Category Archives: beauty

Recent Beauty Discoveries

01st July 2015
I always seem to be one step behind when it comes to trying out new beauty products, hence why I could never be a beauty blogger. It’s always good to branch out a little though so I thought I’d share my thoughts on some new (to me, at least) bits and pieces that I’m enjoying right now.
First up comes the L.A.B.2 Get in Shape Brow and Eyeliner Brush* (available here). I’m usually faithful to my Real Techniques brushes for everything makeup application but I’m pretty sure I prefer this over their brow brush for a precision application. I haven’t tried it out as an eyeliner brush so I can’t comment on that, but my brows look neater than ever after filling them in with powder using this- on a side note, brow grooming makeup recommendations welcome!
On the whole I’m pretty lucky with my skin but a helping hand never goes a miss so I was excited to try this Complexion Perfecting Hydrator* from Proactiv (RRP £27.99). I’ve been using this morning and night, before applying my makeup and again once I’ve taken it off. This is a lovely light lotion that adds a much needed burst of moisture in to my skin as well as evening out my skin tone and adding some much needed lustre back in to it. It’s pricey, in my eyes, but totally worth it as a tiny bit goes a long way and it’s one of the only products I’ve found to make a visible difference.
I’m not usually one to talk about feminine hygiene butI wanted to give this soothe and smooth shave gel from SASS* a mention for being a product that actually does what it says on the tin (tube!) I won’t go in to detail but is there anything worse than being uncomfortable “down there” post hair removal? I think not- and this product means you can wave goodbye to that little issue.
We won’t go in to how long ago it was when I last replaced my hair brush, I actually blushed a bit when I sat and worked it out. In my defence, I don’t often use a brush as my hair is curly and knotty when wet, and then straightened in to oblivion but tangle free these days. I have, however replaced my trust Denman with The Wet Brush* (available here) which has reduced those tangles to nothing and made my hair so much sleeker. I didn’t think it was possible for a hair brush to really make such a difference, but it has and it doesn’t cost the earth.
Last but by no means least comes my current favourite bath/shower product from treaclemoon *- the super summery limited edition iced strawberry dream. An absolute bargain at £2.99 (RRP, currently on offer at £1.99 in Tesco) this is the scent of summer in a bottle. Unlike some scented products it doesn’t make my sensitive skin flare up and given that a bowl of strawberries and cream is one of my favourite summer snacks using this first thing in the morning sets me up for a grand day ahead. The brand are currently working with the charity BulliesOut so keep your eyes peeled for that collaboration- even more reason to stock up on their gorgeous products if you ask me!
What products have you been loving lately?

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*some products in this post have been gifted to me for review, in line with my full disclosure policy*

Posted in beauty, review

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Summer Hair Care from Allcures *infographic*

18th June 2015
It’s a well known fact that Summer weather can be harsh on your hair. I don’t even have to leave the country for mine to start getting dry and ratty. Add in a week away in the sun with chlorine and sea salt to contend with and I’m a walking birds nest. That’s why, when I saw this infographic from allcures featuring some new to me tips for keeping your hair in top condition I couldn’t resist sharing.
I’m not sure I can stomach oysters any time soon but I tend to forget that what you eat can have a positive impact on every part of your body…pass me the carrots and kale!

I tend to wash my hair more in the Summer than in the Winter months so it was interesting (and somewhat alarming) to read that it should be the other way around. In my defense I do use less heat styling when the weather is hotting up but I think some re-thinking of my washing regime is needed. Likewise on the oil front. For some reason my hair gets greasier from May-September so adding oil in seemed counter-productive; any recommendations for something light?

How do you care for your hair in the Summer months? My split ends are crying out for your answers.

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Posted in beauty, hair, infographic

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Summer Skin with Nair

16th June 2015

Dressing for Summer is so much quicker and easier than during the Winter months, however it does involve quite a bit more leg work to provide the perfect foundations for a healthy, happy and care free look. Now the sun has made an appearance it’s time to grab the exfoliator, remove those pesky stray hairs (ain’t got no time for daily shaving) and slap on some fake tan…

The folks at Nair know this and have decided to make things that little bit easier for us ladies by launching a brand new range of products. The Natural Nair Argan Oil Collection is set to be a breakthrough in hair removal, with its super nourishing and feel good properties. Designed to remove even the shortest of hairs from your legs, body and face whilst leaving skin beautifully soft and smooth what more could a girl need to look good and feel good this Summer?

