Nails Of The Day - Milani 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer - 512 Cyberspace - Reshot And Rewritten

Before I start on a run of unboxings and reviews I thought I'd share another re shot and rewritten nails of the day post with you. I originally talked about, and bought this polish way back in 2010 from an American based website called Cherry Culture.

Cherry Culture was a brilliant site that used to stock brands like Beauty Blender, NYX and Milani, and ship them over to the UK, long before they available in UK stores. I bought quite a bit from the them but one of the brands that I really came to love was Milani. I was always really impressed with the quality and the prices were incredible. Alas Cherry Culture now only seems to stock their own brand of products but the good news is that we can get an all be it limited, and slightly more expensive than I remember, range of Milani products in the UK from various retailers including Boots, Beauty Bay and Just My Look.

Something that doesn't seem to have made the trip across the Atlantic though are their nail polishes, which is a real shame. I only own 4 or 5 of them but the quality was excellent and they were great value for money. You can still buy their nail polishes in a few countries but from the research that I've done, their 3D Holographic range seems to have been discontinued. As a result of that I wasn't too sure about whether I was going to share this with you again, but it's so beautiful I that think it's worth sharing.

Milani 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer in 512 Cyberspace, is a gorgeous light blue, that is crammed full of holographic sparkle. With a long thin brush, it applied like a dream, there was no bittiness, or patchiness, just a formula and a nice even finish. To achieve the full depth of sparkle and the colour that you can see here I applied around 2 - 3 coats on each nail. As a result it takes a little bit longer to apply but it dries quickly and it leaves such a smooth, glossy multi dimensional finish, that it's well worth taking a little bit longer to apply it properly.

Now being a holographic polish it changes colour slightly, and dances, and sparkles when it hits the light. I've taken all of the photos that you can see above in natural light, but like in the photographs below,  when you add a bit of sunlight, incandescent light or even a camera flash it comes to life

I really don't think any of my photographs do this polish justice, it's so sparkly and gorgeous, and the wear time was excellent too. In fact even though this particular bottle is nearly 10 years old now, it's as good if not better, than it ever was.

As I say there is probably no chance that you'll be able to get your hands on this one now, but thankfully holographic polishes are a lot more accessible than they used to be, so you should be able to get your hands on something similar. I actually have a few similar shades in my collection including a real beauty from Maggie Anne, that I'll be sharing with in some future nails of the day posts. It's still a shame that this particular range has been discontinued by Milani, and I really hope that they consider bringing not only this range back, but also bringing their nail polish range back to the UK. Are you an fan of holographic nail polishes? Let me know in the comments x

Trimming My Stash - September 2019 Edition - Empties And Mini Reviews*

I think am at the stage in my life when I should just stop making plans. I've talked so much lately about about getting back on track when it comes to blogging, and what happens? A fibromyalgia  / CFS flare / weird virus puts every single thing that I've tried to do in the last fortnight on the back burner. It seems like I've spent most of the last week or so in bed, and whilst I'm still feeling way less than 100%, touch wood, I'm feeling well enough at the moment to do a little bit of work so I thought I'd take you back a month, to look at September's beauty empties.

Original Source Hydrating Water Infusions Raspberry & Rose Water Shower Gel - 250ml
Primark PS...Cuticle Oil - 10ml
Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand And Nail Balm - 30ml
AVON Advance Techniques Anti Hair Fall Shampoo - 250ml
Philip Kingsley Elderflower And Rhubarb Body Building Shampoo - 500ml
AVON K Beauty Sugar Maple Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask - 1 x Mask
Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Corrector Pen
Primark PS...It's Oil Good Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25 Wipes
Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid - 010 - Ivory - 30ml
Boots Botanics All Bright Micellar 3 In 1 Cleansing Solution - 250ml
XBC XPEL Body Care Olive Exfoliating Foot Pack - 1 x Treatment

Total - 11 Items 

Even despite the fact that I've been so poorly this post seems to have taken forever to write. It's taken a lot of planning and lot of research, because I managed to finish a whopping 11 beauty products in September, which is by far my best performance of 2019 so far. It wasn't just the number of items that I finished though it was also the variety of items that I finished. I finished a really nice assortment of skincare, hair care and body care items, and I even managed to finish a make up product -go me!

