It’s been a while (I think) since my last beauty post, although I’m hardly what you could call a regular beauty blogger. I thought I’d merge together a couple of quick product reviews today, as on their own there isn’t a lot to say about either product- that’s not a bad thing by the way, I’m just not feeling especially wordy.

First up is The Body Shop All-in One-BB Cream which I bought after seeing several positive reviews on blogs and youtube. I always look to switch to something lighter in the summer and BB cream is perfect. I opted for the lightest shade “00” which initially looks like a regular face cream but soon adapts to your natural skin colour. I was pretty impressed with this although I did find it a little on the orange side (a standard problem for me). It left my skin feeling lovely and soft and gave me a real summer glow…kind of “my skin but better”. A 25ml tube costs £12.00 which I think is fair, although I ordered online with a 20% off and free delivery code making under £8. I’m not sure if I’ll re-purchase this, it’ll last me the summer and then it’ll be back to my usual foundation until next year…if nothing new catches my eye then this will make it’s way back in to my makeup bag for sure as it is one of the best BB creams I’ve tried, I just wish it was less orange-y in certain lights.

Next up is this eyeshadow blending brush from Nanshy who sent this over ahead of the launch of a set of 12 professional makeup brushes. I’m usually loyal to my Real Techniques brushes (so much so that any others I own get neglected) but I’ve been really enjoying this brush and have found myself using it most days. I tend to keep my eye makeup quite simple, using only 2 shades of shadow and a highlight. This brush makes blending the two shades seamlessly a breeze and gives a lovely finish that I find some brushes just can’t achieve. This is a super soft brush and a great size for on the go and close up work. It has the added advantage of being totally cruelty free.

At £5.95 I’d say this is a good buy for your brush collection and I will hopefully get round to trying more from the Nanshy range. I’ve never tried the brand before, nor have I purchased a makeup brush set other than Real Techniques but I get the feeling I might end up impressed. I wasn’t sure anything could come close to my current favourites but this has wormed it’s way in to my select favourites.

Have you tried either of these products? I’d love to know what you thought of them, or whether you think you might give them a go now.

Another month and another new mascara, I generally have two or three on the go at once for different effects- I never seem to be able to get exactly what I want with just one. I’ve been lucky lately and tried out some really good ones but it’s sod’s law that they all decide to run out at once. Fortunately the new Volume 1 Seconde Mascara from Bourjois landed on my doorstep before I raced out and replaced them.

This is a little tube that promises big things- with a unique brush that has spherical bristles to get lashes from every angle, a simple zig-zag motion can provide an instant eye -opening look. I liked the sound of it, a lot…but could it live up to expectations?

To sum it up in one word, YES!

This is the mascara I have been waiting for all my life. The photos above are with just one coat. ONE COAT! I can’t remember the last time I was happy with my lashes after just one coat of mascara! I love the brush too, it has a good grip on the lashes and I don’t find it slipping off and painting my face instead. The packaging is lovely and sleek and I really…I can’t think of anything bad to say about this product. I know beauty reviews are kind of subjective as everyone has different preferences but I do think that if you’re looking for a new mascara and want volume and length with little hassle or effort then this is your best bet.

It costs £9.99 from Boots, although at the moment you can buy two selected Bourjois products for £14…which is even better reason to get down there and try this for yourself!

What’s the best mascara you’ve ever tried? This is right up there on my list.

I barely get a chance to paint my nails these days so my skills are more than a little rusty. Working in healthcare has left my hands in a dire state- dry from constant washing and with super short nails that can’t have a trace of colour on them…I’ve gone from being the girl who was always playing with new colours to the one who by the weekend often can’t be bothered!

Despite this I have a huge collection of nail polish and I’m always looking for new colours and formulas to add to it. Oriflame have recently added five new Summer shades to it’s range of long wear nail polishes as part of it’s fashion focused “The One” range. The claims are that this will last for up to 14 days chip and flake free (with a base and top coat + touch ups) making it perfect for a Summer holiday. I was never going to be able to test out this claim in full as I get two days wear max out of my polish before having to remove it for a clinic, but given I can chip through the sturdiest of top coats in a matter of hours, I can still see how it holds up against my clumsy nature.

I was sent a gorgeously bright orange polish to review, which is one of my favourite shades for Summer nails. I am so out of practice with painting my nails that I did a rather hasty and messy job, but this polish applies like a dream thanks to it’s specially designed curve edge brush and dries quickly. Two coats gives really good, solid coverage which is brilliant because after two coats I just can’t be bothered any more, nail painting becomes a chore!

Longevity wise this survived the weekend chip free, which is pretty unheard of for me. This included a hen night and long hair washing session, both of which would ordinarily see me having to remove my once perfect polish. As ever Oriflame have left me impressed with their creation and once the shades go on sale on the 4th of July (limited edition until 7th November) I will probably pick up a couple more. With an RRP of £5.95 they are good value for money, with the kind of quality I usually pay more for. There’s a gorgeous green shade I have my eye on, so watch this space!

Who do you turn to for long lasting nail colours and what are your favourite Summer shades?