6 Month Spending Ban

I know I've tried to do these before and have succeeded in none, but this time I am very determined and also poor! I will not be purchasing anything to do with beauty from 1st Jan - 30th June 2013. I have been stocking up and fulfilling my addiction in the sales so will post a haul soon but I shan't be buying anything new! I will post my progress in my monthly empties posts.

I spend an awful lot on beauty products, a lot of the time because at the time I think I'd like to review them, as I've mentioned before though living in two cities makes it difficult for me to be able to review products without them getting lost along the way. By not spending on beauty I'm sure I'll save a lot and use up a lot of what I already have! (I think I have enough shower gel to last me for 3 years...)

I've chosen to do this for 6 months as I know there will be a lot of new product releases and I will eventually have to buy something! I will be receiving Glossybox, but that has already been paid for this year and I will allow myself to buy something if I run out, e.g shampoo and conditioner. For some reason those are the only products I haven't got boxes full of!

I may try to extend this to an entire year if I manage the six months - although I imagine an extension would be very unlikely knowing myself...

Are you thinking of going on a spending ban for 2013? I'd love to know!

Klorane Oat Milk Shampoo and Conditioner Review

These are Klorane's Oat Milk Shampoo and Conditioner available from escentual.com, John Lewis and other stockists. The shampoo contains 200ml for £6 and the conditioner contains 150ml for £6.50. The packaging for the conditioner has changed and it now comes in a handy tube, I was going to fault the conditioner's packaging but no need to as they've already changed it! (I am very late on reviewing this so sorry for that!)

Both of these are designed for frequent use and are for all hair types, the oatmilk products are part of their ultra-gentle protecting range.

The Shampoo

Klorane say the shampoo should soften, protect and detangle keeping the natural balance of the scalp and hair fiber, it is dermatologist tested and paraben free, also that one shampoo should be enough. I found it to be of a very thin consistency and that it lathered up very well. It was gentle, no harsh scent or stinging of the scalp, it was barely noticeable. It looks a bit like milk as well! I loved this shampoo, it definitely cleaned my hair and without any issues or horrible smell.

The Conditioner

The conditioner was of a slightly thicker consistency in comparison to the shampoo, still very much like milk, maybe a cream. I found it conditioned my hair well, in the sense that it made it shiny and soft, although didn't detangle that much. I get a lot of tangles quite easily because my hair is naturally very very curly and a lot of the time I don't bother styling it because I'd have to straighten it or blowdry it straight for something to be made of it. I really like conditioners that manage to detangle my super curly hair and unfortunately this one didn't. I think as my hair has its own nature I don't want to fault the conditioner.

Overall, I really liked how gentle both products are, they would be perfect for the whole family and certainly if anyone had any hair/skin issues. I don't think they're for me particularly but I did enjoy using them. Once they run out I will not repurchase as a regular use item but will repurchase as products to use once in a while when I feel my hair and scalp need a break.

Have you tried any Klorane haircare? What did you think?

Glossybox and A Little Update

I have caved into subscribing to Glossybox again for all of 2013! I used a discount code they emailed me a little while ago so I ended up getting it much cheaper, expect to see lots of Glossybox posts next year! (Well 12...)

I have subscribed to lots of beauty boxes in the past and had to give up all subscriptions due to funds, the code was just too tempting though so I thought I should join up again!

Click here to subscribe!

Discount code is xmas30 for 30% off! (Not sure if it will still work though)

I have also decided to change my blog name and give my blog a new look, this won't be done overnight as I have so many exams all throughout the year but it will be happening soon, I would say it should all be changed by mid February 2013. Once everything is installed and ready I will be posting links on Navilicious Beauty to let everyone know that my blog has moved. I don't know how to move the blog without disappearing from followers' feed so if anyone does I would be very grateful for the help.

I also find it quite difficult to blog while in-between two cities so please bear with me for a little while as I get into a routine, I will definitely be blogging though! I've missed writing and have decided not to make the "changed blog" solely a beauty blog but with lots more added in!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and I wish you a prosperous new year!

