I got this I Love… Coconut Face Mask in the September beauty box from Joliebox. I wasn’t particularly enthralled by the look of it so it has sat in my bathroom for a while waiting to be used. Earlier this week while my baby was having a nap I decided to have a quick pamper and use this peel-off face mask which is meant to moisturise and revive the skin.
As soon as I opened the packet I was immediately put off by the smell. It had a really strong coconut scent which wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t accompanied by an overpowering scent of alcohol. It smelt like Malibu, the alcoholic drink, and made me feel quite sick to be honest. Regardless of this, I thought I might as well use the mask as I had now opened it, and figured that the smell would wear off now the air had hit it.
Unfortunately I couldn’t even use the mask! I squeezed the contents of the packet into my hand and it was was just a gelatinous blob. There was no way I could apply this to my face, it was semi-solid! I tried warming it in my hands thinking it might loosen it a little but it was just so gloopy. I gave up trying and washed it down the sink, praying that it wouldn’t block the plughole!
Now I know I have had this mask since September but there was nothing to suggest that there would be any issues with not using it for a little while. I have other products that have sat on my shelf for much longer with no problems. I didn’t notice anything on the packet to suggest that I should use this mask immediately or that it would congeal if left for a while. If it has a shelf-life then it really needs to clearly say so on the packet (much like Lush do with their fresh face masks).
I certainly won’t be buying any other masks from this brand in the near (or far!) future.
Have you ever had a face mask fail?
Face Mask Fail
I got this I Love… Coconut Face Mask in the September beauty box from Joliebox. I wasn’t particularly enthralled by the look of it so it has sat in my bathroom for a while waiting to be used. Earlier this week while my baby was having a nap I decided to have a quick pamper and use this peel-off face mask which is meant to moisturise and revive the skin.
As soon as I opened the packet I was immediately put off by the smell. It had a really strong coconut scent which wouldn’t have been so bad if it wasn’t accompanied by an overpowering scent of alcohol. It smelt like Malibu, the alcoholic drink, and made me feel quite sick to be honest. Regardless of this, I thought I might as well use the mask as I had now opened it, and figured that the smell would wear off now the air had hit it.
Unfortunately I couldn’t even use the mask! I squeezed the contents of the packet into my hand and it was was just a gelatinous blob. There was no way I could apply this to my face, it was semi-solid! I tried warming it in my hands thinking it might loosen it a little but it was just so gloopy. I gave up trying and washed it down the sink, praying that it wouldn’t block the plughole!
Now I know I have had this mask since September but there was nothing to suggest that there would be any issues with not using it for a little while. I have other products that have sat on my shelf for much longer with no problems. I didn’t notice anything on the packet to suggest that I should use this mask immediately or that it would congeal if left for a while. If it has a shelf-life then it really needs to clearly say so on the packet (much like Lush do with their fresh face masks).
I certainly won’t be buying any other masks from this brand in the near (or far!) future.
Have you ever had a face mask fail?
So I’ve now been on my spending ban for 14 days in total and still haven’t bought any make-up, hair or beauty products. In fact in the last 7 days I’ve not bought anything at all despite using up a couple of products! As per the simple rule I set myself, I cannot buy something new if I have that type of product already in my stash. You can read Update #1 here.
My first Birchbox beauty box (which replaced Joliebox and is something I am allowing myself during the spending ban) arrived last week and certainly helped curb the shopping crave. In the last 7 days I have finished off a shampoo and a moisturiser. In my cupboards I had a half-full bottle of Organic Care Systems Aqua Boost Shampoo and a brand new tube of Yon-Ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Face Cream so by using those I have saved a huge £39.75 this week, bringing the total saved so far to £75.98! I also got a voucher through the post for a free Starbucks coffee which I enjoyed yesterday – win!
I hope you’re doing well on your spending ban if you’re doing one.
90 Spending Ban – Update #2
So I’ve now been on my spending ban for 14 days in total and still haven’t bought any make-up, hair or beauty products. In fact in the last 7 days I’ve not bought anything at all despite using up a couple of products! As per the simple rule I set myself, I cannot buy something new if I have that type of product already in my stash. You can read Update #1 here.
My first Birchbox beauty box (which replaced Joliebox and is something I am allowing myself during the spending ban) arrived last week and certainly helped curb the shopping crave. In the last 7 days I have finished off a shampoo and a moisturiser. In my cupboards I had a half-full bottle of Organic Care Systems Aqua Boost Shampoo and a brand new tube of Yon-Ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Face Cream so by using those I have saved a huge £39.75 this week, bringing the total saved so far to £75.98! I also got a voucher through the post for a free Starbucks coffee which I enjoyed yesterday – win!
I hope you’re doing well on your spending ban if you’re doing one.
