The Beauty Slice - UK Beauty Blog

Where have I been?!

2011-12-16T19:43:00.001Z

Well... if you follow me on twitter you will know i am training to be a hairdresser! In between studying & my beauty clients, there isnt much time for anything else... hence the lack of blogging!!

But I am on the road to being back on track! I've missed lots of launch events recently due to being so busy but hopefully going to cram some in, in the new year for you!

Hope you havent missed me too much! ha!

xoxo

John Carne Hairdressing - Knightsbridge

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

When it comes to pampering, this place does it best.

A stones thow from the famous Harrods store, hidden seconds from the hustle & bustle is John Carne Hairdressing. Greeted with a smile and the offer of a drink, this hairdressers is a slice of luxury, at an affordable price.

The salon itself is kitted out with the latest equipment and services meaning you feel at home and in safe hands with the stylists.

I visited John Carne for a Holiday Hair Rehab treatment which is a seasonal treatment they offer to put your hair through rehab to boost hydration. I was taken to a a seperate treatment room away from the main salon space, complete with mood lighting and locked away from the noise of the salon. The treatment itself was fantastic, my hair went from dryed out bleach, to shiny & healthy in 30 minutes. Even Alex from Illamasqua asked me how I managed to get blonde hair shiny... my little secret, which now everyone knows!

The treatment itself involves a wrapping the hair in a
SEAH Hairspa’s Black Pearl treatment which detoxifies hair to leave it radiant and glossy. Add in a head massage while the treatment is working its magic and you're nearly in heaven! Oh, and did I mention the masssage chairs?! Yep, I was nearly asleep! After, moisture is locked in with a sparkling water rinse which refreshes you as well as your hair.

Wahanda Launches Feel Gorgeous Week 10th-16th October

2011-10-10T08:00:00.001+01:00

Today is the start of Feel Gorgeous Week launched by Wahanda.

All week you'vll be able to find brilliant offers, events and expert tips on the site.

Click here to go to their website to check it out.

xoxo

Bio Oil - My Skin Story

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

I recently took on a challenge from Bio Oil to test out their product and report back on the results I found.

You've seen, some of you have heard, me moan about my skin for ages now. I have a condition called Beauty Blogger skin. Testing out product after product, make up, masks, everything. You name it, I've tried it. And all to report back to you on whether you should spend your hard earned pennies on the product. So most of the time I look like a pizza face, just for you lot... aren't I nice?!!

So because of stress, hormonal, or reaction breakouts, I am left with scarring. Normally concealer is my friend!

I started applying a couple of drops of Bio Oil to my face at night. At first, there wasn't much difference but on their instructions, I kept going. Now, 3-4 weeks on, my skin has improved!! My scars are lessened and skin tone is evened out, which means concealer is now used for breakouts only, not just to cover up my scarred skin.

As you probably know, Bio Oil has many uses including stretch marks and hydrating dry skin so a perfect little multi purpose product to add to your bathroom shelf. A little goes a long way, I can see the 60ml bottle I have lasting a good 6 months.

I am going to keep going with this in a bid that soon I will be able to wear very little or no make up and be happy! Good Luck Bio Oil, you've done me proud so far!

xoxo

PR Sample

Pedicures... at home!

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

Home pedi is one of the ways I like to pamper myself at home. No need to leave the house and make time for an appointment.

Some of my fave produts to use are-

Emjoi Micro Pedi

This buffs away dead skin on your heels. A bit like a pumice stone, but you need way less elbow grease for this! This works really quickly and leaves your feet smooth. Get yours for £39.95 from

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

Smells lovely and minty, scrubs well and leaves your feet feeling (and smelling!) fresh. As with all Liz Earle products, you know it will does what it says on the tin!

The Sanctuary Foot Butter

Smother your feet in this, put on socks and leave overnight. Your feet will feel amazing the next day. Ready for emergency heat waves!

What are your fave pedi products??

xoxo
PR Sampleshttp://www.lifes2good.co.uk/

Charles Worthington Salon At Home: Straight & Smooth For Coloured Hair Review

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Adele Reviews-

So I'm sure nearly everyone has heard of Charles Worthington products and most of you probably have some of their products in your bathroom and even not realise.

Before I get on to the fun stuff and pictures I'll tell you a little bit about this new range of theirs. It's a straightening treatment without having to go to a salon and paying big £'s, hence the name Salon At Home. It contains a ingredient called cysteamine. Don't worry my face was exactly the same as i'm imagining some of yours are right now. I had no clue what this was so I read it up on their site.

"Cysteamine is a straightening active which works by re-programming your hair memory so your hair will stay straighter and not want to frizz, even in humid conditions. Our patent - pending technology is blended with proteins and argan oil to leave your hair looking smoother and healthier for longer."

So onto the products in the kit... It comes as an easy to follow 3 step course, It's easy peasy no mixing required. You don't even have to be a hair expert to do this. The process if literally the same as if you were to dye your hair.

Step 1 You slap on the first product which is the straightening treatment (make sure you wear the gloves provided) and completely cover root to tip. Best way to do this is section your hair and use the comb provided to keep your hair straight and tangle free through out the process, wait 20 minutes.

Then whilst still wearing the gloves wash the treatment out and follow with the second product which is the Conditioner Neutraliser. You then have to leave this on for 5 minutes before rinsing out. The Blowdry! Simples. They do recommend straightening your hair as it helps lock in the treatment.

You also cannot wash or tie your hair up for 48 hours to allow the style to set. And when you do first wash it after the treatment you are treated with a little bottle of Nourishing After Care Conditioner to help keep your hair straight and smooth for longer.

The Trial. After discovering you can not use this treatment if you bleach your hair which i just so happened had done the day before I received this product to try. But luckily my sister suffers from the same condition as me....The Frizzy Curly Fro! So she was my little guinea pig!

The process was simple and easy to follow. The products themselves were so easy to work with. The only negative that I have about this entire product is the smell of the straightening treatment. I can't even describe the smell..just very acidic and strong.

Overall I would give this product 8/10 only because of the smell put me off it.

Prices at £19.99 and seeing the difference in my sisters hair I'm borderline whether it is worth it. Only because after the first wash her hair went slightly wavey again. Nowhere as wavey as before though. But I am giving it time and am going to do a follow up post in a week and a bit so we shall see then.

Before treatment

After treatment

Straightened

The Salon at Home range is available in Boots now.

xoxo

Illamasqua- Freak

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Just when you thought covering your face in Illamasqua was enough, they came up with their first fragrance.

