry Christmas to you all! I've now completed the extremely time-consuming and boring task of sorting entries and using random.org to pick winners, there are 4 - obviously!

Winner of;

Christmas Giveaway #1: Nails - Vintage and Cake
Christmas Giveaway #2: Lips - Simple Country Girl
Christmas Giveaway #3: Eyes - funkiichiicka Claire Louise
Christmas Giveaway #4: Face - Lucy likes blogging

PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS @ naviliciousbeauty@yahoo.com by 28th December or I will redraw a winner for the giveaway prize that hasn't been claimed! I HAVE REDRAWN FOR THE PRIZE THAT WASN'T CLAIMED.

My email address for the blog isn't working at the moment, everytime I try to load up the inbox I don't receive any new emails so please don't email me yet with your addresses, this won't actually delay the sending of your prize but as I have 0p to my name that will! I will post again/email you for your postal addresses, this might be very soon or it could be in January! Sorry for that!

I also had entries after the closing time, I did think to add them in as it's Christmas and everything but then thought it wouldn't be fair to everyone who did enter on time! This is my last set of giveaways I will have funded personally, I will not be digging into my own pocket whether I reach 200 followers or 1000 followers because I just cannot afford it. I hope this doesn't put you off reading my blog, and if it does well then you were just in it for the free stuff frankly, and I don't want to attract people like that anyway!

I've also cancelled all of my beauty boxes apart from one pre-paid one for a year, so I probably won't be posting about them much! I'm happy about it though because I've noticed that I won't use at least 2/5 products out of each one, so I'll be saving a lot of money!

Anyway, I won't be blogging as I am on a break still and will be back in February/March with the blogging, I have so many new things to share with you and tons of reviews to write! This makes me very excited! Actually incredibly excited! *squeals*

So I'll shut up now! Thank you to all of you who entered, I also wish you a very happy new year and hope that 2012 brings all of you exactly what you desire!

Thanks for reading! x

Christmas Giveaway #4: Face *CLOSED*

Here's my last Christmas giveaway, this one is open internationally and closes on Christmas Day at 6pm.

What one person will win:

- No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach

- MeMeMe Blush in Pink

You must be a follower of this blog and 18+ or have your parents' permission to enter.

You can follow @nav_beauty on twitter and tweet about the giveaway for extra entries.

Please enter by leaving a comment using this template:

GFC:

Twitter: (optional)

Tweet: (optional)

Email address: (optional)

Thank you and good luck!

Christmas Giveaway #3: Eyes *CLOSED*

Hi!

Here's my third giveaway of four, this one is open internationally and closes on Christmas Day at 6pm.

What one person will win:

- The Body Shop Eyeliner

- Studio Makeup Eyeliner Pen

- Cosmetics a la Carte Brow Ink

- The Body Shop Big and Curvy Mascara

You must be a follower of this blog and 18+ or have your parents' permission to enter.

You can follow @nav_beauty on twitter and tweet about the giveaway for extra entries.

Please enter by leaving a comment using this template:

GFC:

Twitter: (optional)

Tweet: (optional)

Email address: (optional)

Thank you and good luck!

Christmas Giveaway #2: Lips *CLOSED*

Hi!

Here's my second giveaway of four, this one is open internationally and closes on Christmas Day at 6pm.

What one person will win:

- ELF Mineral Lipglosses in Night Owl, Daring and Sorority Girl

- Rose Petal Salve

- Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Vixen

You must be a follower of this blog and 18+ or have your parents' permission to enter.

You can follow @nav_beauty on twitter and tweet about the giveaway for extra entries.

Please enter by leaving a comment using this template:

GFC:

Twitter: (optional)

Tweet: (optional)

Email address: (optional)

Thank you and good luck!

Christmas Giveaway #1: Nails *CLOSED*

Hi!

I've decided to host 4 giveaways until Christmas day! Each will be a collection for eyes/lips/face/nails and all will end on Christmas Day at 6pm GMT. This particular giveaway is UK only because they are nail polishes and I don't want anyone to miss out if their country's regulations don't allow nail polishes to be shipped in. All winners will be announced on boxing day and depending on the postal service shipped whenever the post offices reopen!

Here's what you will win:

- Trind Nail Repair Natural

- Orly mini

- ELF polish

- Leighton Denny Babydoll

- Maybelline Ivory Rose

You must be a follower of this blog and 18+ or have your parents' permission to enter.

You can follow @nav_beauty on twitter and tweet about the giveaway for extra entries.

Please enter by leaving a comment using this template:

GFC:

Twitter: (optional)

Tweet: (optional)

Email address: (optional)

Thank you and good luck!

Secret Santa

Source

Hi!

I hope everyone has posted their Secret Santa packages by today, I've had a few emails saying they were delayed/need more time for whatever reason which is absolutely fine provided the packages reach everyone before 14th December. I think this allows plenty of time for everyone to make sure their packages are sent and received.

If you have not received your secret santa package by 14th December, please email me and I'll do my best to track it down.

Otherwise happy holidays! :) If you do post about your packages please link them to me and I'll put a collaborative post up with everyone's posts.

