MAY 2013 BIRCHBOX

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Moisturiser SPF8:

This is a product I'm really excited to try. I've heard a lot about this brand recently, especially from gh0stparties, so I've been meaning to pop up to Space NK to try it for a while, and now I don't have to! This is a really nice sized sample, so i should be able to give it a good testing. 

OPI Nail Laquer in Rosy Future (Sunny Fingers & Toes Miniature Set):

I am always happy to see an OPI in a beauty box! This little one is from the Sunny Fingers & Toes miniature set out at the moment, and its a lovely baby pink with a blue duo-chrome. It wouldn't be my first choice of colour, but it's nice for S/S so I'll give it a go!

B/Attitude Body Souffle:

I have so many body butters to use up at the moment but I don't mind trying a new one. This is a great sized sample and smells divine. I have yet to try it but I'll let you know how I get on!

Makebelieve Enhance Highlighter:

I have never heard of this brand before! I received a cream highlighter which is pretty exciting - I do love to see makeup in these boxes! The texture is quite thick and somewhat sticky, and there appears to be quite a lot of glitter in it. I don't know quite how good this will look on my skin but I will give it a go! If all else fails, I could always try using it as a cream shadow.

Doctor Duve Anti-Ageing & Firming Eye Cream:

Now we are onto the extras! This is the beauty extra included, 2 sachtes of the Doctor Duve eye cream. At first I was slightly put off by sachets, but to be fair they are 'extras', and when you look at the price of the full size product (£115!!), these are actually quite generous! This product isn't really aimed at me, but again, it is an extra so I can't complain!

Kusmi Tea:

Then we have the 'lifestyle' extra. I'm not a huge tea drinker but this does smell pretty damn nice, I might just have to give it a go! I like seeing these little lifestyle extras in the boxes, it adds a little something extra!

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What I've Been Wearing #8

JOUER REPLENISH AND PROTECT HYDRATING BRONZER:

This was a product that I'd heard a lot about but never really got around to looking at properly until I watched a recent Essiebutton video. She was talking about how she likes Nars Laguna, but finds it too dark during the winter months. She said that she prefers this Jouer bronzer for the rest of the time as it's lighter and more natural on her paler skin. I actually agree with this, I only wear Laguna out at night or during summer, and as I have a similar skin colour to her, if not lighter, I decided that I had to give this a go. It is gorgeous! I would say that it is slightly more orange-toned than Laguna, but as it isn't too pigmented, you're not going to look 'tango' unless you absolutely slap it on. Worth a try if you're a pale girl like me!

MAYBELLINE ROCKET VOLUME EXPRESS MASCARA:

Don't worry, Benefit's They're Real is still my favourite, but this week I've been experimenting with a few other mascaras. One that I've been quite liking is this one from Maybelline. When I first bought it, the consistency was too wet for my liking, but now that it has dried out, I am starting to like it better. It lengthens my lashes nicely and holds a curl without being clumpy. 

MILK_SHAKE CONDITIONING WHIPPED CREAM:

This is an item that I received in a Glossybox a while back and has just been sitting gathering dust. With all of these samples that you get, some just don't get the love that they deserve. Luckily I picked this up the other week and gave it a go. It is basically a leave in conditioner that comes out all foamy like whipped cream! It is nice and hydrating and does not weigh the hair down at all. Lovely jubley! 

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May 2013 Glossybox: Happy 2nd Birthday!

Hey guys, so as you can probably guess, today's post is about this months Glossybox! Glossybox is turning 2 this month which is pretty cool. This means that we got a few extra treats in out boxes. I'v had a quick play around with my items and look at other peoples boxes to compare. So, without further ado, let's get into it!

AWAPUHI WILD GINGER SHINE SPRAY (FULL SIZE):

If you've been following me for long, you will know that I love this range. I got the hai oil in one of the previous boxes and used every last bit of it up. Although I'm a bit sceptical about a product like a shine spray, I am looking forward to giving it a go. Plus when they say light-weight, they mean it! The mist is super fine. I am a bit gutted thought that the other hair product going around in other boxes this month was the Caudalie Divine Oil! Oh well, I'm sure I'll enjoy this!

COLLECTION FAST STROKE LINER (FULL SIZE):

Now I'm not sure if I would consider Collection as a high end brand (in fact, far from it), but I have heard good things about this product. It is tiny, which is great for travel purposes, has a sturdy tip, and is very black. Only time will tell with this product, although if I like it then I'm sure you'll hear about it!

HEADLINE COLOURS POLISH IN 'GUNMETAL' (FULL SIZE):

This is a company that I haven't hear of before. I received this lovely gunmetal colour called, well, 'Gunmetal' (imaginative naming there!) I have yet to try this out so I can't comment on wear time of application, but I'm sure I will do a 'nail of the day' post about it when I finally try it out. It costs £9 so it should be pretty good!!

