Thursday 10 November 2011

Urban Decay's NAKED Palette


Ok, so I know everyone will have heard the hype around this palette and now I have FINALLY got my hands on it (squeel!)

I won't go into too much detail about it as so many people already have but here's what I've found the palette to be.

This palette has 12 gorgeous shades both matte and shimmery which is what Urban Decay are famed for. The colours are highly pigmented, don't crease, and are such amazing quality. The 12 shades in the palette are all you'll ever need, and you can create so many looks from them.


The shades in the palette are:
Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Dark Horse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal.


They are packaged in a gorgeous velvety case with a decent sized mirror so you don't need a separate one which is always a bonus.

This amazing, gorgeous, sleek palette is around £35 from Debenhams.

A little note to say...


I know it has been a while since my last post but I have been VERY busy, with my daughter, moving, courses, and the list goes on. So I have been a bad blogger for the past month which I apologise for. I have loads of new posts to come but please bear with me as I have a lot of things to do at the moment. I will try my very best to be a million times better at blogging in the future though. 

If there is anything that anyone would like to see then please feel free to leave a comment or message me.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Benefit's tints

I am a huge fan of Benefit cosmetics from their quirky and edgy packaging and product names to the quality of the products themselves. I have to say I love their 'tints' they are a marvel product.

I currently have the original 'bene tint', 'posie tint', and 'high beam'. I love high beam as I like highlighters and this one is lovely, it has a really nice creamy type consistency and it blends out well and looks so natural on.
I differnce between the bebe tint and the posie tint is the bene tint is a deeper reddy pink and the posie tint is paler pink. They both look a little scary and startling as soon as they are applied but once they are blended out they create a lovely natural flush of colour to your cheeks, or lips. I know there are many imitations of these Cheek and lip tints but I have to say that I still love these ones they are my go to product and are great for adding a bit of colour to your face. They are very build-able which is great if you are going day to night and don't want to or have the time to change your makeup but just make touch-ups. I love both colours but if you want a more dramatic night time look then the bene tint is the best to build up colour with.
Imagine my excitement when Benefit recently launched a new tint, the Cha Cha tint, which is a coral colour and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
The tints from Benefit are £24.50 from their website.



MUA Heaven & Earth Palette


I'm sure most people have heard the hype surrounding this palette by now as it's been referred to being a dupe of Urban Decay's Naked palette. 

If you aren't familiar with MUA (Make Up Academy) they are a brand that started out selling products for £1, (just what the country needs a this time) however, what kind of quality are they going to be for £1? Well I decided to try out a couple of their single shadows to test the quality and I have to say I was very impressed. After all even if they weren't very good, for a pound you can't go wrong.

Anyway they have now released a 'pro' range which are slightly more expensive than the original line, and these include palettes, eye shadow trio's, 'crackle' nail varnishes, primers, and much more.


I saw this palette whilst in Superdrug a while ago but I didn't get it for some reason, and I have no idea why. Needless to say I went back asap to buy it and I am SO glad I did. I am in love with this palette, I can't fault the quality or price. The palettes are £4 and for 12 shadows that's a mere 33p per shadow, you really can't go wrong. The quality is amazing, they are highly pigmented, don't crease, there's no fallout, and they last ages. All the colours are usable, sometimes with palettes there's a few colours or shades that you are never going to use, so it's really worth the money. In all honesty I'd have paid twice or three times over for this palette.

 The shades suit every skin tone and age, they aren't matte shadows but they aren't glittery, they have a subtle shimmer that I personally love as they really make eyes stand out. I have found that dark colours can become to 'goth-like' and the shimmer really makes a difference, and makes eyes 'pop'!

There is however a couple of tiny little things I am going to pick on and that's the packaging, and the applicator sponge. The both make the product look cheap, which in effect is what it is I know but I prefer brushes to sponge applicators. However I am being VERY picky there and I'm not complaining about it because it is such an amazing product, and all that matters is the quality of the shadows. 
I have used this on many people and I use it every day that it's just a great all rounder. If you love natural shadows then you NEED this palette. Lets face it even if pay day is far away you could still buy this. They aren't available online yet that I can find but get down to Superdrug and take a look at the MUA stand. 

If you 'Like' Make Up Academy (MUA) on facebook they are always having give-aways. 