Organising and hosting this Secret Santa has been great fun and I'll definitely be doing it all over again next year, I will have to think of more ideas to make it even more fun!

Thank you to everyone who took part and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have!

Free Shipping on Blog Sale

Hi!

I'm offering free shipping on my blogsale until the end of today in a desperate attempt to raise some money. I will ship out your items first thing on Wednesday morning, please click below to start shopping!

BLOG SALE!

All prices are negotiable, please email naviliciousbeauty@yahoo.com for items only.

Secret Santa!

Hi everyone! :)

This post is just a quick reminder to let you know to have posted your packages by this Thursday! If there are any issues/delays please let me know asap.

If you have already received your package, please let me know of that too so I can tick you off! Thank you so much for taking part, if you do write any posts on your presents after Christmas I'd love your links and I'll create a huge post with everyone's Secret Santa posts! :)

Thank you, Nav x

WishList #1: 21/11/11

As I am still on a spending ban for makeup and beauty I've been window shopping a lot more, there are so many things I want from the US but their shipping costs ruin the deal for me! So onto my wants...

Smashbox Photo Op Mega 78 Shade Palette/Real Techniques Brushes/Remington HairDryer/Zoya Holiday Collection/Babyliss Curling Wand/Ellis Faas Makeup

I really want the Smashbox palette! Unfortunately it's only available on QVC.com and not on the UK site, it looks gorgeous and has so many fantastic reviews, I can't say I need more makeup in my life though!

The Real Techniques brushes look amazing, I want the lot! I haven't got a hairdryer so I thought this one looked nice enough, I hope to be picking this up soon, along with Babyliss' Curling Wand, I have a set of curlers but I managed to get paint on them from a plastic carrier bag when they were still hot, so they've only ever been used once. 

Zoya nail polishes have won me over with their 3 free formula and application, I would love the lot but already have way too many polishes! Ellis Faas' makeup looks gorgeous, unfortunately quite expensive, I may pick these up when I run out of a good amount of makeup, I mean at least a whole drawer full!

That's all for my first wishlist with regards to makeup, I'll be doing lots of fashion and other things ones on my new blog focused away from beauty too! Please check it out here.

Why Don't I Disclaim Each Product I am Sent?

Hi!

I just got asked a question by a lovely reader of my blog who is also a friend, she asked me why I don't put a little disclaimer at the end of each post to say whether I've received the item for free for review or bought it myself.

My answer:

I have already written a post on why I find it quite annoying and unnecessary to do this. This is because I have already made a disclaimer page letting everyone know that I may receive items for review at times and also because whether I receive it for review or buy it with my own money my review will always be my honest opinion.

If you look back at some reviews you probably won't be able to tell the difference between whether I have bought the product or been sent it, unless of course it's been implied in the post. Why? Because each review is as equally honest as the next, so I don't see the point in writing whether it's been sent to me or if I've bought it, because it makes no difference to the review.

I know a lot of people may disagree with me but let me know what you think in the comments below, and what you'd prefer :)

Thank you for reading x

1 Hour Special Sale!

Hi!

Just to let everyone know tomorrow between 6pm and 7pm I will be offering free delivery on all items in my blog sale. I will also cut some prices, Nanoblur will be £15 delivered and Laura Mercier's Colour Wardrobe will be £35 delivered - both of which are brand new.

Please email me at naviliciousbeauty@yahoo.com if you would like anything from 6pm-7pm tomorrow. All items will be posted 1st class on Monday morning. Please click on the link below to browse everything that is available.

BLOGSALE

Thank you!

QVC's TSV 18/11/11 - Smashbox 7 Piece Ready For Your Close Up Collection

Hi!

I thought I'd alert you to today's special value on QVC, which is a makeup collection by Smashbox! I don't know much about the brand but apparently they have some history with the UK making them unavailable in a lot of general makeup/beauty stores. Anyway, this set is available today only for the special price of £34.92, some are full sized products and others aren't. It looks very pretty but unfortunately I am on a makeup ban until next year so none for me!

If you'd like to take a closer look please click here. 

Please let me know if you buy this and what you think!

Secret Santa Reminder!

Hi!

I hope everyone's well and keeping warm and dry in this miserable Winter weather, although it has been unusually warm this year for November...

I just wanted to quickly remind you to send off your Secret Santa packages before or on 1st December this year! I've only had one email to say that one lovely lady has sent and another lovely lady has received her Secret Santa so I got a little worried thinking maybe you've forgotten!

So please send your package off soon! Before or on 1st December :)

Thank you! Nav x

Question: How Long Does A 50ml Jar of Moisturiser Last You?

Source

For me, I would say around 1-2months depending on how much of it I'm using and whether I'm using the same one at night or not.

How long for you?

Quick Reminder!

Hi!

Just to let you know I'm blogging more often over at Everything But Beauty because over there I can blog about anything and everything, so please check it out and follow if you haven't already! The beauty blog won't be updated as much until March 2012.

Love Nav x

I have a new blog!

Hi!

I've started a new blog! It's still in its basic format yet but I posted on there. Please check it out here! Like this blog, that one will be fully functional and made-over in March or around that time and I'll be blogging regularly on both!


