Saturday, 30 May 2015

Latest freebies and vouchers!!

Who doesn't love a freebie? I know I am a sucker for them!!! Here's the latest vouchers and free samples you can go and pick up!!!









Enjoy :)

MAY: Beauty picks of the month

Recently I have been obsessed with any thing that smells good; perfume, wash, lotion, sun screen, anti bac, anything. So most of my picks this month are around that


1)Soap & Glory Clean on me £6.50

This is my favourite shower gel ever! It lasts for so long, a couple of pumps goes so far! It smells really good too without being over powering. Not only that but their is moisturiser in it, it has left my skin nice and smooth.

2) Bath and body work anti-bac

There is a huge range of scents of these avalible, I wish I could buy the whole shop! I always have a anti-bac in my bag and always have some at work. I love these as they smell so good! Everyone has mentioned the lovely scents after I use them!

3)Victoria Secret- Mango temptation body lotion

This is so moisturising, a little bit goes a long way! I love the packaging and the scent is to die for!! I bought the body mist too, I use it everyday!

4)Too Faced primed & poreless

This primer is very similar to the benefit porefessional, Its great for my combination skin. I only use a pea size amount, it makes my foundation look so much softer and smoother and it lasts all day!!!


I hope you have enjoyed this months picks!

Friday, 29 May 2015

Love me beauty box: May 2015



Love me beauty works by giving you '6 credits' per box. You get to pick all the items in your box, each item is worth a certain amount of credits (Usually 1-2). Use all your credits up and that's your box.

I wasn't overly impressed with this months choices. There was a few nice lipglosses but by brand I have tried before, I wanted to try stuff that's new to me. So everything I have picked I have never tried before.




This box costs £10 plus £3.95 p&p
I picked:
Model co eyeliner pencil with pencil sharpener- full size R.r.p. £14 - 'is a long-wearing, creamy, densely pigment pencil complete with an inbuilt sharper for precise application anytime. Enriched with Shea Butter, the non-drying, soft formula glides on effortlessly without dragging or pulling and dries to a no-smudge finish.' modelco website

Mirenesse curl power mascara- Sample 'half' size (full size R.r.p. aprox £27) - New with iCurl Sculptor BrushTM with iCurl Memory Formula for the ultimate curl and holding power. Lifts the lashes up to a 90degree curl for never before possible wide-eyed beautiful dramatic lash lift and curl that lasts all day and night.

Malin+goetz peppermint shampoo Sample size 29ml - (R.r.p. 236ml £16) I picked both these brands as they are natural ingredients, for sensitive skin. A gentle and hydrating shampoo, I just wish the bottle was bigger as for my hair, this will only be enough for one wash. Not long enough for a proper test. It smells nice, but very strong.

Malin+goetz bergamot body wash Sample size 29ml - (R.r.p. 236ml £15.50) A foaming cleansing gel, suitable for sensitive skin, especially eczema. I really didn't like the scent of this one. it reminded me off something I ad as a kid. The putty in a tube that you make into bubbles it had that chemical plastic smell. This is what the body wash reminds me off. Doubt I will ever use this.

Nails inc London in Lexington gardens Full size - R.r.p. £12 - I picked this to use up my last credit, as I liked the colour. Haven't tried yet as I can't wear polish to work.

Overall i'm not to impressed by the box, it's good value for money, but didn't have many eye-catching products.

Monday, 25 May 2015

Skyn Iceland hydro cool firming eye gels review



I received these in the latest in beauty heart edition and after trying them I just had to blog about it. I always have bags under my eyes. Not normal bags big, deep, black, puffy bags! I am a walking panda! So I was delighted when I received this. I have tried a few eye masks with no result but was really impressed by these.



As you can see they are shaped perfectly to fit underneath the eye. I loved how they where sticky and actually stayed put unlike others I have tried. They also peeled off with no trouble at all. When putting them on they had a nice cooling effect. I left it on for 10 minutes as recommend. When I pulled them off I couldn't believe the results. I had to double take. All the puffiness in my eyes had gone. Not only that the blackness had brightened! My eyes and face looked so refreshed. I can't explain the difference it made. I will definitely be purchasing these again!!!

I have found them at Marks and Spencer here It's 8 packs for £25 which works out just over £3 a pack.

Friday, 22 May 2015

Moleskine doodles

So I thought I would do something a little bit different for this part of my blog. I have always loved to doodle, scribble, cut, stick and craft. So I thought I would show you all some of my scribbles. I'm hoping to make this a regular part of my blog.








