REVIEW || BIRCHBOX - 6 MONTHS OF USE - IS IT REALLY WORTH THE HYPE? I THINK NOT!

Hi Dolls!

I've always wanted to try out a subscription beauty box and after a long session of choosing the one most suitable for me, I decided to try out Birchbox. At first, I thought I'll go for one month and then it led to another and again and again. Now I'm stuck with 6 boxes and will talk through each one in detail with what I love/hate about it.

Let's get into it!

February Birchbox: my first ever Birchbox would have been a very big disappointment if it wasn't for the Spectre Tapered Brush. The contents of this box are so dire and not worth the price (no matter what the booklet says). The biggest disappointment had to be the shower gel and hair spray however, I was pleased with the face brush and perfume sample.

March Birchbox: This one was slightly better, I really loved the lip balm which was actually by Birchbox's own brand called Arrow. Next thing I enjoyed using was the brow fibres gel and the hair mask sample. 

April Birchbox: Hm, to be honest this one really disappointed me. I was really looking forward to receiving the 'Dew The Hoola' sample but instead I got given BadGal Lash? Which is an OK product, but come on now... What beauty blogger wouldn't want to try the latest beauty item released by one of their favourite brands? This actually forced me to go out and buy the full size Dew The Hoola which I hated and am selling on my Depop haha... (Waste of money). However, I did really enjoy using the Beaver products (this came with a hair mask but I had used it before taking the pic, soz!), the combo made my hair feel super smooth and easy to manage the next day.

May Birchbox: HUGE disappointment if you ask me.. The only good thing about this was the beauty sponge which actually isn't half bad, but nothing amazing compared to my complexion sponge by Real Techniques. I was sad to find out I didn't win a holiday as well :(

June Birchbox: I think I was mostly looking forward to the box itself rather than the products hahaha! I mean, I love all things pineapple and palm tree related but just look at the items in this box.. Crap aren't they? The eyeliner is okay, the hairspray I've tried before so I knew what to expect (it's actually really good), and the rest I haven't tried yet so can't judge but I don't know if I'll like them as the scent isn't the best haha.

July Birchbox: Now, this one got me excited! I love John Frieda products, so this was already a win-win situation for me, and then the mini Nails Inc product! Oooh such a pretty shade for the summer!

Overall, I don't think I'll be coming back to Birchbox unless they do a special deal for bloggers who want to try new products as I felt like this was over priced for what you got. Majority of the sample sized products they sent out were ones you could pick up at a John Lewis or Boots counter for free..

Definitely not worth the hype - sorry guys.

Have you tried a monthly subscription? What did you think of it?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

LOTD - COSY AUTUMN/FALL LINGERIE & PERFECT NIGHT IN

Notice how I've said "LOTD" instead of "OODT"? Well, the "L" stands for Lingerie - because why wouldn't we want to shout out the most beautiful pieces we've come across?

This gorgeous lingerie set was bought from H&M in the sale, and I think I only paid £10 for it! It is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the lace detail on the back, it makes me feel super sexy when I wear it and that's what we should all feel like when wearing pretty underwear! 

I know that comfort is a big thing for most (including me) but you can honestly buy pretty bras and knickers that are just as comfortable as the 'old granny pants'.

I would definitely pair this set with a sheer baggy jumper/sweater and leggings during the day, and just wear it as it is or with a baggy shirt in the evening for the ultimate comfort! - can't go wrong having a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book either! I'm currently reading The Hobbit, as I've been meaning to for a while now as well as being a huge fan of Bilbo Baggins! I also love candles, especially during this season as I feel like it's socially acceptable to light them every day/night and wear cute fluffy or frilly socks all the time! My go-to Autumn fragrance has to be Alien by Thierry Mugler, I'm so sad that I'm running out of it now :(

This post is in collaboration with Adore Me (you can find my previous post with them here). Adore Me is an online shop that sells the most gorgeous lingerie, including pyjamas and they've been shooting a really exciting commercial for their new launch of sportswear which is due to come out this October! Oooh how exciting!  - you can check their Insta account for more info!

What makes you feel sexy during Autumn time? How would you pair up this gorgeous lingerie set? What's your 'perfect night in'? 

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || LOOK INCREDIBLE BEAUTY BOX UNBOXING & FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Who doesn't love avoid old subscription box? Especially if it includes high end beauty products. Well, I couldn't resist and I just had to get my hands on a Look Incredible Beauty Box a few months ago. I believe, I got this back in April so this post is just a little bit late... But it doesn't mean that my opinions have changed on it.

I liked the packaging, I think the box looked very sleek and classy. What I disliked the most about it was that the logo was stuck on with a sticker and not imprinted - kind of tacky if you ask me, especially as it was stuck in wonky! 

For £18.99 I did not expect anything amazing, but I did receive an £86 worth of makeup so I was pretty happy, even though they're not exactly what I would usually go for but then again, that's what beauty boxes are all about - experimenting with new products.

This is how the box looked like when I opened it and to be honest with you, I was really disappointed that it was packaged neatly and the products bashed about as there wasn't enough tissue paper now bubble wrap. The products themselves weren't that great. The nail varnishes weren't somethings I usually go for so they're still untouched. The brush is quite soft and dense so it's perfect for bronzing my face. The blusher is not that great, I don't like the colour very much as I feel like it's too bright for me and it's quite chalky so it's not the best - you can find it on my Depop here. The Mac patent lip polish is alright, it's moisturise and the colour is pretty but I've only swatched it as I don't know if I'll get much wear out of it (this is also listed in my Depop). And last but not least, the Korres eyeshadow primer - it's a good product but I don't think it's worth £15, I'd rather stick to my Mac painterly paint pot!

Have you purchased a Look Incredible Box before? If so, what piece was your favourite and what did you think of the box as a whole? Would you recommend any subscription boxes?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

WISHLIST || CASUAL SPORTY LATE SUMMER/AUTUMN OUTFIT FT H&M

Who doesn't love a comfy casual, yet glam outfit? Especially, in those cold Summer nights and upcoming Autumn. Oh, how I love Autumn! I cannot wait for the long walks at the park in the beautiful orange and brown colours, big cups of hot chocolate, Yankee candles and Halloween of course!

H&M has been one of my favourite shops for quite some time now and I've been loving their new Autumn range. the burgundies, greys and powder pinks are coming back - but then again, have they ever left?

I've put this one outfit together as I thought it was absolutely gorgeous and so on trend right now that it'd be a crime not to share it with you all!

Bomber Jacket £24.99, High Waisted Jeans £7.99, Trainers £19.99, T-shirt £9.99, Sunglasses £6.99

What do you think of this outfit? What's your favourite piece? Would you like to see me wear something similar?

Lots of love,

Maya xo