1. Original Source Hydrating Water Infusions Raspberry & Rose Water Shower Gel - 250ml

The first product was a shower gel that I received in the April 2019 Fruity Or Floral edition of Glossybox UK. You can read a full review here and even though it didn't smell quite like I expected it to, it had a nice fresh, almost green scent, it foamed well and it didn't leave my skin tight or dry. It was also really economical to use, but if you're interested in trying it for yourself then I would definitely shop around, I've seen this particular scent in a variety of stores, including Asda, Boots, Superdrug and Poundland, at various price points ranging from £1 - £2.29.

2. Primark PS...Cuticle Oil - 10ml

Yes I finished another bottle of my go to cuticle oil. At around £1 a bottle it's probably cheaper than a bag of chips and it works. I've got about 1/4 of a bottle of this , and about 1/3 of a bottle of OPI Avoplex remaining so I think I'm going to need to purchase a couple of back up bottles sooner rather than later.

3. Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand And Nail Balm - 30ml

Next up another hand product and this was a product that I received in the 2015 Marks and Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar (You can read my unboxing posts here and here). I think that this was the first ever product that I've tried from heritage French fragrance brand Roger & Gallet, and it was a nice introduction.

Containing Shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and aloe vera, and fragranced with fig leaves, fig milk, and cedar wood, this formulation is free from colouring, parabens and silicone's. Despite the fact that it had a very rich and creamy texture it actually absorbed into the skin really quickly, leaving an almost protective but non sticky matte finish, I loved how moisturised and hydrated it made my skin feel and I loved the fruity floral, almost expensive fragrance type scent. I would definitely consider repurchasing this particular product. It's available on it's own for around £6.50 from various retailers including Escentual and Look Fantastic, and in a variety of gift sets from stores including John Lewis and Marks and Spencer.

4. AVON Advance Techniques Anti Hair Fall Shampoo - 250ml

I'm a big fan of AVON as a brand but seriously they are probably the worst brand out there for discontinuing products! So many good products have been and gone over the years and now you can throw my favourite shampoo and conditioner into the mix!

I've been using their Anti Hair Fall range for a few years now and despite their relatively small price tag this range has made a real difference to my hair, so much so in fact that I can actually tell when I haven't been using it. Containing keratin, argan and bamboo extract, this shampoo smells gorgeous, and it works. Alas it seems to be no more, and it's started to appear in their sale supplements, so if you want to try then grab it while you can. From what I can gather it has two potential replacements, the new Loss Control range, and the new Reconstruction range. I've bought a few bottles to try but I've also stocked up on the Anti Hair Fall range just in case. Why AVON? Why?

5. Philip Kingsley Elderflower And Rhubarb Body Building Shampoo - 500ml

Now despite my loyalty to the Anti Hair Fall range, I do tend to switch hair care brands quite a lot, I love trying new things, and I'm always on the look out for the next wonder product. Another brand that I keep coming back to is trichology brand Philip Kingsley. Whilst Elasticizer is my real love,  I'm more than happy to use whatever comes my way.

I reviewed the original Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo back in November 2015, after receiving a pack of goodies from the lovely people at Philip Kingsley (read my review here) and whilst this product is basically the same it's just that little bit extra special.

It has the same volumising and lifting properties as the original only with a gorgeous fresh, and fruity rhubarb and elderflower scent. It was a lovely shampoo, you need such a small amount this huge salon size lasted for ages, and the gorgeous scent lingered on the hair for at least a day or two. Alas this particular scent is no longer available but every now and then Philip Kingsley do limited edition scents like this one, that are either QVC UK exclusives, or that launch first on their regular beauty shows. This years exclusive scent seems to be Rose & Lychee and the range is still available on QVC UK.

6. AVON K Beauty Sugar Maple Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask - 1 x Mask

Next up another product up from AVON and another one that now seems relegated to the sale brochure. From AVON's K Beauty range, this clear hydrogel mask contains coconut extract, coconut oil, Shea butter and aloe vera, it also contains sugar maple extract, which contains natural source AHA's to help remove dead skin, and to leave the skin dewy, hydrated, and with a luminous glow.

