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Thursday, 27 February 2014

LIPS | Collection Deluxe Lipstick in Speakeasy


I love a good bargain, me. And when I saw this lipstick popping up almost everywhere, I instantly knew I had to get my paws on it. I bought the Collection Deluxe Lipstick in Speakeasy when it was on offer for a mere £2.99, but it's full RRP is still just £3.99 - and it rivals some of the more expensive lipsticks I own. The formula is creamy and the colour glides onto the lips adding a hint of hydration and a full on pigment of colour. Speaking of colour, isn't it beautiful?! A stunning muted down pink-nude shade that will suit almost every complexion out there. The collection itself includes five colours ranging from tempting nudes to perfect reds - a collection that I will most definitely be delving further into (and one that Collection should consider expanding further). Currently on Boots' fabulous 3 for 2 mix and match offer, you can buy this entire collection of lipsticks for just £15.96 (and get another make up item absolutely free if under £3.99); that just 96p more than one MAC Lipstick and personally, I think the formula is much better. You can buy this lipstick here.

Have you tried any lipsticks from this range before?
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Monday, 24 February 2014

Skincare Spotlight #1












I know I said that I wouldn't keep changing my skin care routine now that I've found one that truly works for me however, I'm a beauty blogger and an addict and if I find a new product, I have to play around with it. Although if I'm being honest, these extras are just that. Extras. Most of them don't form the basis of my skin care routine, so I'm allowed to try them. Right? I'll keep telling myself that. Anyway, I was originally going to post about a few of these separately as they're worth their own post. But then I realised that would take weeks so instead, I'm starting a "Skincare Spotlight" series. Like a little round up of skin care products I've been trying recently.

Many years ago (when I first subscribed to Glamour Magazine) I fell in love with Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant however, I then become a beauty blogger and started trying out hundreds of different exfoliators so sadly, never returned to it. This product is basically the exact same idea (except much cheaper - Dermalogica's offering is a whopping £40.30) and I do believe I'm actually addicted to the stuff. You pour out what quite frankly looks like cocaine into damp hands and then massage into the skin. The water activates the enzymes which accelerate cell renewal. The gentle exfoliator brightens the skin, gets rid of dead skin cells and over time, helps fade scarring. It really is quite the little genius and I have no idea why so little brands do their own version.

I'm not quite as in love with this as I am the Exfoliation Powder but it's still a nice product to use (and the packaging is to die for). This uses enzymes of pineapple and papaya which work to naturally remove dead skin cells to reveal luminous, smooth skin. The aloe extract included inside the mask ensures that the skin is kept hydrated and moisturised. It's a nice product, feels cooling on the skin and definitely reveals a brighter complexion however the Good Things mask further down does the same for under a fiver.

I do love me a good mud mask and this one is no different. It uses Pascalite which was used by Native Americans for its incredible healing properties and is a popular remedy for insect bites and stings. Inside this mask it unclogs the pores and eliminates impurities while the cucumber extract soothes and calms the skin and the salicylic acid gently exfoliates and renews it. After use, my skin is left feeling soft, looking brighter and my pores have been tightened. This mask doesn't dry the skin out, instead it balances it and leaves it looking and feeling "normal." However, I do find that the majority of mud masks do the same thing and you can find one similar for a much cheaper price.

Now isn't this a little expensive treat?! Yet much cheaper than actual salon chemical peels, so who's complaining. This set comes with a 20ml gel peeling masque and five wipes which work together to deeply cleanse and renew the skin by eliminating dead cells, erasing imperfections and bringing back brightness to the complexion. After just one use, I found that my skin looked much healthier and now I'm nearing the end of the treatment, my scarring has faded significantly - all while being very gentle on the skin. Working out at £11.20 per "session," this certainly isn't cheap. But the results are most definitely effective.

I have been loving my Super Facialist Cleansing Oil and Clearasil Face Wash combination for a really long time now however this cleanser by Korres has become a welcome addition to my little family. I now use this in the morning (and the Super Facialist/Clearasil routine at night) and I've fallen in love with it. The exfoliating beads aren't harsh in the slightest but do a wonderful job at buffing away the skin and leaving it feeling soft. I find that make up applies much better after I've used this, hence why it's now my morning cleanser.

