What's In My Memebox #4 - Petit Treasures

My love for all things Memebox is a strong as ever. I've actually stopped myself logging onto their website. I simply can't have a look without buying a box or two. I still have one more on route but my  other most recent purchase arrived a little while ago! Yes, this time I definitely scared the delivery man with my extreme excited (crazed woman) face. Poor poor man.

Anyway, if you're not too familiar with Memebox here's a little more info: Memebox is a beauty box that offers Korean beauty products - the most popular and latest beauty items direct from Korea - at a great price. Unlike other beauty boxes you don't have to subscribe. You just take a look at their selection and choose the one (or more than one) you fancy. They offer all kinds of boxes from make-up, skincare, body & hair - all containing the hottest, most wanted Asian products.

This particular box was sold to me in seconds as soon as I read the title - #66 Petit Treasures! Oh oh yes, Korean beauty products in miniature form? Double win right there! Petit Treasures cost $25.99 (roughly £16.50) with shipping. 

Here's what I got in my box: 

The all important contents card

As the product's packaging is all in Korean this double sided card is vital. It lists what you've got and what to do with it. If I'm really honest I was actually disappointed to read that my box only contained 4 items, however the were all full sized. Getting them out of the hot pink box I was a bit miffed to see that none of them were what I would class as petit either, even though the contents card describes them as miniature. Not a great start! 

Recipe By Nature 'Ice Cream Swing Gloss' in 02 Sweet Fiona - $5

I adore the packaging of this ice cream lip balm, seriously cute! It's swirly balm contains jojoba seed, argan & grape seed oils to hydrate whilst delivering a fruity scented shine. Feels really lovely on the lips and definitely something I'll enjoy using. 

Shara Shara 'Revital Magic Cream' - $16

There's something about this face cream in a cute tin that I really really like. I'm not sure if it's the mildly herbal smell, the fact it actually has 'magic' in it's name or it's promise to brighten uneven skin texture and & erase signs of blemish scars. It's super thick, containing eucalyptus oil and over 40 other herbal ingredients. So far I've only used it on a really dry patch and an old spot scar which is refusing to fade. So far so good. It's a product I definitely like applying and will continue to use. 

ddung 'Lovely Girl Mascara' - $24

A long-lasting, lash lengthening formula mascara. Now normally I would have been super excited to have a new mascara to try out but recently I finally found the most perfect product ever (check out my review here) so it's just not something I need at all. Having said that the packaging is super cute and it's name "Lovely Girl" is fantasticly girly. 

Shana Shara 'Feminine Single Blusher' - $7

I love blusher, especially pink blusher so this is right up my street. The tiny little puff is the only thing that qualifies for the Petit Treasures theme in the whole box. Adorable packaging, great fresh colour. Something I'll use for sure, especially in the warmer months. 

Over all if I'm honest this was my least faveourite Memebox I've received yet. I can't help but be disappointed that there were only 4 products in the box, none of which really fell under the Petit Treasures title. Yes they were all full sized but I would have rather had miniature products and just a few more of them. 

As for value for money it was still pretty good, but again not as bargainous as my previous boxes. I paid $25.99 (£16.50) with shipping and the contents is worth $42 (£27).

If you would like to check out Memebox click here. Do you buy Memeboxes? Which has been your faveourite box to date? 

I'm off to smell my magic face cream! 

Love Emma 

XOXO

Fifteen Festive Favourites Tag

For me Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. This year is going to be a little tricky, it's the first year without my incredible mum but I'm still trying my upmost to get into the festive spirit. With an 8 year old it's super important that we make the big day a special as it's always been. Plus it will be my little boy's first Christmas so there's still a lot to look forward to.

I love a good Tag post and I love Christmas so the Festive 15 tag is right up my chimney (that sounds so wrong but what the heck). Thank you to the very lovely Helen from Loves & Loathes for the nomination.