Montagne Jeunesse Skin Heroes Break-out Mask Review

This is one of five products in Montagne Jeunesse's Skin Heroes range. It is the Break-Out mask retailing at £1.49 for 15g of mask and 3g of lotion. All masks in this range have 2 steps, a mask and a moisturiser. I find that the sachet lasts for at least 2 uses, sometimes 3.

The break-out mask is a mud mask containing willowherb, witch hazel and tea tree and claims to cleanse the pores. It is for problematic skin prone to imperfections, blemishes and spots. Unfortunately I fit into that skin type but fortunately it means this should help! (It did.)

The mask itself is the pale green colour depicted, applies very smoothly and is easy to even out on the face. It has a faint tea tree smell and after 15-20 minutes dried and was easy to wash off. The first time I used this I am 99% sure it shrunk my spots, I had 2 on my cheek (doesn't that sound great?! Yuck.) and both had shrunk and practically disappeared. On subsequent uses (and the first) my skin felt soft and smooth afterwards, clean and looked slightly more even-toned.

The 2nd step is a lotion, it is a pure white lotion also smelling a little of tea tree and is absorbed well by the skin after about 5 minutes. It is easy to apply and I found that I really liked having a "matching" lotion to use after the mask. I call it a lotion because it is less dense in comparison to a cream. The only negative with the lotion is that it made me oily after a few hours, I used the smallest amount several times after using this mask (I already repurchased.) and it had the same effect. I'm not sure if it's just on my skin or it's that way with other people too? Have you found the same?

I would recommend this for combination/oily skins prone to break-outs, despite the slight issue I have with the lotion - although I still love it! Would I repurchase this? I already have. It is available from Montagne Jeunesse's website, Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets. Montagne Jeunesse are 100% cruelty-free and BUAV approved. All the more reason to love them!

Have you tried any of the Skin Heroes range? 

Miaflora Moroccan Argan Oil Review

This is argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world due to the Argan tree only growing in Morocco. It is rich in essential fatty acids helping the skin from wrinkling and allowing it to become more toned. It can also aid hair repair from the sun and chemical damage. It is available at Holland & Barrett costing £12.99 for 59ml.

I decided to use this on my hair and skin and I also asked a friend to use it as she suffers from very very dry cracked skin to compare.

It looks like a standard yellow oil and smells of olives to me, this scent is not very noticeable and I only realised this after using up half the bottle.

On my hair - I think this was amazing, the bottle lasts a long time if you use just the amount you need, I found it nourished my hair and made it feel stronger, softer, thicker and like new hair. I used it before washing my hair and left it on for about 2-3hours, longer if I could.

On my skin - I used it on elbows, knees, all over really and it was surprising how well it worked for me. After about a week's worth of regular use I could see my skin was glowing, looking better and feeling better, not so tight anymore. I didn't feel the need to use it on a daily basis after this and satisfied passed it on to my friend.

On my friend's skin - she suffers from very dry cracked skin, particularly on her legs, elbows, knees and feet. She used this for about a week daily on those areas only, after the week I asked her how it was and she was asking me where she could get it and nothing had worked so well for her. She said the cracks were slowly healing, her legs looked a lot smoother and her rough patches weren't so rough anymore. I bought her another bottle!

Overall - I definitely think this a truly amazing product, I would definitely repurchase and I think it would work well for all skin and hair types.

Have you used argan oil before? What did you think?

Avon Arctic Goddess Ultra Colour Rich Brilliance Lip Gloss in Pink Icicle

This is a member of the Avon Arctic Goddess collection, the lipgloss. It contains 6ml for £7 (currently £3!) and is available from Avon's online shop. The shade is Pink Icicle, it is a very pretty sheer shade with flecks of sparkle in it (these aren't chunks of glitter and cannot be felt on the lips at all, they seem to be part of the gloss). Every skintone could easily wear this, on my lips it shows up as a light pink tinted sheer glitter.