Garnier's BB Cream

Garnier B.B. Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Light

I have heard a few people mention BB creams. Now for those who don't know, BB stands for Blemish Balm, and the idea is that they mask imperfections, even skin tone, and smooths fine lines. For a quick background about BB creams, this is from the Boots website, "A skincare sensation that has swept Asia...B.B. has arrived!  B.B. creams are hybrid products which combine the benefits of skincare and make-up all in one. Initially developed by a German dermatologist in the 1950', to soothe skin and provide coverage, B.B. Creams were made famous in South Korea by an actress famed for her beautiful skin. Over the years, they became a cult must-have product across Asia due to their sheer, flawless finish and their "all-in-one" qualities."

It's like a tinted moisturiser but better! It has an SPF 15 in it, 24 hour hydration, and makes skin look radiant and dewy. There are two shades light, and medium. I have light and I find it's the perfect shade for me. It looks really dark when its just come out of the tube but once its applied to the face it's shade perfect. I have to admit I think this is a brilliant product and definitely worth the hype surrounding it. I know there are a few different brands marketing BB creams but Garnier is the easiest to get hold of. It can be work alone or as a primer under foundation. I wear it alone during the day if I'm at home or if I don't want to or have time to put on a full face of makeup. I think it's great as a primer as foundation glides on over the top.

I recommend this to anyone whether you wear a lot or a little makeup, I have tried it on a few people and everyone agrees it's such a lovely product. It's only £9.99 and for near perfect skin under a tenner who wouldn't want it?!

It's currently on offer at Superdrug for £7.99 which is even better! and if you've got a Superdrug Beauty Card you can earn 35 points on it.

Tuesday 6 September 2011

August Glossy Box - Wash & Glow

I know this is a bit late with it being September now and the September box will be sent in the next week or two but better late than never!

So this month (or last I should say) saw the arrival of 5 more luxury products come through my door in a beautiful brown and pink parcel.

This month I received:

Murad - Time Release Blemish Cleanser
Salicylic Acid is the hero ingredient in this dual action, extra gently cleanser. Clinically proven to increase cell turnover, it reduces blemishes while diminishing wrinkles and keeps your skin smooth and glowing. 
This sounds like a wonder product, it can reduce blemishes AND diminish wrinkles, now who doesn't want that! Well I was really looking forward to using this, I'm the sort of person who thinks I'll see a dramatic difference at once, and if I don't then the product is a dudd! Well of course there was no dramatic difference (when is there?!) but I persevered for a few days with this and didn't really notice anything different. I don't know what I was expecting really as I don't have any blemishes at the moment, and being in my early twenties and looking like a 15 year old, I don't have any wrinkles, therefore I couldn't say whether it does what it claims or not. This is a travel size 30 ml but if you want to try it then you can buy it from Murad for £29 for 200ml.

Ahava - Mineral Body Lotion
Part of Ahava's new My Skin Reborn range, this quickly absorbed richly moisturising lotion draws on the properties of Dead Sea minerals to effectively hydrate, nourish and protect the skin.
I absolutely adore the scent of this it reminds me of almonds. It's so moisturising and my skin feels so smooth and soft after this. I love it so much that I have repurchased it. I have never really been one for body moisturisers as I don't like my body if I'm honest therefore I neglected it and concentrated on my face and areas that are on show. But after trying this, I have been converted into using body lotion, and look after my body more. After all you have to make the most of what you've got. There is also a hand and foot cream in the dead sea range, but the body lotion currently has 10% off on the Ahava website and is £19.80 for 250ml.

 Daniel Sandler - Jumbo Jet Mascara
JUMBO JET is the only mascara a woman needs when she wants high-performance, luscious lashes. After one stroke of the brush lashes can appear thicker & longer.
 I have been a Daniel Sandler fan for a while I particularly like his Watercolours, which, if you haven't heard of them is a colour for cheeks, lips and eyes. Being a mascara junkie I was very eager to try his mascara. With a name like Jumbo Jet I was expecting big things from this and if I'm honest I was a little disappointed. I have cheaper mascaras that give a better full luscious lashes look. I do however think it's a nice mascara for a daytime 'barely-there' look. If you would like to try this mascara it's £14.85 from here

KMS California - Hairstay Style Boost
Primer for your hair! The foam-to-liquid crackle formula enhances natural movement and bounce while boosting the performance of styling products, for a style that lasts up to 3x longer.
What appealed to me about this was that it's sold as 'primer for your hair'. I think skin and eye primers are a great invention so to hear that your hair could benefit from a primer sounds like a great idea. Its a really strange product it is really cold and crackles and expands in your hand before you apply it. I have used this a few times and I think it's great, I have curled and waved my poker straight hair and not used hairspray and my style is there from one morning to the next! There isn't the usual straw-like texture or sticky residue left behind like I have found with so many mousse-type products.  All in all this is a great product I highly recommend it. You can find it here for £14.50 for 200ml.