Okay, let's get on with it: 

1. Favourite Festive Food - Oh man, I love it ALL. Just everything. Mince Pies, Stollen, Christmas Pudding, Gingerbread Lattes... the list goes on.

2. Favourite Reindeer Rudolf. That nose is too cool, right?

3. Favourite Day of Christmas - That's a toss up between Christmas Eve & the big day itself. The anticipation and excitement of Christmas Eve is just so magical but Christmas it's even better! 

4. Favourite Christmas Song - Another tough one. I love all the oldies but you really can't beat a bit of diva with Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas'. Don't judge me! 

5. Favourite Christmas Present - Alllll of them! Gotta love some crisp new PJs though. 

6. Favourite Festive Film - Elf. Can't get enough. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a very close second. 

7. Favourite Cracker Toy - The teeny tiny plastic moustache you basically stick up your nose. Which is always far too small. You know it's gonna hurt but stick it up your nose we still do. 

8. Favourite Cracker Joke - The more rubbish the better. Something like 'what did one snowman say to the other? I can smell carrots *sigh*.

9. Favourite Christmas Decoration - The Tree. And all my Xmas scented Yankee candles with their matching festive shades. Love buying a new load each year and burning them all through December. 

10. Favourite Christmas Candle Scent
Ohhh I should have read the questions better before I started writing them. Anything cinnamon-y. 

11. Favourite Christmas Advert - Two words. John Lewis.

12. Favourite Festive Tradition - There are just too many to pick. Elf on the Shelf is a new addition to the Rumble household this year and I can see this becoming a firm favourite. 

13. Favourite Place to Spend Christmas - with my amazing family at home. I once spent Xmas & New Years in Florida with my parents and some very special family friends - that was a great great time.

14. Favourite Christmas Fact - something to do with Father Christmas being dressed in Green before Coca Cola got hold of him and turned him red. Unless that's just made up fact. 

15. Favourite Snowman Accessory - It's allll about the carrot nose. 

So there are my festive 15 faves! I now tag the gorgeous Naddy from A Life Of Retail Therapy & Marie from Rainbows & Unicorns.

Wishing you all a very very merry Christmas! 

Lots of love and Xmas fun, Emma XOXO

Lush mini-haul and quick review!

I don't think there's anyone in the entire world that can pass a Lush and not be drawn inside by the amazing hypnotic smell. I swear they spike the smell wafting out the doors with a "come in and spend lots of money" magic potion. My "I'm just going to pop in and have a quick look" always always ends with me leaving with a shopping bag or two. 

I was in Brent Cross a little while ago on my way to grab some lunch and then suddenly I was leaving Lush. It's almost like I didn't even know it was happening. 

Here's what a picked up. Some of it I've already tried so there are a few thoughts too! 

Let The Good Times Roll - £6.75

One of my all time favourite Lush products ever. This is a face/body wash/scrub containing polenta, cinnamon & popcorn. The combination of the super fine scrubby bits, the smell & how soft and smooth it makes my skin is win, win, win for me. Love this stuff

Blousey Banana Shampoo - £18

I was drawn to this as it mentions it's great for damaged or bleached hair. I have to say I like it but I don't love it. It's just not moisturising enough for me. The ends of my hair, from my home bleaching adventure, are a little dry and need some TLC. I was hoping this would be a winner but it just didn't knock my socks off. Considering the price it's not a product I would pick up again. 

Yog Nog Soap Bar - £3.81

Lush soaps are highly addictive. This one smells seriously good enough to eat - festive spices ahoy. They last forever and leave your hands smelling amazing. This is basically creamy Christmas in a bar. Perfect. 

Candy Mountain Bubble Bar - £2.75

Classic Lush kinda smell. Fills your entire bathroom with its super sweet scent. As always, it created a beautiful smelling bath time. 

Fun What A Softy Soap Bar - £5

I picked this up as a stocking filler for my daughter. A mouldable playable soap bar. Like mother like daughter my 8 year old already loves her products so I thought this would be fun for her, plus the gold colour is oh-so Christmassy! 