Wednesday, 20 May 2015

Latest in beauty: Heart beauty essentials




Latest in beauty have teamed up with heart to bring you their round up of gorgeous beauty buys!! This is a great pamper box! With 13 products from a range of brands.
The price of this box is only £15, and is said to be worth over £70! It's a real bargain!



Whats inside?

1) Nails Inc Gel Effect- Hyde park place- Full size, R.R.P. £14

2) Kneipp Devil's claw herbal bath- 20ml sample size
I haven't yet tried this but am very excited to try it, I get awful back aches for being on my feet at work for up to 14 hours a day. This bottle contains 1-2 baths worth. a 100ml bottle retails for about £9.95. The smell from the bottle is quite potent.

3) Green people sun lotion spf15 with tan accelerator- 20ml
The size of this bottle was way to big for the product, I had to squeeze most of the bottle before being able to get anything out. This product has been tested and claims to increase the speed of tanning by 25% and reduce the tan fading rate by 50%. Being really pale I doubt this is a product I will use. But it's a great size for throwing in your handbag.

4) bareMinerals complexion rescue- Sample size
I am so happy this sample has been included, I love the bareMinerals brand, and have wanted to try this new product. The sample comes in two colours; Vanilla 02 and Natural 05. Also included in the booklet is a voucher for a deluxe sample size of your colour from your local counter.

5) Philosophy- 3-in-1 cleanser for face and eyes 30ml
This removes make-up, cleanses and tones al in one. Ilove this brand as they are all natural. This product smells very fresh. The bottle is a great size for a sample and you can get a good few weeks worth from it before you buy the full size.

6) Wild about beauty eyeshadowR.R.P. £13
I was quite disappointed to be receiving another one of these. I have had them in several beauty boxes before and never used it. Although this one came in the colourjody hich s a nice grey/black colour. Enriched with skin conditioning Vitamins E, C and Aloe Vera

7) Vichy idealia life serum- 3ml sample size
Although this is a small sample, I found a little went a long way. This cream is supposed to instantly give your complexion a radiant look, and tighten your pores.

8) Skym Iceland hydro cool firming eye gels 1 pair
I love eye gels, I use them all the time. I think the are great! I an;t wait to try a new brand!

9) Dove youthful vitality shampoo and conditioner 50ml each
'Did you know? As hair ages it loses essential nurtients such as proteins and lipids leaving it feeling coarse, dull and thin. New Dove Youthful Vitality range helps replenish these*; Infused with a powerful blend of Cysteine rich protein and Elasto-Lipids, it nourishes and redensifies for fuller, more youthful looking hair. Our lightweight conditioner nourishes hair and brings back softness, fullness and shine to your hair. Enjoy soft, shiny hair that is full of vitality with visible fullness'- Boots. These also smell amazing I can't waito too use them.

10) Balance me radiance face mask 30 ml (15ml sells for £4.50 on their website)
Contains 98% all natural products. a triple-action face mask with kaolin clay.

11) Le Couvent des minims cloisters hand cream- 25ml R.R.P. £3
I haven't ever heard of this brand before but looing into it they are a natural beauty range. Thanks to its Original Recipe combining luminous Rose and Berries with 4 beneficial plants, this cream helps moisturise and protect hands at any time of the day. Personally I don't like the smell of this product as I don't like rose. The cream itself spreads easily and you don't need to much. it instantly made my skin feel more hydrated. As its all natural I tried it on my psoriasis it took down the redness in a few minutes. I will be trying more of these soon.

12) Amie hydrating daily moisturiser 100ml R.R.P. £4.95
Containing skin-friendly natural ingredients and high-quality plant extracts, to keep skin soft and smooth. I'm not really wowed by this product. Will be god for a general moisturiser but not anything I will buy again.

13) Face cloth
This comes in a cute heart shape that you place in hot water and it expands. I have had a few of these before in previous boxes.


Verdict
I was happy to see some natural products in this box. It is also very good vaue for money. Alothough I would have like to have seen some more make-up or different products as they are all pretty samey.

Monday, 18 May 2015

Makeup revolution: Blushing hearts


You all must have seen Makeup Revolution all over the web; they're a budget beauty brand, like MUA and ELF. They have recently hit the web by storm bringing out numerous makeup 'dupes'. I have been looking at their blushing hearts collection for a while, and I finally have bought them!!!! My gosh; I am so happy I have. they're so beautiful!!! They have loads of different shades which made it very hard to pick!!! They are dupes of the Too Faced blushes. I also own one of these.