First thing's first. The scent. I hate roses and I thought that I'd hate this product as a result of that. However, the Wild Rose scent is beautiful - not at all florally or overpowering. Now that's out of the way, this moisturiser comes with Corn Powder which absorbs oiliness, reduces shine and leaves the skin looking matte. The Wild Rose oil (which is a natural source of vitamin C) repairs fine lines and skin colour disorders. Imperata cylindrica desert plant extract ensures the skin is kept moisturised and hydrated throughout the day, White Willowbark extract promotes cell renewal and Turmeric enhances the formulation's brightening properties. As you can tell, there's a whole host of skin goodness packed inside this moisturiser and from first use, you can tell they work together to do a good job. Originally, I was going to get the Normal/Dry combination as Oily/Combination versions aren't usually great for my combination skin. However, this moisturiser really does keep the skin hydrated, scale-free and matte for the entire day. It's a miracle product. The skin is left feeling beautifully soft to the touch, smelling delicious, moisturised and looking bright and glowing. It's love and at £20, it's pretty affordable too.

The majority of products in this selection are quite pricey so I'm going to finish on a nice little bargain for you. Every product I've tried from Good Things has been loved by my skin and this is no exception. This 3-in-1 mask has been specially formulated for problem skin as it targets blemishes, spots and excess oil using superfruits like mango and lychee. The mask is a gel formula that absorbs easily into the skin and doesn't tighten it or leave it feeling uncomfortable.

What skin care products are you loving at the moment?
*PR Sample
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Friday, 21 February 2014

MAKE UP | NYX Xtreme Lip Cream




L-R: Absolute Red, Pinky Nude, Nude Peach Fuzz (I do apologise about my skin. I took these after a long day and I didn't realise how awful my make up looked)

Previously, you could've branded me as a lip product hater. Most were sticky and heavy, and I never seemed to get on with them. But these past couple of years, lip products have triumphed and my collection has quickly become over-saturated with them (if that's possible). Aside from lip crayons, my favourites are without a doubt NYX's Xtreme Lip Creams.

I currently only have three in my possession - Pinky Nude*, Absolute Red* and Nude Peach Fuzz* - and I will most definitely be expanding this when my next loan instalment is due (April seriously can't come quick enough; Candy Land needs to be mine). My favourite colour is Pinky Nude which isn't very nude at all; it's a vibrant Barbie-pink that despite it's brightness, is very wearable. 

What really sells it for me though is the formula. Described as being an "all-in-one lip perfector," this hybrid of a lipgloss and lipstick provides extreme pigmentation with a glossy finish that isn't sticky. Leaving your lips moisturised all day, these Creams hydrate and last a good few hours on the lips without bleeding. They're everything I wanted the Rimmel Apocolips to be.

These Lip Creams are available to buy here where they retail for £7 each or of course, in selected Next stores nationwide.

Have you tried the NYX Xtreme Lip Creams?
*PR Sample
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Wednesday, 19 February 2014

BODY | Imperial Leather Limited Edition Tempting Shower Creme




First of all, I must apologise for taking photos of the bottle half empty. Once I'd had a whiff of this stuff, I couldn't wait to use it and that meant the good blogger in me quickly went out of the window. If there's one thing I love it's shower gels. I have many of them in the bathroom at the moment (eight I do believe, don't ask me why). But the Imperial Leather Limited Edition Tempting Shower Creme has knocked all of my others ones off the shelf.

As a brand, I love Imperial Leather. Their shower gels are always high quality in formulation, delicious in scent and a bargain in price. Their new collection has been inspired by tropical land and using exotic scents and indulgent aromas, the brand have created a beautiful shower experience. Tempting* combines Guava with Lotus Flower which fills the bathroom with the most mesmerising smell my nostrils have ever had the pleasure of smelling. Fruity yet luxurious, one sniff and you'll be in love.

The other shower gel in the collection is Mesmerising. With a combination of delicate Shea Butter & Honeysuckle, this indulgent scent is less fruity and more warming. If I can track it down, it'll be in my trolley in an instant. Despite the price, the formula of Imperial Leather's shower gels in second to none and is better than more expensive brands I've tried. Only a small amount creates a rich, thick and creamy lather that leaves your skin soft to the touch.

Both of these are available to buy at Tesco where they retail for just £1.89. You can also buy them online here and here.