Rebel Nails - Nail Wraps (for toes)

Welcome to the Nail Revolution! Rebel Nail's nail wraps are easy to apply, long lasting and kind to nails. No chipping, fading or wear. Amazing professional finishes and designs are now available at your finger (or toe) tips.
I have yet to use these so I can't comment on how they apply, or withstand every day wear and tear. I have heard a lot of good things about nail wraps and with the promise of no chipping, I can't wait to apply them. They are a dull, dark gold, but I quite like the colour, it's a good transitional colour to take you from summer to autumn. You can buy them from the Rebel Nails website with prices starting from £7.99. Take a look at their designs there are so many! I cant wait to try out some funky designs on my fingers. 

Sunday 4 September 2011

E.L.F New Lines

E.L.F have added a couple of new lines to their already amazing studio line. They now have a foundation and matte lip colour which are really on-trend right now. I was sent these two products for review a while ago and I'm writing this review now as I have had chance to really test out these products and tell you my honest opinion.

Flawless Finish Foundation
Studio Flawless Finish Foundation 

I was sent the two lightest shades which are Porcelain and Sand. I didn't know which shade I would be and as it happens I'm a happy medium of the two. I use one pump of each shade on the back of my hand and use the beauty blender to apply it. I really like this foundation, I find it to be a full coverage foundation which applies easily. It does leave a flawless finish on my skin, and a slight dewy finish. I applied this in the morning and it has lasted with minor touch-ups all day. I have dry skin and find that it's perfect for my skin, but as it's oil free I think oily skin types would suit this too, however I can not say for sure as I don't have oily skin. There are six shades so there's not a great range but there are the basic shades and at the price you can buy two shades and mix them. It's got an SPF of 15 within the foundation which is always a bonus. I think this is an absolute bargain at £6.50 as it feels a lot nicer than some other foundations that have cost me more than double the price. You can buy the Flawless Finish Foundation here.

Studio Matte Lip Colour
Studio Matte Lip Colour

The second item I was sent was the matte lip colour in coral. Matte lips are really on-trend right now and it couldn't be easier to achieve than with these. It's really moisturising and glides on easily and effortlessly, and has a creamy consistency. I put this on in the morning with lipcote (amazing stuff!) and it has lasted through eating, drinking, talking and stayed put till bedtime, I'm very impressed. The coral is such a lovely colour and looks nice with heavy eye makeup. There are only four colours but they are all wearable colours and at the price you could buy them all! They are £3.50 each and can be found here.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

How to get flawless, airbrushed skin


Whilst browsing in Superdrug the other day I saw a strange looking pink sponge and went to investigate! It's called the Blend Perfection Sponge which is a copy of the Beautyblender. I have been a huge fan of the beautyblender but I seem to have misplaced it and never got round to replacing it. I decided to try Cosmopolitan's version, which is a fraction of the price (£10 cheaper) and has a slightly different shape to it.

The sponge allows for a flawless application of foundation, using a bouncing or 'stippling' method to blend make-up which leaves an airbrushed looking finish. The fatter round end is for larger areas of the face and the pointed end for those hard to reach areas such as around the nose and under the eyes. The sponge needs to be wet and wrung out before use which helps the foundation glide onto your skin.

Cosmopolitan Beauty Expert Perfect Finish Make-Up Sponges

I have used the Cosmopolitan Perfect Finish Make-up Sponges before which I found to be ok to blend out foundation on the jawline but the Blend Perfection Sponge is so much better to use to aply the foundation. I personally like to use sponges to apply foundation as you can achieve a flawless airbrished finish and the coverage can be built up really easily and effortlessly. I put the foundation on the back of my hand and 'bounce' or stipple it all over the face with the Blend Perfection Sponge. If I'm using a concealer on top of m foundation then I apply it with the sponge too and build up on the converage if needs be.
Go buy it NOW!!!
The Blend Perfection Sponge is £4.85 from Superdrug (although I can't find it on their website) However I have found it on feelunique for £4.95.
The Perfect Finish Make-Up Sponges can alos be bought in Superdrug or feelunique for £1.95.
There's a 3 for 2 offer on Cosmopolitan make-up tools at Superdrug at the moment too.
The Beautyblender is £14.50 with free postage from their wesite.

