Unboxing The First QVC UK Tili Beauty Box

If you're a regular watcher of my You Tube channel you'll know that I love beauty boxes. I love the element of surprise when you open the box and for me it feels a bit like Christmas - ripping open the packaging to see what goodies lie inside.

I personally love the surprise but unfortunately you do have to be prepared to be disappointed - you're not going to like everything in a box all the time and I know that the surprise element can put some people off. Thankfully though there are now ways that you can embrace the whole beauty box trend, and try new products without that unknown factor.

An increasing number of companies are now releasing boxes where you can either choose your own content, or where you know exactly whats in the box before you place your order. The boxes in these cases or either one offs or the subscriptions are more flexible. That way though you can choose what you want to try and minimise the risks and the disappointment 

If that's the route you want to go down though, then there is a new box in town, and you can buy it exclusively from one of my favourite place to shop QVC UK. Tili stands for one their well used phrases Try It Love It, and that's exactly what their box is all about.

The first addition went on sale just over a week ago, and I ordered mine on launch day. The whole idea of Tili is to give customers, and beauty lovers the chance to try some of QVC's newest and best selling beauty products and brands. The website provides you with a full product listing, so you know exactly what your going to get before you checkout. This is the July box and you can see what was inside and my initial thoughts by watching the video below or if your on a mobile device, via this link

At just £20 and free postage I think this box, is pretty good value. The contents has a retail value of around £55 which seems about right - the Alpha H alone works out at about £15 ish, the Elemis Micellar Water retails at £6.90 direct from Elemis, and the full size Essie polish retails at around £7.99. I can't wait to try out some of the products in this kit and I'll definitely be picking up the next Tili box if I can get my hands on it x 

This box doesn't seem to be a monthly thing, in fact I don't think that the next one is released till October, so you're not tied to anything, just a warning though, it's way to easy to shop with QVC and one purchase will inevitably lead to another!. You can find out more about the Tili box and how to order via this link. What do you think of the Tili box? Do you like the flexibility and the knowledge? or do you like a surprise? Let me know and I'd love to know what subscription boxes you like, so hit me up with your recommendations, oh and of course don't forget to subscribe to my You Tube channel for more unboxings, shopping and beauty content x 

Trimming My Stash - September 2015 Edition - Empties And Mini Reviews

Up until last night, September's Trimming My Stash performance could have been described in one word, rubbish! but 24 hours is a long time in football, and in beauty as it happens, so instead this month's empties total looks a little bit more respectable then maybe it could have done.

MAC Shadestick - Cakeshop -1.5g
Alpha H - Liquid Gold With Glycolic Acid - 50ml
My Little Beauty Sailor Scrub - Salty Fresh - 75ml
Bumble And Bumble Bb Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo - 60ml
Bumble And Bumble Bb Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Conditioner - 60ml
Total - 5 Items 

5 items doesn't exactly equal a vintage performance but it's way better than the 3 that it would have been this time yesterday. Nothing was exactly huge in size but still I finished a good variety of things even if the make up item is a tiny bit of a cheat and  I've also been good and not included the Agadir Argan Oil sachets that I finished a few weeks ago - bottles, jars, tubes and full sized sachets only :)

1. MAC Shadestick - Cakeshop - 1.5g

Released many moons ago as part of the Sugarsweet collection, Cakeshop was a beautiful, taupey, silvery, green, cream shadow in a stick. I know Shadesticks weren't that popular with a lot people, which is probably why they were discontinued, but I quite liked them. They were ideal for lazy people like me, just scribble a bit on your eyelid, blend out really quick and you're good to go. They also made quite a decent base for powder shadows because they weren't too wet or too creamy. I must admit I haven't shown this one a lot of love lately, so it was no surprised that when I went to use it today that last half an inch was dry and crumbly :( It's a shame because this was a really nice colour - ah well at least I have another Back 2 MAC item x You can see some pictures of my Shadestick collection including this shade here x

2. Alpha H Liquid Gold With Glycolic Acid - 50ml

I love, love, love the feeling of acids and exfoliating toners on my skin. I'm prone to quite uneven and bumpy skin, and I have quite large and visible pores so I find that they really with the texture and the feel of my skin. I've used quite a few now but I keep coming back to Liquid Gold. I personally don't feel much of a tingle when I use it anymore but I can still feel, and see the difference when I use it. Acids and liquid exfoliants are a huge part of my skincare routine now, and whilst Alpha H is a brand I'll keep coming back to (I already have another large bottle in my stash), I'm always keen to try new things and I'm currently waiting for some Pixi Glow Tonic from QVC, and I have a little bottle of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Lotion to use, so I'm well prepared for all skin texture emergencies.

