Selfridges Lucky Bag: Reviewed

When I got the email about limited edition Selfridges Beauty Workshop Goodie Bags, suffice to say I was incredibly excited. Billed as 'A lucky dip from the most exciting make-up, hair, skin and body brands, hand-picked within The Beauty Workshop at Selfridges. Each bag includes a minimum of five beauty must-haves, while a very lucky few contain a Beauty Workshop service gift card for the ultimate pampering experience worth £170'.

As soon as they came out I was online ordering the £15 bag (I know bargain right?!) and paying £8 for next day delivery (I know, excessive...) As promised the next day it arrived and I did an air punch and everything. It was heavy, this was looking good. I ripped it open; hence there being no photos of the sealed back. The only thing that happened next was disappointment.

The contents are not products I would associate with Selfridges. They don't feel high end or exclusive. More Boots than the most fabulous department store on earth. The contents? First out a Bourjois nail polish remover. Value £4.99. I don't actually paint my own nails thus don't have a need for nail polish remover. Still that's what explains the weight.

Next up, a James Reed wash off fake tan.Value £18.50 for the full size of 200ml, this is 30ml thus worth less than £3. It may get used; however I have loads of fake tan in the draw currently gathering dust. Third out of the bag is a Beauty Junky strawberry face-mask that looks more like it comes from the bargain section of Superdrug than the Beauty Hall of Selfridges. Value £1.99. It's getting worse...

Second to last an Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar; currently on sale in Selfridges for £10 (although it's so tiny 10ml I am not sure about this), I haven't tested it yet but it must be damn good for that price. On trying the application it's fairly tricky and tastes a bit funky...I also managed to get it on my hands...eek

Lastly a Disco Duck Creme Brulee lip balm RRP £3.99. It looks nice but it doesn't lift my disappointment. With the pretty yet thus far unexplained as to why expensive lip balm I make the total value of this a max £23.97. Not the best. As for the £170 voucher, I wasn't the lucky one. There is a voucher for an eye brow shaping, which I will likely give away.

So overall a nice idea, not very well executed. One amazing stand out product would have made up for 4 mediocre ones, but I make this all mediocre at best, poor if honest products....what a shame. Did anyone else get one and have an amazing haul? They are now sold out; there was a limited run so if you were somehow tempted; you're out of luck.

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Glossybox: September Rising Stars

I'm pretty late blogging this - I'm also going to keep it short and snappy. Loved the packaging and the green box. Specially designed by freelance illustrator Maggie Li for one month only.

Glossybox designed by Maggie Li

On opening it felt a bit light. The first thing to catch my eye was an envelope reading 'Rodial nature, science, skincare'. Inside? Two variations each of very small samples. The first Glamoxy Snake Serum. Initially was a bit excited thinking it may be made of something very exotic however on visiting their website and also seeing 'Dragons Blood' products I believe this to be a marketing ruse.

Rodial Snake Serum

I had to fish around a bit for the rest of the products. Disappointingly I had another tiny perfume sample this time from the crazy house of Lady Gaga. She has apparently bottled fame. Clever. The 'black fluid' is pretty wasted in this vile as you can't see it. Perhaps in a full size bottle you will be in awe of this concept. I wasn't . The smell was also pretty standard. Nothing I will be running out and buying. It's quite heavy and not how I imagine Lady Gaga will smell. I'm sure her little monsters will be rushing out to buy. Little word of advice for anyone who will buy it, apply sparingly it is pretty pungent and lingers. If you are someone who tends to lose smells quite easily and feels like they aren't wearing perfume after 5 minutes of application this may be one for you.

Lady Gaga Bottled Fame

More hair oil next. This is a frequent product in my glossy box. This bottle seems a decent size but is only partially full. It smells nice and spoiler alert - I'm colouring my hair at some stage this week so will maybe give it a go depending on it's colour sealing properties.

Maghrabain Hair Oil

The most substantial feeling product in this month's box is the Vichy Idealia Day Care Cream. Again this may be a bit of a ruse as the box itself feels like it's the substantial thing. The cream inside is quite liquidy and not very thick, however on application my skin was glowy and light reflecting but it also felt a bit damp and not absorbed by the skin. Thus in a couple of minutes I was no longer any different to pre-application.

Vichy Idealia Cream

Finally the Balance Me under eye cream, a very small sample that doesn't appear to be filling it's 7ml casing. It doesn't feel particularly effective under eye, a little sticky after application. All in all, not the best box. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt but next month may be make or break. I'm surprised at this especially all the stick they received after August's box...until next time.

