Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

collection work the colour lip butterswork the colour lip butter review
collection lip butters review and swatches

These lip pencils are proving popular with beauty brands. They are ridiculously easy to apply, hydrating and are very affordable - what's not to love? Collection are the latest brand to launch their own versions. There are 4 very different shades to choose so there's something for everyone from a natural nude to a vampy purple.

The Collection Work The Colour Lip butters are a hybrid between a lipstick+lip gloss+lip balm. They have great colour pay-off, a glossy finish and are super moisturising. I love that these don't require sharpening - just a twist at the end to reveal more product. The creamy formula makes these glide on effortlessly. 

My favourite out of the bunch has to be Popping Pink, it's a very me colour. It's one of those 'pair with a swipe of mascara and be done' shades. The darkest out of the four is Perfect Plum which is a very Rimmel Kate Moss 107-type colour. Lastly is Cappuccino which is a 'your lips but a little nuder and glossier shade'. It looks very natural making it perfect for everyday wear. There's a little snap of me wearing it on IG here.

I really like the new Collection Lip Butters. They're so effortless and easy to use, great for on the go. The lasting power isn't fantastic so you will need to reapply after eating!

Collection Work The Colour Lip Butters* �2.99 from Superdrug and Boots

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Rapid White Instant Whitening System review
Rapid White Instant Whitening System review
Rapid White Instant Whitening System review

I'm forever on the hunt for a at home teeth whitening kit that actually works. My teeth are naturally not very white despite not smoking or drinking coffee, what's all that about?

I've never tried dentist-level whitening (he told me not to) so I've had to put my faith in drugstore products. There is no shortage of teeth whitening products on the highstreet. I trialled the iWhite teeth whitening kit last year and also the Blanx White Shock toothpaste and now I'm back testing another teeth whitening kit in the hope for a whiter smile.

The Rapid White Instant Whitening System consist of 14 dissolving tooth whitening strips, a brush-on tooth gloss and an instant whitening toothpaste. Immediately, the tooth whitening strips appear to be UK's answer to the Crest Whitening Strips. The Crest strips aren't available in the UK because they have a higher % of Hydrogen Peroxide than what is legal in Britain and most of Europe. I've never tried the Crest strips myself because of this so I was really excited to see Rapid White were launching their own version that are safe to use in the UK.

The whitening kit is designed to be used over 7 days and claims to whiten teeth up to 4 shades. I have the Max Effect kit but they also make one specially for sensitive teeth. I used all 3 products in conjunction for one week and have mixed feeling about the product.

Tooth Dissolving Strips
The strips are transparent and flexible making them easy and simple to apply. Once stuck on your teeth they won't budge and you can talk easily with them on. I have a really small mouth so sometimes struggled to apply the strip without it sticking to my lips. I ended up cutting them in half before applying and that made it a lot easier for me (#smallmouthproblems). These claim to have a minty flavour but once they started to dissolve I had a horrible dentist-like taste in my mouth. You can avoid this by spitting out once the strips have dissolved. After leaving on for 7-10 minutes you rinse your mouth out with water a follow with brushing your teeth.

Instant Whitening Toothpaste
You use this toothpaste like you would with any other. This promises to instantly whiten teeth up to 1 and a 1/2 shades lighter after one use. The formula safely removes stains,plague and polishes the surface of the teeth. The toothpaste is also sold separately so I tested this out for one week prior to using the whole kit. After a couple of uses I started to notice little white specks on my teeth and noticed the looked a lot brighter. I love how fresh this left my mouth feeling. It has a blend of PVP and Pentasodium Triphosphate working together to remove stains and prevent tartar build up.

Brush-on Tooth Gloss
The only product I really didn't get on with. This gloss is designed to seal in shine. You brush it onto dry teeth which does leave them looking shiner however, I only used this twice as both times didn't go well. On the first occasion I used this in the morning after brushing my teeth. Later on in the day I went out for lunch and had a Coke and almost immediately I could feel the texture on my teeth had gone really rough where I had applied the gloss. When I got home I looked in the mirror to discover my teeth had been stained brown from the Coke. Luckily I only tried the gloss on my four front teeth so I could quickly scrap off any excess gloss. The second time I applied it at night. The following day I was at work and had a cup of tea and couldn't feel any difference in the texture this time. Nevertheless, when I checked on my teeth in the mirror they were stained with an unpleasant dark brown shade which I had to scrap off again.