BURSTING WITH LOVE

This is the darkest out if all the blushes I bought. I like the fact that this one had the lighter colour on it that could also double up as a highlighter by itself. It also slightly lightens the shade of the blush when mixed together; which is great for my pale skin!

BLUSHING HEART

This is my favourite blush I purchased. Individually and together the colours are so beautiful, and have a nice little shimmer in them. Without making you look like a disco ball!

PEACHY PINK KISSES

This was the least favourite of the blushers I bought, it its way to light and I am VERY pale! There is also too much shimmer in this product. I am yet to try it as a highlighter but I think it would be better suited as this. The colours are very icy, light pink.

GODDESS OF FAITH

I also decided to pick up one of their highlighters. It has a brown/pink tinge to it. It is really pigmented and you don't need a lot of product. Its great for highlighting cheekbones, brow bones and lip arches. It gives me a natural glow. It is a new favourite highlighter at the moment!

SUMMER OF LOVE

And finally, I also picked up a bronzer. I haven't really used this much as I rather matte bronzers over shimmery ones. This is my least favourite out off all my purchases.

VERDICT
Overall these are such good value for money!! I bought them direct from the makeup revolution website. It only took about a week to arrive. And are only £4.99 each! (Link here).The packaging is absolutely beautiful and looks lovely sitting on my counter. Although it is quite bulky for the amount of product in it. They are very high pigmented! I would definitely recommend you to try them! I also think the quality of these is very close to the Too Faced one.

Saturday, 16 May 2015

Pigments: what are they and how do I use them?

I don't know about you guys, but the thought of using pigments has always intimidated me! They're so bright and a loose powder!?! What do I do with it?

Recently I braved it and bought some mac pigments off ebay. These where from their 2014 objects of affection collection. They are so beautiful and came in a lovely storage box. Before heading off to ebay for you own; please be careful! There are loads of replicas sold online. These can contain harmful products and you will end up spending lots of money on fake items! I will do a blog on this later on, on how to avoid this.



What are they?- So you know when people say how pigmented a blush or shade is? This is what it is. It is how much of this stuff they put in! It is pure colour! This is a bonus too because you have to use so little!! 'Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin.' - MAC.

How do I use them?- The great thing about pigments is that they are so versatile!! They can be used for almost anything!!! This is what I have learnt about them!

Before you start using them, tap a tiny bt of pigment into the lid, on the back of your hand on into a proper palette. This avoids you using to much and clumping your brush with it

1)Eyeshadow- Simply use it like a normal eye shadow straight from the brush onto your eyelids! Just remember the colour in the pot is what will come out on your face! It is easy to blend and moves around great on your eyelid. It also stays put!! (I have left 12 hour shifts with it still in place!) Just remember to brush some powder underneath your eye to 'catch' the spare pigment, so you can wipe it away easily!

2)Foiling- This pretty much means applying it wet. It is commonly used to make colours more vivid. And a nice sheen to it, hence the name foiling. You can also make one nice and cheap at home too!

3)Lips- Mix the colour with a clear lip gloss or moisturising lip balm. Hey presto you have a new colour, or for a nice matte look apply lipgloss on first and press some pigment on top.

4)Nail polish- This technique is pretty much the same as for your lips. Grab yourself some clear nail polish and mix them together! Be careful as these pigments can dye the brush. I would recommend using a separate nail polish for these purposes.

5)Mascara- And again grab yourself a clear mascara or a mascara wand with the pigment and apply to the eyes.

6)Blush- Pour a little bit out, swirl in your blsh brush and sweep over your cheek.

7)Liner- Dampen your liner brush and dip into your pigment pot. Apply as close to the lash line as possible. Voila! A new eyeliner!

This list is just the start of what you can do! I am still trying loads more! I cannot wait to try some bright colours!!!



Just remember to check the pigments and all mixing mediums before using, some products aren't made for use near eyes; use with caution. You all know how your eyes react to things. Also be careful opening the pot! There is nothing worse than having pigment all over your floor!!!
And remember you can mix the colours how ever your want to make your own custom colours!!!

Sunday, 10 May 2015

You Beauty discovery box : May 2015





This months shortlist theme is centred around the 2015 CEW Beauty Awards, giving you a choice of CEW 2015 Finalist brands. The “Oscars of the Beauty Industry”, this year CEW are celebrating their 10th Anniversary of its prestigious Beauty Awards that recognise outstanding product innovation and creativity. I decided to go for items I don't usually go for this month, also because I have the full sizes of quite a few of these items already. The box each month lets you choose 2 beauty items plus sends you 2 - 3 additional sample items. This is one of my favourite beauty boxes.