The unisex scent is out to pre order on their site from Monday 3rd October (today), or in store/on counter from Thurs 20th Oct.

Definitely one to check out, promo vid below!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pu8qYJYZRAc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

xoxo

Steam Cream in Boots now!

2011-10-01T12:26:00.002+01:00

Never tried the cult product, Steam Cream?

Now is your chance! Launching in Boots this weekend, this will be perfect for unexpected heatwave overexposure!

Add the beautiful tins to your bathroom shelf. In Boots now priced at £10.50

xoxo

Max Factor Elixir Lipstick - 7 Day Challenge

2011-10-01T12:03:00.001+01:00

Max Factor have just launched their Colour Elixir Lipsticks in 15 lovely shades.

When it comes to lipstick, I'm more of a gloss kind of girl. So when Caroline Barnes challenged me to wear 7 different lipsticks over 7 days, I screamed a bit inside. Then I calmed down, looked at the colours and worked out how I was going to do this!

Looking in my diary for the next 7 days, I worked out which ones I could pull off of which days.
My wardrobe is basically all black, so worrying that my lips would clash, wasnt ever really an issue! It was more about slicking on the confidence with the colour to be able to go all day without feeling like a clown.
Introducing the lip stain! Apply the colour, dab off excess, powder, repeat. Perfecto.

Day 1- Mulberry
Lovely berry colour, as you would imagine from the name! Perfect for a winters night out.

Day 2- Bewitching Coral
A pink coral, for me very easy to wear all day. This is a summer night kind of colour for me.

Day 3- Pink Brandy
Possibly my favourite of the colours for wearability, not too offensive!

Day 4- English Rose
A really nice rose colour, with a huge amount of frost! Not a fan.

Day 5- Burnt Caramel
The 90's called and they want their lipstick back. Tip- wear this very lightly with a bronzed glow look!

Day 6- Angel Pink
From the outside, I had bet this would be my favourite. But it has 80's frost written all over it. So much frost infact that it would be called Ice Queen! Worn alone I didnt love it, but a dab of this in the centre of the bottom lip with a gloss works it.

Day 7- Ruby Tuesday
Yes, I saved the red till last, how predictable of me! This is a really nice red, wear it bold for maximum effect.

So the 7 days are over. My faves that will be at the top of my pile are;
Mulberry, Pink Brandy & Ruby Tuesday.

You should definitely check out the colour range for yourself. There are 15 shades in total and priced at £7.99, purse friendly too. They all feel lovely on. Even the daring ones, you can sheer down for a day time look, or pump it up for a night out.

xoxo
PR Samples

Avon Colour & Contour

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Multi purpose products are probably my biggest love. Give me a palette over a single shadow any day. Anything that takes up less space in my bag, especially for travelling is a winner.

Say Hello to Avon’s Colour & Contour Blush Duo.

Blush & Highlight in one. Perfect. All that's missing is a mirror in the compact!

xoxo

PR Sample

Bourjois AW 11

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

I love the change from Summer to Autumn, it means chunky knits, cosy scarves and of course, new shades of make up.

Bourjois have a lip focussed range which has 3 new shades of pink lipstick as well as a lovely khaki colour nail varnish.

These are all perfect if you fancy a change but dont want to go full throttle into berry shades!

I'm sure you will agree they are all lovely!

L-R

Rose Folk, Rose Cachemire, Fuchsia Cosmopolite

Nail enamel in No. 23.

Out soon!

xoxo

PR Samples

Grey smokey eyes for AW11

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Grey smokey eyes are everywhere this Autumn. Below are my picks for getting the look at home.

Body Shop Shimmer Cubes- these make a smokey eye effortless.

Want more of a liner look? Try these...

L-R Smashbox Soft Effects Powder Eyeliner in Gunmetal, Avon Glimmerstick in Sparkling Silver, Estee Lauder liquid liner in Graphite.

Get the Autumn look now.

xoxo
PR Samples

UNE Intuitive Touch BB Cream Foundation

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

Here is a little sneak peak at UNE’s next launch the Intuitive Touch BB Cream Foundation. This foundation comes in 6 shades so you are sure to find your perfect match.

Blemish Balm Cream was originally developed in Korea for post-laser treatment designed to allow an immediate return to work after a laser session. The UNE Intuitive Touch BB Cream Foundation is 7 products in 1!

· smoothing

· corrective

· moisturizing

· radiance enhancing

· balancing

· nourishing

· protecting

The compact is beautiful; you simply peel off the see through sticker to revel a good sized mirror. Inside the foundation comes with a little brush which you can use to apply the foundation or you can use your finger. The foundation offers great coverage but is also very light, I only need to use it on my nose and chin; remember ladies less is more!

UNE is made from natural and organic ingredients and most importantly is NOT tested on animals, £14.49 each and on sale October 2011.

xoxo
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Glossy Box - September

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

Who wants to see September Glossybox before they get theirs?!

Oh, go on then…

Dead Sea Spa Magik salt brushing

HD Brow kit

Moa green balm

Neal & Wolf Intensive care Treatment

Plum by Mary Greenwell eau de parfum

What’s in yours??

xoxo

PR Sample

Illamasqua - Theatre of the Nameless Collection AW11

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

Illamasqua. To be honest I don't think any words I write will do the new collection any justice... so I have gone for a picture edition....

Enjoy!

L-R Bella-Donna Lipgloss, Ambition Blush, Beguile Pigment

xoxo

PR Samples

Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

I don’t often wear lipstick but when I do I don’t go out without my Lipcote on. Priced at £3.19 it is a total bargain that can double the time between lipstick applications.

Lip stain pens are this year’s answer to lipstick with lots of brands are releasing them, the Smashbox lip pen is £21.50 and claims to last up to 8 hours. Could the Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm encourage me to wear lip colour everyday? Let’s see…I like that it comes with a coloured balm as lip tints are famous for being quite dry.

My Tips on how to Apply your Lip Pen Colour:

Make sure you have completely clean lips – no lip balm
Now take the pen and line the outside of your lips with the tip
Then simply use the edge of the pen to fill in the colour
Apply the lip balm end

Here I am, I look very 1920s with my eyeliner...

The colour is really strong (I am wearing Sangria) and it does not transfer or rub off. I have tried a few other brands and the Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm is far more moisturisingthan its competitors.