Result
Apart from the brush-on gloss, this isn't a bad little kit. It's not going to leave you with computer-paper white teeth, it does only claim to brighten up to 4 shades. You will get a healthy white smile and teeth that look brighter then before. I doubt many of my friends and family would notice a difference in colour but they look whiter to me. Because I didn't get on well with the brush on gloss I wouldn't purchase the kit but I would buy the tooth whitening strips (�22.99) and toothpaste ( �7.99) separately.

Rapid White Instant Whitening System* �34.99 available from Boots. 

Saturday, 2 August 2014

cocoa brown 1 hour tan review

cocoa brown tan before and after

As you can tell from yesterday's post, I'm a fake tan kinda girl. Gone are the days of orange-looking, biscuit-smelling fake tans; you can now buy fake tan that looks so genuine nobody would question that 'sunkissed olive' isn't your natural colour. The latest one I've tried is the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse.

Despite hearing lots of good things about the brand, this is the first thing I've tested out from the Cocoa Brown range. The 1 hour Tan Mousse claims to provide a golden tan in just one hour.

The mousse foam is slightly tinted so you can see where you've applied the tan. I found this easiest to apply with a tanning mitt which Cocoa Brown also make. I tested this out on my legs at first leaving the tan on for one hour before rinsing off. The result was a very subtle but still noticeable. I prefer my tan a little darker so a few days later I tried again this time leaving it on for 3 hours for a deeper colour. The result was a lot darker yet still very natural looking. You can build up the colour by applying more tan before rinsing off. As you can see from the before and after photo's above it doesn't look orange or fake at all. Also, this doesn't have that horrible fake tan scent - yay! The colour continues to develop once washed off and lasts around 5 days.

I'm really happy with the results of this. I'll be putting my trusty Xen Tan Mist Intense on the back burner for now as this is just as good and a fraction of the price. I'd recommend this for fake tan newbies as it's super easy to apply and natural looking.

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse* �7.99 available from Boots, Superdrug, Feel Unique and Primark. 

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Cor Blimey it's hot. We aren't use to this kinda heat in the UK. I've been rocking a SULA (sweaty upper lip alert) for the past week but thanks to the Sure Maximum Protection Anti-perspirant my armpits have been as dry as my mum's roast potatoes.

I picked this up from Boots because my usual go to (Mitchum) just wasn't cutting it anymore. I needed something to battle the British Summer so I could leave the comforts of my cool bedroom before 7pm. I was intrigued by it's unusual design and 48 hour claims.

The antiperspirant has a creamy consistency and twists up through holes at the top of the product. I found you really only need to use a little bit because it goes a long way. It dries within 60 seconds so you can get on with more interesting stuff. Sure recommend you apply this at night-time before going to bed but sometimes I forget and just apply it in the morning.

I found the Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant really does stop sweat. If I've used it the night before I wake up with completely dry underarms and no sweat odor. This really does last 48 hours but in really intense heat or after a workout I'd apply this once a day.

I would definitely recommend this deodorant if you're wanting to keep the sweat away and your normal deodorant isn't doing the job. I would repurchase this when it runs out.

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant  �5.20 available at Boots.

ps some other summer-related posts to help you through this mini heat wave:
How To Adjust Your Skincare Rountine for Summer
The Do's and Don'ts of Festival Makeup
Nail Varnish Shades that Will Make You Look Tanned
Cooling Products To Get You Through The Summer

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

little mix lip balm review
little mix collection makeup range
Following the success of the last Little Mix and Collection makeup range they are launching some exciting new products this summer. 

Each band member has created her own lip balm scented with their favourite smells and shades. Leigh-Anne's is Mint, Jade's is Raspberry, Jesy's is Vanilla and Perrie's is unscented as she has no sense of smell! I haven't swatched the balms as they don't have any colour pay-off. However, Perrie's white lip balm does offer some subtle shimmer which is nice for layering over lipstick. I'm such a lip balm hoarder, I have at least 3 swimming about in the depths of my handbag. My favourite out of the four has to be Jade's simply because I love the raspberry scent! They all provide optimum hydration to dry lips and the lipstick style packaging makes these effortless to apply. Plus, I love seeing the horror in peoples faces when they think I'm about to apply bright green lipstick then watching their eyebrows screw up in confusion when no colour transfers(easily pleased). I'm really impressed with these, especially as they're so affordable. 