Overall a pretty successful Lush trip. It's just one shop I'll always return to. I just can't help myself! 

I'm off to use my soap!!

Love Emma

XOXO 

I'm back, baby!

So, I've kinda been missing when it comes to the world of blogging. The days have turned into weeks and before I knew it it's been over a month since I last posted. A MONTH! Considering I was once managing to post daily this is shocking.

It's not that I've fallen out of love with blogging, not at all. Truth be told I've missed it dearly. I've just not had the time. My little boy is now 6 months old, long gone are the days where he's happy to look up at a ceiling. He needs constant entertainment. He's a real little peach and such a happy little chap.

I've also taken on a new home business venture which I am totally in love with. So with business, baby and everything in between my poor little blog has taken a back seat. 

I'm really going to try my hardest to be a better blogger. I've still been taking photos and jotting down ideas but putting fingers to keys and actually writing just hadn't happened.

The thing that has eaten into my blogging time, as mentioned earlier, is my new business venture. As you may have read before I signed up as a Presenter with Younqiue. I initially had no intention in selling their products whatsoever. But then I tried them and fell head over heels in love. And then my friends asked me what mascara I was wearing and before I knew it I was a fully fledged selling presenter in LOVE with my job. For me it's just perfect. I work 100% from home, or from my trusty iPhone if I'm out and about. I basically get to make money by selling the most incredible cosmetics & skincare on Facebook. It's just a dream come true. And it's not even selling. I'm not a sales person at all. I worked in kids TV, I have 0 retail or sales experience.... But with Younique I'm simply sharing my genuine love for some truly incredible products. Products that I am beyond excited about. Not only that, I'm also able to spend all my time with my children whilst earning money working not even part time. Yes I feel a little sad that my writing has slowed a little but my business has taken off with a boom. 

And I won't lie, I'm absolutely loving every single second.

It's going to sound incredibly cheesy, but what the heck I don't care... I've also made some truly lovely friends. Genuine, caring, gorgeous ladies with a passion for makeup just like me. Younique is a real little family. Their brand is all about validating and empowering women and that's exactly what they do! I actually feel so grateful that I found this when I did. Everything happens for a reason, right?

So there you go, that's where I've been. Cuddling my baby and working on Facebook. At the same time. What more could I ask for?! 

I'm going to try and get back on the blogging horse, I promise!! 

Love Emma

XOXO

PS if you love makeup and fancy making some extra money just like me please get in touch! Younique is ammmmazing and I'm looking for some lovely makeup mad ladies to join my team! www.emmaslovelylashes.com 

Beauty Tip Tuesday - Gorgeous Gloss

Today's Beauty Tip Tuesday is about how to get the best possible wear from your lip gloss or lipstick. 

We all love gloss, right? A lovely nude is my go-to right now. Have you ever applied a gloss and well it just doesn't look quite right? 

If so there are some really really quick and simple things  to do to get the most from your gloss or lipstick! 

1. Exfoliate! 

Smooth lips are best. Applying gloss on top of dry lips just isn't going to work. You need to get rid of that dry skin first. Simply use a wet flannel, a dot of facial scrub or even your toothbrush and gently rub off that dry skin. I like to do this before bed and then slather on a rich & hydrating lip balm for an moisturising overnight treat. 

2. Line your lips! 

If you find your lipgloss or lipstick bleeds a simple swipe of a lip liner can stop this in its tracks. Choose a liner colour closest to your natural lip colour and line just inside the edge of your lips. For extra staying power use the same lip liner and colour in your entire lips before applying your gloss. 

3. Less is more! 

When applying your gloss or lippie start in the middle of your lips and blend outwards. Applying too much can cause it to bleed and look stringy. Use a lip brush or I just use my ring finger. Build up the product slowly! 

So there you have it, quick and simple ways to make your lips totally kissable! My go-to nude is Younique's Luxe! A must have all round perfect colour! 

I'm off to apply some more gloss! 