This is a two piece mask - one half for the top of the face, and the other half for the bottom of your face. All you have to do is peel the sticky gel masks from the plastic backing, and apply them to clean, dry skin for around 10 minutes.

Unlike a lot of paper and fabric masks, you don't get any drips but even though these masks adhere to the skin quite well, it's better to lie down during the treatment to not only keep the mask in place but also to take some out to relax and enjoy the treatment.

This mask had quite a sweet, almost coconut and vanilla scent. It felt slightly cool on application but it warmed up slightly on contact with the skin. and the gel almost seemed to dry out as time passed.

Like all hydrogel masks it was really easy to remove, there was quite a bit of moisture left on the skin but it massaged into the skin quite easily, and it absorbed pretty quickly, although it left a slightly sticky residue. My skin looks slightly pink in the picture but it felt really refreshed and hydrated, and it looked a bit plumper and as if I'd just applied a moisturiser. The regular price for this mask is £3.50 but as I say I spotted it in the latest sale supplement for £1.75.

7. Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Corrector Pen

Now I found this a few months ago whilst I was searching through my skincare stash, and since I'm so bad at applying eyeliner I thought I'd dig it out and give it a try. Basically what it is is a felt tip pen filled with, or soaked in eye make up remover. The double ended pointy nib was perfect for removing mascara smudges and for correcting wobbly liner. Unfortunately it dried out quite quickly and as you can see it got quite dirty. Yes you can use a cotton bud or even a make up brush soaked in make up remover, but the point and the portable nature of this pen made it a really useful item, all be it one that didn't last that long. Unfortunately this pen appears to have been discontinued but I'm sure I have something similar, somewhere in my beauty stash.

8. Primark PS...It's Oil Good Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25 Wipes

I've been shooting an awful lot of make up swatches over the last month or so, for some long promised and long overdue blog posts, and these tea tree based wipes have proved invaluable.  That said as devoted as I am to these wipes I'm really trying to get out of this "wipe" habit, so whilst I will definitely be picking up some more on my next Primark trip I feel that my love affair with these bargain wipes is nearing its end.

9. Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid - 010 - Ivory - 30ml

At last a make up item! Although I think I received this particular Italian branded bottle in a swap, this is a foundation that I've actually used on and off for a few years now, and it's one that I quite like. It has a nice texture, and it almost seems to even out my complexion, my pores don't look quite so obvious and the general texture and tone of my skin seems to look and feel smoother and more even. Apparently it's ideal for drier skin but I still like the finish and it wore pretty well on my oilier skin, all be it underneath several dustings of loose power. This particular colour was a touch warm for my skin tone, but it worked pretty well in the summer months, and with a bit of fake tan. I've got lots of foundations to use up including a few real loves so I won't be repurchasing in the the near future but that's not to say that I wouldn't buy it again.

10. Boots Botanics All Bright Micellar 3 In 1 Cleansing Solution - 250ml

Now I've had a mixed relationship with the Boots Botanics range over the years, and I still haven't quite forgiven them for meddling with one of my all time favourite eye make up removers (read my posts here  and here). Recently they've redeemed themselves slightly with their Cleansing Toner but when it comes to my eyes I'm still a little bit wary but giving them the benefit of the doubt I gave this a try.

I think I got it in a subscription box, and apparently it's one of the best sellers from the Botanics range. It's alcohol free, and it contains hibiscus and AHA's . It cleansed my skin with no problem, it was fine at removing make up, and it left my skin clean, fresh and bright. It did make my eyes sting a bit though so as I tend to use micellar waters all over my face, I probably wouldn't repurchase but it wasn't bad. If you're interested in trying it for yourself it retails at around £5.49 in Boots.

11. XBC XPEL Body Care Olive Exfoliating Foot Pack - 1 x Treatment

Finally a foot product, and I think I originally bought this in Bargain Buys, but apparently it's also available from various other retailers including Savers, Poundstretcher, and ebay. I can't remember how much I paid for it but I don't think it will have been much more than a pound or so. I originally bought this as a moisturising foot pack but even though it actually says the word exfoliating on the packet I didn't realise it was an actual foot peel!