Little Mix are also launching a neutral eyeshadow palette which I've reviewed and swatched here. 

Collection by Little Mix Lip Balm* �.199 each
Collection by Little Mix All About The Eyes palette* �3.19 available in Superdrug from 30th July

So now I look like the 5th member of Little Mix all I need now is a boyfriend from 1D, hhhmm which one to go for...

Thursday, 24 July 2014

seascape soothe sleep oil review

seascape soothe sleep oil

Sometimes dream catchers and a cup of tea before bed isn't enough to ensure a good nights sleep. I love my sleep but lately I've been waking up in the night. I find it hard to switch my brain off and this hot, sweaty weather doesn't help. I've been using this little roller ball to help me drift off to dreamland with ease.

Seascape is a British beauty brand based on the Isle of Jersey. All their products are created with ingredients sourced from local producers. Each range features infusions of unique, hand-blended, essential oil for the ultimate luxurious experience. I love that all products are paraben free and not tested on animals.

The Soothe Sleep Oil comes in a little bottle with a handy roller on the end making application quick and easy. I really like the white packaging this comes in, beautiful yet very simple. As well as containing calming  lavender the oil has a blend of Grape Seed, Sweet Almond, Bitter Orange Flower and Mandarin Orange Peel to aid relaxation. This concoction of natural ingredients creates a delicate scent which isn't too overpowering. Just before I jump into bed I roll the Soothe Sleep Oil onto my temples and under my nose. The soft lavender scent instantly relaxes all my senses and prepares me for a peaceful nights sleep.

I've been using this on nights when I'm finding it difficult to switch off or if I'm feeling particularly anxious. It's hard to comment on whether this makes me sleep better but I do feel calmer and more relaxed after using this. I would even use this in the day before doing something that I'm worried about. 

SeaScape Sooth Sleep Oil* �10.00 available online here 

Wednesday, 23 July 2014


blackhead clearing gel review
witch blackhead clearing gel review
witch balckhead clearing gel review

Forget about blackhead strips because there's a shiny new product in town. The Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel is a gentle exfoliating gel that removes dead skin cells and rubs away blackheads easily while contracting the pores making your skin look fresher and more radiant.

I couldn't wait to give this a go to see if it really did work! The gel has a thick, gooey texture and a matt finish. You apply this onto dry skin with dry fingers. I squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my nose and forehead and massage for 1-2 minutes. After a while the consistency goes funny and starts to separate, you then rinse of with water.
After the first use I noticed the pores around my nose were a lot clearer and not as noticeable as before. Not all my blackheads were completely gone but I'll continue using this to see if it get's rid of them altogether.

My blackheads were visibly reduced after just one use but not all completely gone. If you suffer from very noticeable blackheads use this in conjunction with a blackhead scrub and pore mask to get rid of those pesky blackheads.

Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel* �4.99 available from July 20 exclusively at Superdrug.



Saturday, 19 July 2014

eucerin micellar cleansing water review

I've tried several micellar waters including the cult-buy Bioderma and I have to say I'm a cleansing water convert. I love the ease of a cleansing water, I normally use them pre-cleanse just to get take of the bulk of my make up.

The newest one I'm testing out is from Eucerin. I've tried a few products from the brand before and have always been left impressed. The Eucerin Dermatoclean 3in1 Cleansing Fluid claims to cleanse, remove make up and tone all in one effortless swipe. I've been using this morning and evening as it's very gentle on the skin and suitable for those prone to sensitivity. One cotton pad in the AM is enough to leave my skin feeling clean, refreshed and prepared for moisturiser. In the evening I'll soak two pads to remove my makeup followed by using a creamy cleanser. I'll sometimes finish off with one final swipe of this across my face, neck and d�colletage to balance my skin.

This multi-tasking must-have will be the perfect festival/holiday companion. The Eucerin 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Fluid* is �9.00 for 200ml and available from Escentual.com 

Friday, 4 July 2014

Being a mascara hoarder I couldn't help but give into this weird looking new mascara from Bourjois. The newest addition to the Bourjois mascara range claims to give lashes impeccable volume with up to 16 hours hold. Here's how I got on...

Firstly, can we discuss the wand? It's design is inspired by round, professional hair brushes. If you look closely you can see that the wand has balls;  the technical term is ' wraparound spheres ' but we normal folk call them tiny little balls. These balls alternative between evenly sized bristles and promise to envelope each lash.