I give Smashbox 2 thumbs up for intensive colour and I love that it comes with a lip balm, don’t think I’ll wear lip colour every day but I love it for a glam night out with the girls!

xoxo

PR Sample

L'Oreal Vitamino Color Gel Mask

2011-09-09T08:00:00.003+01:00

My hairdresser uses this so each time I use this mask, it feel like I have just left the salon! It's a gel formula which coats your hair and adds shine to coloured hair. The smell is fruity but not overpowering at all, just fresh. It smoothes and adds shine, even to bleached hair. I have been using this every other wash, because of the current condition of my bleached hair!

This is a great intensive 'pick me up' for your hair without weighing it down. A once a week must have for coloured hair!

xoxo

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Ren Tonic Moisture Mist

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

Ren’s Tonic Moisture Mist (£18) has been saving me this summer. I regularly have meetings & events in the city which involves me tube hopping from station to station and when it’s hot outside, the tube is like an oven. It is so humid!

My summer handbag must have is Ren’s Tonic Moisture Mist. It comes in a 50ml spray bottle, along with a secure sliver lid. The spray is very cooling and hydrating. The smell is lovely, very fresh and natural. You can even spray it over your make-up, don’t worry it will not make it run as the mist is very light.

Two to three sprays after I jump off the tube and I am ready for the outside world!

xoxo

PR Sample

Redken Extreme Shampoo & Conditioner

2011-09-07T08:00:00.001+01:00

Redken is a prescriptive brand which means the products that are recommended, are suited to your hair type and what you want your hair to do... within reason! No more expecting volume from a colour shampoo!

Andrew Barton, the man himself, prescribed me a set from shampoo through to styling. There is a mixture of old products in the range and new ones too. I have loved and really seen results from the 'Extreme' range which is specifically designed for damaged hair (sadly, thats me, too much bleach!).

The 'fortifying complex' delivers protein and ceramide to fortify weakened areas and reinforce surface protection and shine. So that's the blurb, in real life terms, it has strengthened my weak, a bit broken and dry hair extending the time between hair cuts and salon visits. It lathers well and smells like sweets.

My hair feels stronger, thicker and has that salon freshness feeling. The conditioner is brilliant too. Lightweight yet really does the job in smoothing and adding much needed moisture. My hair is in so much better condition being blonde this time round compared to last year. I can honestly say this range has had a big input into this and I think it needs to be my shampoo range of choice while I stay blonde, even if it turns into an every other wash product.

An absolute winner. It's going to take a lot to beat this range. I have been using styling products from this range too, stay tuned for reviews of those!

xoxo
PR Sample

D'Anu Genie in a Bottle Rinseable Oil Cleanser

2011-09-06T08:00:00.001+01:00

As much as I love covering my face in make up, when it comes to taking it off at the end of the day, I love it. That fresh clean feeling, slapping on moisturiser, love.

Maison D'Anu Genie in a Bottle rinseable oil cleanser has replaced my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish for the last month. As the name suggests, it's an oil cleanser which melts your make up away leaving your skin clean and fresh. It's really nice to use, my only gripe is that it doesn't emulsify very well and I wouldn't say it's very rinseable. I use a muslin cloth to remove it from my face and hands. Without this, I would be in a bit of a mess.

Overall, a lovely product to use with great results. The pump bottle means one pump is plenty for everyday, 2 pumps if you are wearing heavy eye make up. Sorted. I have noticed my skin glowing naturally, rather than glowing from excess oil, huge bonus!

D'Anu products are available via www.maisondanu.co.uk
　

xoxo
PR Sample

L'Oreal Play Ball Beach Fizz

2011-09-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

I love the roughed up look. Hair that is. I sport the bed head look atleast 3 times a week. Partly to save my hair from heat styling and partly to be a bit lazy! Sea salt sprays are normally my weapon of choice. A few spritz, a scrunch and you're good to go!

My favourite of the bunch I have tried is L'Oreal Playball beach fizz. The main reason being, this doesnt make your hair go crispy. At all. You can load up the product without having that 90's mousse scrunched perm, which wasnt a good look the first time round!

It smells fresh, a bit cucumber, a bit grapefruit... I have never been good at describing smells! But it's a great boost to second day hair if you want some freshness.

The bottle itself looks nice on my bathroom shelf... these things matter to me! However, not one that fits in my bag well to tote around or take on holiday which is a shame as this would work wonders after a day on the beach. A decant project would need to happen!

Great little product, and a must have for messy hair lovers.

xoxo

PR Sample

ELF Flawless Finish Foundation

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

ELF's newest addition to their Studio range... flawless finish foundation. It's an oil free, medium coverage that is completely buildable. It describes its finish as semi- matte, which may seem strange, but it's true. Its a bit dewy, a bit matte, a bit of everything really.

And... it comes with a pump applicator! Not enough products do in my opinion. I am forver pouring/squeezing out too much product! Yay for pumps!

At just £6.50 this is a bargain, every day foundation. On days where I dont need to look made up as such and just need to cover my face this has been my foundation of choice. At nearly half the price of it's comparable high street foundations, it's a great bargain buy. A must have in every make up bag.

xoxo

PR Sample

Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Moisturiser

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Rebecca from Oh! Panda writes...

I was quite excited to be given the chance to try this dry body oil moisturiser. I'm normally a cream moisturiser user and the few oils I've tried in the past have left me feeling greasy and although they may have moisturised my skin I felt like I needed another shower after using them!

After a shower or bath I have been spraying this all over my body and it has left me feeling absolutely silky soft. There has been no nasty greasy residue and it has absorbed into my skin really quickly. The oil contains lavender and chamomile and I can't quite put my finger on the scent. I adore it though, slightly floral, slightly herbal.

This product contains vitamins A, E and D and has other oils like aloe, macadamia nut and lavender in it. It does feel like it is actually moisturises my skin and that it's doing good and it does last for hours, unlike some moisturisers that provide and instant result but an hour later you feel tight and dry again!

It's really easy to apply, just squirt and massage in and as it is quick drying and easily absorbed it really is a three minute job to moisturise. The bottle is attractive enough but it is white and made of a strange kind of plastic that seems to pick up dirt and scuff really easily, however the greatness of the product really does far outweigh that little issue!

Like I said, I have never tried dry oils before and I am so glad I have now as I am going to be exploring further into the world of dry oils. I have since tried using cream moisturisers and they just aren't the same, even my favourite ones have been shunned a little to make room for this baby! At £28 it isn't going to be the cheapest on the market but you certainly get a decent product for that price, I am pretty sure it will last longer than 200ml of cream would too.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Vital Info

Available from: The Beauty House
Price: £28.00 for 200ml

Product: 9/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Packaging/Way it Looks: 7/10

Overall: 8.5/10

xoxo
PR Sample

Emma Hardie Amazing Face

2011-08-31T08:00:00.001+01:00

Something you need to know- The Emma Hardie Amazing Face range was the winner of ‘Best New Brand-prestige’ at the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) 2011 Beauty Awards. I think that speaks for itself really!

