So, I keep having dreams.  It’s the morning of my wedding, and something (or somethings) are not done.  The first dream – my dress had been made! Yay!  But…they’d taken a little creative license.  It was gold, and blue, and in a shopping centre the other side of town.  Cue, wake up in a sweat.  Then the last two…I’m all good to go on the wedding.  But, suddenly, it’s half an hour before the ceremony and I haven’t done my hair.  I haven’t done my make-up.  I haven’t even showered. I will look less than average for my wedding day.  Second and third instances of waking up with that sinking feeling in my stomach.

So…

I need to get my girl on.  Not to imply I haven’t always loved new cosmetics, bargains and treats generally…but I feel like somehow doing lots of research into the pampering/make-up side now will stand me in good stead.  I’m not sure that makes sense, but there you go.  Birchbox has become my new talisman!

I’ve signed up to get one of these little boxes, filled with new, exclusive or just desirable goodies once a month, for £10 (+£2.95 shipping after month one).  And actually, I’m pretty impressed.  I got a full-size Soigne nailvarnish, £11(money made back instantly, and a colour I’ll wear too!), some Elizabeth Earle (Cleanse and Polish, with hot cloth cleanser) which I already have but is going to make a great treat for my granny, a shampoo and conditioner exclusive to Birchbox called “Beauty Protector”, a mini aromatherapy oil from Aromatherapy Associates and a mini Benefit “They’re Real!” mascara.  Oh!  Nice!

Here’s the exclusive Beauty Protector shampoo and conditioner.  I haven’t used them yet, but the smell is a simple and refreshing one, like a much softer Shea butter (I don’t like shea butter, but this has some of the lovely richness).  They are vegan, paraben-free and seem like they will be a great treat for my hair – I’m excited!  I’m pretty fussy when it comes to hair, so I wouldn’t use these if I didn’t think they were good.

Nope, sorry.  Not going to undo this one for you.  Because I’ve already got it, i’m keeping it – but it is a gentle but pretty effective cleanser, and the cloth is a great addition.  Apply it to your skin, and rub it in gently in small circles. Get the cloth as hot as you can bear on your skin and press it to your face – the heat relaxes the pores and lets out any nasties!  Then gently massage your skin with the hot cloth, slowly massaging and cleansing with the polish.

This sample is only disappointing in its tininess.  I’ve decided that, instead of splurging it all in one, luxurious bath, I will dap a drop of the oil onto my pulse points in the morning (and actually it’s nice in the evening too).

Again, not sampled yet.  But Benefit are pretty renowned, and this mascara is one I’ve been planning to try for a while.  What a useful thing to have for a night out!

And finally. Piece de la resistance.  Look how nice the colour is!  The packaging is great too, I think – very simple, very Chanel.  The quality – of both the colour and the varnish itself – is great.

Do you like my new rings?  I absolutely fell in love with them at Two Kats and a Cow in Brighton, on the seafront.  They’re from Dinah and Co; both silver and diamond.  The diamond is raw – uncut and unpolished.  The are from the Kimberley Process – certified conflict-free.  Dinah has a much broader range – she is an artist too.  What do you think?  Do you like them? x