I found the wand seamlessly swiped through my lashes giving them volume, length, thickness and separation without any clumps. The formula isn't too wet either- always a mascara pet peeve. It's one of the only mascara I've used where I feel like I don't  I need to layer it with a different mascara on top. Just this alone creates enough impact. The mascara is also easy to remove with my Eucerin Micellar water. I'll be saying goodbye to my Eyeko Black Magic for now and reaching for this on a daily basis. Might have to pick up the waterproof version for summer!

Bourjois 1 Seconde Volume Mascara*  RRP �9.99

Well, I said balls way too much for one post. If you're after a new mascara definitely give this new one from Bourjois a look. 

Have you entered my Simple Skincare giveaway yet? Quick you only have until midnight today! Enter here.

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

dove purely pampering body oil review
Regular readers might already know I'm completely obsessed with oils. Hair, face, nail , body oils - I love them all. The newest oil to my collection is this newbie from the Dove Purely Pampering range. If you're not familiar with the Purely Pampering range it's Dove's most indulgent range, each product is designed to transform your me-time into a deliciously decadent experience. Who doesn't want that? I'm all up for more me-time and treating my skin every single day rather than when once a week on a Sunday evening.

The Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Oils are available in two different fragrances; Pistachio & Magnolia and Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla. I have been using the pistachio scented oil for about 5 weeks and I'am in love. 

I do a mini spa-esque massage each evening after my shower; I jump out and slather my body in this delicious oil, it all sounds rather provocative, but I assure you it is not. It has a scrumptious smelling mix of pistachio and pink magnolia with a helping of sesame and Grape seed oil for extra nourishment. It absorbs into the skin almost instantly so no awkward wandering around naked moments. The oil also contains Dove's unique DeepCare Complex which replenishes the upper layer of your skin whilst leaving the top layer feeling smoother and satin like. 

The finish isn't oily but more glowy. The texture is non-greasy so perfect for those who don't normally like the feel of oils. I find a little bit goes a long way so this bottle will last me way into the winter months. I've got my eye on the Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla version as it has a subtle shimmery gold tint to it which would be perfect for summer! 

Dove Purely Pampering Light-touch Nourishing Oil* RRP �8.99 available from Boots and Tesco now and everywhere else from August. 

I'm giving away 5 bottles of the new Dove Purely Pampering Oil next week -keep your eyes peeled!


Monday, 30 June 2014


When I was asked to review a revolutionary new type of foundation which is far more superior to any BB or CC cream, as a beauty junkie how could I say no? Even more so when I found out it was �45, I wanted to see if it was worth the high price tag.

Oxygenetix is described as the worlds most breathable foundation. It was first launched in Hollywood and makes it ways over to the UK this year. It was originally developed to heal and conceal skin after cosmetic surgery but it has become a firm favourite with leading makeup artists because of it's real skincare benefits.

What They Say
Oxygenetix claims to provide a flawless finish and it's oxygen-enriched formula allows skin to breathe more than any other foundation. It doesn't smudge, water-resistant, doesn't clog pores and camouflages surgical scars and third degree burns. The prime ingredient in the product which helps to deliver all these outstanding claims is Ceravitae� a super charged oxygen complex that promotes collagen cell production and connective tissue growth in ageing and wounded skin. Sounds pretty impressive, right?

My Thoughts
I chose the colour Ivory which is the second lightest. It is very yellow toned and probably not quite right for my skintone but it's very hard to tell without seeing the shades first. I applied it using a flat foundation brush for maximum coverage but was left quite disappointed. As it claimed to hide third degree burns I thought it would have no problem concealing my blemishes and dark circles but the coverage was very light. Even after building it up I still need to use concealer and the coverage wasn't impressing me. However, there is a knack to apply this. In order to gain medium/full coverage you have to pat the foundation on either with a sponge or your fingers. I found Oxygenetix did cover my dark circles after applying 3-4 light layers. The texture is very gentle and light-weight on skin and doesn't look cakey. The finish is semi-matte and lasts around 8 hours.

Overall, Oxygenetix does offer full/medium coverage, I can't comment on it's healing properties. I'm not happy that you only get 15ml of product considering it's such an expensive item and you do have to use quite a lot by layering on the foundation. If you need a healing foundation post procedure and didn't mind the price tag this may be a good option for you.

Oxygenetix Foundation* RRP �45 and is available to buy online here. Available in 14 different shades. 

