My first Glossybox

To say I was excited to see my first Glossybox package arriving this morning is an understatement. If you have never heard of Glossybox before then your certainly missing out! When you subscribe to Glossybox they send out the newest and exciting miniatures on the market each month. There are different subscription options  available to pick from but the one I choose was the monthly one which basically costs  £10 per month plus  £3.25 p&p (also you can un-subscribe at any time).  So it's easy to keep up to date with the newest trends and go to beauty products!

So what's inside October's box... I began the journey by ripping open the outer cardboard box to find a beautiful pink box neatly placed inside. Upon opening the lid on the pink box to seeing perfectly tied ribbon wrapped over pink tissue paper sealed with a small label.  I continue to be excited when I discover this month's products are all full sized!

So first product out of the box is an intense golden ointment from Lanolips. With the cold weather and dark evenings setting in this is product is just perfect for my hands to keep them well moisturised. With 60% lanolin and manuka honey as its main ingredients, this really will hydrate and repair anything from hands, feet or legs.

Next product is an airbrush blending sponge from Nicka K. This sponge is domed shaped too and being a makeup junkie this is just perfect to blend anything from foundation to concealer. Plus the dome shape sponge helps me to reach every nook and crease on my face.

The next product is by Jelly pong pongs fairy lash mascara. This mascara carefully defines and curls the lashes, continuing to curl the lashes throughout the day. It's also cruelty free and suitable for contact lens wearers. Given that I have very little straight lashes, I sure will be wearing this one today!

Next up is Photo hydra day by Talika. This product is a moisturiser that - wait for it, uses energy from natural light to work deep into the skin to hydrate and moisturise the skin. How amazing does this product sound? I think this will have to be my new moisturiser. And the texture is nice and light and illuminating on the skin. Winner!

And lastly So Susan's haute light highlighting pencil. This little pencil is perfect for highlighting anything from brows to cheek bones or even your cupids bow. It is a Ivory creamy texture and blends very easy.

So to say I'm chuffed with this month's products is absolutely right, it just makes me more excited for next month's delivery!

XO Ali

How I created my Autumn/ Winter look

Hi guys!

As promised I have listed below the products used to create my favourite Autumn/ Winter look. This look is great for day/ night wear and to really jazz it up from day to night, just add some black shadow into the crease line and blend!

So before I mention the products I have used, to apply this look I use a mixture of brushes from Smashbox to Illamasqua and Real techniques to Fuschia.

Now onto the products I used to create this look,

(Firstly I always moisturise my skin before applying my base.)

Primer

Fuschia velvet veil primer

Foundation

Mac pro long wear foundation NW20

No7 skin Illuminator radiance boosting beauty fluid

 (I mixed these two products together)

Highlighter

Mac prep and prime highlighter in radiance rose (I apply this in the areas of my face that catch the light)

Mac mineralise skin finish soft and gentle

Powder

Mac mineralise skin finish medium

Blush and bronzer

Pippa pallette

Eyes

Mac pro long wear paint pot painterly

Pippa pallette eyeshadows in K.D. ( used for eyeliner) and Lily (all over eyelid)

Rimmel super curler 24 mascara

Under eyes

Stila perfecting concealer light

Fuschia under eye brightening powder

Lips

Sleek true colour lipstick cherry 790

Brows

Beautiful brows chocolate

So that's the list of products I used and I hope you enjoy creating this look!

XO Ali

Autumn Winter makeup inspiration

Hi Guys,

Sorry I've been very quite on the blog over the last month, I've been busy adapting to first time motherhood and I'm totally in love with our new baby boy Harry!

On another note I'm loving so many of the current Autumn/ Winter makeup trends this year especially the bold lip colours and the masculine brow. See below some of my favorite looks,

Bold masculine brows

Smokey eyes using shadow and liner 

Bold Red/ Berry lips

Luminous dewy skin 

Keep an eye out for my Autumn / Winter inspired look to follow soon! 

XO Ali 

My 5 everyday makeup essentials

Hi ladies,

Its hard to believe it's September next week, where has our summer gone too? And then again we didn't exactly have a scorcher to begin with!

So as Autumn approaches I want to keep as much of a Summer glow as I can - even if it means faking it! So here's my five makeup essentials for everyday wear and they are very budget friendly!

First on my list has to be Rimmels wake me up foundation & I use shade 100 - Ivory. This foundation gives an instant, radiant and healthy glow in one application. It's light and easy to apply, gives great coverage and takes away any signs of tiredness or fatigue - just what I need! It has an SPF 15 and the best part is this bottle of radiance costs just €10.99 normally but the good news, Boots have it on offer at €6.99 at the minute. Time to stock up!

Next has to be Fuschia's Boom Brow, it's a small pot that transforms and scultps the brows! For a brunette my brows are so fair so without this product I look like I have non exsistence brows! So not only will Boom Brow define and fill in the brows but it keeps them looking in shape. I use an angled brow brush to apply the product and its available in three shades. It costs €15.50 for one pot but considering the small amount used per application and the fact that it really lasts and sets like a powder means its a winner in my eyes. The only problem with this product is once you start using it, you will be addicted! And did I mention it's flake free too.

