Friday, 19 December 2014

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Ultra Black



Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Ultra Black

Every so often I come across a product that I instantly fall in love with and this time it's from Bourjois, their Volume 1 Seconde Mascara. I was sent the original a while back but I sadly lost the sample and it seemed that every time I tried to repurchase it, it was sold out. Last month I finally got hold of one of them and couldn't believe how fabulous my lashes looked after one coat. I have both the original black and the newer intense black version, I prefer this ultra black version purely for that slight darker lash look.

It is one of those mascara that give you perfect full looking lashes after one application. Though you do need to let it dry out a bit to get the most from it. It has a comb wand which I prefer, as I find they tend to separate my lashes better than 'brush' wands do. You really do only need one coat but for me there is no such thing as too much mascara, I apply about 3 coats until my lashes are plumped up and looking delightfully false (but not overly so). The black colour helps create that full looking lash, you don't need to apply liner to the lash line to help give the illusion of longer fuller lashes this does it all for you. The formula is really good, I don't find my lashes 'drop' during the day or give any fall out, nor does it smudge on me. I can't stand a mascara that smudges on my brow bone or underneath my eye. Despite the fact it stays on well it isn't a hassle to remover, I use Floracil from Gatineau and one cotton wool pad per eye removers all my eye make-up easily - no lash loss.

For £9.99 you really can't beat this mascara, yes there are high end brands that do fab mascara's but at this price range it gets a thumbs up from me. If you can find a tube then I recommend giving it a whirl. 
You can buy it from Boots for £9.99 (they also currently have a 3 for 2 offer on Bourjois products).

What mascara are you loving right now? 
Or are you a fan of this Bourjois gem?

Monday, 15 December 2014

Christmas Gift - bareMinerals Lasting Line Collection


BareMinerals is still one of my favourite makeup brands, I really love their ready eye shadow quads and their loose eye liners. This is a lovely set of their Lasting Line eye liners, it has every colour a beauty lover could want, from neutrals to some pops of colour. The formula is really creamy and soft, they have infused them with a 'nourishing blend of minerals and vitamin C'. The softness of the pencil means you can blend them easily, so whether you want a smokey finish or to create a precise line you can achieve both with one liner. If you have a little time and a good blending brush, I did a really soft smokey eye for daytime, using 'Stay Golden' & 'Eternal Bronze' which looked gorgeous together. They lasted well on my eyes too, I've worn a few colours recently and they have stayed put all day without moving or smudging. The twist up pencil design has a smudger at the end and underneath that is a sharpener to use if you want a precise line. I'm seriously impressed with these beautiful shades, for me my favourites are True Blue, Steadfast Slate & Constant Copper (which are the last 3 shades on the swatches). For me there is something about Bare Mineral's eye products that I always enjoy using, the Lasting Liner collection is no different. 

This collection is great value for money as normally each pencil would usually be £14.00, in this kit you get these 10 shades for £42.48 that works out at £4.24 each! 

Treat someone this Christmas to the bareMinerals 10 Piece Day & Night Delights Lasting Line Collection is £42.48 from QVC UK here!

Saturday, 13 December 2014

Christmas Gifts - Avon Luck for Her EDP


Avon Luck for Her Eau De Parfum
Choosing a fragrance for someone as a Christmas present is quite a tricky challenge, so I thought I'd share a few of my picks that would make great gifts starting with this one. Avon Luck for Her Eau De Parfum is a lovely sparkling fragrance that would seduce anyone, with notes of sparkling citrus, red berries blended with warm inviting sandalwood and creamy white florals to create a scent that will have the man in your life telling you how amazing you smell. Not only did my partner adore this scent on me, he said from a guy's point of view it was a lovely scent that definitely invites you in. But even my friends and a lady on the tube even asked what perfume as was wearing, it really is a scent that draws people in. They were all surprised when I said it was Avon Luck for Her, but pleasantly so as it meant they could put it on their lists and know it wouldn't break the bank. It is the type of perfume that works well from day to night, whether you wear it around the house to add a touch of glamour or to a evening party it will last for hours. The elegant packaging with it's bow topped bottle will look chic being pulled out of your handbag or left on a vanity table. 