Sunday 7 August 2011

July GlossyBox 'Summer'

I'm sure most people have heard of GlossyBox by now, but if you haven't then I shall briefly explain. From their website they say: "Every month we send you 5 exciting luxury product minatures, packed in a beautiful box for you to test at home."
I know theres a couple of other companies proving these type of packages, feel unique's Beauty Box being one, but I thought I'd give the GlossyBox a go, and I'm so glad I did.

Even though they say 'product minatures' I got 3 full sized items. I know that everyone gets something slightly different but I must say I'm pleased with what I received.

In my box were:

1) Ciate - Nail Enamel in mojito (full size)
I must admit that the colour isn't really to my taste I don't tend to wear green on my nails unless it's a mint green, but it's a summery colour and it does look nice on. Ciate polishes are a really nice quality, long lasting and chip free.

2) Illamasqua - Powdered Metal in Ether (full size)
I couldn't believe my luck when I saw this, I LOVE it. If anyone doesn't know what this is it's described as 'Powdered Metal creates anything from a subtle sheen to an extreme metallic finish on face and body. The shimmering pale gold adds radiance to bronzed skin, and highlights your skin where applied.' I got a pink tan at the weekend (aka sunburn but don't want to admit that!) and it's now turned to nicely bronzed skin. I sparingly added this to my decollotage and sholders over my tan and it really made my skin radient and healthy looking. it can be applied sparingly or built up to a full on metallic look (hence the name).  It also looks gorgeous appled lightly to the cheek bone as a highlight.

3) Orla Kiely - Orla Kiely Eau de Parfum
'A charming debut fragrance by the acclaimed designer, the eponymous fragrance's light floral notes, with natural extracts of rose geranium and bergamot, are subtly balanced with fresh fig and a hint of chocolate.' This is divine! I love the scentof this, although I can't smell chocolate but I still wouldn't hesitate about buying the full sized fragrance.

4) Ultra Sun - Face 3

I'll be honest I looked at this and thought it's just suncream, I buy that as an everyday item, not a luxury product, but, I was wrong I'll be glad to say. I like the formula of this and it doesn't have the normal suncream smell. I usually use moisturisers or foundations with an SPF built in, but this was a really nice moisturiser as suncream can be greasy on the face. It's advertised as protecting skin from UV aging but that's what any cream with SPF in will do.

5) Weleda - Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (full size) 
Weleda
'Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil contains only pure plant oils. Rich in essential fatty acids and anti-oxidising vitamins, slather on this oil for more elastic, hydrated, smooth and supple skin.' I like body oils as they feel a lot more hydrating than a cream or lotion. I I love the idea that it's supposed to firm the skin, which is something i deffinatley need after having my baby a few months ago. It's also got a lovely scent to it.

I highly recommend the GlossyBox, not only do you get the products but it comes in luxorious packaging, and has offers and discounts on some of the companies whose products are in the box.

All this for £10 a month plus £2.95 postage. Evan at £12.95 I think you'll agree it's a bargain! you can order your GlossyBox here.

(note: all pictures are taken from the internet as i couldnt upload my pictures)

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Keeping BaByliss in business!

I seem to have so many BaByliss hair products that I should be on commission! Here are a few of the products that I love and use most.

The Conical Wand
This is a curling tong without a clamp and a cone shaped barrel. It creates gorgeous ringlet and loose curls with variable temperature you can easily and quickly achieve gorgeous curls.

The Waving Wand
This like he conical wand doesn't have a clamp but the barrel is oval shaped rather than round. Having naturally poker straight hair I've always tried different ways of creating waves such as the going to bed with damp hair in plaits and curling it with the conical wand the day before and sleeping in the curls so they fall out into waves. Both ways work but for a near on instant way to create waves the waving wand is amazing. Natalya from filthygorgeousmakeup and Babyliss teamed up to create the look of Lauren Conrad using the Waving Wand for Babyliss' Get the Look series. Watch the video here.

Thermo Ceramic Rollers
I had never used heated rollers before I bought these a few years ago as naively I had visions of my grandma using them sat with a hair net over them watching countdown. I used rollers in my hair before and blasted the hairdryer over them but it took forever to do so I decided to buy these. They heated up so quickly, there's a range of sizes and there's enough rollers for my long, thick hair. Once they are all clipped and clamped into my hair I can get on with my makeup whilst they cool down. So they are a great time saver and give great volume and body to my hair.