Have you tried these shower gels yet? What's your favourite Imperial Leather scent?
*PR Sample
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Tuesday, 18 February 2014

FREE personal training session



I know that this offer won't apply to all of you as I know that people from all over the world read my blog. But if you do happen to be in the Nottinghamshire area then please feel free to take up this fantastic offer that I have for you.

Whether you're lacking motivation, or in need of someone to come up with a work out plan for you, a personal trainer is without a doubt a good thing to have - especially now it's February and our New Years Resolutions are well and truly out of the window.

Last year, my sister became a fully qualified personal trainer. So far, her own little business has been going fabulously and I'm incredibly proud of her. Between us, we came to an agreement and decided to offer you guys a free personal training session with Amy. No contract, no fees. Absolutely free.

All you have to do is email amp.precisionpersonaltraining@gmail.com and let her know that I sent you. From this, she will give you all of the details you'll need to know and arrange a date and time to suit you for your free session. You can also find Amy on Facebook, Twitter and check out her brand new website here.

Will you be taking this offer up? Happy personal training!
*I wasn't compensated for this at all. I'm just a sibling helping out my lovely sibling.
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Monday, 17 February 2014

SKIN | KIKO Winter







As well as being a nightmare to drive in, walk in and live in, winter also wrecks havoc on our skin. Despite having combination skin and suffering with oily skin throughout my teenage years, I'd much rather my face look like an oil slick midday than the Sahara Desert. My favourite brand, KIKO, brought out a winter skin care range towards the end of 2013 and for the past few months, I've been using a couple of the products from the range religiously.

Hydrating Mousse* - £11.10
If you think back to my latest skin care routine post then you'll probably know that I'm obsessed with the H2O Plus Face Oasis Hydration Treatment. However, it's pretty expensive and on its way out. Not wanting to use it up and keeping it for special occasions has meant that I've been trying out this alternative for a few months now. The mousse is light on the skin, although it does take a couple of minutes to sink in, and instantly leaves a cooling and gentle feeling on the face. Like the H2O Plus Treatment, this gets rid of any dry patches on the face and ensures that they remain hydrated and nourished throughout the day; leaving behind scale-free skin. I don't like it as much as the H2O Plus Treatment, however it is a lovely alternative and one that I'll be repurchasing for day-to-day use.

Winter Sunscreen SPF 30* - £7.90
This is one product that sadly, I haven't got much use out of. I love the idea and it's perfect for those of you who love skiing or snowboarding but for me, you won't catch me near any slopes with snow on them. I have tried it out though, of course, as despite the awful weather, Lincoln has been bright and the sun has been shining a lot. Rich in active ingredients, this sunscreen guarantees full protection at high altitudes and protection against UVA and UVB rays. I found the sunscreen cream easy to apply and it didn't leave the skin sticky or interfere with other base products. There is also a handy sunscreen stick inside the lid which makes applying sun protection to the lips easily. However, I found the sunscreen stick to be a little bit thick - although if you are at high altitudes, that's probably what you're after.

Hand & Lips Winter Balm* - £7.10
My favourite of the bunch. This godsend has occupied my handbag since the day I received it. It's incredibly handy having two products in one and it's even better that both of them are high quality and wonderful. The hand cream in particular is like no other; relief is instant and when using it, you won't experience any discomfort or dryness of the hands. The lip balm resembles most of the lip balms in my collection; it provides moisture and sinks into the lips pretty quickly. KIKO say that "the bio-technological formula includes special ingredients with repairing action able to restore hydration and strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier." The texture of both products is light and they're quickly absorbed into the skin leaving the hands and lips feeling comfortable, smooth and hydrated. 

Have you tried any of KIKO's skin care?
*PR Sample
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Saturday, 15 February 2014

WISHLIST | Primark


The other day, I accidently found myself in Primark and whilst there, I considered walking down to Natwest and asking for a loan. Their new collection is instore and it's well and truly stunning: I pretty much wanted everything. So I decided to showcase a few of my favourites items to you guys in this impromptu post (it isn't even on my blogging schedule, that's how last minute it is). I will definitely be investing in - almost - everything above, mainly for my holidays. Everything is just so darn adorable.