Get someone you love a bottle this Christmas from Avon, price £9.00 here!

Christmas Gifts - L'Occitane Relaxing Lavender Collection


L'Occitane Relaxing Lavender Collection

L'Occitane always do great gift boxes for Christmas and this year my favourite has to be the Relaxing Lavender Collection. It can be a busy and stressful time for each of us and taking some time to pamper and relax is key to make it through the festive period. This set has everything you need to have a relaxing bathing experience, that is indulgent and soothing to the senses. The collection has been put together to include the perfect products to unwind with. In the collection you receive:
• 500ml Lavender Foaming Bath 
• 150g Lavender Lavender Scented Candle 
• 30ml Lavender Hand Cream 
• 35g Lavender Perfumed Sachet 
• 75ml Organic Lavender Body Lotion 
• 100g Lavender Bonne Mere Soap.
Take an evening to pour in some of the Lavender Foaming Bath to hot running water, light the candle and escape from the day for just a little time. Then you can make sure you are fully relaxed by massaging in the body lotion and hand cream. Take a few seconds to inhale the essential oils, it will really help to relax the mind as well as body. I am a bit picky with Lavender scents as more often than not they don't have a true lavender smell, but over the years I have always gone to L'Occitane for their lavender range. Come into my home and from the soaps to candles, I adore the range. 
Whether it's a gift for yourself (who says we can't treat ourselves too?) or a gift for someone you know who needs to de-stress and unwind, you can't go wrong with these products. Plus with the fabulous printed box, you can recycle afterwards and use it for storing other delicious goodies. 
Priced £45.00 from L'Occitane here

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Laura Geller Baked Blusher


Laura Geller is one of my favourite make-up brands right now and with each new product I try, I seem to find another product, shade, texture that I like. The baked blushers from Laura Geller have been the only blushers I have used for a couple of months now, the pigmentation pay off is brilliant and they glide on with a creamy feel so they are easy to blend and build up colour if you want. Much like the other baked products they start off their journey as a cream mousse and then are baked for 24 hours in Italy, the result is a baked powder that somehow doesn’t feel or look like a powder. Her baked range are renowned for being incredibly soft and creamy once applied to the skin, the Balance 'n' Brighten foundation is a dream. I find on me they last pretty well, I do top it up a little late afternoon but unless you were doing something in the evening I don’t think you would need too. So far I have 6 colours and I can see myself adding to this, these have to be in my top 3 favourite blushers. 

This colour is Lychee Rose and is £24.00 from QVC UK here!

Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat

Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat

I have never had great nails, after using nail extensions as a young teen they never seemed to recover. We all have things we wished we could change and for me my nails were one of them. I have spent years buying every nail treatment out there that would claim to give you healthy strong nails and none seemed to ever really work. A couple of months ago I came across Perfect Formula on QVC and decided to give it a go. I wanted to test their claims of it being like "a suit of armor for your nails". And WOW! After just one coat the Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat had made my nails brighter, the tips whiter and felt a lot stronger. It gave my nails an instant strength and a pretty rosy pink tint. It certainly was an impressive start for the products claims, after a month of using Pink Gel Coat once a week under my nail colours my nails were finally starting to grow and become stronger. No longer did it seem I was repairing splits and breaks in my nails on a daily basis. 
Pink Gel Coat is formulated to fix any nail concern from thin nails, to soft & weak or dry & brittle nails, as well as disguising discolouration thanks to the pink tint. The protein rich gel really packs a punch for me, I haven't used another brand in months as in one bottle I have something that keeps my nails healthy and strong, whilst looking great even without colour on. Perfect Formula also have a range of coloured nail polishes which have the same great formula and benefits as the Pink Gel Coat, just with the added bonus of being a colour too, they are your treatment, base coat, colour and top coat all in one bottle. 
If you are hiding away your nails under extensions I cannot recommend Pink Gel Coat enough. I bought my first bottle from QVC who offer a 30 money back policy. My nails were greatly improved with 30 days so give it a go and if after a month it doesn't work for you at least you can get your money back,

If you want fabulous nails too grab a bottle from QVC UK here £25.50 for a duo of the Pink Gel Coat.