Under eye cream

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Glossybox: International Superstars Edition

It only seems like 5 minutes since my last Glossybox arrived, so I was pleased to see the dispatch notification yesterday (time flies when you're having fun). It was satisfyingly heavy again so I could barely wait to ring around the office and get the customary crowd to ooh and ahh.

I was excited to see international superstars on the insert - although as ever I do not read this until I've had my eager mitts on the actual products. Here is your overview of August's Glossybox...

The first product that stood out (from it's sheer size) was the eye shadow palette. I didn't realise first off that the green corners were shades, I figured this was the design of the set, it wasn't until I read the card and seen  'a selection of 10 different colours' that I counted! These are all totally wearable shades. I tried on a couple of the deeper browns, which went on easily and were satisfyingly bold on their own. Often when I'm blending eye shadows they all merge into one, whereas these remained pretty independent.

Next up was the deep cleansing oil from DHC Japan. On initial inspection I though this was a hair oil, I have had similar products to this previously. Turns out it's a facial cleanser! I would have never have thought an oil could cleanse your face.. the card claims it's 'a revolutionary water-soluble cleanser that is better than any other make up remover you've ever tried'. My current packet of Johnson's make up wipes came to an end last night, so we shall see!

On opening the box there was an overwhelming smell of what I thought was t-tree. It turns out it is 'a soothing blend of mint, lavender and chamomile'. These scents make up the 'all for eve' lip balm. It had a pleasant consistency on my lips. Always useful - will probably live in my desk drawer.

Lipcote was the next thing that appeared through the tissue paper. I was expecting a lipstick but to see a clear nail varnish-y type affair greeted me. One of my colleagues who has previously used this product verified it is indeed a really good thing to keep your lipstick on, shame I'd just slathered them in all about eve balm.

Another product that did look like nail varnish is the Alessandro pro white brightening effect nail polish. I have never received a product like this, and was sure I had checked against receiving nail products in the options. I never have my own nails so there isn't much I can do with this. I will pop it with my collection of nail polishes for the next time I'm un-pedi'd as there is no reason your toe nails can't be radiant white!

I thought this was it, about to throw the box out when I took my customary final rummage among the black tissue...what was lurking within? A small black tube that looked suspiciously like a Glossybox branded lipstick. I then thought it may be a retractable make up brush. On inspection, it was...a lovely matt pink lipstick, full size. After popping it on, it was a really flattering colour. Now the balm had worn off I was also able to top it with the Lipcote to see if this has the desired staying effect.

The Lipcote was really strong tasting and a bit tingly on the lips. You have to keep your mouth open while it dries, which was really hard as it was making my mouth water! On drying the finish was really natural. As for the staying power? I'll let you know tomorrow...

And apologies for the dreadful picture quality, I'm iPhoning it today...

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Glossybox - June Beauty Edition

I was really looking forward to this months box so - as ever - got very excited when the postman arrived. He usually just has mine (I have it delivered to work) this time he had arms full. I am taking credit for spreading the good word around the building. He didn't look too chuffed with all the extra weight lifting though.

Speaking of weight, it wasn't very heavy. I know it doesn't equal quality but I like a box with a bit of weight to it! Makes me feel I'm in for a real treat. When I opened the box I could see why, the products were mainly very dainty.

First thing to notice was the large card that housed 6 Vichy Derma Blend concealers. They are almost packaged like pills. It's a shame everyone will only get the benefit from one of these little pill poppers, depending on the tone of their skin. A colleague tried it out and was really impressed. Personally I don't use a lot of concealer products - just a Bobbi Brown under eye kit, but generally I can get away without (she says...cue break out.)

Next up I grabbed the Agent Provocateur Perfume, this was satisfyingly heavy for a perfume sample. It wasn't until later I opened it to realise it was actually three standard (re: small) perfume samples. The black one 'L'Agent is very eveningy and quite strong. I liked it and someone would certainly know if you walked within a few feet of them wearing it. Think very heavy hanging in the air (and because it's black I'm now thinking boudoir. Perhaps this is the desired effect). The pink one next - simply called Agent Provocateur, I'm guessing it is the signature fragrance. This was much nicer, spring like and feminine. You could easily get away with this everyday and still not be forgotten. The red one - Maitresse I didn't rate as much. It is quite spicy and very heavy, but not in the good way of the first.

