Glossybox Vs. Glossybox....!

It's like Kramer vs. Karmer, I'm pitting March's Glossybox up against its April counterpart.

After reviewing and loving the February Glossybox I awaited March's instalment in the hope that it would again bring new great products I would love.

I am sorry to say I was disappointed. 

The contents didn't really fill my with any kind of excitement at all, and seemed a bit of a waste of £10. I even had messages from people who I'd talked to previously about their service to tell me they were so disappointed in March's instalment, they immediately unsubscribed.

The contents are shown here for March.

first thing to catch my attention was a Mitchell and Peach body cream, that I vetoed once I read the ingredients as it contained honey.
I'm vegan.

I did my due blog diligence and tried it out on one arm, only to be overpowered by the smell of lavender, it was only one of the scents listed but really over powered everything else.

It also didn't actually absorb into my skin, quite a few patches staying wet in a greasy style way and needing to be rubbed in more. 

I would avoid this product completely.

I was more willing to try this Dove Intensive Repair as my hair is in serious need of damage control.

Tho it's not a product I was filled with glee on encountering.

It's one of those things you get free with Glamour magazine of similar, but it'd be one of those free gifts you see and think "Nah, I won't bother this month".

We all do it, don't lie....thats how we get most of our benefit or Nails inc products!

The amount inside wasn't a massive amount, if I hand't cut my hair recently (still regret) then I would have needed two to cover.
I let it dry naturally partly to give my hair a rest, and partly because my flatmate had work early and it was after 10pm!
It felt really soft and not in a fluffy way, which for my thin hair was great as it wasn't full of static. The strangest, but for most best feature of this product was that it didn't seem to be perfumed, at all! There was no scent left on my hair which I actually found to be a nice change.
I'd buy it again, if it came free with Glamour.

I wasn't thrilled by the Make up products in March's box, again totally not in my colouring and not flattering in any way.

On the left is Sleeks Chocolate Kiss lipgloss, chocolate being the worse lip colour in the world, especially on girls as pale as me. You either look like a toddler that was given a curly wurly, or worse which I won't even go into here.

Needless to say I tried it out, Edd laughed at the colour, I wiped it off. End of.

I've never heard of EllaPierre before, and it wasn't a colour or product I would have ever picked up if my own accord. 

The colour name is right, it really is the colour of shiny pennies, and looked nice when mixed in with other colours on the eyelid.

I may use it again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it.

Lastly the box contained two Juicy Couture perfume samples.

I'm nearly 30, I have no interest in Juicy Couture.....

In fact I prefer my Couture to not be juicy at all, as that would ruin lovely outfits and beautiful handiwork.

Needless to say, I didn't whip these out and put them on.

After March's instalment as tempted as I was to also cancel my subscription I stuck it out to report on my findings here, you all owe me a tenner (yes all of you.....profit!!)

So now we shall move onto Aprils offerings.

Again the box seemed a bit sparse in comparison to the first box I received back in february.

The first thing whipped out, and as you can see used and lost the lid for, was this Tres Semme dry shampoo.

I've never got onto the Dry Shampoo train, but as I tried this out it made my hair look so much lovely and thicker, and with hair that's basically a wisp of something atop my head I loved it.

The first day I used it was actually the day I shot the Bowie Dress outfit post, so you can see the affect.

I've used it a few times and it's safe to say that this will become a staple, I'll definitely get this again!

When I first glanced into Aprils glossybox, I spotted this Me Me Me bottle and immediately assumed it was a nail polish. "Gah! Look at this nail colour! I'd never wear that!" I told Edd.
Upon further inspection I realised it was actually a bottled highlighter.....d'oh.
Feeling somewhat foolish I tried it out still unsure, having never got a highlighter to work for me.
I actually quite liked it in the end! It does highlight the areas beautifully without over powdering, and despite the appearance of the bottle, it isn't very pink and girly.
It's made it's way into my everyday make up bag, which is like an exclusive club for make up!

The Monuspa again didn't make my shout "oh, yay one of those!" but it was the perfect excuse to ask Edd for a massage, and after lugging around suitcases and handbags I needed one.
It was quite nice, smelt great and wasn't too greasy.
Sadly it was also not warming, I even asked Edd if he realised it was meant to be which he replied No.
I may need two or three more massages with it tho, just to make sure....

I wasn't sure till I read the booklet what kind of brush this is, it is in fact a lip brush as I first thought, I wasn't sure as most lip brushes have that little protective tube around it.
I tested it out with Ruby Woo by Mac, and it didn't pile on the colour like some, but instead left me with a lovely raspberry matte look that was perfect for subtle day lips.
With another coat on top I could have built it up if I had chosen to, but the colour and evenness the lip brush gave, along with how easy it was to line around my lip line too.
I'll be using this again, but I do wish it came in travel size, and with something to cover the brush.