What's your favourite item?
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Friday, 14 February 2014

NAILS | Models Own HyperGel Collection





Cornflower Gleam and Pink Veneer
You must all know by now that Models Own is without a doubt my favourite nail polish brand, right? After their surge of extensive and incredible collections in 2013, I was looking forward to seeing what the brand had to offer this new year. And boy, did they start off well. The HyperGel collection* promises a high gloss gel effect nail with a vibrant colour and pigment. There are ten new shades in the collection and the finish gives that of a professional salon manicure. 

Since receiving these polishes, they've all I've had on my nails. They're opaque in one coat, last around five days on the nails without chipping and are extremely easy to remove. The colours are all stunning - my favourite being Coral Glaze - and the ultra glossy finish is absolute perfection (and means I can skip the top coat step). I'm someone who seems to love needing the toilet after painting my nails which is usually a nightmare, but these polishes dry super quickly which means that the waiting time is minimised.

The colours available are Coral Glaze, Lilac Sheen, Cornflower Gleam, Turquoise Gloss, Pink Veneer, Naked Glow and the ones I don't own Cerise Shine, Blue Glint, White Light and Red Lustre; which all have their own corresponding lids. Retailing at just £5 each (the same price as normal Models Own polishes) this new collection is an absolute bargain in my eyes. Not only are the colours wonderful, the formula is the best I've tried and I hope they extend the range further. You can buy these polishes here.

Have you tried the HyperGel Collection yet?
*PR Sample
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Wednesday, 12 February 2014

The high end foundation face-off








Following the success of my "high street foundation face-off" (which is still one of my most read posts to date!) I thought it was about time I flipped it and focused on the high end foundations. There's no denying my love for foundation. When you have skin like mine, base products quickly become your favourite - and it was foundation that started off my love for make up. I promise I'll do an updated high street foundation face-off soon because I've tried so many more since the original post over a year ago. But for now, here are the high end contenders...

Coverage: This is a BB Cream, so coverage was never going to be outstanding. However, for a BB Cream, it's definitely higher than most. You can see before/after pictures of it on my skin here.
Longevity: Stood the test of time last summer! I'd recommend using a primer beforehand though.
Finish: Soft and natural. Demi-matte.
Formula: Lightweight, blends into the skin beautifully and hydrating.
Overall: I love using this in summer or on days when my skin is looking good.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

Coverage: Medium-full. This covers most things but my deeper scars need extra help.
Longevity: Lasts pretty well but my t-zone starts to get shiny throughout the day.
Finish: Pretty much full on matte.
Formula: I struggle to blend this and I find it to be quite heavy.
Overall: It provides nice coverage, an okay finish but I don't like the formula. I do have a very old tube of the stuff though, so that could be why.
Would I recommend it? No.

Coverage: Almost non-existent. This is a tinted moisturiser. 
Longevity: There's barely any coverage but the glow lasts a while with a primer.
Finish: Glowing. I have to powder with this as it's almost on the verge of oily.
Formula: Nice to blend but I find that this feels heavy on the skin, despite being a tinted moisturiser.
Overall: I'm not a fan. I need my coverage (plus Vichy's DERMABLEND is much higher coverage and much lighter).
Would I recommend it? No.

Coverage: Perfection. Very pigmented and you only need a tiny amount to get amazing coverage over your entire face. You can see before/after pictures of it on my skin here.
Longevity: Lasts well with a primer and powder. Never tried it on its own.
Finish: Stunning. Very natural looking and glowing. It's hard to find a high coverage foundation that doesn't leave the skin matte.
Formula: Very easy to blend and feels lightweight. Ends up leaving the skin sticky for a while before it's "set."
Overall: I love this. It's a shame it's such a high price because at the moment, my shade is too light for me. Sigh.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

Coverage: I find that this adds a tint to my skin, but doesn't seem to cover much. You can see before/after pictures of it on my skin here.
Longevity: Lasts all day on the skin with a primer.
Finish: Looks natural, demi-matte.
Formula: This is an absolute pain to blend. I end up with streaks/patches all over my skin.
Overall: I used to love this foundation (as you can tell from the glowing review) but I really don't get on with it any more. Maybe it's because the bottle's old and it's oxidised, who knows?!
Would I recommend it? No.