3. My Little Beauty Sailor Scrub - Salty Fresh - 75ml

I'm a huge body scrub lover and I particularly love salt scrubs so I really pleased to get this own brand product in a recent My Little Box. This easy to massage, salt scrub, had a lovely fresh, but not overpowering, fresh, aquatic fragrance. It was a nice gritty scrub. that was strong enough to give you a decent scrub but it wasn't too scratchy or harsh. I really liked this and if it was more readily available I might consider a repurchase x

4. Bumble And Bumble Bb Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo - 60ml
5. Bumble And Bumble Bb Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Conditioner - 60ml

I was sent both of these products to review and I recently posted a full review which you can see here. I'd love it if you'd have a read but in case you don't fancy all I'll say is that I was impressed enough with both of the products to make a little Space NK purchase x

So from 3 to 5 in 24 hours, sometimes you just have to focus and try and use a few things up. I'm really hoping, well I already know that October is bound to be better, I'm nearing the end of 3 skincare products, and a fragrance, so fingers crossed I'll end 2015 with a few decent months. Have you tried any of the products that I finished this month? Let me know your thoughts x

Huge Collective Beauty Haul Featuring QVC, Essence, Chanel And More x

Hey Everyone x Following on from yesterdays Iced Rainbow post I'm back with another haul post and this time it's a pretty huge collective beauty haul. There really is something for everyone in this haul, lots of different things and lots of different price points.

We'll start off with some budgets from one of my favourite brands at the moment, Essence. Over the last few months, I've managed to make a couple of trips to Wilko purely to buy some bits from Essence. I was recently sent a package full of Essence goodies and it only succeeded in whetting my appetite for more.

Although my nails are pretty dreadful at the moment, they had too many pretties to ignore x Reviews and nails of the days to come but I got a few nail art bits including some nail foil and some foil transfer solution. I used to use foils on my nails all the time about 10 years ago and since these bits appear to be being discontinued I stocked up. Foiling is a technique that I love and I can't wait to give it a go again when my nails are a bit longer. As well as the foils I also got a couple of colours - Essence Holo Graphics Effect Nail Polish in 22 I ♥ Magic and Essence Holo Jewels Effect Nail Polish in 12 Bejewelled.

I also picked up one of their Nail Art Designer set. This contains 3 different textured sponges for creating an airbrush effect, and a very thin striping brush.

As well as the nail bits I also got a couple of make up items including the Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder. I love both the Laura Geller Matte Maker and the MAC Prep + Prime clear / white powders but they are both pretty spending so I'm hoping that this similar looking product will be a good substitute. I also picked up one of the new Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascaras in 02 Browny Brows. According to some of the reviews that I've this is supposedly a good dupe for Benefit's Gimme Brow, I haven't had a chance to try it yet but I'll let you know what I think when I do x

Another product that's been talked about and hyped up is Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in 063 East End Snob. This has taken a bit of finding but I'm pleased I got it in the end.

I've just been wearing this nude, pink, mauve shade over my entire lips and topping it with a bit of gloss but if anyone can recommend a lipstick that goes well with this shade, then I'd love to know x

Another Avon haul, and another nail polish. If there is a sale supplement in my catalogue that;s always what I read first and I was super happy to see some of their Stardust Nail Enamels. I only a couple of these but I love the demi matte finish which is packed full of sparkle. This one is Polished Plum which is packed full of multi coloured glitter. I'm really disappointed that they've discontinued these but fingers crossed the new Mineral Crush polishes will be similar.

Alongside the nail polish I also bought a perfume from Avon. I know it's hard buying a fragrance that you haven't tried before, but after trying the scratch and sniff panel in the brochure I had to buy this one.