Nav x

A bit too obsessed...

I think I'm officially obsessed with makeup/skincare/beauty hoarding in general, due to this I've decided to take a much longer break...I don't think I'm able to juggle well yet because I don't have the luxury of space, this in turn decreases my level of organisation making it more and more difficult for me to mix in my blog with other priorities. I love writing, I love blogging, each post is a new project for me. However, I lack what I want for it to be a much better blog. I don't own a camera for starters and I try to keep my posts makeup/beauty orientated. I would love for a more diverse blog, or another blog even. Dwelling on all of this has taken up too much time anyway...

I buy the latest in beauty, I'm subscribed to boxes, yet I just don't have what I'd like to blog well. I'm a perfectionist you see, and until I can make things work for me I won't be happy. Blogging/beauty in general is now one of the biggest distractions in my life. I also have my boyfriend, he's behaving really well though so I can't complain. I never get to watch the tv or hardly ever, if everyone's asleep I can watch...but I'm trying to fix my sleeping pattern...

That's got to be one of the messiest, rambling posts ever. In short, I'd like to take a much longer blogging break, I'll still be around from time to time and will be on twitter, it's very difficult to pry myself away from it, during anytime. Unless of course I'm out or asleep - even then...

I expect to be fully on task and organised around March sometime next year. I don't want to say I'll completely be abandoning the blog, I'll probably post from time to time and will definitely keep you updated with the Christmas Swaps/Secret Santa. If you don't immediately see a beauty box post pop up on your dashboard as soon as one arrives please don't be alarmed!

I'm aware I don't have that many followers in comparison to much larger blogs, but I'm actually really happy with each and every one that I do have. It means a lot to me when I see comments and people that comment regularly especially.

Wow, I can talk! I think you've got what I was trying to say! I will be back properly in March 2012, please don't be alarmed if you don't see a post from me until then, if I begin posting regularly before then, then yay!

I'd appreciate it if you stuck around with me :) lots of love nav xx

You Have Your Secret Santa!

Hi! *waves*

I have now sent everyone that registered for Secret Santa/Christmas Swaps and confirmed their participation an email including the details of the person they must send to!

Please let me know if you haven't received this email immediately. Also please make sure you read this post so you know exactly what to do next.

That's all! Thank you for participating! I hope everyone receives their presents and there aren't any complications! Please make sure you read and follow the post.

Many thanks,

Nav

My Shoe

I know this is a beauty blog but I love shoes and fashion and so many other things that I sometimes have the urge to talk about them...I'm thinking of starting another blog for everything else, but all that will come later...

I saw a shoe one day, just passing by and I think my heart stopped. This, I believe to be my definitive shoe. I think it describes me, who I am, who I want to be, just everything! I love it! (Probably not during comfy tv time though...)

Please hold your breath for...

If I had a spare few thousand pounds knocking around I wouldn't hesitate once to buy these...I spoke to a sales assistant and she said they're really not very popular at the moment...but I love them! I love shoe boots, I love the mesh, I love crystals and high heels! Granted these would make me around 6"3 it would still be shorter than my boyfriend, so yay! I would definitely wear these, but it would most likely mean I'd have to wear many more designer items along with them, be rich, and/or a celebrity and possibly be red carpet worthy...

I really like these but my boyfriend doesn't so he's kind of put me off them...haha... They are gorgeous though...maybe not me then. Regardless a lovely shoe.

Which do you think is your shoe? Which shoe would define you? Please leave your links/comments below, I'd love to take a look!

Review: Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

This is one of Klorane's newer launches, the eye makeup remover. This does not contain any preservatives or parabens and has a pH similar to tears, which suggests suitability for even the most sensitive eyes - which I think I have! If you haven't already heard of Klorane (they are relatively new to the UK) I wrote a quick post about them here. This eye makeup remover is made with cornflower water, known for its soothing properties.

I really like this eye makeup remover, it is a water-based eye makeup remover, and I've only been accquainted to oil-based removers. The product itself is in an eye-shaped bottle but vertically - very smart, and I love holding the bottle too! The way in which I use this is to saturate a cotton pad with it and hold on the eye for about 10 seconds, I'm very impatient...the first time I used this I didn't wait at all and rubbed my makeup off and it actually worked! Everything came off in one sweep, that surprised me a little, especially as it's not oil-based. However, the more and more I've used it, especially with heavier/darker eye makeup I would recommend holding the cotton on the eye for a few seconds to allow the makeup to degenerate.

The texture is that of the cotton pad but wet, I don't feel anything other than that, it's not very soft when using it and neither is it too tough or rough for the eye area. Overall I think this is a good eye makeup remover, it does the job well without any issues. I've noticed that my eyes are more and more irritable recently, along with my skin, and this did nothing to worsen that at all, and didn't hurt my eyes either. I would repurchase this, it's also within the travel-friendly limits so you can throw it into hand luggage too!

It is available at John Lewis at £6 for 100ml.