Big Hair
Want a perfect salon blow dry at home? Then this is THE product to use. It's a hot brush that rotates and dries your hair in one product. If like me, you find it difficult to use a big round brush and big heavy hairdryer to blow dry your hair then YOU NEED THIS! Want hair like Kate Middleton but don't have the hair entourage she has, then this is the next best thing.

All these can be bought from Boots or Argos or just search the internet as prices vary dramatically.

Way to Glow!

I recently came across collection 2000's shimmer shades which I had seen on a couple of other blogs and spotted it for myself when I was browsing the counters in boots. There is a blusher and bronzer version but only the bronzer was available in my local store. It's called 'Way to Glow' and is described as '4 complementary, shimmering shades for a subtle, radiant glow'.







The shades when swooshed (very technical term!) together create a subtle healthy shimmer that is perfect on my pale skin. It could be applied more generously on darker skin tones than my Casper white complexion to create a summer shimmer.

It feels a lot more expensive than it's £4.19 price tag would suggest. Its a perfect addition to your summer makeup bag and it suits most skin tones. It's also a great multi-tasker as it can be used as eye shadow with the ligtest shade as a highlight, the next lightest on the lids and either of the darker shades as a contour.

Collection 2000 Shimmer Shades can be bought here for £4.19.

Sunday 12 June 2011

A Quick Trick

It's always the way that when you need spot free, perfect skin a dreaded spot appears. This bright red bulging volcano appears on your face and even concealer won't hide how big it is! So what you need is something that works and works fast! Well this won't get rid of your spot immediately (if I knew how to do that I would be a miracle worker!) but it will reduce the size and the redness so you can conceal and camouflage it.

You will need aspirin, water and a cotton bud / Q-tip.

To freshly cleansed skin take an aspirin and add a couple of drops of water, the aspirin will dissolve in the water (if not, crush it) and mix it together into a paste. Apply this to the spot area with a cotton bud / Q-tip or a CLEAN finger and leave it for around half an hour or until it dries and starts flaking off the skin. Et voila your spot should have reduced in size and redness, and all you need to do now is conceal it. If you apply the aspirin to it every day it should disappear within a few days.
The aspirin works as an anti-inflamitary. I have also heard of using anti-inflamitary drugs such as those for hay-fever but I haven't used them myself. They also tend to be more expensive than aspirin which I picked up for 22p!

I have tried so many lotions and potions and treatments for spots to no avail but this really works for me. Everyones skin is different so it might not work as well for you as it does for me but it's well worth a go, non?

What other spot treatments work for you?

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation

If I'm honest I don't normally choose Collection 2000 as I always thought it was aimed more at young teenagers, those who are trying out makeup for the first time. But, I was in desperate need of foundation one day when I'd gone out without my makeup bag and grabbed this at Morrisons when there was nothing else. I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised with this and have used it many a time and even repurchased it when it ran out.


This is marketed as:
-Ultimate wear foundation provides up to 16 hours of flawless skin
- Lasting Perfection Foundation will take you from dawn to dusk and back again, with no need for reapplication
- SPF20 to keep skin safe in the sun
- Transfer proof and water resistant

It is a full coverage foundation which really does give me flawless skin. I use this as my 'go-to' when I'm having a bad skin day. I don't have the greatest skin I have freckless, moles,and under eye bags when I haven't had much sleep and this covers everything without the need of concealer. Although when I do need concealer I use the lasting perfection concealer as it is a perfect match for the foundation if you get the corresponding shade and is so thick but easily blendable.

I highly recommend this if you are looking for a full coverage foundation that will last all day, and for such a small price tag it's worth giving it a go surely?

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation is £5.99 and the concealer is £4.19 from boots.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Superdrug Beauty Card


At last Superdrug have launched a reward card - The Beauty Card!
Finally Superdrug have decided to get on the reward card band wagon like their competaors boots with their advantage card. I love my advantage card as I spend on much money on makeup it's nice to get something back and the points add up in no time at all. But Superdrug are cheaper on some products than boots and I  get a lot from them too so to finally get something back from them too is definatley a plus.