"Formulated to moisturise and reduce callus build up, and cracked heels" the pouch contains a pair of plastic socks with a paper /  fibre lining, and adhesive  fastening strips for a secure fit. Containing mulberry extract, olive extract, rose flower oil and pomegranate oil, these socks had a lovely, slightly astringent apple like, fruity scent. The inside of the socks was very wet. After putting them onto clean, dry feet, my skin immediately felt slightly warm, and tingly, which should have been the first clue that these weren't moisturising socks!

After 20 minutes, which is quite a short amount of time for peeling socks, you take off the stocks, and also quite strangely for peeling socks, you don't need to rinse your feet. My feel looked slightly pink, and whilst my heels definitely looked less dry, they was no real difference moisture wise. I was pretty non plussed at this point because it still hadn't clicked that this was a foot peel, and then less a week later, this happened!

Apologies for the gross foot pack, but yes less than a week later all of the dry skin started peeling off the soles of my feet. The peeling process lasted for about a week. My notoriously dry heels, were still slightly cracked but my feet were generally a lot smoother, and the other calloused areas had all but disappeared.

Despite my initial confusion when buying and using this product, I am so, so happy with it. I used quite a few of these peeling products now and a lot of the more expensive ones haven't worked any where near as well as this one did. For the price, the performance, and the scent I really can't recommend these enough and I will definitely be making a repurchase.

So they were my very late September empties. I hope they were worth waiting for, as I said I finished a nice amount, and a nice variety of items. With only a few days left of October I don't think it's been anywhere near as successful a month as September was, but I can at least promise you that the post will be up a bit quicker than this one was x If you have any questions or comments let me know and I'll try and get back to you as quickly as I can, and I will see you soon with another post x

*The Post Contains Both Affiliate And Non Affiliate Links 

Collaborative / Partnered Post - Taking Your Summer Wardrobe Into Autumn*

I don't know what the weather's been like where you are today, but here in my little corner of Co Durham the sun has been shining, but there has been a definite nip in the air. With pumpkins in the shops, and fallen leaves on the ground there is no doubt that we're now well into Autumn, and Summer is nothing more than a distant memory.

When it comes to Autumn in the UK the change in temperature can often be a gradual one, so in this era of cutting back, buying less, and wearing more, there are often ways and means of wearing at least some of those summer favourites, well into October and November. In this post I'm going to share with you just some of the clothing items that you can adapt for the slightly colder months, and if you can't resist the lure of the shops I'm going to talk about some the key items you could add to take you summer wardrobe into October, November and beyond.

1. Maxi Dresses

Now I've got to say that the only maxi dresses I own are very, very summery but if you have something in a warmer, toned plain colour, or in one of this summers popular nature and leaf designs, or even something in an animal print, then there is no reason why you couldn't continue wearing it into the autumn months, it's all about how you style it. By wearing a top underneath it or by pairing a maxi dress with a short, chunky cardigan or even with a leather jacket and boots, you'll definitely be able to get a few more wears out of it before the year is out.

2. Add Tights

Tights are a secret weapon for transitioning weather, and you can use them to make almost any summer outfit suited to the season. If you have a dress you still want to wear, adding tights will bring some warmth and also will allow you to add an autumn twist to a summer dress. There are so many colours and patterns in tights now that there really are no rules and no boundaries. Team a short floral patterned skirt with tights and boots, or even team up a denim skirt with tights and a chunky knit, for a cosy take on Autumn style. As well as tights, don't forget about leggings, yes you can wear them on their own but if a dress is too short to wear on its own in the colder months, add a pair of leggings to create another look, and to add an extra layer of warmth.