So now I've saved the worst for last....
I had liked all the other parts of Aprils Glossybox, but this Sun Sense Tinted Sunscreen was the worst product completely for me.
I'll admit I was already biased as I'm not a fan of tinted moisturisers at all, but summer is coming up so tinted sunscreen does seem a great idea in theory.
It wasn't, or not at least for this particular product.
It sat on top of the skin, and gave me quite a shine. Not supermodel chic sheen, but greasy teenager working in a McDonalds sheen.
That was bad enough, but my skin was reacting to it rather unfavourably getting a bit irritated so I immediately removed it only for my skin to start stinging during removal.
I slavered Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream on quickly in the hope it would soothe my skin enough to avoid any more redness.
It has settled down now, but my right eye (I only applied to the right side of my face, for comparison) is still irritated.
Of course I'm sure this wouldn't happen for everyone, but for super shiny skin without much coverage, this was definitely not the product for me.

I've much preferred the contents of Aprils box to March's, and will give it one more month to decide if it's worth the money or not.
I have reviewed the products on the Glossybox website, which very nicely gives you points and I get to voice my opinions, no matter how harsh, so I wait to get the free one with my points and then unsubscribe.
I guess I have enough make up already!

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Social Networking - Tips and Tricks!

As tomorrow marks three months since I started this blog (really feels like it's been longer, I've had so much fun doing it!) I thought I'd share with you some tricks and tips for using Social Networking while busy and on the go, as I often am!

Facebook 

Facebook pages have always been a great utility for gathering a fan base, sadly that is now somewhat hindered by facebooks greediness that means that if you want your posts to get seen by a larger amount of people, who have already subscribed to your page (!), they feel you should pay for it. 

If you don't want to spend out on every update and status to be seen, be prepared that the number of people seeing your posts will be a lot lower than you would expect.
The viewings get higher if the posts are interacted with more, so engage and reply to comments on your posts, as this will help to boost them.

When on the move and to make sure that my links are going up at the right times , and also so I don't forget as I can be a little absent minded, I use Facebook page's scheduler which is the little clock in the bottom left hand corner of the status box, to make sure I keep my page updated with links in between whatever various updates and fun snaps I may take and upload on the go!

Step 1 - Update your status as you usually would, and also add your link. 

Step 2 - Once your link shows as a pop up (The Card underneath) highlight and delete the link in your status box, the link pop out will stay and it looks much neater.

Step 3 - If you don't like any of the photo's in the selection, you can upload an image from your computer (Handy if posting about a blog you haven't published yet!) that would suit your link better.

Step 4 - Here you can see the scheduling options that pop up, where you can schedule for the right dates, and times, which is on a 24 hour clock system.

Step 5 - When scheduled and ready hit the Schedule button, that will be in place of the usual post button and it'll post at the times you selected. You can schedule as many posts as you want, even for the next week!

Twitter

Twitter is a bit better for businesses that are able to update regularly, but as so many people follow so many other people your tweets may got lost in the mix. For this reason so many people tweet links quite often, but this isn't the best way in which to be seen. I have a system that on the first day of a new post I'll post three links at set times throughout the day, and two on the second day which I write in bulk at the start of each week, so that I have time to work on posts, work, and various life things!

I use a programme called Hootsuite, that you can authorise to sync up with your twitter accounts (if like me, you have more than one) and schedule tweets in a similar way to the Facebook page, but as twitter doesn't have that option on their own website, Hootsuite is a huge lifesaver!

Step 1 - Set up your Hootsuite account, and authorise it to post to twitter on your behalf

Step 2 - Select which account you would like to post from if you have more than one, I'm using my StyleYouVintage account to show.

Step 3 - again, type your text and link in the status box. Unlike the Facebook scheduler you DON'T delete the link!

Step 4 - Again, hit schedule (the calendar box in the right hand corner) and a box will pop out with a calendar and times which is on a Twelve hour clock, be sure to click the right button for AM or PM so you don't post at three in the morning!

Step 5 - As no pop out or card pops up (Unless you enable twitter cards, I may write on this sometime too) you can also (if there is space) add a photo using the attachment (paper clip on the bottom right hand corner) which will attach and image similar to twitpic.

Step 6 - This is an important one! Click at the end of the text in the box and press the space bar, and then check the number next to the twitter icon (bottom left) is still in the black, if the text is too much it will be red, but won't warn you when you click post so your tweets will still post but may be missing info or links!

Step 7 - Click schedule and your tweets will post at the times you have set and again you can schedule as many as you'd like.

Instagram 

There is a programme called Postso.com where you can schedule posts for Instagram, for the sum of $15 a month...!! As it is the only current programme where you can schedule this now huge social network site for your benefit it seems a bit like your only option.

It isn't.