Product: 7.5/10

Effectiveness: 7.5/10

Texture/Formula: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Packaging: 4.5/5
Application: 4.5/5
Repurchase: Yes

Overall: 7.8/10

URGENT - SECRET SANTA/CHRISTMAS SWAPS

If you haven't replied to an email asking for confirmation of your participation please do so immediately. Due to 1 person not having replied we have been unable to allocate Secret Santas by the given date which was 31st October.

If we do not receive that reply by 11am on 1st November we will remove you if you haven't replied to the email and the Secret Santa will be held with those who have. The email was to ensure you haven given the correct email address and to make sure the account isn't abandoned. I do not wish to send personal addresses and details to abandoned email addresses. This would result in people not receiving a present as well, which would defeat the purpose of the Secret Santa.

I have sent an email to that 1 person again now. Thank you for your help.

20 before 20

I saw this idea on Claire's blog and thought I'd give it a go too! I know I already have 101 things to do in 1001 days but this seems like a revved up version, and I like making lists so here goes!

On my next birthday I will be 20 years old. It makes me feel so old it's ridiculous. I'll get through it though...*sigh* Some of these are abbreviated because I can't reveal them just yet or I want to keep them as personal goals.

1) Do a makeup and hair course I no longer want to do one!
2) Save a decent amount of money
3) GGG
4) GIU
5) Keep my room tidy
6) Use up at least 150 hair/makeup/skincare products
7) Start my diverse blog  http://everythingbutbeauty.blogspot.com
8) Buy a DSLR
9) Take a photography course
10) Go to a certain French Restaurant
11) Review my French and start practicing
12) BHCA
13) SJS
14) Start training properly
15) Start swimming and yoga
16) Buy a car
17) Have a huge clearout and give anything unwanted to charity or sell it
18) Buy nothing to do with beauty myself
19) Fix sleeping pattern
20) Style myself daily - I run around in the worst combination of clothing and makeup usually!

That's it! I hope to complete all of these as soon as I can apart from the ongoing ones and will keep you updated! Thank you for reading :)

Secret Santa/Christmas Swaps - What Happens Next?

Hi!

Seeing as we added a lot of rules, terms and so on to ensure everything runs properly and smoothly, I thought I'd quickly write this post to let you know what happens next. I still haven't received all confirmation of the swaps from people wanting to participate and until I get those emails I won't be sending anyone's address to the email address' that haven't replied. I just want to make sure that the individual themselves will get the details and don't want to send personal information to abandoned email addresses. If you haven't received an email from me please leave a comment and I'll send you one right away.

Myself and Jade will then sort everyone so all participants have someone to send to and someone sending them a present.

Here's what you need to do after you receive your Secret Santa's details:

1 - Find a present to the value of at least GBP £15/ USD $23/ EUR €17 or equivalent.
2 - Package it and take a picture (blur out or cover address, name will be enough), send this picture along with postage method to j.hewitt4468@gmail.com.
3 - Send your package before or on 1st December 2011.


4 - Once you have received your package please email naviliciousbeauty@yahoo.com to let me know so I can tick you off! Nothing else is necessary.

Thank you very much for taking part! Please email/tweet/leave a comment if there are any issues and I'll respond asap.

Liebster Blog Award

The lovely Rosie from The Budget Beauty Book awarded me this a little while ago, thank you Rosie! :)

I have to award 5 blogs with less than 200 followers, here they are:

Joy from 10 Things I like About Makeup and Beauty

Sandra from Beauty Balm

Lívia from Heads and Nails

Krylyn from Krylyn

Claire from xxDolly Blossom

They're all lovely ladies with lovely blogs! Please check them out and give them a follow!

Thank you for reading :)

Registration is Now Closed for Xmas Swaps!

Hi!

Thank you to everyone who chose to join in with this year's (and the first ever!) Blogger Christmas Swaps! I've had quite a large response, which I didn't expect at all!

Please ensure you've replied to your confirmation email, and your Secret Santa's details will be with you by 31st October. I'll put up another post reminding you of exactly what you need to do next and please don't hesitate to contact me if there are any queries/issues.

Thank you so much everyone! :)

Boudoir Privé - October 2011

I got my Boudoir Privé box a little while ago, I haven't used everything in it but here's what I got and my thoughts...I also have a little ramble for you towards the end!

The contents:

I haven't included prices, I typed them all up but then blogger decided not to save. I'm sorry, I just don't want to redo everything again.

I'm actually really happy with this month's box, I've previously tried a tiny sample of Korres' Guava Body Butter and I thought it was great, the scent wasn't amazing for me, but it wasn't bad. I'm so happy they've included the StudioMakeup Eyeliner Pen, I don't own any felt tip type eyeliners and I've always wanted to try one, this is also full size and in black. The two Cetuem products look interesting but I'm not entirely sure if I want to use them, because I don't want to alter my skin in anyway, only protect it and bring it to its natural state...by that I mean I'd like to lose the tan and the blemishes, then my skin would be as it was originally, but I'm not sure I'd be happy using these without checking up on the ingredients and how they work. Interesting products though. I've heard so much about the Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve, and apparently it's great, I just don't like using my fingers for balms, hence why all my tubes finish a lot quicker...but I may give this a go...I didn't love the perfume because of the strength I think, and just the scent in general, it'll get used up quickly though, I'll just spray it in my room or around the house. The Leonor Greyl hair oil is gorgeous, it smells great, feels great on the hair, not yucky and greasy and actually stayed in my hair after shampoo, I shampooed it twice and then conditioned. I'm not entirely sure if there is a difference but I think there is...obviously there isn't a scientific measure so I can't say, and even if there was I'd pick at it...but brilliant overall, I liked it at least!