3. Layer Up

Speaking of layers, adding extra layers is the easiest way to turn a summer outfit into an Autumn and Winter one. As a curvy girl, especially, I'm a huge fan of layering, I don't really separate my wardrobe into seasons, I wear certain things like t-shirts and vests all year round, I just add an extra layer, be it a cardigan or a scarf or even another t-shirt. Layering is definitely something to think about when you're thinking about your outfits for autumn, you can layer a shorter dress with a chunky cardigan or a thicker jacket, and create a look that is in keeping with both new season trends, and the changing temperatures. As well as other clothing items like cardigans, and jumpers, also think about your accessories when it comes to layering and making an old item of clothing more relevant. I am a huge scarf fan, and they are great for layering and of course for providing a much needed layer of warmth when the weather turns. I have a lot of different ones in different fabrics, patterns and thicknesses and they can really add the finishing touch to any outfit

4. Get a statement jacket

Layering is such a huge part of autumn fashion and it is something you always want to consider in that transitional warm / cold period. Chunky cardigans and even coatigans are all well and good but sometimes only a jacket will do. Now sometimes a waterproof jacket is the only way to go, but on those bright but chilly days, you need a good jacket or coat to not only keep you warm but also to pull your outfit together Choosing a statement jacket or coat isn't easy though there are so many different style to choose from, but there are a few fail safes, that never seem to go out of style

• A military jacket to layer over skinny jeans and vests

• A leather jacket which will go over dresses, Tops and jeans, and skirts

• A trench coat to layer over a simple outfit for a protective layer

• A bomber jacket to layer over jeans and sporty outfits

• A cropped blazer - A twist on the classic for a formal look or perfect for the office

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have at least a couple of these options already in your wardrobe, I know I do, but if you don't shop around, charity shops, and resellers are great for more classic styles, and you'll definitely find something suitable on the high street no matter what your budget. Even if you're trying to cut back and cut down on the amount of clothes that you buy, a good coat in a classic style, and colour is always a worthwhile investment.

5. Use deep colours 

When transitioning from summer to autumn style, the biggest difference that you will normally see on the high street is colour. Whilst, there will always be exceptions what was once a sea of yellows, pinks, greens, and blues, pastels and neons, is now a world of reds, oranges, browns, and purples. Yes, you can wear what ever colour you like when you like, but there is no denying that the traditional Autumn colour palette, that reflects the changing leaves, just makes you feel warm and cosy. Colour wise I'm a real Autumn girl, there are so many beautiful colours around at the moment ranging from mustard's, to terracotta, and wines, that adding even a tiny splash to any outfit will definitely give it that fall vibe. If deeper, warmer toned shades in clothing aren't for you though, don't worry, switch up your colours in another way, and add some warm bronzes, and coppers to your eye make up routine, and add a berry, or a warmer toned lip, and you're Autumn ready in a flash

Like so many people now I'm trying to buy less and wear more. Clothes don't have to be a one wear or one season wonder, it's all about how you style it and how you wear it. Treat your own wardrobe like you would a shop, pull out an item wear it differently, and experiment with your style. If you feel that your wardrobe is lacking something, go out and buy it, but think about what you're buying, how often you're going to wear it, and how you're going to wear it. I've bought a few items in Autumnal colours lately (outfit posts coming soon eek), that fit in with lots of other items in my wardrobe, I know I'll wear them, and they are different from lots of things that I already own. A change in season doesn't necessarily mean that you need a whole new wardrobe, add the odd piece and restyle pieces that you already own x What are your favourite fashion pieces for Autumn? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

Unboxing Pink Parcel UK - September 2019 Edition - Urban Tribe Edit*

I've had so many good intentions lately when it comes to blogging, but as per usual nothing has gone to plan, so I'm playing catch up again. I've got a couple of posts that should have been up last month to do and then 'hopefully' I can get myself back on track.

My first catch up post is a very later review and unboxing of September's Pink Parcel. Septembers box came in the traditional grey and pink outer packaging, and again the boxes inside were a combination of old style Pink Parcel, and Betty Box boxes, with a nice pink leaf design fabric pouch.

Apparently this is the last time that we're going to see any of the old style packaging. I haven't received my October box yet but apparently October's box will be all shiny and new, with a new design, and more environmentally friendly packaging. I haven't seen any October unboxings so far, and I haven't see any hint so I excited to see what Pink Parcel have came up with.

Now I mentioned in my review of August's box that I'd received an email from Pink Parcel telling me that my chosen sanitary products were being discontinued, so I had to go onto the website and reselect another product. In the last few boxes I've received a mixture of brands which probably down the my chosen items been discontinued but in this box, everything that I got was what I'd requested from Bodyform, and again I received 24 items in total.