Amazing Face Hydrating Lighter Lotion

First of all I love the bottle it comes in; gold with a matte finish really stands out from the crowd. It has a pump action top to control the amount you are using; the product itself is a light fluid which smells of lavender.

Amazing Face Hydrating Lighter Lotion is incredibly moisturising for such a light fluid. Emma Hardie's website states that this product is the perfect base for make up and I completely agree, you will not need to use a make up primer if you apply this in the morning. It is very gentle and I even used it on my eyes.

Amazing Face Moringa Foaming Cleansing Wash

We all know how important it is to take your make up off before you go to bed, I tend to use a cleansing wipe and every 4 days or so I use an exfoliating face scrub. The Amazing Face Moringa Foaming Cleansing Wash is “a high performance rinse off cleanser”. The bottle again has a pump action top to control the amount you use. A little goes a long way with this as water activates the foam. Leave the cleanser on your skin for between 30-60 seconds this allows the pumpkin seeds to exfoliate your skin, and simply wash off. My skin feels soft and clean after using this.

I really enjoy using the Amazing Face range. I love how natural the ingredients are and my skin feels as if I have had a mini facial. I have fallen in love with the Amazing Face Hydrating Lighter Lotion it is particularly good in the summer as it is very light and non-greasy.

K
xoxo
PR Samples

Battle of the mascara wands...

2011-08-27T08:00:00.003+01:00

There have been quite a few mascara launches in 2011 and here are my top 3.

No.3 Best Waterproof Mascara

Rimmel Day to Night Waterproof Mascara (£7.99). If you are on holiday looking for a pool side mascara or you are enjoying the great British summer (with the occasional downpour), this mascara is perfect for you. It comes with a cleaver brush, 1 mascara = 2 looks. You can choose length and definition for the day and full volume for the evening.

No.2 Best All Rounder, quite literally!

Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect Mascara (£11.99). This mascara comes with a brush that rotates both ways. It takes a little getting used to however the results are gorgeous full volume lashes; the battery lasts for ages just remember to turn it off before you put it away. This is by far my favourite mascara of 2011.

No.1 Most Exciting…

Maybelline the Colossal Cat Eyes (£7.99). OK so I think I am a little excited by the leopard print but don’t all girls want sexy full almost feline like lashes? I know I do! The brush is curved so it is super easy to coat all your lashes in the collagen enriched formula. On sale 31^st August 2011.

xoxo

PR Samples

My Handbag Essentials - August

2011-08-27T08:00:00.002+01:00

Who doesn't love having a sneaky peek into another persons bag?! I like to know what I am missing out on! So... voila! The essentials that I have been toting around in August;

L-R we have...

Viva La Juicy Solid Perfume*
Fed up of 100ml bottles taking up valuable space, I swapped to this solid this month. It makes applying perfume on the tube less obvious! And, smells lovely.

17 Falsifye Mascara
I got this when Boots were offering the mascara for £2 off and the gel liner free. Bargain. I am really into lashes at the moment so any chance to slap on some more mascara and I'm there!

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant*
I used the original one of this over winter and fell slightly in love. Now I am trying the tinted version. A hint of colour and some 8 hour loving, genius.

Carmex - Mint*
The original and the best in my eyes. I love a lip product and you can put money on me having a tube in my bag, always. Loving mint right now.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Protectant*
A cult product. Who hasn't heard about 8 hour cream?! An absolute must have and all rounder when it comes to uses. Mosturiser, split end smoother, burns, lips, cuticles.... the list is endless.

So there is a little snapshot of my beauty - handbag must haves for August. What do you always carry?

xoxo
*PR Samples

Garnier BB Cream - Miracle Skin Perfector

2011-08-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

The much anticipated Garnier BB Cream is here! BB cream is the current buzz word in the beauty world. Anyone who is anyone, is coming up with their version.

Garnier's boasts 'immediately perfected skin' - evens tone, boosts glow, blurs imperfections, smoothes fine lines, 24 hr hydration and contains SPF 15. Sounds amazing, right?

If you like your coverage light and glowing, you're onto a winner. If you're a full coverage person, this isn' t for you. It feels light weight, blends really easily and smells fresh. You can use this as a primer/moisturiser under your normal foundation. It's easy to make this product work to how you want it to. I love the finish, but for all day and night on the go, I need something heavier.

You'll find this in Boots & Superdrug next to the eye roll ons. It comes in light or medium and is priced £9.99.

What do you think of BB creams? Do you already have a favourite?

xoxo
PR Sample

LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenishing Cream

2011-08-25T08:00:00.004+01:00

Rebecca from Oh! Panda writes...

I didn't know there was a vitamin F. A little further research tells me that vitamin F's are essential fatty acids and although originally called vitamin F, in 1930 they were deemed to be more similar to the "fats" family rather than the "vitamins" family. Ergo, it's not really used much today. However, to be able to say your product has "Vitamin Complex F, A, C & E" is quite apt for a FACE cream, clever, eh?!

Anyway, the actual cream... it is a night cream designed to aid the "de-stressing" and "unwinding" while we sleep. The company states...

"Our overnight replenish cream is designed to put back in what a stressful day has taken out. Massaging this luxurious formulation onto face and neck every evening aids relaxation and helps prepare you for a good night's sleep."

I have to say, I don't know about you but it takes more than a dollop of cream to relax me, although I can see their point, maybe as part of a relaxing wind-down routine, this cream would be a nice addition.

The LP Skin Therapy range has been created by the psychologist Linda Papadopoulos, you know who she is even if the name doesn't ring a bell, she's been on GMTV, This Morning and Big Brother among other things. She crops up now and again with her psychological views...

It seems she has done a lot of research in the field of "Psychodermatology". Yeah, I had to Google it too... It is, in it's very basic form, the idea that dermalogical issues can be solved and helped through psychological and psychiatric techniques. I could go on as I read quite a bit more about it, but quite frankly, I found it a bit boring.

So, I've made it quite clear I'm sceptical of the product and the idea behind it, but... What is it actually like?

I find the texture to be slightly greasy and heavy, probably due to the numerous oils and the Cocoa and Shea Nut Butter. The butters and oils really do work wonders on the skin and do really help leave skin feeling soft but you can't really escape the greasiness they can leave behind. Not a biggy though as this is a night cream and no-one sees you in it and by morning it's nicely absorbed.