Cherish is the perfume that Avon created in association with Abby Clancy and her mum. It's a bit headier then most perfumes that I own but it includes my favourite scent, Jasmine so it's a winner with me.

Next ebay, and although I've bought quite a bit from ebay lately I've only bought a couple of beauty things x One items arrived just a little bit too late for inclusion in this post but I did get these eyebrow razors in time.

These are a zillion times better than the last ones that I got. They are stupidy, sharp so I have nicked myself a few times but they are amazing for getting rid of all of those fine hairs, and strays that ruin the shape. Unfortunately thanks to ebays layout changes I can no longer find the seller, but these ones should be quite easy to find.

Another budget buy came courtesy of Poundland, I seem to mention this shop in pretty much every post that I write at the moment but I can't help it, they have so much good stuff in at the moment. Operation bye bye bath is still ongoing so as well as trying to use up all my bath products, I'm trying prepare myself for the inevitable, not by buying shower gels, I already have tonnes of those but by buying shower caps - I can't be doing with washing my hair every time I have a shower so I'm going to need plenty of these on standby. This is the Miss Piggy version but I'm definitely going to get the Minnie Mouse one too.

From one off, fun, pocket money friendly items, to a few purchases that I've had to think a little bit harder about. The first product in the higher end section of this haul is something that I've wanted for a long time so it certainly wasn't an on the whim purchase.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 54 Boy is one of those lipsticks that is truly iconic. The name makes reference to Coco Chanel's love affair with Arthur Edward "Boy" Capel, and it's truly one of the nicest lipsticks that I now own.

Although it looks very pink in my product pictures it actually more of a nude shade with just a touch of sparkle. The formula is very hydrating which does effect the wear time slightly but there is no better feeling then opening that black and gold tube, and smelling that traditional rose fragrance. Lipstick heaven in a tube we'll just pretend we didn't see the £24 price tag.

Lipstick, lipstick, how I love thee, I have so many lip products it's insane but on the 3rd March QVC had a special day where all on air items were on 3 easy pay. I just intended to watch a few shows but I got engrossed in a Bare Minerals order, and as if by magic the place order button appeared on my screen. To be fair I've tried a lot of Bare Minerals products but I've never tried any of their lipsticks.

The Bare Minerals Nude Perfection kit comes with 3 Mini Marvelous Moxie Lipsticks, all in varying brown, and nude tones, that can be wore alone are mixed together. As well as in the limited edition kit that I got all of the lipsticks are available as full sized items separately so I'll definitely be adding these to my to review pile x

Something else that I ordered from QVC came from the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty brand. I've watched the presentations a few times mainly to hear the wit of Ms Collins but you can't help but marvel at the glamour and style of her products and packaging. Seeing as I really don't need any more make up I decided to try something else that she offered, the Class Act Lash Growth Treatment. I've used a certain lash growth product in the past with some success (which I also must review for you at some point) but it is a bit price prohibitive so when I saw this one for under £20, I thought I'd give it a go. Obviously I'll give it a through review when I've had a chance to try it but based on first impressions the packaging is gorgeous and really high end so I'm really hoping that the contents matches that. With every purchase from the line you also get a sample pack of her First Base Foundation to try. The little pack contains every colour that they do so you can pick the perfect shade for you x I think that is a fab idea and I think that it's something that all brands should do. Again I'll let you know what I think, in a future sample Saturday post x

My final QVC purchase (for now!) came from the Alpha H range. I love Alpha H and I'm a huge fan of their star product Liquid Gold. This special offer kit came with both a 50ml and a 100ml bottle of Liquid Gold, and a canvas tote bag. I love this stuff but shame about the bag which absolutely stinks to high even and is currently being aired off in the porch.

The last things I have to show you are all magazine freebies, I've spent a little bit of time in hospital waiting rooms over the last month so I've needed something to relieve the boredom. If you're quick you might be able to get your hands on these x  Harpers Bazaar came with a free 15ml tube of Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, Marie Claire came with a free, full sized, limited edition Nails Inc polish - this is Fiesta, and Glamour came with a free item from Balance Me - I went for the 100ml tube of the Super Moisturising Body Wash.