Before I get into the contents of my "For You" box in one of the pictures above you have noticed something extra in my box, now I don't know if this was just a randomly picked extra, or if it was something that every subscriber received because it wasn't mentioned in the official contents email, but whatever the circumstances it was something that I was happy to get, and happy to try.

Hairflick Hair Vitamins - 1 Week Travel Pack

Although I think that I eat a fairly balanced diet, thanks to illness and medications, I don't always think that it reflects that well in my hair, skin, nails, and in my general appearance. My hair in particular always seems to bear the brunt of my flares, and as a result I'm always on the look out for treatments, shampoos, and conditioners to help tame, and heal my tresses, but lately I've actually been thinking about whether topical treatments really are the only solution, and I've been looking into whether or not food supplements or vitamins could help.

The trouble is though a lot of these supplements contain either animal or fish gelatine, or collagen from shellfish neither of which I eat as a lacto ovo vegetarian. Thankfully though these hair gummies from model and reality star Amy Willerton are cruelty free, gluten free and they are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Containing biotin, folic acid and essential vitamins, they have been extensively third party tested and claim to improve hair growth, strength and health, and to help repair damage and breakage.

All you need to do is just chew two of these super cute star shaped gummy, chews a day. They have a lovely fruity blue raspberry flavour so it's really no hardship - they are so nice you honestly wouldn't realise that they were vitamins.

It's really hard to tell whether or not they work for just one weeks supply but my curiosity has been sparked, and I'm definitely considering trying at least a month's course in the future. One months supply has a recommended retail price of £19.99 direct from Hairflick.

So that was a nice little extra but there were also some pretty nice things in the "For You" box. the theme of September's box was the Urban Tribe Edit, which was all about leaving summer, and holidays behind, and getting back to basics and back to the grind stone.

So Susan Cosmetics Dream Maker Light-Shifting Highlighting Cream - Private Jet - 10ml - Full Size - RRP $29

The first official item in the September box was an item from subscription box favourite brand, So Susan. They used to be pretty much a mainstay brand but I actually haven't had anything from them in a while so it was nice to receive a new item from them.

The brand tag line for So Susan is "where colour meets science" and all of their products all contain some form of skincare grade ingredients. They are  also a cruelty free, and vegan brand that is PETA certified, their products also contain no mineral oil no parabens, no gluten, and no phthalates, and they are also hypoallergenic and non comedogenic.

I do love a highlighter and this one is just that little bit special - according to So Susan, this is a cream - gel hybrid, that contains an ultra concentrated mix of mica and holographic rainbow particles, that adapt to the skin tone for that finish shade and finish. As well as that this product also contains Bioactive Tetrapeptide 21, and edelweiss but of which are antioxidants and help to brighten the skin and fight the appearance of fatigue.

Sound good but what does it look like? Well the shade I received was Private Jet, which is officially described as a Champagne Sparkle. 

I must admit I doesn't look too much here, but apply this ivory coloured, cream highlighter where ever you would normally apply your highlighter or even mix it in to your moisturiser and foundation and then see the magic happen.

The result is a gorgeous lit from within, brightening multi dimensional shimmer, that adds not only a beautiful highlight but it almost seems to enliven and waken up the skin.

In the pictures below I've used it over a foundation and a loose powder, which probably wasn't the best idea as it did separate and go slightly patchy. As I say it has a creamy texture, but it isn't too wet or sticky but I still think that it would probably work best over just foundation or tinted moisturiser, or even just on top of your skin care or even on your bare skin.

Natural Light

With Flash

I am slightly irritated by the fact that I just can't seem to do this stuff justice in any of my photographs, it really does have an almost holographic, multi dimensional radiance tonight, that I really can't capture. I'm a huge highlighter fan and this is a really pretty one. You can buy it and the several other shades that it comes in directly from So Susan for around $29.

BLUE IRON Liquid Iron Supplement - 30ml

As I said earlier as a vegetarian I'm always conscious about what I eat and my vitamin and mineral intake - a lot of vegetarians can lack vitamin B12 or Iron but touch wood I've never had any issues with either of those, sometimes though especially at that TOTM I do feel a bit more sluggish, and tired than normal, so I usually try and up my vegetable and pulse intake. A lot of people though take some sort of supplement and the next item in the box is a perfect boost for when your feeling tired and under the weather.