Personally, I think this is a cream for someone who needs a bit more moisture and fine line and wrinkle busting than I do. You just need to take a look at the ingredients to see that although there are plenty of natural oils there are also plenty of bafflers like "Matrixyl 3000", "Collageneer" and "Gold Collegine" the later in Google searches finds nothing other than info on this product "Gold Collagen" yields a lot more results, what's the difference *shrugs*

Some Key Ingredients

Grapeseed Oil
Jojoba Oil
Baobab Oil
Collageneer
Matrixyl 3000
Tyrostan

It did leave my skin feeling soft and I have continued to use it, but I think my skin is just not in need of all these chemicals just yet, I suppose I am really not their target audience. I do really like the packaging, I love purple as a colour anyway and the square jar the product comes in is something a bit different and looks really smart. It looks like a product that did cost a little bit more and not some bargain from Poundland.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Vital Info

Available from: LP Skin Therapy

Price: £47.00 for 45ml

Product: 7/10 Value for Money: 5/10Packaging/Way it Looks: 9/10

Overall: 6/10

xoxo

PR Sample

L'OREAL PROFESSIONEL - PARIS - 'PLI' Techni Art Force 4 For Thick Hair

2011-08-24T08:00:00.001+01:00

The Pli range is designed for thick hair - so that already ticks one box!

Light hair sprays never seem to keep my mane in check so I always have to use something with a bit of clout!

Pli comes in a spray pump bottle. I prefer this type of bottle to an aerosol which always get in my eyes, ears, nose... everywhere they shouldn't be! Anyway... the product is quite watery which at first worried me as I spend so long straightening and styling I didn't want something to wet my hair so much it loses it's style. To prevent your style from being undone, I would suggest you spray from a distance!

As long as you use it far away it settles finely on your hair, although the spray does disperse everywhere so don't do it when you're all dressed about to walk out of the door! I use mine on my dry hair with some big velcro rollers in for volume which I usually spray then put some heat on. I used this spray in the normal way. I had to use quite a lot as I didn't find it to very strong compared to my normal TIGI Maxxed Up spray.

The up side was that is didn't leave a shiny, sticky layer that many hair sprays hold. It also smells nice! At first I was really pleased with the results - my hair stayed in place and you couldn't tell there was any product on it. Throughout the day I noticed my hair gradually moving out of place and it wasn't long before I needed to borrow some Silverkrin to sort it out- good old Silverkrin! It is hard getting the right balance between a light, un-sticky product and a strong one. If you want 'natural hold' this is for you. If your hair is more styled and needs a bit more help staying in place I'd recommend something a bit stronger.

You can get this from L'Oreal stocking salons nationwide.

H
xoxo
PR Sample

Rituals 'EVE'S KISS' Silkening Lip Treatment

2011-08-23T08:00:00.007+01:00

Ritual are a new brand to me, having never delved into their products before, I decided a lip treament would break me in gently!

Eve's kiss comes in a pearly white squeezy tube - think Lancome juicy tubes and you're there. My flavour of choice? Apple & karite.

The consistency is similar to a lipgloss but not quite as sticky which is good for me and prevents the old-age problem of hair-stuck-to-lips look-not good! It smells non offensice and gives a nice vaseline-like shine to lips, with a slightly more pearly effect.

I took the tube out with me for the day for the re-apply test! I found it lasted longer than a vaseline or normal lip balm which was great. I also noticed that as it wore off, it really did leave my lips softer. It made a nice change and is a good 'in between' product when you cant decide between lip gloss or lip balm. It also contains SPF 8 so is good for protecting your lips all year round and perfect for your holiday make-up bag! It tastes nice too which although sounds silly, many lip products containing SPF can leave a bitter taste which normally find it discarded on my dressing table!

Rituals is available at House of Fraser and Rituals stores.

H
xoxo

PR Sample

What's on my bathroom shelf?

2011-08-23T08:00:00.006+01:00

1. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo

I have very fine hair but there is a lot of it so I need a little help, this is the only shampoo that works for me. I am a total John Frieda junkie, I use the whole Volume range.

2. Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash

I love the way Dove smells also this shower gel contains moisturisers that are absorbed while you shower. I never have time to moisture in the morning so hopefully this product helps my skin stay soft and smooth.

3. Benefit "honey...snap out of it" scrub

Benefit has stopped selling this and replaced it with the refined finish facial polish, it looks very similar. Benefit's refined finish facial polish “beautifully brightens the complexion”. This face scrub lasts for ages as a little goes a long way, it gently exfoliates your skin leaving it smooth, sort and clean.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo

I've been using Batiste for around 10 years now and I have tried loads of other brands that have tapped into this market. It is still #1 in my eyes, great quality and a total bargain at £2.99.

Top Tip: If you have brown hair like me, use Batiste before you go to bed, when you wake up the white powder will have completly disappeared and no one will know your secret.

5. Oral B Pro-Expert Toothpaste*

Its been out for around a month now and hooked. The toothpaste contains a “POLYFLUORITE SYSTEM”, I'm not sure what this is but I think I need it!

K
xoxo
*PR Sample

Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish

2011-08-22T08:00:00.001+01:00

Nail art is big business this year. It’s taken off, with no sign of letting up. You’ve had crackle, you’ve had nail wraps, now, Magnetic polish.

Magnetic polish is the easiest and newest way to create one of a kind nail art designs. Available in;

Big Ben - metallic gold

Trafalgar Square - metallic silver/chrome

Houses of Parliament - metallic blue

Simply paint the polish on as normal (you’ll have to go one nail at a time), hold the magnet (concealed in the lid) over the freshly polished nail, watch as the iron powder in the formulation gravitates towards the magnet forming the unique design that’s different each time. Simple :)

Launches: September 2011

Price: £12 each

xoxo

Justin Bieber Someday Fragrance

2011-08-20T15:11:00.002+01:00

Justin Bieber has launched a fragrance! Yes , my friends, the teen pop star is treating all his fans to a signature scent which he came up with. And you know what? I actually quite like it!

I'm not afraid to admit I know all the words to Baby, I blame its over play on the radio, ahem. And I am not afraid to admit I like his fragrance. It's fruity, fresh and not too girly. The bottle screams Marc Jacobs, but with his own twist. The hearts on the top make it girly and fun.