Unfortunately I have now unsubscribed from Boudoir Privé, I simply cannot afford to pay for 5 boxes per month and I didn't think that they were offering as much as the other boxes for similar prices, I think this is their first box with larger products... I thought very hard and long about which box I'd like to unsubcribe from and weighing everything up Boudoir Privé seemed the best box for me to drop for the moment. I would like to add that they are a fantastic company from my experience and I've had no issues whatsoever with them, they're very polite, prompt and show that they care about each customer individually. I've just had to drop the box for now at least.

I've also thought about dropping beauty box posts from the blog altogether, I know I've written a lot of these in a short space of time and I feel like the blog is being taken over by them! Please let me know in the comments how you feel about this, and if you disagree with me completely even. I'm looking into which box to drop next, because I can't afford much at the moment, I check out all the things I want in my online window shops and then empty my basket...oh! Please check out my blogsale on the tab above and I'll post your things asap!

Sorry for the long, rambling, self-pitying post! I hope you enjoyed nonetheless! Many thanks for reading :)

1 Day Left for Registration!

Hi everyone!

This is just a quick reminder to let you know that there's only 1 day left to register for the Christmas Swaps. Click here to go to the form for registration and all the information you'll need.

Thank you so much! :)

GlossyBox - October 2011

I received my GlossyBox a little while ago and I thought I'd share my thoughts and first impressions about the October box.

Here's what was included:

I forgot to take out the Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex from the bag - too excited, sorry!

Dermalogica AGE smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant - 15ml sample - worth £8.10
Robert Piguet Eau De Parfums x3 small vials
Leighton Denny Expert Nails Colour & Care in Babydoll - full size - £11
Dermalogica AGE smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - 15ml sample - worth £7.07
Dermalogica AGE smart Renewal Lip Complex - 1ml sample - worth £12.86
Dermalogica Beauty Bag
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Moray - full size - £13

Total Value of Box: at least £52.03
Amount Paid: £12.95
Total Saving: £39.08

I think this month's box was brilliant, it was a 6 month anniversary special for them so there were 6 products, admittedly a lot of Dermalogica, but they are a very well known brand with lots of positive feedback on their products. I've had a chance to try most of the products and here are my thoughts.

The Dermalogica thermafoliant felt very strange on my skin, it has very tiny scrubbing particles in it which made my skin feel odd, but after using it left my face nice and smooth. The perfume samples are beginning to annoy me a little because I now have no more than 18, all from various beauty boxes and orders, I suppose it's a nice way to try lots of different perfumes though, so I'll keep my annoyance at bay. I definitely got the nicest shade out of the 3 Leighton Denny polishes that were available but I'm not entirely sure it's for me, I've yet to try it though...I haven't tried the Dermalogica Masque yet but it looks interesting! The lip balm is amazing, I absolutely love it, I can't believe it's so expensive though! Full size (1.75ml) is £22.50! It's luxurious, melts onto your lips well, moisturises and smells lovely. The Dermalogica beauty bag was a lovely addition and they're right, we can never have too many cosmetic bags! Finally Stila's Smudge Stick Eyeliner, I used this on the first day and it was gorgeous, the colour is so pretty, the gold flecks look beautiful with brown eyes, it really impressed me and I looked it up in more shades. I also wore this the day after I got it, unfortunately it broke once, and quite a chunk of it broke off, I ignored this and twisted it up for another perfect line, the third day I picked this up again as I was in a rush but it broke twice! And small chunks each time, I've informed GlossyBox and they were very helpful, they gave me suggestions on how to use it but after I sent them my picture of broken eyeliner they have offered to replace it when stock comes in.

Overall I think I'd give this box a 9/10, every product looked well thought out and in general I think I will like them all. I did enquire as to why there were so many anti-aging products, and they are for prevention apparently, a mask is a mask to me and an exfoliator exactly that, so I don't really mind, it's just that I've heard using anti-aging products early speeds up aging...but a great box all in all!

What do you think of this month's GlossyBox? Will you be signing up?


Click here to sign up!

The Versatile Blogger Award!

I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by Diary of a Country Girl so a huge thanks to her! :) You can check out her blog here.

The Rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.

            2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Send it along to 10 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them. (I'm only doing 5 because I think 10 is too many for me to think of - sorry!)

7 things about me:

- I love babies! (well who doesn't?) They're so cute and gorgeous :)

- I love wearing heels but I feel too tall in them unless I'm with someone taller than me.

- I am actually very versatile and always up for doing new things!

- I used to think I have very strong opinions in certain situations, turns out every situation is unique so nope, I don't.

- I'm not a huge fan of tea or coffee, but I do drink both and like iced coffee especially.

