December Birchbox

Well it is that time of the month again!! and my favourite!! It it time for my December Birchbox!!

For those of you that don't know, Birchbox is a monthly beauty box that you receive, cost of £12,95, and it is send to you a little box with five samples, according to a questionnaire that you do when you subscribe to Birchbox. And every month there is a themed box!! This month the box was "Put on your party shoes" with the collaboration of Sophia Webster. 

The first product that I got was the High Beam from Benefit, which came inside a Christmas cracker.

I do have to say I wasn't really impressed with this product, I have a few at home, so I didn't wanted another one. To use it, put a small amount onto cheekbones, browbone and blend to give a nice highlighter look. (RRP £19.50) 

The next one was the Ilsci Organic mask. 

This mask is a plant based treatment which uses natural actives and soothing gel formula to smooth and rejuvenate. To use, apply a generous layer to clean skin and leave to dry before rising off. (RRP From £39.95).

The third product is from Electric Hair, it is the Electric hydrate shampoo, this product helps to repair damaged hair and improves the shine with this nourishing, moisture rich formula. Focusing on the roots, massage a small amount into wet hair before rising out. (RRP £17.50). 

I also received in the box, from Eyeko, a fat eye stick, and it is a full size product. 

For a 60's inspired look glide along your lash line or smudge all over for a sultry statement. (£8.00). I was quite happy with this product, it seems really good quality and it is a full size product!!!.

Next, was from Trilogy, Certified organic rosehip oil.

This product is a fine blend of pure rosehip oil, perfect to give some extra nourishment to skin. Just massage a few drops into any dry patches areas. (RRP £16.50). 

The next product I was quite disappointed with for the simple reason that at the beginning at the month, Birchbox send an e mail out giving a choice of four nail polishes from Models Own. 

Considering that my favourite colour was purple, that was the shade I went for!! but I didn't get it!!

  Instead of purple I got a green shade, sparkly, which has a velvet finish. I am not a big fan of green so I don't know if I will actually use this product!! (I really wanted the purple one!!).

The last product was from Lifestyle, and it was a Sophia Webster purse, with a leopard print.

It is a nice purse, little bit small, but I am not sure if it is worth £25.00!!!! Will have to think what to use it for, considering how small this actually is!!!.

And that was my December Birchbox!! It was quite a good box overall, except for the nail polish that I don't like the colour, but anyway, maybe I will actually give it a try, it is Christmas after all!!!.

Well flowers, let me know what you think about my box, or if you are subscribed to any beauty box!!

Until my next post

Be Happy 

Marlene 

xx 

Haul:)

Hello darlings today I bring you another haul (oppps)!! I just couldn't resist all of that beauties in the shelves!! 

The first thing that I bought was actually from black Friday, from Beauty bay. 

I really liked that packaging but I did thought, when I received the palette that it does look too cheap, specially when you open the palette, but the eye shadows do have a good pigmentation. It costed £14.00.

The next products where from Marks & Spencer the brand called Autograph. There was a sale on if you buy two products, the second is half price. 

So I bought a bronzer and a lip matte velvet. the bronzer was £12.00 and the lip velvet was the same price, but it was half price. 

The next products were from Boots, and Boots, L'oreal Bourjois and Max Factor had an offer of if you spend more than £14.00 you would get a free box with four products.

I bought a nail polish which comes with a topcoat to and I bought a L'oreal L'extraordinaire liquid lipstick and I got a box with a lipstick, white eye pencil, nail varnish and mascara. 

I also bought the two lipsticks that I didn't had from the Velvet Edition(£7.99), and I bought an eye shadow quad(£7.99)

And I got a box from Bourjois,containing a lipstick, eye shadow  quad, nail vanish and a mascara. 

I also stopped at Accessorize and I bought the cutest wallet I ever seen!!!!.

I always like to have a smaller wallet in case that I use a smaller bag and I thought this one was so beautiful!! It was £12.00.

I also went to MAC and I had to get something!! couldn't resist!! :)

I bought a lipstick, in Rebel, it is my favourite colour!! It is just so beautiful, I use it for day time and night time, I don't really have a specific colour for day time or day time, I just use what I feel like to use.

Well that is all I bought for now, let me know what you think of the products and what you have been buying!!