Monday, 8 December 2014

Stocking Filler Gifts - L'Occitane Magic Key



The  L'Occitane Magic Key is a perfect stocking filler gift for anyone who is a fan of L'Occitane hand creams. It makes a big difference in being able to squeeze every last bit of the cream from the brands famous metallic tubes. I certainly don't know why I haven't gotten one before now, you don't realise how much is left over in there without this magic key.


Priced at £6.00 for one, get it for someones stocking from L'Occitane here!

It is also part of another fantastic Christmas gift set from L'Occitane in their The Secret to Beautiful Hands set, which has a magic key, hand scrub, hand cream and cuticle oil.

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Winter Handbag Essential - Lavender Purifying Hand Gel


Lavender Purifying Hand Gel is an essential for handbags in winter, with it being flu season it's important to keep your hands clean and germ free. This relaxing scent tube cleanses your hands without any need for water or soap.  I always carry around a tube it's convenient to be able to keep my hands clean and smelling nice anywhere, anytime.  Pop one in your handbag for any need to get clean hands on the go. Unlike some cheaper hand gels that leave my hands feels tight and dry this doesn't, they are left fresh and clean. Paired with one of my favourite L'Occitane hand creams, Lavender and Rose are my faves, my hands are in fab condition during these colder months. 

Priced at £8,00 for 50ml, you can purchase your own tube from L'Occitane here!

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Perricone No Concealer Concealer


I was looking for a high quality concealer that also boasted some sort of treatment too, as well as an SPF. The price of this did make a little sceptical along with the skincare/makeup hybrid, as so many products that mix skincare and makeup often come out as a washy tint. So I was actually pleasantly surprised when I finally got this and it wasn't like my previous thoughts. It's quite a thick texture but still very creamy and hydrating. It gives a medium to full coverage depending on how much you apply, the lasting abilities are pretty impressive too I didn't notice it slide off my face till late on in the evening, it beat some products that I thought were great but this put them to shame. The coverage easily covers my dark circles from sleepless nights as well as being enough to cover any spots or blemishes I have too. 

The only downside for me would be the one shade suits all colour, fair to medium skin tones would be alright but I'm not sure how anyone darker than a deep medium would suit it. The colour has a slight peachy tone to it as well, hence it's ability to cover dark circles well. 

At £37.00 for 9ml it is a higher priced concealer to purchase but for me the anti-ageing eye treatment benefits mixed with the coverage it gives have made a recurrent purchase for me lately. So if you are looking for a better concealer that possess anti-ageing treatments, SPF and generally makes you look fresh then Dr Perricone No Concealer Concealer is one to pop on your Christmas List to Santa. You can purchase yours here!




Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-up Remover


For years I have searched for an eye make-up remover, that would get all my mascara etc off without feeling drying or too greasy, It was always the same one either was brilliant at removing the make-up but I was left with a horrible film coating my eye, that seemed like it wanted to stay forever. Or on the other hand my eyes felt lovely after but I would always notice that it didn't quite get it all off and I would have to use double, triple the amount of product to do the job right.

So after biting the bullet I went for Gatineau's Floracil Gentle Eye Make-up Remover, I'm slowly being introduced to Gatineau and so far I'm in love with the brand and this is no exception.

Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-up Remover  is my new hero product. The formula is refreshing and cooling, it is no longer a chore to remover my mascara it is refreshingly pleasant. Just place a cotton wool pad soaked in the Floracil and place it over your eye to soak for a couple of seconds and then you can gently remove all traces of your eye make-up. This non oily extremely effective in removing even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara's, without the need to rub. If you have sensitive eyes not to worry with Floracil is is formulated to the same pH as tears, which means no stinging, no irritation or puffiness. 

As an extra I like to give my eyes a boost using it as a treatment, I apply my night eye cream/serum then placing a cotton wool pad soaked in Floracil on each of my eyes, I let them sink in and tap in any excess afterwards. Leaving my eyes refreshed and brightened. 

At £17.50 for 200ml from FeelUnique it's a great product for the price and in fact I have 4 bottles stocked up so I won't run out any time soon.  

Friday, 24 October 2014

Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polishes


I know I’m a little late in talking about the Nails Inc Gel Effect colours but I think it’s safe to say I am pretty much now fully in love Gel Effect right now, especially the darker shades now that we are coming into winter. It all started out with one lonely colour (Downtown) and the next thing I know I had a total of 11 (although two of those are Uptown as I absolutely love that colour). They makes some big claims on their formula, high shine, plumping and has a long hard wearing finish. The brush in the Gel Effect polishes is brilliant the curved shape really allows you to get close to the cuticle, really hugging it so you get the perfect edge. It is also quite a wide brush compared to the original line up, which is great at getting my nails done in 2-3 strokes, no need to keep going back and retouching the edges. Compared to the core line range of Nails Inc the gel effect certainly has more of a shine to it, it really has a glossy wet look. Although I always wear a top coat to help the colour stay on longer. I was impressed with how well it wore on my nails I got a good 5 days before finally on the 6th day I had to remove it but then again I am fairly fussy with my nails and always like them to be perfect. The formula is also brilliant at self levelling itself out, giving a plump smooth look to the nail, thanks to their 'Placticiser Technology'. 

I’m certainly getting a lot of my friends asking to borrow them so I think all round this range gets a big ol’ thumbs up from me.

Colours in order from top to bottom, left to right: Colville Mews, Porchester Square, Hyde Park Place / New Oxford Street, Old Bond Street, West End / Uptown, Uptown, Downtown / Victoria, Grosvenor Crescent.

I will upload photos later showing each colour on the nail. I'm currently wearing New Oxford Street which I had had on for 5 days when I took this picture. 

Prices start from £14.00 And can be purchased here

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Product of the Month featuring Laura Geller

This is something new that I've never done before but wanted to start a monthly ‘Product of the Month’ post. It will just be quick post telling you why I’ve been loving the product that month and about the product so you know what it does. So let me know what you think and if you like it.


We all search for that elusive foundation that ticks every box in what we ideally want it to do for us and our skin. Laura Geller Balance n Brighten is one of the best foundations I have ever come across (big claim but I fully stand by it), now I have tried many other mineral and powder foundations over the years however I have never really gotten along with any of them. Either my skin felt ‘heavy’ or ‘dry’ or I just generally didn't like how my skin looked when I had applied them. So it took me a few weeks to try this foundation out but once I opened the box I was hooked. Laura Geller’s baked products start out their lives as a cream mousse like texture and are then baked for 24 hours, infused with several colour correcting pigments and the end result is a creamy fine powder that smooth’s over the skin and has wonderful buildable coverage. Depending on how far you push up the brush, means I can switch from light coverage to a fuller coverage within a few sweeps of the brush. You can really get a custom fit for you with this foundation and the brush, from colour to coverage, you have choices. For me it evens my skin out quickly and gives me a flawless matte finish, but somehow it still manages to leave my skin with a luminosity to it, almost dewy across my cheekbones. It doesn't feel heavy and stays in place all day (perfect partner for extra staying power is the Laura Geller Spackle's - I prefer the hydrating and tinted). It gives me everything I'm looking for in a base. I honestly can't say anything bad about this, it has cut my make up application time down and makes me comfortable in my 'skin' as I go about my day.
Balance n Brighten comes in 5 shades, porcelain to deep, so most skin tones are covered. Just a a guide I generally use the shade Medium, though if I'm a little paler or haven't got any fake tan on then I use the Fair shade.