I have my own way of getting posts ready to post for a few days, with it set to post to Facebook and twitter, with texts and tags ready without using anything you have to pay for for the privilege.

Step 1 - As you can see I am actually using Instagram itself to prepare these posts, just make sure your device (iPhone or iPad) isn't connected to the internet while you prepare these posts.

As I use my iPad I just turned off the wifi, but if you have 3G make sure that is also turned off.

Step 2 - Upload your image and select your filters etc as normal

Step 3 - You can set these to upload to Facebook and Twitter, and they will all post at the same time.

Step 4 - Upload as normal, it will set as a failed upload.

Step 5 - Turn your wifi back on, they won't upload till you press the refresh button on each picture so you can upload them individually, this means you do have to open the app and still make them upload when you tell them too, but it's so much quicker when you are on the move.

Step 6 - Your photo's will be there waiting till you tell them to post. BUT! If you double tap to close the apps completely to stop them running in the background that will also delete those unpublished photos. Be sure not to close these apps completely, tho you can still go off the app by pressing the home button.

So there you go! My handy tricks for setting up social media posts to be sure they are ready to go no matter what happens! 

This means you can update, chat to people, and use these websites without worrying about updating and sharing, and also have a social life free of internet worries!!

Hope this helps, if you have any more questions just comment below!

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Bombshell in Camden

Usually Edd and I avoid Camden Town like the plague, with it's constant stream of tourists, buskers, and people with large signs handing out fliers for anything from Chinese Buffets, to permanent tattoos! 

It's got the hustle and bustle that Oxford Circus suffers but with smaller pavements and shops, so it's not somewhere I tend to go for light shopping.

My favourite cafe is located there, and luckily, directed away from the crowds down a little side street. It's called Cakes N Treats, and is a German company that have recently branched out into the UK. Their cakes are amazing as are the hot chocolates and well worth the visit, but if you don't have much of a sweet tooth there are savoury options too.

Now the cakes were finished, it was time to wander through Camden enjoying the sun, and my new Bombshell by Katya Wildman Bowie Dress.*

It's always lovely to walk by the canals, and there is always a sunny spot in which to sit. 

Be wary tho as you may get the odd unsavoury characters in that area who love to prey on the tourists.

One group assumed we were as we had out our new Canon Camera, and heard them whispering "Canon, Canon!" while we approached. 

We of course side stepped them and carried on without missing a beat, aaah London you've taught us so much!

I paired my Bowie Dress* with my very old (At least 40 years old, we think!) leather jacket, and my Bronx cut out boots from the ASOS sale.

It was a bit more of a Bowie groupie kinda look, and I kept my hair and make up quite simple for this look, but this dress would also look amazing teamed with 60's style eyeliner, lashes, and kitten heels for a completely different look.

It's always lovely to walk along the canal while the sun is setting, getting the last of the rays, dodging joggers and cyclists, and seeing the quieter part of camden. 

As we were taking these the stalls were starting to close, and Camden was winding down after a busy day, it's always peaceful at that time.

Even in the busiest parts of London, there's always a quiet spot.

I still love these Quay Sunglasses, that I picked up again on sale at ASOS for only £12.

Yes I know I've worn them in a few outfit posts now, but they're just great! 

The Biker Jacket was passed on to me by my Auntie Kate, who got it from her brother, my Uncle Ben who I believe bought it second hand, so it's seen it's fair share of action.

I'm probably the only person who hasn't worn it while riding a motorbike, and I don't think the moped in Paris counted.

I really am so in love with this dress, I love anything that you can easily throw on and go but that still looks really eye-catching and interesting. This is perfect for that, and I can't wait to try out other looks in it.

You can see more of their dresses and designs in my previous blog post, where I visited their studio for the day.

Luckily for us, as the market stalls closed, the graffiti came out! I love the boldness and quirkiness of graffiti, and in this area there's so much condensed into the one place, they all try to outdo each other with the best and most interesting designs London has to offer.

This has to be my favourite, Vintage Inspired of course, and a swear?! Count me in! 

These shots were taked with the Canon that I lusted after in my previous post, my April Wish List, and I'm so glad that I invested in it, the shots look amazing, and Edd's really enjoying playing with it, I think it might become his new hobby.

A huge Thank You to Katya Wildman for gifting me with this dress, it looks great, and it was so comfortable to wear too, tho it was so eye catching it was getting a lot of attention, and Edd spent some of the day playing a game of 'catch out those staring at my amazing new dress'.

It was perfect for this time of year, as I didn't overheat but didn't freeze either.

Day or night, this is a fantastic little number, it comes in longer lengths and other colours too.

We ended our day in Camden here, as after this shot we were accosted by some rather drunken kids who said they wanted to be ASOS models, and then a Traffic Warden who made fun of my Scouse accent before walking into a lamp post....

Karma?

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