Sadly, I Bieber wasn't at the fragrance launch held in Harrods Ice Cream Parlour ( well worth a visit!!) but he did send us a personal message, bless him. Justin donates a portion of all his ticket sales to charity and is honouring his UK fragrance dontations to the Make a Wish Foundation.

The fragrance is in Harrods now and nationwide from 10th September. You can even get a Bieber Bocker Glory from the Ice Cream Parlour in Harrods while you buy. Again, all proceeds go to Make a Wish. Be quick though, it's only available through August. I've been treated to one, and it's well worth the visit!

xoxo
PR Sample

L'Oreal Universal Glow

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

L'Oreal have released a new product in the lipstick line... a 'made to measure' balm that turns a unique colour. This looks like a push pop.... Think Barry M magic lipstick or Smashbox O Glow... but better, much better! Bazza's turns shades of red which is slightly awful. L'Oreal's is pink shades. Not only pink, but it creates a shade that suits you. It works with the moisture and heat on your lips to develop a pink shade to suit you.

I have used this at different times of the day to see how it pays off, and I have loved every shade it has thrown at me. Mainly because the shade suits my skin tone perfectly. I slick this on and add a light lipgloss to perk it up and voila, done!

This lip 'glow' is out in stores on 31st August, get yours and see what shade you are.

xoxo
PR Sample

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

2011-08-18T10:00:00.005+01:00

Liz Earle, the face behind my fave ever cleanser, Cleanse & Polish, has broken into make up! Skin Tint is highly anticipated by Liz Earle fans worldwide. Using her skincare expertise, she has put together this light weight tinted moisturiser. 3 years in the making people!!

It's rich and creamy which blends in well without sliding round your face. Ity's naturally dewy and glows. It contains spf 15 too.

It currently comes in 3 shades, bare, beige and beach, which are fairly light on the colour spectrum but who knows, they may extend this ( I think they should!).

You will be able to get hold of yours from September in John Lewis and on their website. Don't miss out!

xoxo
PR Sample

10 Minute Mememe Makeover

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Start with your base. We all know it is important to have a good base and I have started with MeMeMe Seventh Heaven moisturising cream (£15). I have then applied the Flawless Tinted Moisturiser (£9.99) all over my face and neck – NEVER forget your neck!. For my problem areas (nose and chin mainly) I have applied MEMEME Flawless Cream Foundation.

For my under eyes I have used MeMeMe Correct & Perfect (£6.99) available in three shades, my shade is Buff. MEMEME make-up artist Gemma Aldous comments…

“Pat the cream concealer on to the area with your finger before applying the powder

with a soft tipped brush to soften and smooth the look, especially important under the

eyes over those dark circles.”

I do love a bronzer and how beautiful are these shades? Today I am using the MeMeMe Shimmer Stack (£9.99) in the bronze, which is on the right in the above photo. The other is Gold. Take a large brush and blend the colours together, lightly sweep it over your cheek. Top tip: if you feel too orange use a white tissue to take off the excess colour.

Now on to my quick and easy eye liner!

The MEMEME Eye Sweep (£6.50) is super easy to use. Just glide the pen over your eye lids along the eye lashes. Once you are happy with your result apply your mascara.

Skin illuminators can be a little tricky to use, they simply brighten complexions, highlight and add a subtle shimmer to the cheeks. MEMEME Beat the Blues (£5.25) comes in 2 shades. I have the Moonbeam (left) in the old packaging and Sunbeam (right) in the new packaging, the new packaging is matt and looks much higher end.

As I have a slight glow I am using Sunbeam, simply place small dots around your eye area and along your brow. Then blend.

Your 10 Minute Make Over with MEMEME is complete, simply let down your hair and enjoy...

That's MEMEME!

K
xoxo

DKNY Golden Delicious Eau de Parfum

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

DKNY GOLDEN DELICIOUS Eau de Parfum is the newest fragrance of DKNY’s apple collection

The new fragrance top notes are White Rose, Casablanca Lily, Vanilla Orchid and Muget. The bottom or the warmth of the fragrance is a sensual blend of Musk, Sandalwood and Teakwood. I am a big fan of the original DKNY fragrance which is fresh and light, I tend to wear it throughout the summer. Golden Delicious is elegant and slightly heavier than the original but still manages to be fresh. This is certainly an easy to wear fragrance that has gone to the top of my Christmas list, suitable for the daytime and evening, and perfect for winter!

DKNY Golden Delicious, EDP from £32, available in the UK from 22 August 2011.

K
xoxo

Raw Gia - Bamboo & Pumice Exfoliant

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Raw Gia - who are they? I hear you ask! - as did I when the little tub of exfoliant arrived.

Their products are 100% pure and the only ingredients in this pot are are pumice & bamboo. So far so good.

I haven't seen a an exfoliator that comes with just the scrubby bits (technical term!) like this before although after using it, can't think why there aren't more on the market. It is the ultimate exfoliant!

The 50g pot is full of very finely ground bamboo & pumice. When I had washed my face with water i dabbed my finger in the product which sticks to your finger and massaged it in to my face concentrating around the nose and forehead. I sometimes have break-outs and as my spots heal can sometimes go a bit dry and flaky - not a nice look. But this exfoliant is great in lifting the dead skin and smoothing out any blemishes. This is so important especially when applying make up as flaky foundation has to be one of the worst beauty faux-pas!

The scrub is quite harsh so you only need a small amount and do not have to rub too hard. The frequency which you use this depends on your own skin type as everyone is so different. I have fairly sensitive skin and used it 4 days in one week and it did not irritate me at all. I would recommend a really good moisturiser afterwards as it may dry your skin slightly.

I can't wait to try more Raw Gia products!

H
xoxo
PR Sample

Elicina XT Eye Contour Cream & Xtreme Snail-Plantain Facial Mask

2011-08-15T08:00:00.006+01:00

Let’s get straight to the point, Elicina formulated with 80% snail secretion... ‘Leave a trail of beauty behind you’. I’m part French, therefore I am slightly hardened to the gross-out factor. I’m used to sitting around the dinner room table while my little French granny servers up garlic snails, perfect with dry white wine by the way!

Who would think to put snail secretion on their face? “Discovered in Chile when snail farmers noticed the rapid healing of minor cuts without infection after handling the snails, Elicina is the result of 15 years of patented research and rigorous testing of the 'Helix Aspersa Muller' (snail secretion) found to contain some of the most naturally potent ingredients known to have regenerative, healing and protective properties.”