- When I have my own place I intend on filling it with animals, rabbits, dogs, fish, hamsters, gerbils, all cute furry little things :)

- I enjoy writing, I know this may seem obvious, but I actually really love it. It reflected in my academic studies too, I keep a diary, write just for the sake of it, and have been known to dabble in poetry too.

5 Deserving Bloggers!

1. Rosie from The Budget Beauty Book

2. Liloo from Le Petit Jardin de Liloo

3. Liz from Twilight Underworld

4. The Beauty Diaries

5. Lizzie from Cupcakes and Cosmetics

Thank you so much for reading! :)

Series: Review Request!

Hi!

I'd like to maybe start a series where I give one reader a product to review and write me a guest review. I have a lot of products and I won't ever be able to get through all of them, if I did get through them and review all of them I'd have to change my makeup around 3x a day and I don't want to do that!

I already have Urban Decay's 15th Anniversary Eyeshadow Palette and the BOS IV, I'll get round to reviewing them eventually, but I'd like a review of the new Mariposa palette, I just don't want another palette taking up more non-existent room in my bedroom! I also have so many mascaras and other bits and bobs, I may also want to send you a product I haven't got on well with and I'd like another opinion on it. I'll let you know what the condition of the product is each time.

I'd like to set a few rules though and I'll explain how it'll work too:

- If you leave your interest in the form I'll create each time with all questions answered, I'll look at every entry individually and pick a top 5/10? depending on the level of interest and then use random.org to pick someone.
- I'd like a review within 3 weeks of you receiving the product, including before and after pictures if applicable, swatches, photos and your review.
- You must have your parents' permission if you are under 18 and you must be a follower of my blog.
- I'll let the person know after 2 weeks exactly of each post going up and it is international.

That's it! :) Please keep your end of the bargain because I will be purchasing everything or have already bought everything with my own money. Once you've emailed me the review and photos that's all you have to do and you can do as you please with the product.

Please let me know what you think in the comments below! :) Thank you for reading x

I'm Back! With a rambling post...

Hi!

I'm back from my 2 week (ish) blog/twitter break and fortunately/surprisingly I have achieved the few things I set out to complete, my room is as tidy as can be, I've met deadlines even though I still have plenty more, the only thing is the exercise, but I think I'm going to try and fit that in early next year when I have more time.

As for blogging, I'm honestly trying very hard to make some sort of schedule or find time, but I'm very paranoid about the quality of my photographs, and this puts me off blogging quite a bit. I know a lot of you have very kindly told me that you have no issue with the quality of the pictures on my blog, but I still feel very insecure about them...I'm sure I'll sort it out eventually when I can afford a camera...

I don't think I'll be blogging very much for the rest of the year because I have so much other work to do, that's not to say I won't post at all, maybe just not as frequently. I hope that's ok, and I'll be back to it in early 2012! It's nearly 2012! Wow!... Time goes so quickly it's scary!

I don't want to ramble on for too long, but provided everything works out I'll be blogging lots more soon enough and I hope you enjoy reading my posts!

I have emailed everyone asking for confirmation of participation in the Christmas Swaps and nearly everyone has replied which is great, I'll be sending your Secret Santa soon enough. I'm not sure if it should be a direct swap, so 2 people know exactly who they're sending to and just swap, or if it should be randomised, e.g person A sends to person B, person B sends to person C, and person C to person A, but with the number of people that have registered! Please let me know what you think!

That's all for now! Thank you so much for reading :)

1 Week Left to Register!

Hi everyone!

This is just a quick reminder to let you know that there's only 1 week left to register for the Christmas Swaps. Click on the image below to go to the form for registration and all the information you'll need.

Source

Thank you so much! :)

Review: Eau Thermale Avène - Thermal Spring Water

Avène is a brand renowned for its suitability for sensitive skins and is based on the unique Avène Thermal Spring Water which is known to have soothing and anti-irritating properties. Their Thermal Spring Water is available at Boots for £6.50 for 150ml or £3.15 for 50ml.

I've been a fan of this product since I discovered it a little while back on my regular trips to Boots, I love that it has the minerals to suit sensitive skin - even though I don't have very sensitive skin, I just like to know that it is a safe product to use. I use it to refresh my face and body in the heat, as a spray to set makeup, as a toner and after a facial, these are a few of the many uses. It could also be used to calm skin after hair removal. It is available in 2 sizes, 150ml or 50ml, and has very simple, effective packaging. For the purposes it is created and designed for, I think it works brilliantly, it is a must-have in my handbag, although I carry the small one! The main uses I like it best for, are definitely in hot weather and as a general refreshing spray, it doesn't hurt, spray out huge droplets or irritate the skin. Another use given is post-surgery - meaning it should really suit and help all skins.