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

 la roche posay effaclar duo+ review

(You know it's time to review a product when you've cut it in half.) I suffer from spot scars quite badly especially around my chin and some stay around for months, which is so frustrating! I never tried the original Effaclar Duo but I was eager to try their new and improved version.

La Roche Posay understood these stubborn spot scars can become a source of anxiety and created a product to solve this problem. The red marks left on our skin are caused by inflammation and can take anything from 3 weeks to 3 years to fade.

What Effaclar Duo+ does differently from the original is that it targets blemishes at every stage of their life cycle and is suitable for the most sensitive skin. Not only does it target blemishes, clogged pores and excess sebum; it also eliminates acne marks from the moment they start to form.

This product claims to start working in just 24 hours. I did notice after the first couple of uses my scars were visibly less red. You can use it alone or use it with a moisturiser but I chose to use it by itself morning and night. The texture is really light-weight and absorbs quickly. It has an instant soothing effect on the skin which is lovely and refreshing. I really wanted to test this out properly before sharing my thoughts. After using this for 5 weeks I have noticed my spot scars have reduced and some have completely gone. Some stubborn marks are still there unfortunately. Using this hasn't prevented me from getting breakouts but any new blemishes that have appeared haven't scarred me.

Overall, I would repurchase this product. It's very moisturising, reduces pesky spot scares and leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated!

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+* RRP �15.50 40ml. Available from Boots. 

Thursday, 19 June 2014


LUSH British Nanny Facial Moisturiser SPF 30* �26.95
Packed full of natural oils such as almond, hibicus, coconut and jojoba so it contains Vitamin C and E which are skin-loving ingredients. The formula of this is really thick, I think it would suit dry skintypes best. I love that it has a high SPF. It has a strong sun cream scent so bare that in mind if you're not a fan of that smell. I really like this but the high price tag for such a small pot puts me of purchasing. 
Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Moisturiser �16.99
Applying Vitamin C can help brighten skin and prevent ageing. This moisturiser has UVA/UVB protection which help to fight the damaging effects of the sun. I love the refreshing orange scent this has and it leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. 
Simple illuminating Radiance Cream SPF 15 �7.99
Infused with multi-vitamins and light reflecting minerals. This instantly gives skin a radiant glow, it has tiny shimmer particles but it's really subtle and hardly noticeable. The moisturiser sinks into the skin really quickly and is the perfect primer for make up. 

Make sure you apply SPF first thing in the morning, but re-apply every few hours if outdoors. look for foundation with SPF if you didn't want to re-touch your moisturiser. 

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

So pretty. Look at all those colours. Time to hide your Naked palettes because the new Urban Decay Electric Palette is here! I've never tried anything from the brand before so was super excited to test this out. Read on for a full-on, photo heavy UD Electric palette review with swatches. 

The packaging of this palette is so pretty. The cover features a multi-coloured smoke-screen print on a black background. The packaging feels really sturdy and it has a large mirror inside. I don't normally use the brushes that come free with palettes but this double ended brush is excellent quality. 

These eye shadows are pressed pigments so the colour pay-off is extreme. I've never tried an eye shadow as intense as the 12 featured in the Electric palette. I'm so impressed with how much colour comes off with just one swipe. The formula is really long lasting too. The shades allow for 12 hour wear without creasing or fading - and that is without using a primer. The colours are a mixture of mattes and shimmer. Each one has a velvety- smooth texture which makes them easy to blend. The shades are - 
Revolt - bright metallic silver with shimmer
Gonzo - bright turquoise matte with floating tonal pearl
Slowburn - bright red-orange matte with floating pearl
Savage - bright hot pink matte
Fringe - bright metallic teal
Chaos - bright blue matte with floating tonal pearl
Jilted - bright metallic purple with blue shift
Urban - bright metallic purple
Freak - bright green with gold shift 
Thrash - bright lime green matte

My favourite shades are Revolt, Slowburn and Fringe. I'm really impressed with the quality and pigmentation of the Electric palette. It's not cheap but it's definitely worth the price tag. I recommend you check this out in store, my photo's don't do the hypnotic colours justice. Just don't blame me if you spend 50 minutes in Debenhams staring at the colours followed by getting dragged away by security guards. 

The Urban Decay Electric Palette* (�38) is now availalbe to buy from Debenhams, Feel Unique, House of Fraser and Beauty Bay. 