Take care

Marlene 

xxx

Make up Workshop with Jo Bilham

Hello flowers today I bring you my experience from yesterday's make up workshop that I attended with the fantastic make up artist Jo Bilham. Jo works as a make up artist but she also works as a photographer, but she actually graduated in Arts.

Jo was one of the first groups of students that attended a course with the famous sisters Pixiwoo, but at that time they weren't as famous as they are nowadays. 

I was quite excited knowing that Jo learned from Pixiwoo, they are so talented and creative, so I knew that Jo would possess the same  talented as them, 

At the workshop  was me and another lady(she was so lovely), and we sat down having a nice cup of tea while we discussed what  we wanted to learn in more detail.

The other lady wanted to know how to do a perfect, sharp smokey eyes as an evening look, I wanted to learn more about how to perfect an eye liner and how to do an eye look with an eye crease cut. 

I have to say that I love a look with a cut crease look, black eye liner and a bright red lipstick to add glamour and sophistication. 

Jo (very patiently) explained some of the techniques for blending, how to do a sharp smokey eye and a few tricks on how to do an eye liner. 

After explaining a few things of the more technical side, Jo then created a look according with what we wanted to learn, explaining step by step. 

I have to say i was so happy with my look, so simple but so glamorous at the same time.

My make up consisted in an Illamasqua skin base, and because I had a purple shirt, Jo did my make up with purple tones, black eye liner, contour, light pink blush, highlighter, the lipstick was the new Velvet edition by Bourjois in pink. 

I really like the way that the eye shadows were so well blended, how the colours are exactly in the crease not going above or to the eyelid, it just looks so perfect.
Jo also did a face chart with all the products that she used so that we don't forget in the future.
It was amazing to be able to spend the day with Jo, she is so lovely, great teacher, and an amazing make up artist. She is located in Hebden Bridge(but she does go to another areas), and she does photo shoots, bridal, workshops and private lessons.
This is her website if you want to have a look at her work (its really good) http://www.jobilham.co.uk/.
It was wonderful to be able to spend an afternoon with her, and to share my passion for make up and just talk about the products that we like and the ones that we don't like.
I really hope that I can meet her a lot more so that she can share her knowledge and techniques.
But it was indeed a wonderful afternoon.

Until my next post
Take care
Marlene
xx

Rimmel London Provocalips review

Hello flowers today I am going to review the Provocalips by Rimmel that was recently launched. 

They are called Provocalips 16h kiss proof lip colour.

 I wasn't really sure about this product as I normally don't use lip gloss, I do prefer matte lipsticks.

It claims to last 16 hours, transfer proof and endless colour. It is a two step lip colour. First you have to apply the colour and wait about 60 seconds for the colour to set, the second step you apply the topcoat to lock the colour, adding moisture.  

I bought four colours to see the quality of these lip colours and I was quite impressed with it.

from bottom  to top: 110 Dare you; 200 I'll call you; 310 Little minx; 500 Kiss me fool

It is definitely a long lasting lip colour, but you will have to touch up throughout the day if you want you lips with a little of shine. I did found very frustrating the fact that it is really difficult to get it off. You would probably have to use an oil based remover to be able to get it off completely, otherwise you will still have product on your lips when you go to bed, which is not advisable. 

I do have to say that I really like this lip colours but I found that the neutral pink tone colour ( 110 Dare you) it is not as good as the other colours that I tried, somehow the colour doesn't last as long as the other colours and when you apply the colour it doesn't really correspond to the colour from the packaging.
But I think this product is really good, considering it is drug store, and I will probably buy the rest of the colours available.


So let me know if you have tried this product and your opinion
See you until my next post flowers!!

Marlene
xx

Small Haul!!!

Hello Darlings!!! I have been doing some shopping around Boots, Superdrug and New Look so I decided to show you all what I bought (not a lot)!!

The first product that I got and I was really excited about was the new L'Oreal Paris palette in 01 Rose. I love all of the L'Oreal products  and the colours on this palette are just amazing. there are ten shades from matte to shimmery and  from neutrals to dark shades. it is perfect to put in your bag as it is quite slim and small. you can use it in the morning for a day makeup look and then in the evening just use a little bit of colour to create a perfect smoky eyes. I don't normally use shimmery shades but these one are just amazing and easy to use. you can get them at Boots and it costs £ 14.99.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next product that I got was from Sleek makeup and I actually had to order it online as my L'Oreal palette, but it is just so beautiful!!!