In terms of the formula, it has a large mineral composition which impresses me, as I feel minerals and natural organic products may be better for our bodies in general. The value is better than some of its competitors because of the mineral composition and suitability for even the most sensitive skins. Some other sprays I've tried I've found to cost more than £6.50 and the only ingredient listed is: Aqua. So based on that alone Avène performs much better. I will be doing a comparison post soon too! I also find that if my skin is feeling irritated, (I have a feeling that my skin is becoming slightly sensitive or is sensitive to some factors) it helps to reduce the feeling of irritation,

I would repurchase this and already have done several times, it lasts me a long time and I don't think the price is too painful either, especially as I tend to use the smaller version a lot. It's very helpful in hot weather and as a pick-me-up throughout the day.

Product: 9/10

Effectiveness: 9/10

Texture/Formula: 9/10

Value: 8.5/10

Packaging: 4/5
Application: 4/5
Repurchase: Yes

Overall: 8.7/10

Help Save Orangutans in Borneo - Easily

Hi,

This is a press release I received some time ago, but I thought it would be appropriate to blog as it is beauty-related - and helpful. Please read on and join in if you'd like.


Trilogy will donate money to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation for every person that pledges their name on the Trilogy website Trilogyproducts.com – it’s as simple as that.

Trilogy is a skincare brand whose products are made from safe, natural and sustainable ingredients.

PLEDGE YOUR NAME & HELP ORANGUTANS  

Orangutans are one of our closest cousins. These beautiful creatures share 97% of our DNA but are rapidly heading towards extinction due to the destruction of their natural rainforest habitats.

Since its launch in 2009, Trilogy’s ongoing campaign to help endangered orangutans in South East Asia has received enormous public support raising $32,000* for theBorneo Orangutan Survival Foundation - the world’s largest orangutan rescue sanctuary.

Now together with Trilogy you can help.

From 1 October 2011, simply pledge your name on the Trilogy website and spread the word to family and friends. Trilogy will then donate $1.00* for each pledge received to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. It’s that easy.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Visit www.trilogyproducts.com and follow the orangutan.

2. Pledge your name and Trilogy will donate $1.00* to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.

3. Spread the word to family and friends. Trilogy will donate $1.00* for every person who pledges.

EDITORS NOTE: The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation actively rescues and rehabilitates wild orangutans from oil plantations and releases them into wild, protected rainforest habitats. For further information visit: www.savetheorangutan.org

Trilogy is available from trilogyproducts.co.uk, boots.com, lovelula.com plus selected Boots, House of Fraser, John Lewis, pharmacies and health stores nationwide.  For full stockist information for the Trilogy range visit the Trilogy website.

For the latest Trilogy news visit Trilogy Facebook – www.facebook.com/trilogyproducts

* NZ dollars

Thank you! :)

2 week Blogging/Tweeting Break!

Hi everyone!

Thank you for all of you that have recently joined my blog too, it's truly appreciated. For a little while I've been feeling too overwhelmed by everything that's going on in my life. I should be so much more active than I currently am and I should be doing a lot more than I am now. I have deadlines to meet, and instead I've been sitting on Twitter and Blogger writing, taking photographs, online window shopping and so on. If you follow me on Twitter you'll know it's been months since I've been trying to tidy my room!

So as I really need to get it together I thought I'd leave everything that distracts me for 2 weeks to get myself back into order and hopefully in that time I'll have learnt to organise everything so that I have time to do everything I'd like to as opposed to just concentrating on blogging and every other distraction that comes my way.

I will really miss the wonderful people I've made friends with via blogging and twitter but I'm sure we'll survive 2 weeks! I've scheduled a 1 week to go and 1 day to go posts for the Christmas Swap to remind everyone that registering ends on 25th October. I'll be back by then and expect an email in your inbox asking you to confirm that you want to participate. Shortly after you'll have your Secret Santa Swapping Person and their details and I'll write a post for what you need to do next with regards to proof of postage to make everything as easy as possible.

I've found that leaving blogging and twitter alone really provides a better social life! But as I'm taking this time to get things done I'll list a few things:

- Tidy Room!
- Make a Timetable that works
- Meet my Deadlines
- Sort out work and other responsibilities
- Incorporate some exercise into my life!
- Make some changes with my spending/saving

I'll definitely let you know how everything goes! I've also decided which box I'm going to unsubscribe from, I'm not sure if it'd be rude or not to post why and which box it is, because they're a great company, let me know what you think. Then after that I have an idea of which box I'd like to unsubscribe from so I'll have 3 subscriptions running but unfortunately I'm going to have to wait until my subscription finishes, but overall I feel better about the boxes.

The saving isn't going very well, especially because I now need to pay for stuff that used to be free for me, and it turns out I need new glasses with a higher prescription - although I do think the optometrist has given me one a little too high, so I'll be double-checking that. Anyway, I've rambled on for far too long and way too much!

Thank you for reading everyone, and I'll miss you! I'll see you in a fortnight, take care, bye! :)

Nav xoxo

Carmine Beauty Box - October 2011

If you haven't already heard of Carmine where have you been?! They're the latest beauty box in the UK offering 5 lovely products for all us beauty-crazed women to try. There are 3 different types of subscriptions you can go for, monthly which is £10 plus £2.75 P&P, 6months which is £60 plus £16.50 P&P or 12months which is £110 plus £30.25 P&P resulting in 1 box free! After this box I'm really debating as to whether I should sign up for a year's subscription and save myself some money...