JELLY PONG PONG FAIRY LASHES MASCARA (FULL SIZE):

I'm not sure about this one! Firstly, I've never really been a fan of Jelly Pong Pong products in the past and secondly, it feels pretty cheap (despite costing £15!). However, I shall not knock it until I try it. However, I am pretty picky with mascaras so I won't hold my breath! 

BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENTS PRIME & CREATE MIXING MEDIUM:

The next product is a bit of a strange one! From what I can work out, it both a primer and a mixing medium. This intrigues me! It is aloe vera based - which is moisturising for the skin, works as a mattifying primer, and can be mixed with powder products to make them cream. I look forward to giving this a go!

Then, we have the extras. First we have some neon pink disposable nail files that are always handy to have in your hand bag. Then, we have a little Green & Blacks 70% dark chocolate! It says in the booklet that if you have been a subscriber for a year or over (which I have), then there would be a little extra treat in the box. I assume that that was the chocolate because I have seen boxes online that didn't contain it. Overall this was a pretty good box from Glossybox. It hasn't quite lived up to last months amazing box, but it does include 4 full size products, which is pretty crazy. In addition, the total value of the box adds up to be about £47 - which is amazing when we only pay £12.95 for it. Well done Glossybox!

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The year ahead...

Hey guys,

So as many of you know I have a crazy year ahead of me. However, for those who don't know or want to know more, I have decided to compile this post to let you all know what's going on. So, if you didn't already know, I am studying Russian, Spanish and European Studies at the University of Bath in the UK. In about a month I will be finishing my second year (and hopefully passing!!), which will mark the start of an exciting adventure. As a requirement of my course, the third year of study is a Year Abroad, where I have to spend a minimum of 3 months in each language-speaking country, as well as being abroad for the existing term dates. Over the last 6 months or so I have been planning non-stop and have finally got a pretty good idea of where I'm going and what I will be doing. So, I'm now going to let you guys see what I've been planning and introduce you to a new addition to Isobel Rose that will help me document my Year Abroad.

Ok, so like I said, I have to spend at least 3 months in both Russia and a Spanish-speaking country.

First Semester:

On the 7th September 2013, I am moving to Russia! The flights are booked and the visa application is in progress. I will be moving to a place called Voronezh (Воронеж), which is about 1 hr flight south of Moscow. I will be spending about 3.5 months there and will be studying Russian at Voronezh State University. As you can imagine, this is all terribly exciting yet absolutely petrifying! It's a completely different culture and of course, language, so it is going to be interesting to say the least. I will be staying with a Хозяйка (housewife) which will really improve my language skills (which need the help!) My return flights are booked for the 14th December, so I will be back in time for Christmas.

Source: Google Maps

Second Semester:

As you can imagine, the second semester isn't quite as planned out yet but I do know where I'm going and what I'm doing. I basically had the choice of going to South America or Spain, and ultimately decided to settle on Spain as I didn't want to pick up and South American Spanish that could end up confusing me. After my trip last summer, I fell in love with Madrid and knew that I wanted to return there. I have applied to study at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, a well know uni in the centre of Madrid. I am slightly less apprehensive about moving to Spain for a few reasons. 1). I speak much better Spanish than Russian, 2). I have been to Spain and am much more familiar with the culture, and 3). It is so much closer to home, both geographically and in ease (eg. I won't need a visa!) I will be moving out there at the beginning of February 2014 and the term ends in mid July, so I will turn 21 when I'm there!

Source: Google Maps

So those are my plans. I obviously haven't included everything but if you do want to know more then feel free to leave a comment below or contact me elsewhere. Now, moving onto the new addition! I have set up a secondary blog, The Travel Diary of a Third Culture Kid, which is where I will be documenting all things Year Abroad. I decided to make it so that this blog wouldn't be bombarded with that incase you aren't interested. It is only basic at the moment because I wanted to get it up and running so I could write this post. You can also find the blog button for it in the sidebar. 

One thing I do want to mention is the uncertainty of the year ahead, especially in Russia. I don't know how much internet access I will have, I won't be able to take my DSLR (20kg limit!!!) and my outfits will most likely be less than fashionable. In Madrid it should be a lot easier. I just want to warn you guys as I really don't know what lies ahead, so I can't promise anything. This obviously all applies to my YouTube channel as well.

So that's about it. If you're interested then I'd love it if you'd look at my new blog and follow it. Please do contact me if you want to know anything. Now I just have to pass my exams otherwise none of this will be happening!!!

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