I am talking about the new Highlighting palette, Precious Metals in 029. It has four colours. the first colour ( Platinum) you use on the brow bone, the second one ( Antique Bronze) is to apply on top of your cheekbones, the ( Royal Gold) is to highlight down the bridge of your nose and the last one (Renaissance Gold) you can use it on your cupid's bone to make them look more prominent. Three velvet cream formulas and one powder formula. You can get it from Boots/Superdrug or the official Sleek Makeup Website. (RRP £ 9.99).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next product that I got was from Maybelline and it is a concealer from the Fit me Concealer. I just bought this concealer to try because I had the foundation and I really liked it, and every time I see a concealer that I don't have I have to buy it!! (strange I know), I got the shade 15. you can buy it from Boots/Superdrug. (RRP £ 5.99).

 

I am not a really big fan of Max Factor products but I heard a lot of mixed reviews about this product, so I wanted to see if it was any good. It is the Face Finity primer and it has a SPF 20. (RRP £ 10.99).

 

 

 

L'Oreal Paris released four shades of red lipstick, suitable for every skin tone. the colours look amazing, specially for me that I love red lipsticks!! I got two of the collection, one is by Julianne and the other is by Eva, but I am not sure if they are any good!! (RRP £ 6.99).

 

 

The next product is from Soap and Glory and it is actually from their Christmas Collection, but I just couldn't resist them!! It is the Smoulder Kohl eyeliners waterproof. It comes in a little silver purse and it contains four mini  eyeliners, Super Black, Cocoa Bean, Blue my mind and Aquabat!! I got if from Boots for £20.00!!!

 

 

 

 

I don't really have a lot of products from Gosh but the metallic eye shadow stich caught my attention so I picked up one in the shade 04 for £ 5.99.

 

 

I think that every time I go to Boots I pick up a Kate Moss lipstick!! I think I am obsessed!!!  This time I picked up the shade 101 Rosetto. Even though I am not a big fan of pink or nude colours, except for work, I wanted to see if this shade was any good!! It costs £ 5.49 in Boots or Superdrug.

 

 

 

I also picked up another lipstick from Rimmel!! I love this colour!! one of my favourites!! it is 380 Dark Knight Waterl-Oops. I am not sure if this formula is good but I just had to have it!! £6.99 from Boots or Superdrug.

 

The last product that I got from Boots, for lips as usual!! (I love buying lipstick)!!! and it the new Provocalips from Rimmel London. I actually just bought one, but after using I had to buy three more shades!!! From Boots/Superdrug at £6.99.

 

 

 

 

 

Most of these products are on 3 for 2 at Boots or Superdrug most of the time so you can buy them cheaper or have them for free!!

 

I had to contain myself not to buy anything else but I will probably be back there very soon:) as usual!!

I also stopped at New Look, I quite like the clothes that they have there and they have smaller sizes which is quite good for me. So I picked up a coat, black and white, size 8, which is great for the colder days. it has a hood and it is a long coat, half leg, and it was £29.99.

The next thing that caught my eye was a pair of boots, black and gold, I got in size 3 (I know tiny!!!) and they were £19.99.

 



And finally the last thing that I got was a bag, brown, it is quite spacious inside and you can use it on your shoulder or carry it on your hand, it was on sale for £15.00.

 

I hope you enjoyed my little haul, leave a comment with your opinion about the products!!

 

See you soon flowers!!!!

 

Marlene Botelho

xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November Birchbox

Hello flowers!!! hope you have been having an excellent week. today I am talking you through what I got on my November  Birchbox!! I have to say that I always get very excited when I receive an dispatch email from Birchbox.

This month the box was called "Cosy at home".

 

 

 

 

November is normally the month when its starts getting cold and rainy. when you can stay in and snuggle, staying warm at home, watching a movie with a nice mug of hot chocolate!!

 

 

 The first product on my box is from English Laundry, called signature for her.

 

 It is inspired by classic country gardens. the scent is melds rosy floral with a hint of musk. (RRP £60) . I had never seen this perfume before but I really like it, I think it smells amazing!! And maybe I will purchase this product from the shop!!.