It is £28.00 for the Balance n Brighten & brush from QVC, it isn’t a cheap product but I think it is worth every penny for the amazing flawless coverage and how just a few sweeps go such a long way. If you are going to give this a go, do keep a look out as it does often pop up in what they call ‘Today’s Special Value’ where you can get amazing kits at a bargain price. 




Let me know if you are a Laura Geller Beauty too and what you love in the range in the comments!


Sunday, 14 September 2014

OPI Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover



You know when you're sat there trying to think of a good spin to put on a pretty boring product to talk about. Well that's what I've been trying to think of for the last 15 minutes about the OPI Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover, but I think I'll just get straight to the point and the facts.
For ages I never understood why people complained about cheap nail polish removers however once you do try a higher end brand it is so easy to get what they mean.
- No more powdery looking nails that are left looking like they have chalk on them .
- Less time per nail, just sit the soaked cotton wool on the nail for a few seconds then pat a few times, pull away and the nail is left clean (even with my treatment, base coat, 2 lacquer coats and top coat).
- Less product being needed to do all my nails, I was used to using quite a few cotton wool pads. Maybe 5/6 per hand and not I need just 3 to do both hands.
- Similar as above but the bottles last a lot longer because of the quality so I don't feel quite as bad spending £16.50 on a single bottle of polish remover.
- General health of nails, no dryness left to my nails or my cuticles, I don't feel the need to apply cuticle oil and hand creams afterwards. Although I always do to keep my hands and nails in tip top condition!
So there it is if you have ever wondered what the fuss is about I suggest maybe buying one of OPI's mini bottles and give it a try. I'm sure you'll be like me and seeking out the 480ml bottle after.    

Saturday, 16 August 2014

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.15


I'm going to start this post off with my first memories of trying a Liz Earle fragrance, as it is a sweet one. I was sent the Botanical Essence No.1 perfume to try along with a selection of other Liz Earle products a few years ago. I fell in love quickly with it. I wore it everyday and would go through bottles very quickly, but what really made it special was the fact that their PR at the time was always kind enough to send me little get well soon parcels with some of my favourites in there and of course she always included a bottle of  Botanical Essence No.1. Whenever I wear it now it makes me smile but when I first got sick and was going through many hospital visits a spritz of Botanical Essence No.1 would always perk me (and always had the nurses asking what perfume I was wearing) and now when I look back at that time it makes me smile that one fragrance and one person managed to make my life a little brighter. 

Onto Botanical Essence No.15 I had wanted to try this for a while so treated myself during a bout of online shopping a while back. Since I loved their first fragrance I had high hopes for No.15. Now I know perfume is a tricky one to review as it will always smell different on each of us, so I'll just ramble on why I like it. In the typically sleek and simple packing was the second of Liz Earle's fragrances. Unlike it's sister scent No.1 which is a fresh, light, citrus-y summertime fragrance. No.15 is a rich inviting deep fragrance, something that I love, over the past year I have been using richer scent and this fits into that slightly masculine yet still feminine genre for me. For most people I'm sure it would be perfect as a winter fragrance, however if you are like me, I've been wearing it through the summer. The rich, warming ingredients of tonka bean and vanilla, are mixed beautifully with the spice of pink pepper and cinnamon and a touch of rose. The blend of 15 world’s most precious botanicals really envelopes you in it, wrapping around you and warming you. I picture myself sitting in front a wood burning fire with a hot drink on a cold winter day. It's a comforting fragrance. I also like the fact it is derived from over 90% sustainably sourced natural ingredients, carefully picked and created by award winning French perfumer Alienor Massenet. 

If you want to try it for yourself then pop over to Liz Earle here - Link!