Tuesday, 17 June 2014

I know not everyone is into using make up brushes but I'm a firm believer they make your make up look so much better. Investing in good quality brushes is a must have for me. I can't believe I've been blogging for 3 years and I've never once mentioned my make up brushes. This post is long overdue but I hope you enjoy it!

The Make-Up Brush Company Eyebrow brush
I've had this brush for 3 years now (can you tell by the ingrained fluff?) but it's still going strong. My brow hair is quite long so I have to brush them everyday otherwise they look wonky. 
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
I'll always use a brush to apply foundation; I prefer the finish and coverage you can achieve. This buffs foundation in so quickly and feels lovely and soft. Although I do find this hard to wash, I just can't get it back to white!
The Vintage Cosmetic Company Angled Eye Shadow Brush*
I'm not a massive eye shadow wearer but I love this brush because it does it all. Use it to swipe on colour across the whole lid or it's fluffiness makes it great for blending colour in the crease. Also, as it's slightly angled it's perfect for creating a smoky eye!
Real Techniques Contour Brush
Designed to use to contour the face but I really love using this to blend concealer. I often find that using my finger to blend in concealer actually removes make up from the area I'm patting. This brush allows for a higher coverage and a more flawless finish. I'll never apply concealer with my fingers again. This brush is only available in the core collection but I think it's well worth buying just for this! 
Japonesque Blush Brush
I wear blusher pretty much every time I put on make up and the shape of the brush is perfect for blusher. Japonesque brushes are extremely soft and enjoyable to use. The natural fibres distribute colour evenly so you can never go OTT with blusher! 

What's your most used make up brush? I'm all up for extending my collection! 

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

I'm a sucker for a highstreet dupe. After hearing Lily and Anna rave on about the ByTerry Ombre Blackstar I immediately added it to my mental wishlist. Then after heading onto the SpaceNK website to find out they are priced at �28 a pop my love for them lessened.

Not one to give up I marched to Boots in search for a Ombre Blackstar highstreet dupe. I was meet with the Max Factor Flipsticks which are a double ended eyeshadow stick. I wasn't too impressed with the pigmentation of these but the Revlon ColourStay Shadow Sticks were better versions with more colour pay-off but still quite different from what I was looking for. The new Seventeen EyeEye crayons look like a good budget buy. They are waterproof shadow sticks which are smooth to apply and come in 4 shades. The winner for me though were the No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define Liners.These creamy sticks are really easy to use and come in 8 wearable shades. The two I have are Black Shimmer and Gunmetal Grey. You can use these all over the lid or the tip point makes it a great eyeliner. The more natural shades in the range would be good for highlighting and using in the corners of the eyes. The formula for these are impressively long-lasting and smudge-proof.

No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define �8.00 available from Boots. 

I've got my eye on a few other shades from the range, are you a fan of these stick style eyeshadows?

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

COLLECTION is a Highstreet makeup brand I've been a fan of for years. Their cult Lasting Perfection Concealer will alway be a repurchase for me and I'm currently loving their Creme Puff lip products.

This summer sees the launch of their new Mardi Gras collection. The range is inspired by the spirit of Rio and the tropics of the Amazon. As you can see by the vibrant colours, the range is very tropical themed which ties in nicely with the World Cup and is bang on trend this summer. The collection consits of six pieces set to bring a bit of carnival spirit to your summer.

The three nail polish shades include White Out, Canary Yellow and Green with Envy. Each colour is perfect for summer and all look great with a tan. The white shade can be a bit streaky with one coat but looks great with 2-3 coats. The yellow is a little darker then I'm used to and I don't usually wear green varnish but these shades are really wearable.

Lip balms aren't usually a product you accosiate with COLLECTION. These scented lip balms are super hydrating and come in three different flavours including strawberry, orange and green apple. For just �1.99 these are a bargain. The fun and colourful packaging makes these easier to find in my handbag too!

The Mardi Gras range* from Collection is available from June in Superdrug stores and online. Everything featured above is �1.99.

Thursday, 29 May 2014


Maybelline foundation and I have had a on/off relationship for years. When I first discovered make up, Dream Matte Mousse was one of the first foundations I tried. At the time I loved it but looking back at it now the colour was way to orange and the texture was weird and often looked cakey. However, will Maybelline's newest foundation launch change my opinion of the brand?

Better Skin claims to improve your skin tone in just 3 weeks. It's designed to transform dull, uneven skin leaving you with hydrated, flawless, glowing skin with it's vitamin enriched formula.