BLUE IRON is a liquid iron supplement that combines nordic blueberries, which are full of vitamins and antioxidants. with a liquid Fe3+ Iron Supplement. The addition of the blueberries apparently makes it taste better than a lot of iron supplements, and it also apparently has no gastrointestinal side effects. Adding a bit of extra iron to your diet can reduce tiredness and fatigue, and boost energy.

This sample contained 30ml - As an adult BLUE IRON recommend a daily serving on 10ml, so that was 3 days worth. It had quite a pleasant fruity taste at first but it did have quite a metallic aftertaste which I wasn't as keen on.

If I did need an iron supplement I would definitely consider taking something like this as opposed to take yet more tablets. I also like the idea of the extra vitamins from the blueberries. A full 330ml bottle retails at around £14.99 direct from BLUE IRON.

Natura Potato & Parsley Infused Under Eye Mask - 1 x Pair - 3g

Beauty Pro are another subscription box favourite, and this particular product comes from their Natura line. It isn't a face mask this time though it's another eye mask. I've has a couple in various subscription boxes lately but this is the first one that I've actually managed to try. 

From the Natura line which is suitable for vegans, these under eye masks are designed to brighten and rejuvenate the under eye area, and to reduce darkness and puffiness. They contain potato and parsley, as well as aloe vera and eucalyptus extract. 

This sachet contained a single pair of hydro gel masks, the masks were sandwiched between two thing sheets of plastic but unfortunately my masks had slipped out and were actually stuck to the inside of the packet!

I do love the feel of a hydro gel mask and these were no exception - They were nice and wet, and they actually stuck to the skin quite easily and they stayed put. They felt nice and cool when they were initially applied, but they gradually warmed up, and dried out slightly on contact with the skin. They had a nice slightly herbal, eucalyptus based scent but it wasn't too strong, and it didn't cause my eyes to water or sting.

Natura advise that you leave the masks in place for around 20 minutes, I probably left mine on for nearly 30 and it didn't cause any problems. They were really easy to peel off and there was very little if any visible residue remaining on the skin, the skin did feel tacky for a couple of minutes afterwards though.

I'm kind of annoyed that I didn't take any before pictures so you can't see a true comparison. You can still see a bit of darkness and puffiness in the after picture but it was a definite improvement. My eye area looked and felt more refreshed and I definitely didn't look as tired. I can't give a price estimate on these as they are normally sold in packs of 3 but if you fancy trying them yourselves a pack of 3 retails at around £5.95 direct from Beauty Pro, and from Feel Unique.

Mane Club Cha Ching 5 In 1 Deep Conditioner - Scent Berry Rich - 50g - Full Size - RRP £2.99

Something else that seems to be a pretty regular item in the beauty based subscription box is the hair mask, I've had so many lately but I love trying new ones. Alas I'm in the middle of trying out some new products for a future review so I haven't tried this one yet but I'll let you know my thoughts on this one when I do x Every Pink Parcel subscriber received one of 6 hair masks from Mane Club in their September box, and the one that I got was Cha Ching  - Berry Rich Scent. 

Mane Club are a New York City based indie, haircare brand. As well as being fun and affordable their products are also cruelty free and junk free. Not tested on animals, all of their products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, drying alcohol, and artificial colours.

This 5 in 1 hair mask that claims to condition, tame frizz, strengthen, to repair and to add shine, has a rose, raspberry and vanilla scent, and contains plum and pomegranate extract, grape seed oil, and wine extract. As I say I haven't tried this yet but I'll let you know my thoughts in a future empties post. Mane Club products are available in Boots and this particular sachet retails at £2.99

Avant Skincare Supreme Hyaluronic Acid Antioxidising Duo Moisturiser - 10ml

Next up a product from a brand that I've discovered in a big way this year, Avant Skincare. I've received a couple of their products in various editions of Glossybox including the Avant Skincare Pro Perfecting Collagen Primer Touche Eclat that I got in the June edition, and the Avant Skincare Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face & Eye Night Cream, that I received in the January edition, and I have to say my opinions have been pretty favourable. I like the products but the price tag puts me off. For that reason though I'm really pleased that Pink Parcel have jumped on the Avant bandwagon all be it with a pretty small sample size.