It is not sticky, which is a major plus as I don't do very well with sticky lipglosses especially with my hair down! I've been wearing this with pretty much any look, it is that versatile. It lasts for around 2-3 hours on me, fading after 2 hours with eating and drinking. This lipgloss also contains SPF15!

I really like the packaging on all Avon products, it makes them seem high-end yet their prices are amazing. The brush is very small which allows for precision, and 1-2 dips are enough for the entire lips. There isn't an offensive scent either.

Would I repurchase this? Yes - if I didn't have so many lip products already. I think it's amazing value, and a really good lipgloss for everyday or any look.

The Ulta Colour Rich Brilliance lipglosses are available in 3 shades; pink icicle, north star and caramel sparkle. The Arctic Goddess Collection is Limited Edition.

Have you tried any Avon lipglosses? What are your thoughts?

Mudd Original Mask Review

Mudd's masks are available in 1,5 or 10 application packs, costing 99p/£1, £3.05 and £4.99 respectively. This is the original mask available from Boots/Superdrug and possibly some other stores where they might be hiding! The 5 application pack contains 50ml.

I've now almost used the entire thing up and it's lasted for over 5 applications, which is great because it means you get more for your money. The image on the pack is actually misleading though because the mask itself is not brown, it is a charcoal shade. It feels very thick and applies evenly and well. After waiting the recommended 10-15 minutes most of the mask is dry and I tend to take it off with warm water, which surprisingly removes the mask quite easily. Usually I find plain water doesn't help and some scrubbing is required but this one comes off very easily.

I really like the packaging, it is simple and effective, I love the top which opens and closes to prevent the product from drying out.

Mudd say this contains special minerals which absorb excess oil, dirt and makeup. It should make the skin feel smoother, softer and deep-cleansed, which it does in my opinion. It should also tighten the skin in turn helping control spots and blackheads, this I did notice but only after around 3-4 uses. It is non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested and lanolin-free. It also smells quite pleasant.

Have you tried any Mudd masks? What did you think?

Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner Pencils Review - Silver & Black

These are the amazing gel eyeliners in pencil form by Avon. I have heard so many good things about these and everyone was not wrong! They are £6 each and always on offer, at the moment you can mix and match makeup 3 for £10 on Avon's website.

Both shades are incredibly rich and creamy, they last all day on me without wearing off or smudging, and one line is enough to create intense colour. Unfortunately I forgot to swatch these for you - I'm really sorry about that! However, as they are so intense and creamy, I don't think anyone would have an issue with these! The packaging makes them look very high-end too.

These have become my favourite pencil eyeliners alongside Stila's waterproof eyeliner sticks, in my opinion they are better than a lot of brands and also on par with Urban Decay's eyeliner pencils. I will definitely be repurchasing once they run out.

Have you tried these yet? Love them like me?

Avon Limited Edition Arctic Goddess Collection

This is the collection by Avon for Autumn/Winter available this month, prices start from £6 and products can be found online or in their catalogues.

Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures at the event so I can't really show you how amazing it was, I got to meet Alesha Dixon - Avon's Beauty & Empowerment Ambassador and the Pixiwoo sisters! I think I was a little more excited to meet the makeup ladies I've been watching for so long!

I have tried all of the products and I do like them overall, I will have individual reviews up very soon. I will however add that I'd never used any Avon products before this and I definitely think I will be trying out more!

I believe there are more items in this collection that I've managed to miss (from reading other blogs) but as far as I know the five items above make up the Arctic Goddess collection; eyeshadow quad in Arctic Goddess; nail enamels in Green Goddess, Arctic Waters and Chilling Teal and finally a lipgloss in Pink Icicle.

Have you tried any of these products? Do you like the look of anything? What did you think?

Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Inky Blue

Last month I was fortunate enough to be invited to the launch of Avon's new Arctic Goddess collection, (available in November, will post about it soon) and was lucky enough to get a few products to try and review. This shade is the one I chose for my mini-manicure and I love it!

Unfortunately the pictures do not do it justice, it has lovely shimmery bits in it and it's a very deep inky blue, it's name suits it perfectly! I think this would be a great shade to wear over the Autumn/Winter months as it is so cold it'll match the dark nights well! I do think it would pretty much suit every skin tone. It costs a very reasonable £6 for 12ml from Avon, you can order online here or through one of their catalogues. At the moment these are on a 2 for £8 offer or 3 for £10 offer, making them £3.33 each if you go for the latter. I'd never tried these before and think they are truly amazing nail polishes, I would definitely repurchase and try some of the other colours!

It lasted just over a week on me without any chips or looking "worn", I do think it would have lasted longer if my life didn't require lots of manual work! 2 coats is perfect, it doesn't go on streaky and evens out well, dries very quickly too - something very important in a nail polish for me!

Have you tried any Avon nail enamels? What did you think?

Mudd Peel-off Mask Review

Mudd's masks are available in 1,5 or 10 application packs, costing 99p/£1, £3.05 and £4.99 respectively. I was sent a selection to trial and I tried this particular one first as it said "gentle-cleansing" on the packaging.

This mask has extracts of ginseng, natural lemon peel, grapefruit and cucumber AHAs all which help to cleanse and exfoliate. Skin should feel softer and smoother as dead layer of skin is peeled away. It does contain parabens. I was sent a 1 application of this particular one so I have only trialed it once, therefore my opinion may not be adequate...

Application was ok, it was difficult to open the package so that more than just a tiny opening could be used to get to the mask, so I used the trusty old scissors to do that. Initially it felt quite sticky on the skin and didn't glide on as well, but once some was on it was much easier.

After the recommended 10-15 minutes there were still wet patches on my cheeks so I didn't peel it off as it would come off in parts. After about 20 minutes I peeled it off even though there were tiny wet parts. It took a while to peel off and I rinsed my face with water as some bits would just not come off!

My skin looked cleaner and felt cleaner, not really softer or smoother. It didn't have much of an effect apart from cleansing I think.

I would not repurchase this mask, as I feel there are others out there which do make my skin feel softer and smoother, generally evening out my skintone a little too.

Review: Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing

This is a body exfoliator essentially, but packed with good stuff for the skin! Available on Feel Unique's website here and currently on sale for £11.97 I would say it is worth every penny. It contains coconut oil and vitamin E - both which are known to be great for the skin. It is a harsh, strong scrub so if that's not your thing this may not be for you.

You use it on dry skin and rub and scrub, I genuinely feel like this has had a positive effect on my skin. It feels quite harsh so you do have to use as much pressure as is comfortable for you. I feel energised after using this in the shower. Do be aware though that due to it's moisturising ingredients it can make your shower or bathtub very slippery so be careful!

It does not contain any parabens which is another plus point. In all honesty, I can't actually think of any negatives for this product, aside from its large non-travel friendly size, although if it's at home in the bath or shower it's not such a big deal. I would expect this to be amazing for all you self-tanners out there, as I try to avoid tanning at all costs I can't verify that though!

I would give this product a 9/10, one mark less as it is quite intense and I certainly wouldn't suggest using it everyday. Will I be repurchasing/getting one again? Yes, most definitely as soon as all my other exfoliators run out!

Thank you for reading! :)

P.S Please excuse my blogging if it's not quite up to scratch I'm just getting back into it all!

*PR Sample

Introducing: Skin Heroes! by Montagne Jeunesse

Source

This is the new range by Montagne Jeunesse to help target all those little skin issues. From what I've understood they're primarily designed for problem skin (which I have, along with it being combination). I was sent the entire range (depicted above) by the lovely people at Montagne Jeunesse and will be reviewing the lot very soon. I've used one so far and I loved it.