Elicina Xtreme Snail-Plantain Facial Mask (£32.95)

This smells really nice, not too strong and very clean. I applied a layer of the mask over my face, avoiding the eye area. I then did the same thing to my boyfriend who was actually quite intrigued by the snail secretion ingredient. Then we put our feet up for 10-15 minutes.

I was really impressed by how the mask dried, it is not like a mud mask where if you smile or laugh cracks appear. You can move you face, sit back and relax, once the mask does dry (after around 6 minutes) it does not rub off onto fabric. I also really liked how easy it was to take off the mask, water just washed it away. My boyfriend has very sensitive skin and it didn’t irate our skin at all.

Our skin was left feeling soft and smooth; I will certainly be building this into my weekly beauty regime. At £36 I feel this product is fairly priced as the tube is quite large and if you are only using it once a week it with last around 6 months.

Elicina XT Eye Contour Cream (£29.95)

This also smells really clean and not too strong. The cream is very light and more like a lotion which comes in a little pot with a screw on top. There is a foil seal on the pot however due to the light, runniness of the eye cream the pot could benefit from a second plastic seal that can be taken off and on. Just be careful when you travel with this item, there isn’t a lot in there are it would be a real shame to waste it!

The Elicina XT Eye Contour Cream is very soothing, non greasy and moisturising, again my boyfriend can use this cream without any irritation.

xoxo

PR Sample

Swatch Sunday - NOTD- OPI Berries in the Canaries

2011-08-14T08:00:00.001+01:00

xoxo

Chapstick - Breast Cancer Care

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

A must have in every bag, a lipbalm is an essential. There is no way around it. Chapstick have launched a new pink stick to support Breast Cancer Care. Breast Cancer Care ChapStick® twin pack can be bought from supermarkets and pharmacies and is priced at £2.49. Available from September. Make sure you get yours, and one for a friend.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34984221@N06/6029513423/" title="breast cancer care chapstick by &hearts;lipgloss86, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6029513423_c902553055_m.jpg" width="61" height="240" alt="breast cancer care chapstick"></a>

xoxo

MATRIX - Total Results Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil

2011-08-12T08:00:00.006+01:00

Now that is a mouthful! 'Silk Wonder' comes in a bottle much like a hair dye with a pointed nozzle and squeezy tube. To avoid using too much i squeezed a few drops in my hands, rubbed them together and pat it through my towel dried hair.

The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous smell which ot even better as I used heat to dry and style it. The product distributed through my hair well and gave even coverage. There were no thick greasy blobs that you sometimes get with serums. The consistency of this oil was really light and didn't weigh my locks down.

My ultra-frizzy hair and needs a lot of control so I am always excited to try anything that claims to 'tame frizz' and 'restore shine'. I was pleasantly surprised with this little oil. The biggest difference in my hair was noticed while blow drying, it felt so much softer and finer compared to using my normal products. Recently, it had been starting to feel corse from too much heat styling and was in desperate need of a shine boost. Once dried and styled, I could definitely notice a difference. My hair was so soft and had a nice gleam to it. There were no greasy roots from a product overload and it smelled lovely too!

I give this a big thumbs up. You can get your from Matrix stocking salons.

H
xoxo
PR Sample

Shiseido Charity Auction for Japan - Pamper treats for a good cause

2011-08-11T19:41:00.002+01:00

This evening Shiseido are a launching a charity auction online where all proceeds raised will go to the British Red Cross’ Japan Tsunami Appeal.

I'm sure you will be tempted by the list of auction prizes!

Prizes for auction include:

·       Two night mid-week spa break for two at Champneys

·       Top to Toe treatment at Richard Ward Metro Spa, London

·       Harrods Urban Retreat pamper package which includes a full body massage, facial, customer manicure and pedicure, blow dry and Champagne lunch at the East Dulwich bar

·       Spa day including a Shiseido Radiance Facial at The Academy in Harrogate

·       Overnight stay for two and Carita Spa experience at Cameron House Loch Lomond

·       Makeup lesson with Ruby Hammer

The Shiseido Japan Auction will go live on 11 August 2011 and will close on 21 August 2011 at 7pm. The link to the aution is www.ebay.co.uk/auctionforjapan

Go on... go have a cheeky bid :)

xoxo

St Tropez Illuminator

2011-08-11T08:00:00.005+01:00

The newest summer must have for nights out. St Tropez Illuminator. You could use to during the day, but I don't dress up much to go to the office! However, on holiday, totally in my suitcase.

You can use this alone, or mix it in with your moisturiser. It adds a nice glow like you've spent all day in the sun soaking up some vitamin D! It looks great on camera too. It comes in 2 colours, violet or gold.

Get yours from Boots.

xoxo
PR Sample

Sodashi Rejuvenating Moisturiser

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

Sodashi are an Autralian brand, they like natural based products against animal testing.

I've been using their Rejuvenating face and neck moisturiser at night. It's light, contains anti oxidants as well as vitamin E, B and D which help protect the skin from environmmental exposure. This moisturiser helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and helps to firm and tone the skin.

It's really light but still feels lovely and moisturising, meaning I have put my heavier night creams to the side for a little while. It's nice and refreshing to use on summer nights as you dont feel caked in cream.

The packaging looks nice and sleek, but comes in glass bottles. Not really travel friendly and I can't see how much product is left. But overall a nice product to use. The Sodashi rang eis huge, from face to body and hair, they even have travel kits of your favourite range. You can check them out on their website here.

xoxo
PR Sample

Sodashi - Eye & Lip Smoother

2011-08-09T08:00:00.007+01:00

I love eye creams! The skin around your eyes is so delicate and it is the first thing to go as you age. For the past week I have been trying Sodashi Eye and Lip Smoother. Using it on your lips is interesting as out of habit I do tend to wipe my excess eye cream onto my lips anyway.

This product has travelled all the way from Australia to be with us (European citizens can buy Sodashi from http://www.sodashi.de/) and was founded 1999, Sodashi contains only natural ingredients. Sodashi translates to ‘wholeness, purity and radiance’. Sodashi's Eye and Lip Smoother (30ml) costs €135.00 EUR which at our current exchange rate is about £118, it isn't cheap to say the least, but is it worth it I hear to ask?

Well one word, Yes!

It has a soft smoothing texture which makes your eyes and lips feel very nourished, your under eye concealer sits perfectly on top of it and you can feel it working all day. My eyes look smoother and fresher and brighter. The Sodashi's Eye and Lip Smoother is a fantastic eye cream which I would 100% recommend as an indulgent treat however be careful you may get addicted to the rest of the range!