Containing hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to help plump, moisturise and restore the skins natural glow, and avocado to hydrate and soothe, this moisturiser aims to prevent the signs of ageing and nourish the skin from within whilst at the same time combating enlarged pores, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone.

Designed to be used morning and evening after the corresponding serum, this product is pale blue in colour, has a fresh green smell, and it has a cream / gel texture. It's not the most moisturising cream that I've ever used and it doesn't have the most slip to it but it's perfect if you have an oilier skin, it sinks in quickly, and it leaves the skin smooth and with a nice matte finish that would be an ideal base for make up. If you have a drier skin or if you like a heavier, more moisturised feel then I don't think that this would be enough for you, Avant recommend that you use it alongside the corresponding serum, which may make a difference. If you have an oilier skin though and you want a moisturiser that's hydrating, without being oily or heavy then this could be worth trying.

I can't find a price for this sample size but as you've probably gathered this product is a little bit on the pricey side the full 50ml size retails at £100 from various retailers including direct from Avant, and also Fragrance Direct, Beauty Expert and Look Fantastic.

Doisy & Dom Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa, Maca, Vanilla, & Cacoa Nibs - 25g

Mmmm chocolate, I don't whether it's down to vitamin deficiencies or just a general mehhh mood, but I always want chocolate when I have my period - any old chocolate will do but good quality stuff just seems to hit the spot just that little bit better.

Doisy & Dam pride themselves on their high quality, ethical and sustainable chocolate creations. They produce "healthier" chocolate that contains no more than 8 ingredients in every bar as well less sugar and fat, and every bar contains some form of super food.

All of their dark bars are vegan including this one which combines slightly bitter dark chocolate, with crunchy cacao nibs,  a hint of sweet vanilla and the kick of maca root.

It was a nice rich, quality chocolate, it was slightly bitter but it was balance out with the merest hint of vanilla, and some slightly fruity notes. The cacao nibs were a nice addition, and added a nice crunch and a slight nuttiness - kind of like fruit and nut but better for you!

I can't find a price for this size bar on its own but a pack of 7, 25g bars in all of their flavours retails at £8 direct from Doisy & Dam. The range is also available from selected retailers including Amazon, and Holland & Barrett.

Offblak Generation T Future Is Pink - Earl Grey & Rose - 1 x 2.5g Whole Leaf Pyramid Tea Bag 

As well as containing a £5 off voucher to join the Offblak T-Club subscription box scheme, September's Pink Parcel also gave you a chance to try one of Offblak's signature tea blends.

Offblak's have a no BS approach to healthy lifestyle tea, and their whole brand aims is to inspire creativity, and a creative lifestyle. It's not just tea it's about a lifestyle so it's basically trendy, tea for the Instagram generation. 

As well as the newly launched tea subscription box that I've just mentioned Offblak also sell a good range of teas and infusions including this high caffeine black tea, that combines the traditional flavours of Earl Grey, with lemon peel, lemon grass and rose petals.

Now Mummy Lou is a huge Earl Grey fan so instead of having to steal this I'm actually going to be a good daughter and I'm going to give it to her. A one off pack of 12 pyramid tea bags retails at £4.99, but can also sign up for subscriptions are regular deliveries on the Offblak website.

Although I'm really late in talking about it I'm actually really pleased with the September 2019 edition of Pink Parcel. The contents was well thought out and it was perfect for recharging, reviving and regrouping. The stand out products for me were the Hairflick gummies, and of course the So Susan highlighter. Hopefully I'll be a bit quicker in posting Octobers contents than I was with this one, and with the new box design, and make up items from Cougar and Laritzy. I'm already looking forward to it. If you fancy trying Pink Parcel for yourself, have a look at their website via this link to find out more, and to subscribe x Thanks for reading and I'll see you soon with another post x

*This Post Contains Both Affiliate And Non Affiliate Links