Coverage: As high coverage as you're ever going to get. I don't even need concealer with this. You can see before/after pictures of it on my skin here.
Longevity: Once it's on the skin, it isn't going anywhere.
Finish: Not full on matte but not glowing either. Somehow it lets your natural skin shine through.
Formula: A dream to blend and surprisingly, the most lightweight foundation on this list.
Overall: I love this. It's a bargain and is my favourite foundation of the bunch.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

Coverage: Very subtle, if any.
Longevity:  Because there is little coverage, I can't tell how long it lasts. But the glow is there all day.
Finish: The finish is very radiant. Despite the lack of coverage, your skin does look perfected.
Formula: This CC Cream starts out white and then adapts to match your skin tone perfectly. It's oil-free too.
Overall: This sadly isn't launched until the 17th of March.
Would I recommend it? I need more coverage. But for those of you with near perfect skin, you'd love this.

Coverage: Medium-full and can be built up nice and easily.
Longevity: Lasts all day long. You don't even need a primer or powder to set this. It doesn't budge one bit.
Finish: Like Vichy's DERMABLEND except that this does mask the skin.
Formula: Lovely to blend (although some people have issues with this) and I find it lightweight and almost undetectable. 
Overall: I've loved this foundation for 6 years now and repurchased it numerous times. It's a classic.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

What's your favourite high end foundation? Have you tried out any of the above?
*PR Sample
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Monday, 10 February 2014

VALENTINE'S DAY | Korres Men's Kit





Ahh Valentine's Day. My 21st one single. But oh well, I don't need no man... I'm a strong independent woman! Although, I do want to go and see Endless Love. I've even considered going and watching it alone on Valentine's Day in a cinema full of couples... I'll let you know if that happens. But enough of me, there's no need for me to bitter. If you're after a last minute Valentine's Day gift for that man in your life then I present to you the Korres Men's Kit.*

Priced at £19, this kit is affordable, cute and practical. Not only will it introduce your man to some of Korres best sellers, it's also perfect for stashing into their gym kit, travel bag or keeping round at your house in case he stays over and forgets his products - no way is he borrowing Laura Mercier. The kit contains a 40ml Guava Shower Gel, 40ml Basil Lemon Shower Gel, 40ml Aloe and Dittany Shampoo, 25ml Absinthe Shave Cream and a 25ml Marigold and Ginseng After Shave Moisturiser. Basically everything a man needs.

I've had a sniff of these products and they smell delicious. I'd definitely want my non-existent man (or Zac Efron) smelling like this after a quick shower. The Korres Men's Kit is available to buy here where it retails for £19.

Will you be single on Valentine's Day? If not, what have you bought your lover?
*PR Sample
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Friday, 7 February 2014

MAKE UP | KIKO Colour Fever Eyeshadow Palette in Unexpected Rosy Taupe







There's nothing I love more than a good old eyeshadow palette. It's hard to believe that four years ago, I didn't wear eyeshadow at all, isn't it?! Now it's my favourite thing to apply and the part of my make up routine that I most look forward to. You guys will know that as far as I'm concerned, KIKO doesn't disappoint. I've tried a lot of their products and I haven't found a dud yet. And the Colour Fever Eyeshadow Palette in Unexpected Rosy Taupe* certainly lives up to my expectations.

New to their limited edition Bad Girl collection - which has been inspired by icons of the contemporary rap music scene - the palette comes in four different colour combinations; Grey Night Blue (blue and dark brown eyes), Jungle Green Variations (light and dark brown eyes), Coral Burgundy (brown and green eyes) and Unexpected Rosy Taupe (for all eyes). These have been specially designed to enhance the natural eye colour. 

Each eyeshadow has been baked which ensures longevity and comes with stunning pigment. Easy to blend and silky to the touch, these eyeshadows are the perfect "going-out-out" colour and formula. Formula and packaging (which is high end, beautiful and practical) aside, these eyeshadows have become my "go-to" night out colours. They create a divine smoky eye and when used wet, the colour is even more intense. I use the top left colour all over my lid, the bottom right colour in my crease, the top right colour underneath my lash line and the bottom left colour to highlight - trust me when I say it's a perfect combination.

This palette is available here where it retails for £13.90 which makes each shadow come in at less than £3.50. I have a few more products from the collection and those reviews should be coming soon.

Have you tried anything from the new KIKO collection?
*PR Sample
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