Glossybox January - Valentines Box & Glossybox Mens.

In an ideal world, I think I'd get a different coloured Glossybox every month! This box is a Valentines limited edition to get us ladies prepped and feeling good in time for Valentines.
Receiving my Glossybox is pretty exciting alone, but I was also sent some gorgeous roses from the lovely GB team also!

Upon opening this months Glossybox, I wasn't overly excited by what I found inside, but I know the aim of the box (for me, anyway) is to give new products a try. Recently I've found myself getting in to a bit of a rut in terms of cosmetics but I always find beauty boxes help me to discover new products.
I'm not massively bothered about using "natural" products like the Davines shampoo and cleansing balm I received. The shampoo has an odd "natural" scent which I don't particularly like, but the cleansing balm surprised me and I actually quite like it. So far I've only used it as a cleanser but it leaves a lovely barrier on my skin which feels soft and my skin feels cleansed.

The Murad primer was the product I thought I would love the most, I'm a big fan of their skincare and I love a good primer. This is quite a bit dark for me, and I didn't really see any difference after use. To be honest, I don't really want to get a "dewy glow" as I'm more about a matte look so this is something I've not really enjoyed using.

This may sound surprising, but I've never really tried Eyeko products before. I was really pleased when I got this eyeliner as it's a pinky/nude colour, and I've been looking for something similar to line the waterline of my eyes. This product is great for making eyes look more awake and less red. I'll probably give other products, such as the mascaras, a go after trying this.

Finally, the FAB Gentle Body Wash is another product I won't get much use out of. I love a lovely scented shower gel, and as this is "Gentle", it doesn't contain a perfume. I'll probably give this away as I have no use for it.

Overall, a pretty average box (apart from the box itself) this month. I can definitely appreciate that there's something for everyone in this box, but for me personally, the products aren't really anything I require or will get much use from.

Glossybox Mens 

I thought I'd include the first Glossybox Mens box, which was kindly sent to me by the lovely Glossybox guys. I sent this to my boyfriend whose only cosmetics pre-Kate was a tub of hair wax and Dove moisturiser (I kid you not), but he seems to really love the Glossybox for Men.

I love the idea of a Mens Glossybox, it's a great way to ease them in to looking after themselves if they don't already, and it helps to give them an idea of what they like and will actually use. Seeing Jordan happy with his GB made me feel a bit ungrateful, the way I raid through mine looking for the good bits and discarding the rest.

The assortment of products in this box is great, and definitely something worth looking in to if you have a man who needs a bit of help with products.
The mens box is quarterly and costs £17.95 per box, and contains 6 samples.

January Favourites.

Models Own Utopia & Technic Carnival Glitter Polish

My current favourite nail polish combination! The Technic glitter polish is a good dupe for OPIs Rainbow Connection and it looks great layered over the subtle lilac shade of Utopia.
Utopia has been my favourite polish for some time now, it looks lovely alone or with any shade of glitter on top.

MoroccanOil Hair Oil Treatment

I can honestly say I don't have a single split end, despite blow drying and straightening my hair every day, so I probably don't really need this but it makes my hair even more glossy and smooth!
It's a bit pricey but definitely worth the money in my opinion (you can see my full review here), and it should last you awhile since you only need to apply a small amount on the ends of damp hair. 

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse (*)

Since I first started using St. Tropez self tanning products almost a year ago, I've not looked back. I can't imagine using anything else, even if they are slightly on the pricier side. This mousse is so easy to apply, I use a mitt, and I've never had any problems with streaking or orange bits. The bronzed guide colour means you simply cannot go wrong! 

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner - 500ml (*)

I was sent these huge bottles of Aussie to celebrate the launch of the new bigger sizes (500ml) of shampoo and conditioners. I've always been a big fan of Aussie hair products, they smell amazing and always leave my hair in great condition.

Jurlique Soothing Foaming Cleanser 

I adore this cleanser, it leaves my skin feeling so fresh and soft! No other cleanser has this affect on my skin. I've been using this with my Clarisonic in recent times and I just love it. I'm not massively phased by natural skincare (although a fair amount of what I buy is natural to be honest, but I don't set out to buy only natural products) but this is a really gentle way to cleanse skin.
The price makes me have a small breakdown (I was given this bottle), and I know I'm going to need to repurchase it soon. I'm not entirely sure whether I will repurchase this as the price seems a bit steep for a cleanser, but I do love it. I think I'll see how I live without it first and maybe treat myself later on at some point. 

Liz Earle Soothing Eye Lotion 

I got this free sample for spending a ridiculous amount at Liz Earle, and I think I shall be purchasing a full sized bottle soon. I suffer from sensitive eyes, the skin around them can get dry and sore and my actual eyes are a nightmare - always dry, red, sore and hot! I also find that my eye makeup never really ever goes, there is always a small amount which clings there. 

This product really soothes and cools the eye area, while also removing any last traces of makeup. It's ideal if, like me, you suffer from sensitive eyes! 

(*) PR Samples. 

Review: Urban Decay Naked & Naked 2 Palettes.

Naked Palette - £36

Naked 2 Palette - £36

I've had the original Naked palette for under a year now, and to be honest I don't get a lot of use from it. I find the shades are far too warm for me, and are loaded with glitter. Great for night time, but not so practical for day. A lot of them are also too dark, and just not right for my skin tone.
Some people love this, and as you can see, it's had a bit of use but it's not something I reach for often.

I bought the Naked 2 palette the day it came out. I love to see if products live up to the hype, and over-hyped products are usually the ones everyone wants to read reviews on, which is where I come in.
Yes, it is rather similar to the original Naked palette but I find myself getting a lot more use out of the Naked 2. I find the shades in this palette are a lot more wearable, and can also be blended together a lot easier than the shades in the original palette.
I really love the lighter, more natural shades such as Suspect, Chopper and Bootycall and I think they all work together really nicely.

I think the quality of these palettes are great, there is the issue of fall out due to the insane amount of shimmer (I'm looking at you, original Naked palette) but this can be kept to a minimum by pressing it on and not overloading the brush.
I can't really give advice on which one to buy, it's really down to personal preference. They are reasonably similar, they both offer day and night shades but personally, I'm more suited to the Naked 2 palette as I feel it offers more natural, daywear colours, with the option of building on this to complete a smokey eye for night.

I do think the Naked 2 palette should come with a UD Primer Potion instead of the lipgloss, but then again it does have better packaging - the Naked palette attracts every bit of fluffy ever!

What's your thoughts on the Urban Decay Naked palettes?