Moving on to Sleeks face form contouring & blush palette, which I use in the light shade. This palette makes contouring and highlighting so quick and easy and thats why I love it! With a beautiful bronze contour powder, a rose gold blush (which I must admit is so similar to the Nars Orgasm blush) and a really nice pearly highlighter, it's perfect to really make those cheekbones pop. And the best part is this palette costs only €13.49 and being so compact it's perfect for on the go!

My fourth favourite everyday essential has to be the NYX Doll eyes mascara in waterproof. Being so fussy when it comes to finding a good mascara I really love this one for the simple reason that it doesnt cake or its not clumpy. The brush separates the lashes to add length and volume but it does set quickly when applied to the lashes, so if your like me and must apply two layers of mascara then just apply it quickly! And being waterproof it doesn't smudge or fall under the eyes but it's simple to remove with an eye makeup remover. This one costs only €10.99.

And finally Rimmels colour rush lasting intense colour balm in shade 110, make me blush. This chunky lip pencil is glossy and luscious to apply. It super long lasting even after eating and drinking throughout the day. It's a great colour to wear from day to night and so handy for the handbag.

Let me know if you have tried any of these beauties!

XO Ali

My 5 steps to help diminish dark circles

Hi ladies,

Does anyone else have the same problem as I do when it comes to dark circles? I mean I drink or at least I try to drink eight glasses of water a day. I use an eye moisturiser under the eye area morning and night and have tried so many brands. I suppose I am noticing my dark circles more now being so pregnant and with the warm evenings, late night toilet dashes and lack of sleep - I'm not feeling very bright eyed and bushy tailed!

So thank goodness I have found a great little quick fix to help me moisturise,  brighten and cover those dark circles of mine! And it takes less than five minutes!

So here's my five step routine...

Step 1 - Moisturise under the eye area

I am currently using and loving the 'Boots vitamin e gentle eye cream' and with a price tag of €3 it sounds too good to be true. This eye cream is light and gentle, easily absorbed and has an SPF 15. I have been using this for a few weeks now and find it really brightens my darkness under the eyes. I only use a pea sized amount each time and pat it on under the eye area with my ring finger.

Just look at those dark circles! 

Step 2 - Prime under the eye area

After I apply my foundation and eye makeup I apply the 'NYX HD photogenic concealer' under the eye area. This product is so amazing and it's mineral enriched, talc free and paraben free, which means it won't cake under the eye area. It's great for covering dark circles and gives a good medium coverage.  I just apply a pea sized amount under the eye area and blend it out with my fingertips. And considering that only a small amount is needed and it costs just €6.99, I just love it more.

I have applied the NYX HD photogenic concealer to my right eye only 

Step 3 - Conceal under the eye area

When I choose a concealer for under the eye I always choose one that gives a good coverage but is not too powdery as I don't want my fine lines becoming more obvious. And that's why I am using and loving the 'Fuschia advanced longwear concealer' in extra light and being it's talc free it works a wonder. This concealer is lightweight on but gives a medium coverage and covers everything from dark circles to pigmentation. For the wonders it works and little amount I use, €15 isn't a bad price. Again I use a pea sized amount under my eyes and apply it using  a flat concealer brush.

Again concealer is applied only on the right eye over the primer

Step 4 - Add some instant radiance

OK I love, love, love the 'No7 instant radiance concealer' pen - it's definitely a dupe for the 'YSL touche eclat' except it costs €17.50! This little beauty instantly reduces puffiness under the eye area and adds radiance. With its light reflecting particles it gives the illusion that I have had a great nights sleep - winner!
This push button concealer pen it so handy to use and has a brush attached. I personally apply a small amount to the back of my hand and use a flat concealer brush to blend it under the eye. This way I don't apply too much product.

Instant radiance concealer is applied to the right eye over the concealer

Step 5 - Set under the eye with a powder

For this last step I use the 'Mac mineralise skinfinish powder' in shade light. This powder gives a natural matte finish to the skin and provides a light coverage.  It sets the concealer perfectly without looking or feeling heavy or cakey. I apply this using a small fluffy buffer brush and brush it lightly under each eye.

Both eyes have all five products applied 

And that's it! Really this takes less than five minutes and really makes a difference!

Let me know if you have tried any of these beauties!

XO Ali

Boots App & Parenting club

Since I became pregnant I can't seem to help myself when it comes to buying baby clothes, hats, booties and anything baby related! In fact its more exciting that shopping for yourself but then there's the fact that there's only so much cream/ white and lemon one can buy! I do love stocking up on all the essentials too like sudocream, baby wipes, nappies even nappy bags- who knew a little baby needed so much! Honestly this baby has a better wardrobe than me ( that's only because it's getting to the stage were everything is getting tighter and shopping for me is not fun!), and I still have five weeks until he/ she makes their present known. That's me hoping I don't go overdue!


So it was no surprise that I absolutely loved the new Boots app from the moment I downloaded it and signed up the parenting club. The app itself is amazing and so easy to use. In fact Boots send offers tailored to you, to the app and with your Boots advantage card linked to the app is easy to keep track of all your points building up.

