Sunday, 9 June 2013

Glossybox: June 2013 Addition

It's that time of the month again when the Glossy Boxes are released from the head quarters and sent to our doors. This months glossy box is not packed with expensive samples but with more affordable ones. Though some may see this as a negative to me I believe that this months 'budget' box is definitely more generous in terms of sample sizes, I mean FIVE full size samples!!







Organic Surge Shine Boost Conditioner:

WOW. This is a very generous sample! I used this on the lengths of my hair and it has made them super shiny. The conditioner smells a little medicinal but in all honestly the smell has not stuck in my hair which is a positive because it isn't the best of scents. Still, I am very grateful and this will be very helpful to me as I go through conditioner like it's going out of fashion! 

Monu Spa Hand and Nail Cream:

I received a Monu face mask from my Birchbox subscription and at first I was not impressed. After giving the product chance I have come to love it. My first impression of the hand cream was a little 'mmm ahhh'. Once using it my feelings gleamed  Firstly, it smells very 'spa-ish' which makes it seem more expensive and feel luxurious. The cream absorbs rapidly and leaves hands soft and gentle. That's all I can really say about hand cream, it does exactly what it says on the tube! The only other comment is that this also is a very generous sample a little is needed to go a long way.

Figs and Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm:

This lip cure is in a tube; packaging that I am not used to but I do like it. The texture is thick but not sticky. The balm also has a pale hint of pink to tint your lips slightly. The product is something which I would possibly repurchase however the sample is so generous that it will take me a VERY long time to get through this. Again a little goes a long way!

MEMEME Nail Polish:

One this about Glossy box is that nail polish colours are hit and miss. Sometimes Glossy box will send beautiful shades which suit the seasons trends. Other times, for example this month's glossy box, the colours will be poor. I have received an off white shade which requires 3 to 5 coats to get coverage. I have other nail polishes in shades like this one which are a pain to apply. However, I can tell from the formula that polish from this brand in other colours will be high quality but unfortunately this just has the light colour curse. MEMEME have hit the nail on the head with fast drying, I must say it did not take long at all for the polish to dry it's just a shame on the colour!


GOSH Growth Mascara:

I used to own a GOSH eye liner which I really liked but since I have never took much interest into GOSH products. I'm not opening this mascara yet because I wont use it until my other mascara is at the end of it's life. The packaging looks quite expensive and from the liner I used to have I just know this mascara will be seriously pigmented. As for the 'growth' part my lashes are fairly long so I guess it's only a bonus if this product does work!


Total of the box: £35

Overall this is one of the best boxes I have received and I enjoy all of the products! To gain 5 full size products from a £10 is very impressive, thank you very much Glossybox! If you have any questions comment below. Alternatively if you are subscribed to Glossybox and received different products do let me know below!  


Sunday, 12 May 2013

Seche Vite Top and Base Coat Review

After endless amounts of bloggers raving about the Seche Vite range I began to crave it myself! Once my friend alerted me about its appearance on Buyapowa I snapped the two coats up straight away. Prior to the purchase of the coats I was using O.P.I top and base coat which I believed was fairly good. But what makes this brand stand out is the fast drying of the top coat and this is what made me want it so bad! Each time I paint my nails I get really frustrated as usually they smudge. As you can understand I was pleased that I managed to get my hands on these two coats! So here is a little review on what I think about the coats! 



The base coat surprised me as I found that it has a thick cream texture as opposed to a thin clear one. It also dries with a white tint to it which I haven't seen in a base coat before. However, even with my damaged nails it managed to somehow smooth out all of the ridges. I think because of the way it dries it sets a perfect canvas for the next polish. I find the pigmentation of the next polish I put on is greater due to the whiter base coat. The base coat is completely unique compared to any I have previously used. I believe this is why I feel I receive a salon feel from this base coat in comparison to others.




I am super impressed with the top coat. I don't own many, previously I would have raved about the O.P.I top coat, but it really doesn't not have a spot on the Seche Vite fast dry coat. I love painting my nails but I hate how long they take to dry. Admittedly this top coat does not dry instantly, but in comparison to other polishes and coats this dries solid in the matter of minutes! I feel confident to move about and use my hands without the fear of smudging once I have used this. It's also very thick compared to over top coats, therefore, as it dries it adds an extra layer onto the nail. This leaves a perfect salon quality finish which I just love! The thickness of the top coat means that chipping is minimal and a manicure is actually durable. The feel of the finish is beautifully smooth and I honestly cannot stop smoothing over my nails each time I have the top coat on. 




If you want a high quality salon finish at home then these coats are the most prefect way to go about it. The Seche Vite coats can even make my cheapest of nail polishes look super expensive. I would recommend shopping around for it as I understand it can add up to quite an expense. I brought mine from buyapowa which discounted these to £11.50* for the both. 

What do you think of Seche Vite? Are there any other coats out there that are worth the hype? Comment below and let me know. 


Ellabella
 ♥ ✝ ☮



Overall Rating: 5/5 I am in love with these coats and definitely would repurchase.
Feel: Salon quality finish, overall very smooth!
Smell: It is a little strong admittedly! Don't get too close to it!
Use: Very simple to apply, both coats have thick large brushes.
Value for Money: These coats are very expensive in my opinion. However, you can find these for much cheaper if you search!
Would I purchase again: Definitely! I  don't think I would change!