Glossybox June 2013 Review

Helen É Cosmetics Lip Crayon in Red Carpet

This is my sort of product- high pigmentation and easy to add definition without the need for lip liner. It's the full size product (2g) which is always nice.

I had never heard of Helen É Cosmetics before but a quick Google search will tell you they have a strong fan base even if the brand isn't huge. I really liked this item- the colour is divine, it's easy to apply and has a beautiful opaque matt finish (sometimes I find even matt items can be quite sheer). Unfortunately this doesn't have the staying power that would tempt me into a repurchase- between kisses and lunch the colour has completely faded within a few hours. I am unequivocally a lip stain girl.

You can purchase this item at the Helen E website for just £8 (a bargain, because other than the longevity it is a great item). Use discount code PR13 before 31 July for £10 off an order of £25 or more.

Figs & Rouge Coco Rose Lip Balm

This is a brand I've noticed but never actually purchased, I usually have a tin of rose Vaseline in my purse but this is an entirely natural product- no petroleum, no synthetic colours, no artificial scents. The Coco Rose lip balm has a subtle pink sheen and this is another full size item (12.5ml) with this month's Glossybox. It is perfect worn underneath lipstick or as a 2pm moisture slick when your lips are drying out and a high colour item will cause an uneven finish.

I'm already hooked and I will be happy to pay £5 for my next tube. It can also be used as a primer, cutical balm or moisturiser- although I wouldn't recommend it as it's quite sticky and glittery.

You can buy the balm tins at Boots or the whole range at Feel Unique.

Monu Professional Skincare Hydrating Moisturiser SPF 15

It would take a very special product to take me away from Lush's Gorgeous and sadly this isn't it.

The product is great and the sample size is a generous 30ml (full size is 50ml and has an RRP of £29.95). Unfortunately I have dry skin and this isn't rich enough for me. It does visibly improve the look of your skin and does help to even out skin tone and hide imperfections- and it's paraben free. I would recommend this to someone with normal skin but I think for those of us with either dry skin best stick to something designed with us in mind.

If you wish to purchase this Monu is offering 10% off until 1 October 2013, just enter Glossy1 at checkout.

MeMeMe Cosmetics Eye Inspire Mono Eyeshadow

As much as it pains me to admit it I think this could be an affordable alternative to Urban Decay's eyeshadows. With great pigmentation and only £4.99 per shadow I'm adding up all the money I've spent on Urban Decay over the years... quite scary when these have a very similar formula and staying power. In addition the glitter particles seem finer so the sparkles tend to stay on your eyelids instead of ending up everywhere after a few hours.

I was pleased to receive the full sized 'Ebony' a black glitter eye shadow- smokey eyes never get old. I'm disappointed that the brand is only stocked at Superdrug (which I rarely visit) or on the MeMeMe website but I would repurchase this (despite the limited colours). If you purchase from the site enter GBUK15 for 15% off before 30 June 2013.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum

I was so happy to see this item in my Glossybox, admittedly it was because I was running low on the Thermal Protection version of this product.

I have been a Frizz Ease fan since I had an ill thought out experience with Sun-In and ended up with horrible, coarse, frazzled hair. My mother, panicked at the disaster, actually started riffling through her cornucopia of beauty products and pulled out her expensive John Freda products that I had always been forbidden to use. Ever since I have been a convert and while I tend swap brands when it comes to high end shampoos and conditions, Frizz Ease Serum is a constant in my beauty cabinet.

This product tames frizz, smooths, adds shine and if you run out of conditioner, you can get away with a double helping of this instead. I thought the Original Serum was a very appropriate choice for the first Glossybox of summer because without this humidity would otherwise ruin my style. Buy it. £6.29 for 50ml (which will last longer than you think) from Boots but Glossybox were kind enough to include a 25ml sample.

If you want to be crude, this box cost only £10 plus P&P but the total RRP of the items was £39.10. I highly recommend Glossybox- you'll always have boxes that suit you more but I have yet to be disappointed.