I'm now up to my eyes in tiny perfume samples! I may change my preferences so I don't get so many of these. However a colleague in another box had a huge Caudalie perfume. Me, jealous?!
Next up I was very happy to see a new make up brush. I think we are all probably guilty of not washing/binning our make up brushes often enough, but when you do you really notice the difference. Just what I need, and at a value of £15 that's this months box paid for itself. Thank you very much.

Next up is the teeny tiny, yet gorgeous brushed mascara. I really liked the brush as soon as I pulled it out and you can't go far wrong with black mascara. I will definitely be trying this as a new contender. I am currently using a combination of Benefit 'They're Real' and L'oreal  False Lash Telescopic. They both do the job, but I am still open to finding a new one. At full size this comes in at a RRP of £16.90, so right in the middle of the scale (for a decent mascara.) The brand is Yves Rocher France in 'Sexy Pulp'.

You can see how carefully I opened the box

Finally the BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer. I would love to find a brush small enough and effective enough to go in this pot! Personally I'm not a big advocate of bronzer as I am so fair skinned (I generally come in the 'porcelain' shade). There's £2 worth in this pot. Not sure if that will ever get used to be honest. Perhaps I will try and fashion into some sort of eye shadow/highlighter affair.

After seeing some of the other products available in the June box I wouldn't rate mine as high as some previous months. I would have loved the Paul Mitchell Conditioner and Clean Start day and Night kit. Still, this is the luck of the draw! Also, apologies for the quality of the pictures, I have left my camera cord elsewhere...Instagram it is.

Now I know why the box was so light..

Until next month...

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Stylist Magazine Beauty Picnic

Last night I was invited to the Stylist Magazine summer beauty picnic. M&S bubbles, Space NK makeup and manicures? Marks & Spencer food and drink? I'm in.

These things can be billed much better than the reality, thankfully this didn't just live up to expectations, it exceeded them on all levels. On arrival, a gorgeous goodie bag awaited, bonus. I personally prefer to wait until I get home, OK at least on the tube until I dive in to a goodie bag. Firstly, so not cool to pretend to be impressed by a goodie bag, secondly I like the surprise. My date however could not contain herself! B was right in excitedly telling me what was stuffed under the tissue paper, you however have to wait. (I will tell you it was satisfyingly heavy, and there was a sneaky copy of the latest stylist magazine poking out)...

Having my nails already done (obviously) and my make up fully prepped, I was keen on the hand massage on offer from the Space NK treatments available. I can see how one would be completely made over had they the time or inclination.

Luckily we arrived in good time and there wasn't a queue for such services. We had our massages which took between 10-15 minutes, I wasn't counting nor was I aware...I was enjoying. I also haven't any photos of myself enjoying the treatment (I was enjoying it, duh...) but you get the idea. It was heaven. I chose the Brighton scent from the four products available. They are all based on traditional UK scents from the southern coast to the Scottish highlands via West London.

B then wanted to take advantage of the manicure and nail painting, so I stocked up on a plate of  food and waited with her for a manicurist to be available. The goodies was compliments of Marks & Spencer, who had on offer some delicious sandwiches, rolls and deserts. I wasn't aware they stocked some of the things and I'm in M&S a fair bit! The chorizo and chicken rolls were the stand out for me, as was the patisserie cream on the fresh fruit tarts, deelish.

Rococo nail varnishes were on offer, one of these may have also been in the goodie bag...

Choux - or something creamy like that. Yum

Fresh fruit tarts, the patisserie cream in these was incredible

The Cava flowed freely and the setting was gorge. The harpist set the mood amazingly, and was rocking a seriously gorgeous simple yet elegant long black dress.

Apply heavily from hand to mouth to cure bad hair day

All in all a top evening. So the goodie bag...what lies within, luckily for me the Brighton bath and body lotion, the same scent I chose in the moisturiser for my hand massage. It honestly is divine, every time my hand comes near my face (even now hours later) I can smell it. You are unlucky that you can't. Also within; a 'Jean Queen' lip gloss and a Rococo nail varnish in a colour that would suit anyone. The total  RRP of the goodie bag is over £55 (I Googled, this is not advertised in the bag!)

Check out the bath lotions here

Buy yours here

You can buy this here

Thank you Stylist Magazine for inviting us, thank you M&S for the food and drink and thank you Space NK for the pampering. We felt truly spoilt and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, it was a treat to be on Manchester Square again after working there relentlessly all those years ago...

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