Onto their first ever and my first ever box! I subscribed on Wednesday and had the box with me on Saturday, very impressive.

First a few snaps of the box and packaging:

Then what's inside:

Trind Nail Repair Natural - Full Size 9ml - £12.95

balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream - 30ml sample - £4.35

Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet-Creme - 10ml sample - £5

theBalm FratBoy Shadow/Blush - Full Size 8.5g - £16

Daniel Sandler Eye Delight in Peach - Full Size 3g - £10.25

Total Value of Box: £48.55

Amount Paid: £12.75

Total Saving: £35.80

First Impressions of Carmine:

They seem to be a very relaxed, friendly and fun brand. I love their wording and descriptions on the website, one even made me not feel so bad for having to pay for P&P. I love that they were able to ship out their boxes so soon after subscribing, it really makes a huge difference to me. Especially as when signing up for previous boxes I've had to wait months to receive them - ridiculous! I look forward to what more Carmine have to offer.

First Impressions and Thoughts on the Beauty Box:

I really love this box, I found the contents to be quite similar to Feel Unique's beauty box this month, but I love it. The bright colours and the large black box are great, however I did have a hard time getting the box open because it is so secure. The lid covers the entire depth of the box and not just the top portion so it was a bit annoying getting it open! The box itself is larger and much more rectangular than any other beauty box I've mentioned on here. There's also a very helpful leaflet explaining the products and codes for money off and discounts too.

Now I'll let you know of my thoughts on the contents of the box individually. The Daniel Sandler loose eyeshadow looks amazing, I'm not an overall fan of loose eyeshadows because anything loose in my opinion will be messy, I do however ignore that when reviewing or using something unless it makes a significant mess. I haven't yet used the eyeshadow but I love the colour, very versatile, I'd personally use it as an overall base colour or for highlighting specific areas, and depending on the texture even my face. I was very happy to see a Caudalie cream in here because I'm a huge fan of French brands, I'm sure I'll love this cream too. The balanceMe hand cream is a lovely treat, I love the size and the bright packaging, it's also made up of 98.8% of natural origin ingredients and is definitely cruelty-free. I'm glad that the Trind nail repair was included because overall in the colder seasons I find that nails aren't as strong, although I put that lightly because fortunately my nails aren't so bad overall. It looks like a great treatment and is yet another full sized product included this month. Finally theBalm's gorgeous blush/eyeshadow, this is also a full sized product and a release that is very difficult to get hold of in the UK as of yet. It was released for Summer 2011 and looks beautiful, it is a peachy-pink blush perfect for all year round.

I'm very very happy with Carmine's first box and I cannot wait for future boxes. I do believe that I'm very close to deciding which boxes to keep and which to unsubscribe from. I'd like to add a huge thank you to Carmine for bringing back my belief in amazing customer service and quality of service. Not to mention value! Overall based on my first impressions and thoughts this box gets a 9.5/10! The 0.5 less because I couldn't get the box open for ages!

What do you think of Carmine's Beauty Box? Will you be signing up?


If you'd like to sign up simply click below:
Sign me up now!

Feel Unique Beauty Box - October 2011

I received my first ever Feel Unique Beauty Box on Friday and I loved it so much I honestly didn't want to share it with anyone! Feel Unique is £9.95 per month and the box and its contents are amazing.

TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Straight Collection Blow Out Balm - Full Size 90ml - £10.35

Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy - 25g Sample - £3.50

Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid SPF10 - 10ml sample - £10.20

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash - 60ml - £5.60

Orly Nail Lacquer in Green With Envy - 5.3ml - £5

Burberry Body Perfume - 1.5ml sample - £1.38

Total Value of Box: £36.03

Amount Paid: £9.95

Total Saving: £26.08

The Feel Unique box itself is a small compact slide-out sleek black box which I love. The contents are from luxury brands and are of deluxe sizes. I love this box! To be honest I'm very grateful for the TIGI Styling Balm but I have no idea how to use it because I don't own a blow-dryer...maybe I should get one at some point...let me know what you think! The Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream is a wonderful addition as I've been wanting to try their products for ages and still haven't. Caudalie is a French brand and I have a bit of an amour for them, also very high-end, I love the sample sizes because I can take them away with me when I travel, this fluid also has an SPF of 10 which is always helpful. Unfortunately my heart sank a little when I saw the Bliss Face Wash because I already have 2 exact bottles, but I hope it's good, so I can use them all up! I love the Orly nail lacquer, and the shade is lovely but not one I myself would associate as a pre-Winter warmer, as the theme of this box is. Finally I really liked the addition of a fragrance sample, I have so many I don't think I'll ever need to buy a perfume bottle! I liked the fragrance of the Burberry Body, although I do feel I should wear it a little more before deciding definitely.

I was very happy with this box and am proud to present it with a 10/10 based on my first impressions and thoughts. I see no flaws in this box, the packaging, the price or the delivery. I'm considering going for the 12 month subscription but again, I have to yet decide which beauty boxes to unsubscribe from!

Thank you so much for reading! What do you think of the box? Will you be joining up?