Q&A a Day 5 Year Journal
Eeep! My first ever beauty box from Birchbox (the beauty box formerly known as Joliebox) arrived today and I heart it! Four deluxe-sized sample products with a couple of extras thrown in too.
The box itself is the same size as the Joliebox boxes but this time it’s brown cardboard with pink detailing and logo. The black Joliebox drawstring bag is now a bright pink Birchbox drawstring bag (my step-daughter is going to want this as soon as she sees it!) and Joliemag has been replaced with Birchbox magazine. So it’s essentially the same as before, just a different name and different colours.
Fresh Start is the theme of the January beauty box from Birchbox; here’s what I got in mine:
Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment – This is the product I have been most excited about after seeing the spoilers. This tinted lip treatment moisturises, repairs and protects your lip and leaves a hint of colour. I can’t wait to try it! This is a 2.2g stick.
KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry – I like KMS hair products in general but I’ve never tried this before. It’s meant to speed up the drying time and also conditions your hair. This is a 30ml bottle.
WEI Jujube Age Control Serum – There will be a lot of people going “why have I been sent this, I’m too young for wrinkles!” Prevention is better than cure. I’ve used anti-aging products since my early twenties and have no lines or wrinkles at the age of (nearly) 31. This is a 4ml tube.
Taaj Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream – Some people hate getting perfume samples in their beauty boxes – I hate getting hand creams! So boring! To be fair though, I just tried this and it’s quite nice. It sunk in really quickly and left a subtle scent. This is a 30ml tube.
I Coloniali Deep Body Massage Cream with Myrrh – This is a ‘beauty extra’ and is a 10ml sachet. At first I was a bit meh about it but then I read the directions for use and it says to “massage until the granules are completely absorbed by the skin.” Now I’m intrigued!
Teapigs Super Fruit Tea Bag – This is a ‘lifestyle extra’. This tea bag contains real pieces of hibiscus, elderberries, currants, blackcurrants, cranberries and blueberries. It’s also caffeine-free so perfect for me as I’m avoiding caffeine at the moment. I just need to drink it before my fiancé gets his hands on it – he’s a massive fan of Teapigs.
So there you go, the first beauty box from Birchbox. What do you think? If you like it and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.
Let me know if you got the same or something different!
Birchbox – January Beauty Box
Eeep! My first ever beauty box from Birchbox (the beauty box formerly known as Joliebox) arrived today and I heart it! Four deluxe-sized sample products with a couple of extras thrown in too.
The box itself is the same size as the Joliebox boxes but this time it’s brown cardboard with pink detailing and logo. The black Joliebox drawstring bag is now a bright pink Birchbox drawstring bag (my step-daughter is going to want this as soon as she sees it!) and Joliemag has been replaced with Birchbox magazine. So it’s essentially the same as before, just a different name and different colours.
Fresh Start is the theme of the January beauty box from Birchbox; here’s what I got in mine:
Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment – This is the product I have been most excited about after seeing the spoilers. This tinted lip treatment moisturises, repairs and protects your lip and leaves a hint of colour. I can’t wait to try it! This is a 2.2g stick.
KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry – I like KMS hair products in general but I’ve never tried this before. It’s meant to speed up the drying time and also conditions your hair. This is a 30ml bottle.
WEI Jujube Age Control Serum – There will be a lot of people going “why have I been sent this, I’m too young for wrinkles!” Prevention is better than cure. I’ve used anti-aging products since my early twenties and have no lines or wrinkles at the age of (nearly) 31. This is a 4ml tube.
Taaj Creme Mains Delhicates Hand Cream – Some people hate getting perfume samples in their beauty boxes – I hate getting hand creams! So boring! To be fair though, I just tried this and it’s quite nice. It sunk in really quickly and left a subtle scent. This is a 30ml tube.
I Coloniali Deep Body Massage Cream with Myrrh – This is a ‘beauty extra’ and is a 10ml sachet. At first I was a bit meh about it but then I read the directions for use and it says to “massage until the granules are completely absorbed by the skin.” Now I’m intrigued!
Teapigs Super Fruit Tea Bag – This is a ‘lifestyle extra’. This tea bag contains real pieces of hibiscus, elderberries, currants, blackcurrants, cranberries and blueberries. It’s also caffeine-free so perfect for me as I’m avoiding caffeine at the moment. I just need to drink it before my fiancé gets his hands on it – he’s a massive fan of Teapigs.
So there you go, the first beauty box from Birchbox. What do you think? If you like it and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.
Let me know if you got the same or something different!
I'm 7 days into my 90 Day Spending Ban and despite finishing up quite a few products I'm proud to say I have not bought a single hair, make-up or beauty product. As per the simple rule I set myself, I cannot buy something new if I have that type of product already in my stash.