     

The Boots parenting club is then available from the moment your pregnant until your baby turns 3. Some of the benefits include 10 points for every €1 spent on baby products in the baby area, personalised offers that are send through the app that have been tailored to you and your baby and free expert advice. When you sign up for the parenting club and add your details you give your baby's due date, this way you will receive personalised emails and offers. And you also get free gifts through the app too.

     

Already from my free gifts I have received a really nice practical baby bag with a change mat included. I received this in store when I purchased a pack of Pampers new baby/ sensitive nappies. I also received a free Mam bottle and soother and there was no purchase necessary for this one. And still I have some great offers to avail of on my app.  Most of the offers are available anywhere from two weeks to over a month.

  

To use your offers in store you just go to your app and click on the offers you wish to use and you will have an option to load the offer to your advantage card, which you can then select. When the offer is loaded to your advantage card it fades out in colour from your app, it's still available to you to check your selected offer before you use them. When you decide to use the offers in store, Boots scan your advantage card and the offer then disappears off your app.  So it's really straight forward and easy to use.

Also I found out today that Boots are running a baby event until the 15th of September!

So that's where I'm off now, it's not like the baby needs any more essentials or clothes but I always love a bargain and it's good to stock up! They say a new baby can use up to ten nappies a day!

Happy shopping!

XO Ali

Best beauty buys @ Penney's!

Hi Lovelies,

I'm not sure about you when it comes to Penney's but it's so easy to get side tracked! Don't you agree? No matter if I run in for one thing (well its never just one!), I always end up stocking up on the best beauty buys. And Penneys never fail to excite me with all there fab products!

So here's a list of my latest buys (and some pics too),

● Penneys Individual lashes - 30 piece set and only €1.50! These lashes are so easy to apply & they work best when you curl your lashes first and then apply your mascara. This will help the lashes stick to your own easier! They do also include a glue but personally I use the Duo glue- it's a waterproof clear-white eyelash glue that really keeps the lashes in place!

● Pencil sharpener- this one's a duo sharpener so your never stuck for keeping your chunky pencils sharpened and it's only €1

● PS Love lipsticks - firstly the lipsticks are only €2!!! Secondly the pigment is surprisingly good and they are really nice to apply. The colours are great and they glide on really easily and the packaging is super chic! And did I mention they are only €2!!

● Lastly the facial cleansing pad - this has to be my favourite purchase this time! I  actually bought this to use for cleaning my  brushes and it works really well! I just apply some Johnsons baby shampoo on the cleansing pad and work it into a lather with the brush. Then I rinse the brushes after and let them dry naturally. It's so quick to use and great for removing any built up makeup.

That's all for now lovelies,  thanks for reading and let me know if you have tried any of the PS Love range @ Penneys! 

XO Ali

Water Wipes- the natural way to cleanse....

Morning ladies,

There's nothing worst then removing make-up at night with a make-up remover wipe and your skin just feels tight, irritated, dry and stings like crazy! 

But we still need a quick and easy way to remover our make-up! Right? 

You'll be delighted to know there is a solution! 

Has anyone tried the new 'Water wipes'?  

Firstly they are 100% fragrance-free, alcohol-free & paraben-free! Secondly they have been allergy tested and proven! 

They are non-drying, non-irritating and yet soft and gentle to use on a daily basis! 

'Water wipes' are made from 99.9% ultra purified water, 0.1% citrus grapefruit seed extract and dead sea minerals...nothing else!

And they are suitable for sensitive skin! 

Sounds too good to be true...

Well I have used them a couple of times and  my skin felt fresh instantly! They removed all of my make-up - even my liner and mascara! 

They are definitely a must have for me!  

They are available in selected pharmacies and I paid €2 for one pack of 24 wipes. 

Let me know if you try them!

XO Ali-marie

Catrice's Ultimate brow lifter...

Morning ladies,

And who doesn't love a good defined brow with a highlighter to give the illusion of a more defined brow arch?

I love it and in fact for me it's one of the first things I look at on a person. Brow's just really define and shape the face. 

Lucky for us Catrice Cosmetics have a fantastic eyebrow lifter, which comes in one shade 010 Lift me up, Scotty! (Great name too!)

With it's pale pink universal shade it's sure to suit all skin tones. And what's even better is that it costs €3.69!

This product has a smooth, easy to apply texture and it takes 2 seconds to apply. 

I start by filling in my brows with my 'beautiful brows' kit and then from the arch of the brow, apply the highlighter to the end of the brow. Blend with your finger and result - long lasting defined brow's!

If you are looking for an in-expensive, quick and easy to apply brow highlighter then Catrice's Eyebrow Lifter is for you! It's widely available in most pharmacy's too!

XO Ali-marie

Tuesday Inspiration.......

Good morning lovelies, 

Is anyone else having Tuesday blues?

Anyway I don't know if your a HUGE fan of Kim Kardashian (like me) but one thing's for sure, she knows how to rock make-up! 

I know she has a full team to beautify her daily and she has the best of the best beauty products but the girl sure gives lots of make-up inspiration......

Yay or Nay for Kim K?? 

Comment below or email thebeautywow@gmail.com

XO Ali-marie