 

My second product was from Beauty Protector, and it is called Protect & Treat Hair mask.

 

 

I remember that in one of my previous box I received a shampoo and conditioner and it was amazing, so I really want to try this masks to see if the quality is the same as the shampoo and conditioner. This product rejuvenates and protects hair, containing Argan oil, honey, amber and crushed pearls(uauuu)!!!. You have to apply to the ends of the hair after shampooing, leave for 5 to 10 minutes for normal to oily hair, and up to 20 minutes for dry hair and rinse off. (RRP £ 16.00) .

 

My next product is from LipGlam and it is a Lip Balm.

It is called Natural Lanolin Lip Balm and it is a fast-acting balm that moisturizes for up to 8 hours, with 100% natural ingredients. (RRP £9.99).

 

Next is the Lord & Berry Mini Bronzer in Sunny.

 

 

It is super fine, matte, with bronzing pigments that creates a healthy glow for a burst of radiance. Apply it to the temples and top of cheekbones for a natural looking. (RRP £ 19.00).

 

The last product is from Dr. Jart + and I couldn't believe that we actually got a full size bottle!! very impressed!!!

 

 

This product boosts your skin's internal moisture levels with the antioxidant-infused refreshing facial spritz. after cleansing, spray at an distance of 20-30 cm away from the face with your eyes closed. (RRP £ 18.00).

 we also got a lifestyle treat!! a Montezuma's Mini Bar. A creamy milk chocolate, made from the finest cocoa beans for a sophisticated flavour. I actually don't have a picture of this product because my partner decided to have the chocolate!! but according to him it was really nice so I guess next time!!.

 

Well and this was my November Birchbox!! I am really excited to try the products and I can't even wait to see how it will be  December Birchbox !!.

Hope you enjoyed my post!! please leave a comment and subscribe!!

Until my next post!!

 

Marlene

xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



October Birchbox

Hello flowers, today I bring you a post about my October Birchbox. if you don't know what it is, it is a monthly box where you receive five samples of products, which can be makeup, skincare or even food, depending on your questionnaire answers that you do when signing up for this box.

This month Birchbox teamed up with "Coppa Feel" which brings awareness of breast cancer.

this is how my October box brought me.

This box contained two Pink Clay Face Mask, Tamme Frizz Taming Crème, Shaveworks The Cool Fix, Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi by Petra, Nail Lacquer by Lollipops and finally a Lipstick pen. all of this products came inside the beautiful pink makeup bag.

 

The first product are Clay face masks, I am  looking forward to try this product, with Aloe Vera to illuminate complexion and soften skin. it is sold at the price of £4,25.

 

 

 

I have to say I am not excited about this next product, the Tamme Fizz Taming Cream, which is a heat protection and adds definition managing flyways and frizz. My hair is not frizzy so I don't think I will be using this product, which is a little bit disappointing, considering that you always want to try all the products that are specially selected for you!! this product is sold at £15.00.

 

This product, Shaveworks, Cool fix, is probably the one that I really want to try and that I hope that works, everyone knows how frustrating and annoying can be shaving or waxing.

this product is a cooling gel lotion that treats ingrown hairs, razor bumps and redness after hair removal. it can be used in the morning and evening in case that you have irritation, using everyday until irritation fades. This product costs £11.00.

 

 

 



This is the Lip Balm by Pixi by Petra, just like a regular lip balm, keeps your lips moisturized, this is a full size nourishing lip balm with shea butter with a little bit of colour, this colour is the Honey Nectar. In case you want a little bit more colour just build up by layering the lip balm. Priced at £8.

 

 

This is another product that I didn't really want to get again, considering that I already received red nail polish in previous boxes, and I think that by now I have enough reds in my nail polish collection!! this one is by Lollipops and costs £7.

 

 

Finally is this pen , by Birchbox, lipstick shaped, perfect for your handbag, sold at £2.50.

 

I think that this month it wad quite a good box for a good cause, I am really looking forward to try some of the products, whilst some of them I won't be using. Hopefully I won't get more red nail polishes but generally I am quite satisfied with the box. Any products that really impressed me, I will do a review and purchase them from the Birchbox shop.

All of this products can be found at the Birchbox shop, on their website www.birchbox.co.uk/shop .

 

 

Until next post

 

Hugs and kisses

 

Marlene Botelho