The foundation comes in 8 shades, so not a great range of colours. I've been using 'Nude 021' which is the second lightest and is a little too dark for me. I've been applying this with my Real Techniques Expert face brush which seems to be the best way to use it. I'm impressed with the overall coverage of this. It helps to even out my skin tone and conceals small blemishes. It's doesn't do a great deal for dark circles and I still need to use concealer. When applying it you can definitely feel it's an hydrating foundation, I think this would be best for those with normal/dry skin. It's difficult to say if it has cleared my skin up. My skin has been good lately but that may be as a result of some new skincare products I've been using.

Not a bad highstreet foundation. This blends really nicely and has good coverage. I'm always sceptical about foundation claims and I'm still on the fence about the 'better skin' claim. Like most highstreet foundations, the shade range is poor. I love that it has spf 20 so i'll be using this in the summer. It's vitamin enriched formula does appeal to me and might be good for you if you find foundations tend to break you out. 

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation �8.99 30ml available at Superdrug/Boots 

Thursday, 22 May 2014


I'm all for more me-time. I like to dedicate Sunday evenings to some indulgent pampering. I spend the evening with my hair covered in conditioner, a cuppa tea and catch up on all the posts/Youtube videos from the week. Dove have recently launched a new Purely Pampering range which allows you to experience those me-time moments every single day.

The new good-enough-to-eat range consists of two delicious scents. Pistachio Cream with Magnolia; a sweet scent with a delicate hint of Magnolia. Definitely one for pistachio fans! The second is Coconut Milk and Jasmine Petals; another gorgeous scent that isn't over-powering.

Like with all Dove beauty products, not only is your skin wrapped is a delicious scent but skin is left nourished and feeling silky soft. Dove's unique DeepCare Complex is in each product. It's an infusion of skin-natural nutrients and rich essential oil for deep down nourishment. The whole range is a joy to use and they smell amazing. I strongly urge you give these a sniff next time you're in Boots.

The body lotions* retail for �3.99 and the body washes* are �2.99 each. I'm surprised these luxourious products are so affordable.Whether you're a morning or evening shower person, these products guarantee to add a bit of luxury to your routine!

Monday, 21 April 2014

When I was a teenager there was nothing out there perfume-wise targeted towards us. Impulse and Charlie body sprays were as exciting as things got. My first fragrance was actually one I'd borrowed from my Mum and  probably wasn't best suited for my age. Fear not teens of today, I have come across a fragrance that is designed specially for teenage girls. Launched last summer in Harrods, Pink Addiction is a perfume created just for teens.

This idea was thought up of when Nabila, the creator, was shopping for a fragrance for her 13 year old sister but was left disappointed when none of the shops she visited sold a fragrance designed exclusively for teens. As a result Pink Addiction was born! 

The fragrance is a sweet mixture of fruity and floral scents. Initial notes of luscious cranberry and sparkling Winter lemons give this perfume a fruity edge. This combined with bottom notes of snowy patchouli and blond wood results in a sweet but creamy soft scent. Now, this wouldn't be a proper review without the opinion of teen...

I had my intern (14 year old sister) test this out for me because I wanted to get a teens view on the fragrance. At first I deliberately made my sister smell the fragrance before seeing the packaging as I didn't want it to influence her thought on the scent. Here's how Amber got on!

"I like the scent, it's nice and sweet. It also smells quite grown up. I don't really like the packaging it's too for teenagers." At this point I had to remind Amber she was a teenager. "I mean it appeals more to young teenagers like the ones who listen to One Direction or Justin Beiber. I don't like the pink either, I'd prefer it if it looked more simple".This didn't surprise me, I knew the packaging wouldn't go down well with her but bare in mind this comes from a teen who listens to Areosmith and plays a ukulele. "I would wear this perfume and I think my friends would too". 

There you go - a review of a fragrance created exclusively for teens, by a teen. I think it's really refreshing to have a teen fragrance that isn't celebrity endorsed. The perfume industry needs to realise that not every teenager likes One Direction or Justin Beiber. It's so nice to see a fragrance that is simply for teens.

If you like to smell girly and sweet, Pink Addiction* will satisfy that need with an added air of sophistication. Available to purchase from Harrods, Pink Addiction edt retails at �19.95 for 50ml. You also get an adorable pink jute bag with each purchase.