This months products:

1) The body shop- wild argon oil miracle solid
Full size - 50g. RRP £8
Treat extra-dry skin areas and lacklustre hair to this multi-purpose solid oil. Its rich texture glistens and glides onto skin for an instant moisture glow, enriched with organic Community Trade argan oil from Morocco. The product feels quite greasy but soaks into the skin quickly. The smell is quite subtle but has a almost plastic smell to it.

2) Phillip Kingsley elasticizer
40 ml - Worth £8.50 (Full size 75ml rrp £16)
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer was originally created by Philip Kingsley specifically for Audrey Hepburn, who wanted a super-moisturising treatment that would repair her hair and keep it in great condition throughout the frequent colouring and styling done to her hair on movie sets. This is a pre-shampoo intensive moisturising treatment that delivers elasticity, bounce and shine to hair. I haven't yet tried this product, but have heard so much about it. Plus you only need to use a dollop the size of a 50p! The product itself doesn't have much of a smell, which i guess is a bonus when using with other products.

3) Samples
In addition i received two bonus samples, Jimmy Choo man and Dr. Organic snail gel. As well as samples there is a booklet full of discounts!

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Make-up dupes : Benefit high beam vs Technic high lights



Who doesn't love a good bargain? This section of my blog will be reviewing high end products against low range products or 'dupes'. Do you really need to spend a fortune on your beauty kit? Lets find out!!

Today I will be looking at Benefit high beam, and Technic high lights.

Both come in almost identical packaging, a glass bottle similar to a nail polish.

Benefit high beam: is described on their website as- 'A pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a radiant glow.'. This one is priced at £19.50 and is avalible on the benefit website here.

Technic high lights: is described as- 'A complexion highlighter! Light and easy to use, enhance your cheeks eyes and pout with this star product.' I bought this off amazon for £3 here. This is £16.50 cheaper than the high end brand

But does it work???



Here is a swatch of both, top is technic and bottom benefit. As you can see the benefit swatch has a pinker tone to it, and you can see a slightly thicker consistency. But both have a nice shimmer to them.



To finish application I simply dabbled out with my fingertip, as said in my last post with the high beam; I find using a brush sweeps the make-up off your face, using your fingertips allows the product to sit ontop.

Both products looked beautiful once applied, and both had a lovely dewy, shimmer glow, which would look great with any makeup look. although the benefit one looked slightly more pigmented. This could be achieved with the technic brand by adding a second layer.

All in all this dupe is unreal! It deffinatly will be replacing the high end product in my make-up kit!! For £3 its a real bargin and it is a high quality product. I LOVE IT!!

Monday, 4 May 2015

Sakura lush review



I'm sure you have all heard of the beauty shop 'Lush cosmetics '. They handmake all their products on site with natural products. They also are against animal testing!
This bath bomb I bought last month or so called Sakura. To use simply drop in a bath of warm water! I was fairly dissapointed in this bomb. There was no real colour that was let off. It just made my bath have a white tinge. I thought there would be blue and pick specks floating around in my bath but nothing. This is one of the things I usually love about them they made your bath into pretty colours and you can have glitter, confetti or sprinkles floating all around. This one nothing.



The smell was pleasant quite a fruity, fresh smell. But again quite dissapointing it was a very mellow smell. Compared to all the others I have tried it hasn't lived up. Sorry lush but I won't be getting this one again.

Saturday, 2 May 2015

Naked Palettes 1, 2 & 3



So you all must of heard loads about the Naked palattes! Here is a quick overview and little review on each of them..
All of the palette's are high pigmented and are great for building. The more you apply the stronger the colour gets. I love how all 3 of the sets compliment each other so you can mix and match any colours from any palette.


NAKED PALETTE
So this is the first of the palettes to be released, it comes in a brown velvet case with a magnetic closure. This set contains some very neutral colours containing 10 shimmer and 2 matte.


From left to right - Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half-Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal.

NAKED 2 PALETTE
This set is in a metal tin with a stonger clip in clasp to hold the case together. It is a lot more sturdy than the last and isn't as likely to open up in your bag as the first. This set again is full of fairly neutral colours, 9 shimmer and 3 matte.


From left to right - Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted and Blackout.

NAKED PALETTE 3
This set again is in a metal tin with the clip in clasp. This set contains more pink tone than the others. Containing 9 shimmer and 3 matte



From left to right -Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz, Trick, Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside and Blackheart. My only suggestion would be if you are new to using shadows go for set one or two. Don't purchase the 3rd until you know the pink tones suit your skin tone. As you can see in the above photos I am too pale for this shade, it comes out dull and washed out on my skin.