So that was my pretty huge, and pretty expensive collective beauty haul. I'm going to try and review as much of it as I can but if there is any specific review you would like to see then please let me know x Thanks for reading and I'll see you tomorrow with a review or two xx

Birthday Pressies

I know a lot of people aren't keen on pressie hauls but the common consensus from here and on twitter was that you would like to see what I got for my birthday - well I can't really get toys anymore now I'm 33 (apart from Wii games I guess - Zumba for the Wii anyone ;) so my pressies are of the make up, clothes, and jewellery variety. I did get a few other bits such as some cute cat mugs, some books, a cute photo album, some flowers, and more chocolates than you can shake a stick at but I guess it's the clothes and beauty stuff you'll be interested in :) First up clothes and accessories :) I got two dresses, first of all this Primark dress come tunic from Mummy Lou x

It's a gorgeous blue colour and has lovely silvery detailing - I would only wear this as a dress maybe on holiday but I think it will also look good over leggings :)

Next up from my godparents I got this dress - look familar?

Yes it another floral maxi dress - this is very similar to the turquoise and the black one I already have :) This one is obviously in purple and is by a brand called Mela Loves London from New Look.

My Godparents also kindly got me these Weymouth Bow Sandals from Peacocks which have been on my wishlist for some time x

I also got few jewellery bits including these bracelets - the blue ones are from Mummy Lou and are from a brand called Silk Route Fashion Jewellery (possibly from QVC?) they have loads of little enamelled, stone and glass beads and they match my dress :) The daisy clamp bangle is from Primark and came from my Godparents

My Godparents also got me a couple of other jewellery pieces also with a daisy theme - this silver daisy necklace and these Peacocks earrings as modelled by Mummy Lou x I love daisies me :)

I also got a Primark gift card from one of my besties Helen :) I think I'll hang onto this for a little bit though as I've been to Primark twice in the last 2 weeks so I think I'll  wait for some new things to come in. I've also had a little clothing splurge with some my birthday money and discount so pics when  it all comes xx

Next up beauty things - I have to say I dropped a few helpful hints and pointed people in the direction of my wishlist  which certainly seemed to do the trick - Mummy Lou was a star and got my lots of great bits :)

First up the Illamasqua Cream pigments that I wanted - on the left Hollow and on the right Delirium

She also got my a few MAC things including a back up of Idol Eyes eyeshadow

Haute and Naughty Lash Mascara

and Posey Blushcreme

Swatched heavily on the left, blended out on the right x

She also managed to get me this

The Fearne Cotton Hat Box from Boots :) The was from the Christmas collection where it retailed as £40 - she wouldn't pay that and neither would I but we spotted it on a sale shelf for £15 so she kept it back for my birthday :) I have to be honest and say I only really wanted it for the box which is absolutely gorgeous and comes tied with a pink velvet ribbon, but it did come filled with make up. First up a heart shaped cosmetic bag and an summery bronze eyeshadow compact - I was really quite surprised these shadows are super pigmented

It also contained 4 lipglosses, a gorgeous nude lipstick, 2 eye colour pencils, a black kohl pencil and a mini mascara, and an animal print powder puff, and two loose shadows

I am much more pleased with the contents than I originally expected I am not convinced it was all worth £40 but it definitely wasn't bad for £15 I personally would have paid that for the box x

My bestie Dawn also got me a few beauty things as part of my present including the Barry M White Foundation Creme which I intend to use to lighten other foundations, an MUA nail polish, and a two phase Max Factor lipgloss which I am really excited to try

Finally after a bit of persuasion Mummy Lou ordered this Alpha H kit from QVC for me - Twitter was awash with talk of the brilliance of Liquid Gold last week and I have to say I was sucked in - I am testing a few skin things at the moment but when I've finished them I am going to give this a proper go :)

I also got a few Body Shop staples from my mummy, who also picked up the Vitamin C Skin Reviver for me - which is basically a primer and retexturiser I can't wait to try this either it smells yummy, and I also placed a few beauty orders with my birthday money including some Nars and Nails Inc pics when they come of course x

So that was my birthday pressie haul I am sure you'll agree I was well and truly spoilt rotten - If you have any questions on anything or of you would like any reviews please ask xx