So what's in the range?

All of the skin heroes range, aside from the nose strips have a 2-stage system, the mask and a corresponding moisturiser. They all have various individual ingredients which help the purpose they're for. I will discuss this further in each individual review post, and all reviews will be linked here.

Montagne Jeunesse are completely cruelty-free, BUAV and PETA approved. Suitable for vegetarians and some products are suitable for vegans too. These are currently available at Asda or you can do what I did and find their skincare products here.

Please look out for my reviews in the coming weeks!

Have you tried any of these yet?

Review Request: Proactiv Solution Refining Mask 70g

I have one of these masks to send out for review, this request is for those with combination/oily acne-prone skin. Charge will be £3 for p+p, rules are below, if you're interested please let me know in the comments below!

- 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 not international.

Nav x

Mystery Packages Update

If you would like a mystery package to be sent out to you and have left an interest, could you please do the following for a package to be sent to you tomorrow:

- *gift* £7 to naviliciousbeauty@yahoo.com via paypal

All packages will be sent 1st class, if there's something in particular you would/wouldn't like please let me know in the message area of paypal.

I have 5 packages ready to go at the moment. If I make more I will let you know!

Nav x

Vitality Show 2012 Tickets Winner!

Winner is BOOTSOBE!

I have forwarded your details onto the PR who should be in touch with you shortly!

Thank you for your entries!

Mystery Parcels

After talking to my friend on twitter, she came up with this idea and I've modified it a little. Basically, seeing as I have an excess of beauty products that I no longer need or want, I'm going to package them up into jiffy bags and post them out to whoever wants them.

This is how it'll work:

- I will charge £7 for each mystery package inc p&p
- Each package's contents will value at over £7, although some may be used/swatched or brand new (a mixture but at the moment, I have brand new and swatched products)
- Each package will contain 3-10 items
- I will not accept returns

At the moment I have packaged together 5 parcels, if you'd be interested in this concept or would like to make a purchase right away please let me know in the comments below!

To make it easier for me to package though please leave your preferences in products in your comment, i.e shades you prefer of each cosmetic and skintone if you're ok leaving it!

Please feel free to leave pointers or any constructive criticism too!

Nav x

Vitality Show 2012 Tickets Giveaway! *Closed*

If you'd like to win yourself a pair of tickets to this year's show on Saturday 24th March 2012, all you have to do is the following:

- Make sure you're a follower via GFC

- Leave a comment including your email address

Winner will be picked at 10pm on Wednesday 21st March 2012. I will pass on the details to the lovely PR team of the winner.

Please visit www.vitalitylive.co.uk for more information.

Good luck!

Review Request: Madara Tinting Fluid *CLOSED*

Source

Hi!

Sorry I haven't blogged after promising to blog more often, unfortunately I'm not in a situation where I can blog, I will however try to as soon as I can. I won't put a date on it, I hope you don't mind.

Today's post is a review request, I have Madara's Tinting Fluid in Moon Flower of which I've used 1 pump to test it on my hand, unfortunately I feel like it's a little too pink based and very light coverage for my liking, however all that's from one pump.


I think this would best suit much fairer skintones. To cover postage and the tiniest percentage of the product cost, RRP: £23 I will be asking for £5 for the product/p+p, I understand this may annoy some of you but my financial situation at the moment is such, as is emotional and every other bad thing seems to come my way. But anyway, if this is ok with you and you'd be happy to review, then please leave interest in a comment below.


- 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.

I hope you're all keeping well! I hope to hear from you soon!

Love Nav xx

Blogging Will Resume...

Hiiiii!

I hope you're well :) this is just a post to let you know I will be back to blogging properly very soon! I've managed to do some borrowing and some organising so that I have some time to blog, I think I will be able to post pretty regularly, and am looking at ways in which I can reduce procrastination and keep the momentum so everything I need to do gets done!