Now don't get me wrong I won't be replacing my advantage card with the beauty card as I am in boots 'parenting club' which means that for every pound on baby items, instead of the usual 4 points per £1 I get 10 points per £1. However, what niggles me about boots is that you can't pay part points part money, but with the beautycard you can!

You get 1 point per pound with the Beautycard but there are offers on instore to earn more points with certain products, also you can earn points and spend them online too which is a bonus especially for those of us who live near smaller stores so there isn't too much choice instore.

The Beautycard is also a handy mirror for your purse which is always a bonus for any purse!

You can pick up a Beautycard from Superdrug stores now.

Seche Vite

This has to be THE go to product for fast drying, long lasting nails.

Being short on time being a mum to my four month old who constantly wants attention, this has to be a miracle product.

I love painting my nails, I love experimenting with all manner of different colours and there's a sort of 'glam' feeling when they're painted and looking preened and polished.

The seche vite top coat is applied thickly on top of wet varnish and it penetrates down to the nail forming all the coats together to make a chip resistant, high shine nail. It dries virtually instantly and nails look like they've had a professional manicure.

Ever found a coloured polish you love but can't wear it as it chips so quickly? Well this stops that chipping enabling you to wear that polish once more!

To prove how quick it dries, after I'd applied it to all ten nails my little girl needed a nappy change and there was no smudging, chipping or budging.

I got mine from feel unique for £7.60 with free delivery.

If you haven't used their website before I recommend you have a look for a wide range of hair, skin care and makeup products and less than the RRP.



YSL Touche Eclat


Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

This is a godsend if you are a new mum, insomniac or just had a late night.
I have the lightest shade, shade 1 and have been using this for a couple of years now. It came in very handy when I had late nights doing revision or essays and now it's an essential being a new mum with little sleep.

Its more pink than I thought it would be I thought it would've been more yellowish to counteract the blue/purple undereye area. However it's amazing and no wonder it has such a massive following.

I apply it onto the whole undereye area thats discoloured and leave it for a few seconds then pat it in gently and voila...no more tell tale signs that you've been up most of the night.
This is the number one concealer/highlighter and can be used down the bridge of the nose and the cupids bow too to create a gentle highlight effect.

I bought mine from feel unique but they no longer sell it so it can be bought from boots for £24.50

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

I am a great fan of bourjois especially their mascaras and have got all of them to date.
I'm a lover of their clubbing mascara as it makes my eyelashes appear thick, long and full of volume. When I saw their volumizer mascara I knew it was going to be good but would it be as good as the clubbing one? It certainly is! It's a two step brush with the first part lengthening lashes and the second to volumize.

This is after one coat of step one and one of step two.
I love it it makes me feel much more made up than I am even when I only have mascara on. It makes my lashes look thick and full and lasts all day without flaking. I highly recommend it if you're looking for 'false lashes' look with lots of volume and length.

It can be bought at boots for £10.49

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Soap & Glory

I love love LOVE Soap & Glory products. I love the packaging which is retro, vintage and every product has a pun about it. I love the smell it's absolutely divine and I love the products themselves as they do what they say they will!

I have most of their products from shampoo to spot treatments and I can't fault any of them.

The most recent addition to my collection is the perfume 'Eau de Soap & Glory 2'. I have lusted after this for such a long time as I adore the smell of most of their products, and when I was in boots recently they had third off all Soap & Glory and I had to have it. I actually bought it with my advantage card points so it wasn't bad for a freebie!

It comes in cute packaging, in its own little box ladened in the S&G pink design and tassels on the cap. It's a little black bottle with a pink embossed S&G emblem on the front, it looks so smart and much more expensive than the £15 price tag it actually has.

It says "with top notes of citrus, bergamot, mandarin, jasmine and freesia on a mix of musks, sandalwood, vanilla and amber.

This is an EDP which means it will last longer than EDT. Perfume stays on longer on oily skin so if you apply body lotion before your perfume it'll last longer. I use S&G's The Righteous Butter before hand so there's a 'double whammy' of the scent.

I love it especially in this nice summery weather.

It can be bought from boots for £15.83

Monday 18 April 2011

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment



Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment

My hair was about 3 inches from my bum until about 2 weeks ago. I had a bad haircut a while ago which left my hair very uneven, it was a lot longer on one side than the other, noticably so. I had split ends and damaged hair so I thought it was about time to get it cut. I initially went in for a trim to even it all up but when she cut it I kept telling her to go shorter as I fancied a change. However, my shortest layers are incredibly short. the longest length of my hair is about 4 inches below my shoulders and my shortest layer is about the length of my ear. I do like my new hair as it's a nice change and doesn't take as long to dry, but I do want it to grow a bit longer, especially those short layers.