Love Emma 

XOXO 

*contains affiliate link 

Silent Sunday 16/11/14

Birchbloggers Breakfast

So yesterday I jumped on the tube for the first time in months (since when was a travel card £17?! Hello!) and headed into central London for a real breakfast treat.

I had been invited by Birchbox (you all know how I love this subscription beauty box) for a Birchbloggers Breakfast meeting with some of their team and brand new Editorial Director Jessica Diner. What a lovely morning I had in store. 

Jessica Diner is true beauty royalty, having previously been the Health & Beauty Editor at Vogue magazine. I was super excited to meet the Birchbox team plus some fellow bloggers too. If only all mornings started like this! 

In true Emma form I arrived far too early and paced the streets like a lost window-shopping lamb before taking the plunge and going inside. The meeting location was Aubaine, a gorgeous French Restaurant just off of Regent Street. (totally my cup of tea, beautiful decor & really cute quaint touches). 

Breakfast consisted of coffee, croissants & freshly baked breads, served with individually wrapped sticks of butter & cold fresh orange juice. Heaven. 

Jessica gave us a little introduction and then handed out goodie bags *excited face*. We then went through the contents and chatted a little more about what's in store for Birchbox over the next few months. The December box sounds absolutely epic. If you were thinking of subscribing and haven't yet NOW is the time, trust me on that one. I was also excited to hear a little more about the one off Men's Birchbox available in December.  What a genius idea and one I shall absolutely be purchasing for my hubby.

Jessica & the gorgeous ladies from Birchbox UK 

It was an absolute pleasure to meet some of the Birchbox team and some really lovely fellow bloggers. A really enjoyable morning! 

As for the contents of my goodie-bag watch this space! I'll be putting them to the test & letting you all know what I think! 

Thanks again Birchbox UK! 

I'm off to play with my new products!

Love Emma 

XOXO 

What's In My Birchbox - November

It's one of my favourite times of the month - Birchbox time! Everything my box gets delivered I'm pretty sure I scare the postman with my overly excited grin as he hands it over. Creepy Cheshire Cat anyone? 

If you are not too familiar, Birchbox is a monthly beauty & lifestyle subscription box. You get around 5 deluxe sized beauty samples and one lifestyle per delivery, from what I've seen not all the monthly boxes are the same. 

The subscription costs £10 a month plus P&P, although the longer you sign up for the better the deal. It's a perfect way to try out new products that perhaps you normally wouldn't or high-end brands that are maybe out of your price range. 

 

November's box is themed 'Cosy At Home', my cup of tea right there! There's nothing I like more than getting in my PJs and snuggling under a blanket in front of our log burner. Here's what treats I received this month: 

English Laundry 'Signature For Her' - £60

Not normally a scent I would perhaps choose but very lovely nether the less. It's inspired by classic country gardens, quite a grown up smell but one I really like.

Jane Iredale 'Just Kissed Lip Plumper' - £22

The cutest lipstick sample I've possibly ever seen. This takes miniatures to a new  extreme. Perfect purse sized, great for the party season. Using a blend of mint oils and ginger root this lip plumper boosts circulation whilst delivering moisture with shea butter. I'll definitely be popping this in my pocket! 

Beauty Protector 'Protect & Detangle' - £14

I'm a big fan of leave in conditioner sprays. After my adventure with home bleaching and pink dye I need a little help combing after washing. I seriously can't get enough of the smell. It promises to detangle, minimise frizz, safeguard colour and add shine. Sounds perfect to me. 

Dr. Jart+ 'V7 Relief Vita Drop' - £26

This facial moisturiser is a huge 100ml, a very large full sized product! What a treat. It's packed with vitamins to brighten and moisturise. Interestingly the box describes it as a vitamin water, an emulsion that changes to a moisturising liquid vitamin water as soon as it's applied which is exactly what it does. I've never used a product like this before. Really excited to put this to the test! 