I'll be writing a little update post and will hopefully be blogging more on my other blog which you can find here: http://everythingbutbeauty.blogspot.com, I also really want to change it's name but not sure what to change it too... I'm even contemplating changing Navilicious Beauty to something else, it hasn't really fit perfectly, as much as I do like it, I want something awesome, I feel a little embarrassed when saying the name to people in reality, like I should be clicking my fingers and moving my hips or something with the "icious" part. I'm going to let them be for now and hopefully I'll wake up one day with an amazing idea!

Thank you for still bearing with me! I will start posting beauty things very soon! I hope to have a few posts up by next week.

Don't forget to hop over to http://everythingbutbeauty.blogspot.com to keep updated! I'd like to make this blog strictly beauty related but I have many more readers here so have written this update post!

Also please check out my ebay offerings here. I'll be putting up a new blogsale once I've decluttered and reorganised my entire room, which may be by Monday...

Thank you for reading :) Nav x

40 Questions of Beauty

I've had this saved in my drafts for ages now but never got round to actually completing it! I can't remember who's blog I saw this on but many thanks because it was really fun to complete!

How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice usually, recently I've gotten lazy and use a makeup wipe at night. More often in summer or after I've exercised!

What skin type do you have?

Dry combination in winter and oily combination in summer. Combination basically!

What is your current facial wash?

Dr Nick Lowe's Foaming Anti-Blemish Cleanser.

Do you exfoliate?

Yes, around twice a week.

What brand do you use?

At the moment it's Sanctuary.

What moisturiser do you use?

Dr Nick Lowe's Anti Blemish Cream

Do you have freckles?

Nope

Do you use an eye cream?

Yes, occasionally I'll use Colbert M.D eye cream, but once that's finished I'll be using one from Bliss.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

Yes, I have had horrific skin in the past, when I was around 9 to about 16.

Did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?

I really wanted to, but I couldn't afford it or ask for it back then, I've bought it now and will be using it this summer, as I tend to break out more then.

What foundation do you use?

I'm alternating between 17's Adapt-itude and Elf's new one.

How about concealer?

Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection Concealer.

Do you know your undertone colour?

I believe it is yellow?

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

My lashes are already really long so I thought I would look like an idiot wearing them but now I'd like to give them a go.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes. Do I do this? No.

What brand of mascara do you use?

I'm trying to use up a No7 one at the moment, but otherwise for special occasions I will use my Lancome Hypnose mascara.

Sephora or M.A.C?

Neither.

Do you have a M.A.C Pro-card?

No.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

I use makeup brushes. Occasionally my hands too.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes, I use UDPP, Elf's ones or a Mac paint pot.

For the face?

Either YSL's or Witch or 17's.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

Probably Sin by Urban Decay because it's a great easy shade for any skintone to pull off.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Both!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Not that often anymore...

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

Bit messy but can be stunning. My favourite at the moment is one by Terre d'Oc that I received in my Amarya beauty box.

Do you use mineral makeup?

I have a mineral foundation? It's liquid but I haven't used it yet.

What is your favorite lipstick?

Don't have a favourite as of yet.

How about lipgloss?

Nars Pillow Talk because it was bought for me by someone important, also it's very pretty!

What is your favorite blush to use?

I love blushes, any is good really... I think I need to play with my collection a bit more to answer some of these!

Do you buy your makeup on eBay?

No, never.

Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes.

Do you go to CCO's? (Cosmetic Company Outlets)

No. I'm also pretty sure we don't have those here in the UK.

Did you ever consider taking make up classes?

Yes! I booked one which turned into a nightmare and I never actually took the class.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I don't think so, I tend to concentrate really hard!

Name a makeup crime that you hate?

20 pairs of fake eyelashes and 50 bottles of fake tan on the same woman.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

Yes, I like all :) Just depends on when which is appropriate.

Which celebrity always has great make up?

I really like Gwen Stefani's look. She's also beautiful!

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Probably eyeliner.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I do it all the time!