I had heard so many good things about the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment and I had read the many rave reviews on the boots website. I am a bit dubious about it but from what I gather it's supposed to nourish your hair and get it in top condition, and by hair being in good condition it will grow quicker.

There's only 200ml in this pot which is about the average for a hair treatment,  but you are supposed to use an "egg sized amount" therefore the pot will run out pretty quickly.
It has a smell to it which will be either loved or hated and I personaly don't mind it.

This isn't a conditioner as such because you use it between your shampoo and conditioner. It's only left on for 5 minutes but once a week I use it overnight and wash it out the next morning.

I've been using this for about 2 weeks and obviously there isn't an improvment in growth but the condition of my hair has improved and there's no frizz!

I shall review this again when I have finished the pot.

The Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment is £7.19 at boots

Has anyoone else tried this? Have you noticed a difference in length?

Recent e.l.f haul

Recently e.l.f had a 20% discount off the entire website and I couldn't resist!





I didn't get much this time as I have most of their products now, but everything I bought this time is from the studio line. As you can see I bought:
Eyebrow Treat and Tame in light
Mineral Infused Primer
Studio Tinted Moisturiser in porcelain
Golden Bronzer
Complexion Brush
Powder Brush
Eyebrow treat and tame in light (£3.50)

I have been looking at this for some time now and I finally decided to buy it. As the name suggests it's treats your brows with a clear gel infused with vitamins and it 'tames' the brows with a light brown mascara keeping them in place. I don't know if the treatment has worked as I have only used it for a few days but I'm hoping it'll help the areas where I over-plucked when I was younger! The tame end I like as it keeps the hairs in place.

Mineral Infused Primer (£6)

This is a repurchase as I bought one about a year ago but the pump didn't work so I had to use a spatula to scoop out the product which was a pain. This time it seems to work which makes it easier. It's a clear primer as opposed to the others I use which are more opaque. It spreads nicely and foundation glides over the top.

Studio Tinted Moisturiser in Porcelain (£3.50)

I had heard mixed reviews about this and wanted to try it out for myself. This has an SPF of 20 which is a bonus since you should wear an SPF everyday (even in winter) as the suns rays can damage skin and lead to premature ageing. It also has vitamins A & E and cucumber in it to calm and soothe.
Porcelain is the lightest shade they have (there are 7 shades) and I'm so pale I'm practically Casper! When I squeezed this out it was pretty yellow which was unexpected, but I proceeded to rub it in and it faded to my skin tone and absorbed into the skin nicely and There was no greasiness. It is a nice tinted moisturiser and for £3.50 you can't really go wrong.

Golden Bronzer (£3.50)

There is a shimmer to this that I wasn't expecting but it is a nice Bronzer to use on the apples of the cheeks where the light will reflect and give a healthy glow and it looks good on any skin tone. There are four colours that can either be used alone or use a brush over all four of them and apply it to the apples of your cheeks.


Complexion Brush (£3.50)

I really like this brush for powders and blusher and bronzer as it doesn't apply too much product so you can build up the colour rather than a solid block of colour, so you look a lot more natural.


Powder Brush (£3.50)

I already have one of these and I love it it's such a nice brush. I use one for dry products such as setting powder or mineral foundation but I decided to get another one for wet products such as foundation.
As I have so many e.l.f products I shall do many more posts about them. I can also do swatches and reviews of most of the products if anyone would like them.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Hot Cloth Cleansers

After hearing all the hype about hot cloth cleansers I decided to try them out. They come with a muslin cloth which is used to open the pores, and 'polish' the cleanser off whilst exfoliating the skin, then closing the pores.
Sanctuary Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser

I had a £5 off skincare voucher from boots and decided to try out the Sancuary Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser. For £10.20 you get 125ml of product and a muslin cloth.
Application Directions:-
1. Place the cloth in hot water, wring out and lay over the face to open pores.
2. Gently massage the creamy cleanser over the face and neck using circular movements.
3. Carefully polish off the cleanser using the warm cloth, be gentle around the delicate eye area.
4. Rinse cloth in cold water, and place over face for 30 seconds to close pores.
5. Finish by splashing your face with cool water.
It also recommends that you do this cycle twice so the first cleanse brings up the dirt and the second cleanse washes the dirt away. The product has chamomile in it which helps calm the skin and it really does smell of camomile. It reminds me of Kamilosan which is also a chamomile based emollient for sore, cracked nipples when breastfeeding.
I like this cleanser because it's a really thick cream which feels like it's actually working. I paid £5.20 for this which I think is reasonable but I don't know if I would pay full price becuase 125ml isn't a great deal of product especially if you're using it twice in a morning and twice in the evening. Although I have liked the calming effect is has had on my skin.
Sanctuary Spa Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser can be found at boots for £10.20

 
Boots No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser
 
I had a £5 No7 Voucher and thought I would try another hot cloth cleanser to compare with the Sanctuary one and becuase it was also running out rapidly. The No7 cleanser is cheaper at £9 and you get 200ml so 75ml more product for £1.20 less.
How to use:
Close your eyes, using your fingertips, gently massage over dry skin in upward circular motions.  Run the muslin cloth under comfortably hot water, wring out the excess and place cloth over your face and relax whilst the hot cloth gently opens your pores.  Then, using  the cloth, lightly polish off the cleanser in circular motions, to remove any impurities.  To finish; splash your face with cold water, to close your pores, and pat dry.
This cleanser is used in a different way as it needs to be applied to dry skin. It's not as creamy as the Sanctuary one but I think it's much better value for money and it has helped get rid of my blemishes more quickly than if I had left them, and  haven't had as many blemishes either.
I really like this as it doesn't leave my skin dry and my face feels really clean afer I've used it. I got mine for £4 with the £5 off voucher but I would pay the full £9 as I think it is worth it.
Boots No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser can be found here for £9

The muslin cloths need to be washed in a washing machine every so often so the bacteria doesn't linger and spread. More muslin cloths can be bought at most chemists and supermarkets in the baby aisle.
I would like to try the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish but for now I am happy with the No7 cleanser.

Monday 11 April 2011

E.L.F eyes lips face

A couple of years ago I discovered E.L.F cosmetics which stands for eyes lips face. It's an American company whose motto is 'where beauty meets value'. They sell good quality cosmetics for such a small price. I, like many others have a slight addiction to e.l.f and if you become a fan of their Facebook page they are always having great offers such as 20% off the entire website which is amazing to say that most of their products are between £1.50 and £3.50. I love them because it's such a great cheap way to try out new looks and bulk up your makeup collection. They have amazingly quick service and delivery too. I will be posting many more topics about e.l.f because I'm forever ordering from them! Until then, I highly recommend you check out their website here.

OPI Start to Finish



For quite some time I have been looking for a topcoat that will help prevent my nails chipping as soon as the polish has dried and I think I have finally found it.
While in boots I spotted OPI's Start to Finish hidden at the bottom of the shelving no where near any other nail products. I then spotted the price tag (£13.07) whilst this isnt the most expensive I have seen, it wasn't the cheapest either. I decided to do a quick sneaky review check on my iPhone and found it had rave reviews.
I have to say I'm extremly impressed with this little marvel multi-tasker from OPI. It's a base coat, top coat and nail strengthener all in one. It dries so quickly that once you've finished painting all ten nails they are completly dry and ready for the next coat of polish. I use it as a base coat, then two to three coats of coloured polish then a top coat and an additional top coat the next day to help strenghthen the nails. It also has an amazing shine which doesn't get dull and it keeps my nails chip free for a week at least. (which is pretty good going to say I out the pram up and down numerous times a day, and do many nappy changes and make tea, wash up etc.)

OPI Start to Finish is available at asos (£13.75), John Lewis (£13.25) and Boots (£13.07)

Scholl healthy nails nail brightening system

Scholl Healthy Nails Brightening System
After the glorious sunny summery weather we've had over the weekend everyone's wearing their sandals. After hiding my feet away in my cosy trusty UGG's my feet weren't looking their best so I decided to try out Scholl's healthy nails nail brightening treatment. It's a 3-step system in a dual ended wand contraption. On the tip of one of the ends is a coarse nail file to remove the rides on the nail.






After this there's a gel on a wand which you use to cover the nails






Once that's dried after a couple of minutes you use the clear nail polish in the other end of the wand.





Et voila healthy looking polished nails ready for those flip flops.

The Scholl healthy nails nail brightening system RRP is £9.99 but you can get it here for a pinch at £1.99

x Rosie x