With my body prepped and primed to perfection (well, you know) I’m ready to start thinking about my dream Summer outfit….I’ve popped together a little wish list designed to show off my glowing, smooth skin to perfection.

All items from ASOS
For me I definitely feel more confident when I know I haven’t got to worry about dry skin and stray hairs so this collection is right up my street! Hopefully I’ll be trying out some of the products soon so stay tuned for a full review!

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*this post is sponsored by Nair in line with my full disclosure policy*

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The Miracle Working foot product

10th June 2015
I hate feet, I especially hate my feet. I inwardly groan when the warmer weather arrives and it’s time for bare feet and sandals because try as I might I’ve never been able to get my feet looking good. I was recently sent a product from Scholl- the Dry Skin Instant Recovery Cream, which I hoped might help but I didn’t expect anything groundbreaking from it as other products have tried and failed in the past and still haven’t managed to get my toes looking tip-top.
If you’ve read my blog for any length of time you’ll know I’m not one to rave or get excited about this kind of product so it really has made quite an impression. This quite plain looking tube houses a rich and non-greasy cream that even from the first use (well, it is called Instant Recovery) made a drastic difference to my feet. I wish I could share a before and after with you but I can’t, because I can’t bring myself to photograph my own feet nor plaster them on the internet so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. No more dry skin, no more rough patches or sore spots…just smooth, soft, better than normal looking feet.

The cream also has a lovely fresh fragrance and doesn’t take more than a few seconds to sink in making it perfect to pop on in the morning or just before bed (once a day has been enough for me). If you’re looking to get your perfect pedicure this Summer then I strongly suggest adding this product to your army.

The rate I’m going there might even be some close ups of my shoes and sandals this Summer, no longer ashamed to get a bit more up close and personal!

What products have you been really impressed by lately? You can find the Dry Skin Instant Recovery Cream in Boots and Superdrug among other places priced at £5.99.

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Five Minute Summer Makeup with Essence

01st June 2015
As soon as the weather warms up I get very lazy with my makeup, eyeliner gets ditched and I prefer to wear as little on my face as possible. Essence recently asked me to create a Summer makeup look using some of their latest range and I jumped at the chance. I’ve raved about the brand before, having picked up some bits and pieces when they first arrived in Wilko- it’s so affordable but really and truly doesn’t compromise on quality.
This look really couldn’t be any easier, it literally took me five minutes to apply! I used the soft touch mousse makeup as my base which has become my go-to foundation at the moment. I’ve bad experiences in the past with mousse type products but this one isn’t drying and gives a lovely, matte and even coverage that feels really light on my skin. I’ve mentioned before that I’m a bit wary of bronzing products but the sun club 2in1 bronzing powder in sunshine works perfectly even on my super pale skin. It gives me a healthy, subtle glow without leaving me looking dirty or orange.

On my eyes I wore the metal glam eyeshadow in golden up which provides a really pretty sparkly colour without being over bearing or over the top for day time. The Essence eyeshadows are one of my favourite products for their rich pigment and longevity, not to mention the bargain price. I could have sworn I had a photo of the mascara I was sent but it appears not. Anyway, it was the plump no clump! volume mascara and I was really impressed at the natural looking lashes it left me with. I admit I wasn’t expecting much from a cheap and cheerful mascara but this will become a staple in my summer makeup bag.

On my lips I wore the long lasting lipstick nude in porcelain doll which is the perfect “your lips but better” shade for pale girls. The colour lasts for ages and doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry- although I could have done with a slick of lip balm pre-application.

I was also sent some gel nail products, the top and base coat plus a polish in the most gorgeous pale peach-pink shade. I haven’t had a chance to use these yet as I can’t regularly paint my nails but from previous experience of essence products they won’t dissapoint.

What does your summer makeup look like? Have you tried these products or any others from essence?

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Posted in beauty, make up

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