OPI 'Coca-Cola Red' Nail Polish - £11.95

I have a pretty large nail polish collection but have nothing as red as this gorgeous vibrant shade by OPI. Another full sized product and one that is perfect for the approaching festive season. Excited to get it on my fingers and toes! 

Drinkwel 'Drinkwel' -£39.99

This month's lifestyle extra are multi-vitamin tablets you take before or after you've drunk alcohol. Now here's the sad thing I've not actually had an alcoholic drink for maybe a year and a half, probably longer. My baby is now 5 months and I know that because it's been so long just one drink it's likely to knock me for 6. When I do finally pluck up the courage this Christmas I'll most definitely be trying these out! You're directed to take 3 before a big night out and another 3 before bed. If they work ward off a hangover I'll absolutely be picking more up!

As always a corker of a box. Birchbox never fails to deliver a great variety of lovely and exciting products! 

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What goodies did you get this month?

I'm off to paint my nails,

Love Emma 

XOXO

Beauty Tip Tuesday - Start as you mean to go on!

It's all about that base, bout that base, no trouble! Today's Tip Tuesday as about a makeup must have, a primer! 

Why use a primer?

When you're painting and decorating (or getting someone else to do it, right?) if you prime a surface with an undercoat the paint goes on smoother, fine cracks get covered and the overall finish is more flawless. 

Well, the EXACT same thing applies to your lovely face. Using a primer takes all of two seconds but really can make a world of difference. 

A good quality primer provides the perfect base for your makeup. A primer can minimise pores, fill in fine lines, keep oil at bay and make your foundation go on smoother and last much longer. The biggest misconception is that a primer might clog your pores - a good quality primer does the exact opposite. 

I never ever used to wear a primer but I tried one out and now I couldn't be without one. If you find your foundation doesn't stay put or you're reaching for your powder before midday a primer could really be your new best friend. 

If you find your eyeshadow creases a primer will keep your eyes looking as pretty as they did when your first applied your makeup. 

Just apply a 5p sized drop to your face, concentrating on your T-zone, and take a few seconds to smooth it all in. A little dot on your eyelids is a must too. 

I used to use Benefit's Porefessional but I've now converted to Younique's Moodstruck Glorious Face & Eye Primer (£30). It's oil-free & contains antioxidant hero vitamin E & can be used with both powder and liquid makeup. (Glorious is MUCH better value for money too!).

EXTRA tip use a dot of primer mixed with your eye shadow to create an intense long wearing colour splash! 

I'm off to work on my base! 

Love Emma 

XOXO 

Beauty Tip Tuesday - It's All White

Another quick beauty tip for Tip Tuesday!

Today I'm sharing my love for the simple white eyeliner pencil. I bet pretty much all of you have a black eyeliner pencil? Some of you might also have brown, or maybe even a colour. I love me some eyeliner pencils. They're quick, easy and totally versatile. 

What about white? Do you have a white pencil? If not, why not? 

A simple white eyeliner pencil is a beauty trick you'll all be pleased you tried. A quick swipe or two in the water line of your eyes is like magic. A full nights sleep in a pencil. It makes your eyes look open, wide, bright and well rested. My secret weapon. Let's face it with a baby I'm not getting quality sleep. It's such an easy quick thing to do that really does work but that's not all. 

A white pencil on your lips is a celebrities' little pouty secret. A touch of white in the centre, a little smudging and a swipe of gloss turns flat flips into a full pretty pout. I'm pretty sure the Kardashians love a bit of white liner on the lips. Who needs fillers?! 

Last but not least a white eyeliner pencil can also be used as a quick freshen up on natural nails. You can use the pencil to colour in the underside of the free edge. Doing this makes your nails look longer and helps hide any discolouration you may have from too much polish and makes your hands look neat in a flash. A quick tip for fab fingers!! 

I'm currently using the Younique Precision Pencil in the white shade 'Pristine' (£12). It's soft, doesn't drag on my skin and is super long wearing. 

Check out another Tip Tuesday here all about pumping mascaras! 

I'm off to perk up my mummy lack of sleep eyes! 