I raided my cupboards and in the last 7 days I have started using a Simple Facial Wash, a Soap & Glory Eye Maintenance Eye Cream, a Comfort Zone Recovery serum and night cream, and a half-finished bottle of Vera Wang Lovestruck perfume.
A quick tally of what these products would have cost me shows I have saved a whopping £36.23 in the last 7 days alone! Amazing!
How are you getting on with your spending bans?
90 Day Spending Ban - Update #1
I'm 7 days into my 90 Day Spending Ban and despite finishing up quite a few products I'm proud to say I have not bought a single hair, make-up or beauty product. As per the simple rule I set myself, I cannot buy something new if I have that type of product already in my stash.
I raided my cupboards and in the last 7 days I have started using a Simple Facial Wash, a Soap & Glory Eye Maintenance Eye Cream, a Comfort Zone Recovery serum and night cream, and a half-finished bottle of Vera Wang Lovestruck perfume.
A quick tally of what these products would have cost me shows I have saved a whopping £36.23 in the last 7 days alone! Amazing!
How are you getting on with your spending bans?
Daisy Baby Tinies
I’ve had this pot of Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm in my cupboard forever. I got it in a Feel Unique beauty box and I’d read that it was really good stuff, so I had been saving it until I’d used up all my other cleansers. You know, save the best for last! Well, I seemed to have had cleanser after cleanser to get through and finally last month I started to use it for my PM cleanse.
Benefits of Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm:
- Thoroughly cleanses and moisturises the skin.
- Helps to purify and minimises the appearance of open pores.
- Calming for sensitive skin.
- Revitalising for dull and mature skins.
- Can be used as a rescue balm, i.e. on dry elbows or knees, or as a lip balm.
- Doubles as a soothing mask if left on the skin for ten minutes.
Key ingredients and what they do:
- Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E: Balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores.
- Orange, Neroli and Mandarin extracts: Rejuvenates and revitalises the skin.
- Jasmine, cedarwood and Rose: Helps to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins.
I’ve been using this solely as a cleanser, despite the fact that it can be used as a lip balm and a face mask, as it’s only a 15ml pot. It’s a gorgeous product to use, it smells and feels so luxurious. I take a small amount, literally just scoop my clean fingertip, and mix with a few drops of warm water. The balm turns milky and then I just massage it over my face. It smells amazing, of jasmine and neroli.
Then I simply remove the cleanser, either using the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Dual Action Professional Cleansing Cloth (it has muslin on one side and mega-soft microfibre on the other) or just a standard flannel (I’m so not fussed about using muslin cloths on my face). Every last scrap of make-up comes off in just one go with this cleanser, even mascara just melts away, and my skin is left feeling soft and fresh.
I can’t say that my face feels particularly lifted or sculpted but I don’t think I really need any lifting or sculpting yet anyway! As far as cleansers go though, this is pretty damn good stuff and the fact that I don’t need a separate eye make-up remover makes it even better.
Available from www.feelunique.com £27.20 for 100ml.
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm
I’ve had this pot of Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm in my cupboard forever. I got it in a Feel Unique beauty box and I’d read that it was really good stuff, so I had been saving it until I’d used up all my other cleansers. You know, save the best for last! Well, I seemed to have had cleanser after cleanser to get through and finally last month I started to use it for my PM cleanse.
Benefits of Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm:
- Thoroughly cleanses and moisturises the skin.
- Helps to purify and minimises the appearance of open pores.
- Calming for sensitive skin.
- Revitalising for dull and mature skins.
- Can be used as a rescue balm, i.e. on dry elbows or knees, or as a lip balm.
- Doubles as a soothing mask if left on the skin for ten minutes.
Key ingredients and what they do:
- Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E: Balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores.
- Orange, Neroli and Mandarin extracts: Rejuvenates and revitalises the skin.
- Jasmine, cedarwood and Rose: Helps to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins.
I’ve been using this solely as a cleanser, despite the fact that it can be used as a lip balm and a face mask, as it’s only a 15ml pot. It’s a gorgeous product to use, it smells and feels so luxurious. I take a small amount, literally just scoop my clean fingertip, and mix with a few drops of warm water. The balm turns milky and then I just massage it over my face. It smells amazing, of jasmine and neroli.
Then I simply remove the cleanser, either using the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Dual Action Professional Cleansing Cloth (it has muslin on one side and mega-soft microfibre on the other) or just a standard flannel (I’m so not fussed about using muslin cloths on my face). Every last scrap of make-up comes off in just one go with this cleanser, even mascara just melts away, and my skin is left feeling soft and fresh.
I can’t say that my face feels particularly lifted or sculpted but I don’t think I really need any lifting or sculpting yet anyway! As far as cleansers go though, this is pretty damn good stuff and the fact that I don’t need a separate eye make-up remover makes it even better.
Available from www.feelunique.com £27.20 for 100ml.
90 Day Spending Ban
After the Birth
December Empties
