December Birchbox, Oh Sorry, I Mean BAG!

This months Birch'box' is a bit different to usual, and you might be able to tell why from the title. It's not a box at all, it's a bag. To be more precise a clutch bag that is actually the perfect party accessory for this season!

You can't really tell from the picture but the top part of the bag is green, the bottom right is gold glittery and the bottom left is black leather. All in all i think this is a lovely bag and a really nice alternative to the usual box.

The first products I pulled out of my bag were these three. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream:

This is an Anti-Aging day cream that aims to improve firmness and hydrate the skin. It feels really nice on the skin and smells fresh so doesn't seem like it would irritate your skin.

Roloxin Lift Revitalising Facial Treatment:

To be honest, I don't think I've ever heard of this brand before. The RRP of this product (for a full size) is £79 so it seems like it's a high end product. In the booklet it says this is supposed to diminish pores, firm skin and boost radiance for up to 24 hours after use, so it sounds pretty good to me!

Skin & Co Sicilian Body Gel:

If you've read my blog before you'll know I'm big on smells and this one doesn't disappoint. It smells like something from Lush! The sicilian Orange makes it smell oh-so fruity and good enough to eat (but obviously, don't...). I can't wait to use this.

Next up are these two beauty products. I love seeing beauty products in my Birchbox, especially lipsticks. 

Ciate Mini Nail Polish in Mineral Love:

This is a really cute sparkly pink shade. I'm not massively into pink nails but this might look nice as a topcoat and is the perfect size to take travelling.

Model Co. Ultra Long Lasting Lipstick in Kitty:

As you can see from the swatch above, this is a really lovely pinky-nude colour. It seems like it will be hydrating on the lips and give a subtle pop of colour. 

I was really excited to see these two Benefit samples in my box this month. Benefit are a brand that I always hear so much about so I love trying out there products.

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner:

I've actually tried this before at a Benefit counter and really liked it. It has a very precise nib and the full size is easy to use. However, I find this sample size a bit fiddly so if this is your only experience of this liner I suggest going to a counter and trying the full size.

Benefit Puff Off!:

This has been on my list of products to try for a while now. I can get quite puffy bags under my eyes sometimes and have a few fine lines so this seems perfect for me. 

Overall, this bag is a real hit with me, and I'm sure it is with many others too! I have so many boxes from Birchbox's that I don't know what to do with them anymore so it's refreshing to receive this reusable bag.

What's your favourite part about this months Birchbag?

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Becky

XO

Let's Talk Eyebrows; Threading Vs. Waxing Vs. Plucking

Literally and figuratively, eyebrows are massive. 

The past few years, eyebrows have become a big talking point and 'goal' for many women (and men). They come in all shapes and sizes, from thick to thin, defined to bushy. But what is the best way to achieve the look you want? I hear you ask. Well I'm here to give you the low down on the three most popular eyebrow 'taming' techniques. 

Plucking

This is possibly the first technique most people try when they decided they want to do something with their brows. It's easy, cheap (you only need some tweezers) and can be done by the individual in the comfort of their own home. There are many perks to this, but it also has it's flaws. Plucking isn't necessarily going to get you a super defined look. Your eyebrows have rows of hair, if you're an amateur and pluck one hair out of a line you didn't mean to, you're going to get untidy brows. Another down side is, it's not necessarily quick. You will only be able to pluck out a few hairs at a time and trying to get those little fine hairs is virtually impossible. 

Verdict: Plucking's great if you just want to get rid of a few sparse hairs, but for a full on brow job, you're better off with a different technique.

Price: The price of tweezers.

Threading

When I was at university I had my eyebrows threaded all the time, it was my go to technique and was something my friends and I would go to have done together. I'm not going to lie to you, it is quite painful. When me and my friends first had ours done, our eyes were watering and my eyes started twitching. It gives really good results, the area around your brows is super soft and hair free. However, after a while, a noticed my eye brows were getting sparse and thin. I later found out about the rows of hair your eyebrows have and if the person threading your brows takes one off of a row they didn't mean to, they have to take the whole row off. In the end I stopped going and went back to just plucking them myself, although I would go back every now and again to get the shape back. 

Verdict: Threading is good to get rid of a lot of hairs at a time, but I definitely wouldn't suggest this for a first time eyebrow job. It also thins your brows out, so if you like them fuller, avoid this.

Price: £5 at Superdrug.

Waxing

I went shopping recently and as I was browsing (get it?) round Boots, I was approached by a lady who worked for Benefit. She asked if she could show me some of their brow products so I said okay as I like to try new products, especially for free! Whilst I was at the concession, she did my brows and then told me about their Brow Bar. I had heard of it before but waxing always scared me cause I just thought it'd go horribly wrong and I'd end up with no brows. Anyway, long story short, I ended up taking the plunge and had my eyebrows waxed and tinted. Let me tell you something, it was amazing. It actually hurt so little that I thought it hadn't even taken any hairs out at first. I told the lady who did my brows how threading had thinned them out and she said that threading does that to most people but waxing is a lot better for your brows.  So now I'm a waxing convert! Also, at Benefit, they put concealer on after to conceal the redness, this is something I never experienced when I'd had my brows threaded. 

Verdict: In my opinion, this is the best option. It's a lot more precise than you would think, or than I thought anyway, and leaves your brows looking fuller with more shape.

Price: Around £12.

Which eyebrow technique is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

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Becky

XO

'Tis The Season To... Wear Darker Lips

Now it's December it's officially okay to wear darker lips. Some people have been wearing darker lips for a while now, but I find myself only reaching for my darker lipsticks when it starts to get just that little bit colder. There are three lipsticks that are always my go-to's and there's one to suit every budget!

Clockwise From The Top:
Mac Matte in Shade Russian Red //
 No7 'Stay Perfect' in Shade 35 Grace //

Rimmel 'The Only 1' in Shade 800 Under My Spell

Mac // No7 // Rimmel

As I said before, there's one to suit every budget. Rimmel 'The Only 1' is £6.99, No7 'Stay Perfect' is £9.95 and the Mac Lipstick is £15.50. I know Russian Red can be worn all year round, and I do wear it all year round, but I think it's fitting for this time of year. It's a bit deeper than a lot of other reds and gives a somewhat festive vibe. 'Grace' by No7 has been a firm favourite of mine for many years now, where as 'Under My Spell' by Rimmel is a very recent purchase. I've only worn this lipstick once but I love the colour and it has good staying power. You can also layer it up to make it more of a darker purple.

Which are your favourite lipsticks for this season?

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Thanks for reading :)

Becky
XO