Love Emma 

XOXO

*contains an affiliate link but all opinions are true and my own

Silent Sunday 2/11/14

Tried & Tested - Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

I have about 11 mascaras in my current collection. I pretty much pick up a new one once a month in the hope that i'll find one that will give me the full and long lashes I oh-so desire. 

When I was pregnant with my son my semi-decent lashes turned into what can only be described as stumps. 5 months after having him my lashes have just simply refused to grow back. 

Lash extensions aren't an option for me, I had them a few years ago with a disastrous ending. Yes, they looked fabulous for a week but then to cut a long lash story short I ended up with less lashes than I started with. Bald gaps just isn't a look I want to repeat in a hurry. 

I thought I was destined to a life with sorry excuses for eyelashes until a product fell into my hands a few weeks ago. 

I got the opportunity to try the massively hyped Younique's Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara. This two step product promises to give you 300% bigger lashes. I was beyond sceptical but willing to give it a go. I had seen all the incredible before & after photos all over the Internet but just wasn't convinced they hadn't been photoshopped. 

So about the 3D Lash Mascara. It comes in two tubes, housed in a really attractive and solid black case, a 'Transplanting Gel' & 'Natural Fibers'. The directions say you can wear a coat of your normal mascara first and then you apply the gel, followed by the fibers, and then another coat of gel. You can stop there or keep layering it up. 

The gel looks just like normal black mascara with a really nice full wand. The fibers, which are 100% green tea look like, well basically fluff on a stick. A fluffy little black caterpillar on the end of a wand. Surely this wasn't going to go well?

So, I applied the mascara as directed and was actually blown away. Completely and utterly shocked. After one round of gel, fibers, gel my little lashes were already twice the size. 

I decided to go for another round and I literally couldn't believe my eyes. My sorry little stumps were transformed into long, full, thick beauties. I don't mean just 'oh look, that's nice'. I mean stop-me-in-my-tracks, that looks like lash extensions or a strip lash stunning.

I can easily say that I have never ever been this impressed or excited about a beauty product in a long, long time. Maybe even ever. Yes, I know, that's a very bold statement. 

Younique claim the 3D lashes are water resistant. Well I certainly put them to the test by having a great big cry fest. The lashes didn't budge. No panda eye. No running, or smudging. For real. It just gets better and better. 

I wore the 3D lashes to lunch with a friend. She immediately commented that my eyes looked pretty. Result! I showed her my "before" picture as she just didn't believe me when I told her how short my lashes were normally. 

I am in love with this mascara. Truly head over heels crazy stupid in love. So much so that when the opportunity came up to join Younique I grabbed hold of it fast. This magic mascara is seriously life changing and now I have the chance to change my life by simply spreading the news of my latest obsession. 

Now, I don't want you to think I'm only saying all of this because I've got the potential to earn from it. Not at all. I would never, ever rave about or recommend a product I didn't truly believe in. That's just not my style at all. I am including this is in my regular 'Tried & Tested' because it's a product that's knocked me off my feet. How could I not tell you about it?! 

I'm seriously happy that I've found the much needed lash product I've been searching for my entire adult life! I urge you to just give it ago. I promise you won't regret it. There's also a 'Love It' or return it money back guarantee. Nothing to loose and loooong natural lashes to gain!! 

If you're interested in trying the 3D Fiber Lash Mascara simply go to www.emmaslovelylashes.com 

A set costs just £23 ($29) and lasts 2-3 months if used daily. If you think the average price of lash extensions is £85 not including the every 2 week maintainance you have to pay for on top the 3D lashes are a bargain!! 

You can currently order it if you live in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

Also, if you think you might be interested in earning some extra money by batting your lashes, whilst being on Facebook, sat in your PJs on your sofa just get in touch with me! I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. 

Younique is one of the fastest growing direct sales companies in the world and I'm super excited to be able to be part of the journey! 

I'm off to bat my lashes, 

Love Emma 

XOXO