Do you  think you look good even without any make up on?

Not necessarily good, but I don't look hideous or anything. Just a normal person :)

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

I love Urban Decay/Bobbi Brown/Nars/YSL and I really want to try more Benefit. I'll say Urban Decay for now!

What do you think of makeup?

I think it's incredibly fun to play with and buy. It shouldn't become anyone's life I don't think, unless of course you're a makeup artist etc. I mean in the sense that no woman should be completely obsessed with it and think she doesn't look good without it. It's good fun :)

I'd like all of you to do this! Please link me back in the comments below! :)

2012 Beauty Resolutions

Hi!

I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much recently but like I said before I just have far too much to do at the minute! Product reviews have also been placed on the back burner because I am lacking a camera! Once I figure everything out I will get back into it right away!

But anyway, as promised, here are my 5 Beauty Resolutions for 2012:

- Cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening! (I often forget to do this at night or get too lazy and use a face wipe!)
- Wear makeup more often (I actually barely wear makeup, which is probably why you'll find more skincare reviews on here! I'm going for maybe 3-4 times a week)
- I am not to spend a penny on anything beauty related until August (I've actually stuck with this for a whole 18 days!)
- Blog my products, by this I mean actually review/talk about them on here, more often than not, I'll get through so many items that I love but haven't taken pictures of and into the recycling bin goes the empty packaging!
- Use up 300 products by the end of the year, so far I've used up 15, I'm also selling things, giving away to charity/friends/family. I think roughly the total "loss" overall is around 25 so far, including the selling etc.

If you'd like to read and keep up with my general resolutions please click here. 

Have you made any beauty resolutions? Have you kept to them?

No More Beauty Boxes/Run-Down

Hi!

I tweeted about this before but I thought I would make a public announcement on the blog, for the year of 2012 I will not be subscribed to any beauty boxes, apart from Amarya because I bought a year's subscription, so that'll end in the summer.

I hope all the beauty box posts were helpful, and I really enjoyed receiving so many parcels each month, unfortunately I can't afford them anymore, and I have no need for any more toiletries/soaps/makeup at all, so it would be pointless to continue with the subscriptions.

Here's a quick rundown of each box:

GlossyBox - a slightly controversial box, due to the ups and downs, costing £12.95 per month, including a generally well balanced selection of beauty products. Comes in a baby pink shoe box type box.

Feel Unique - the cheapest box at £9.95 per month or can be paid for a year, comes in a slide out box, very sturdy. Excellent value for money and excellent products.

Carmine - costing £12.75 per month, or can be paid for for 6 months or a year, is a very large box where the lid covers the sides of the box making it difficult to open. The products inside have always been amazing and interesting new finds.

Amarya - this box is £10 per month or can be bought for a year, it includes organic/natural products, also a great box.

Boudoir Prive/JolieBox - this box now costs £12.95 I believe but remained at £10 for all those subscribed before a certain month. This box was a great box but I didn't think it kept up with the other boxes with the size of samples or the brands, after seeing a few JolieBox posts I think JolieBox looks much much better.

My Top Boxes:

Carmine and Feel Unique - both have never put a foot wrong in my eyes and gave exactly what was expected, I also liked most of the samples. Amarya is a great box but I don't think the natural/organic theme sits perfectly with me.

Overall Thoughts:

Beauty boxes are a great way to sample new products and have a little treat every month, for me they were all great but they can become a major drain on finances, especially if like me you only use 3 items out of every 5 and have had to re-home 2 every month, it became a bit of a bore too. Blogging about them was fun, maybe I'll subscribe again in 2013, I'll try to blog Amarya's boxes as much as I can!

Thank you for reading x

Happy New Year!

Source

Sorry I'm so late with this post but Happy New Year to all of you! I hope 2012 brings you all you desire and is much better than 2011.

If you'd like to read and keep up to date with my new year's resolutions click here.

I'll also be posting about my new year's beauty resolutions soon :)

Nav x