K
xoxo
PR Sample

Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm an avid lover of hair masks and had heard lots about this scalp mask so was eagerly waiting to try it. It's an intensive treatment that is anti-inflammatory, exfoliating and cooling. It also stimulates the sclap to improve hair growth. Winner.

The tube comes with a nozzle to which you apply it to your scalp while your hair is damp in 1inch partings. You can stripe it on much like you would with a hair dye if you were touching up your roots. Once you've done that, rub it all over your scalp and leave for 10-20 minutes.

It tingles as it works, but cools and refreshes too, I wash it off and washed my hair as normal. I didn't notice anything immediately but when I combed my wet hair ready to style, my hair felt so light. It was like someone had given me an hours head massage, when really I'd been in the bath on a Saturday afternoon.

The tube is 30ml which I managed to get 2 applications out of (I have a child sized head!) but it's meant for one application. At £4.60, I think it's a bargain for the effects it has.

Available from their website http://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/

xoxo
PR Sample

Swatch Sunday -NOTD -Nails Inc Little Miss Chatterbox

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001+01:00

xoxo
PR Sample

Bourjois 10 Days Nail Enamel

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

Bourjois have launched a new range of their lovely nail polishes. 10 Days nail enamel is said to last up to 10 days, with touch ups on the last 3 days. So, that's 7 whole days. I dont know about you, but my polish lasts 3 days max. Maybe I type way too much causing them to chip extra quick but 10 days is a big claim for me. The first time I used it, I went 10 hours without a chip. The second time was 2 days. Maybe I'm not the best person to be testing this out!

But, I love the polish itself. The colours are opaque from the first coat, and the brush is thick and has a slant which makes painting your nails twice as quick. It's the perfect brush for filling in chips too with its precise applicator. The range comes in 12 colours from Pearly White to Chic Brown, with Fushcia Pink being my favourite. Next on my wish list, Coral Pink!

I really hope Bourjois add to this range as application is so easy. Thumbs down on the chipping side but then I get bored after a few days of the same colour anyway, so not really a worry for me. Thumbs up on the applicator and the colours.

Priced at £5.99, they are in stores now.

xoxo
PR Sample

Rituals vs Mememe - Save or Splurge?

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

I am forever seeing things I like and adding them to my 'to buy' list. But then I love it when I see something similar, but cheaper. It's a splurge or save scenario.

Splurge- Rituals Cheek & Eye Glow in Sunglow

This is from the gemstone make up collection. Pretty!

Save- Mememe Shimmer Stack in Bronze

Still pretty, but more bank manager friendly!

Both can be used as multipurpose products, cheeks, eyes, highlights. Mememe is exclusive to Superdrug, Rituals from House of Fraser.

xoxo
PR Samples

Oral B Pro-Expert Toothpaste

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

A hollywood smile, it's something I've always wanted. I went through the braces thing and bleach my teeth a couple of times a year. I want them as white as they come. Oral B have launched a new toothpaste. After 15 years of development, it's branded as the all in one super toothpaste. For the first time ever, their scientists have been able to combine stannous flouride which is the not so secret ingredient. It doesnt boast just one benefit, no no, this bad boy targets all the major factors that you would want in a toothpaste. From whitening to healthy gums and everything inbetween.

It tastes like you've been on a trip to the hygienist and is gritty. Really selling it huh?! But work through it and you'll be left with teeth feeling as clean as you've just paid over £30 per hour to have them cleaned. All for the little price of £3.49 for a 75ml tube. The toothpaste is available now and lots of stores have special launch offers making it slightly cheaper too.

xoxo
PR Sample

Nars Laguna Illuminator

2011-08-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

Nars are a brand that I always have a wish list for and normally steadily grows when new collection time comes round. I have fallen in love this summer, with Nars Laguna Illuminator. The kind of unconditional love where I always get what I want. A bronzed glow. Simple.

I have been used this as a highlighter on my face, but also mixed it with some moisturiser on my arms and dellecotage, for a 'healthy glow' when I'm feeeling a bit pasty or to boost my (fake) tan.

It comes in a 30 ml tube for the face or a body version in 150ml. The 30ml version can be thrown in your bag without taking up too much room, and in your hand luggage. Winner.

xoxo
PR Sample

Yes To... Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturiser

2011-08-01T08:00:00.001+01:00

I ventured away from my usual Vichy Normablend daily moisturiser to try out Yes to cucumbers soothing moisturiser. It contains Vitamin A & C, sweet almond and aloe, all of which are said to calm and smoothyour skin. The Yes to cucumbers range is aimed at sensitive skin. My skin quite frankly has a mind of its own but falls into the combination category.

The moisturiser itself is light and sinks in really quickly, throw in the cucumber scent and its fresh and well, moisturising!

Have you tried to Yes to... range?

xoxo
PR Sample

BBLL - 30.07.11

2011-07-30T20:26:00.001+01:00

Musicalhouses shows you an awesome Bird of Paradise/sunset inspired eye look using the Sleek Curacao Palette - possibly the brightest eye look ever!

Beauty's Bad Habit shows gorgeous eyeshadow swatches of her first love in indie cosmetics, the fabulous Fyrinnae Cosmetics.

You know that cooling sensation when you bite into a peppermint patty? Well it's the same thing when you use the Chantecaille Aquablush in Charming. The Pink Sith explains.

At theNotice, Rae reviews a Benefit BADgal waterproof liner and decides that if bad girls all have to wear BADgal... she'd rather just be good.

Check out the new Too Faced Matte Eye Shadow Collection from Too Faced. Gouldylox has swatches and details.

Addicted to Beauty is still dreaming about the crazy hair extravaganza that was the L’Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2011 .

Phyrra's Independent Spotlight for the month of July is One Hand Washes the Other.

Check out Smashinbeauty's Return to Paradise review and swatches.

Tracy at Beauty Reflections wishes Tarte For True Blood Natural Cheek Stain was Hellmouth worthy!

The Beauty Spot tested out the new Rimmel Vinyl Max Lipgloss. See how it worked out!

Have you ever considered Juvederm? Read about the experience of Marcia at Beauty Info Zone to learn whether Juvederm is something that would work for you.

Love bright eye shadows for summer? Make sure to keep lips subtle with this fabulous nude lipstick at Makeup, Beauty and More.

Do you need to perk up your under eye area? Pammy Blogs Beauty's Cover-It Concealer Review series continues with a review of this under eye treatment/primer by Per-fekt.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed swatches Chanel nail polish to prove that all greys are not created equal!

Read the MAC and Sigma brushes dupe guide at Handmade Reviews.

Take a trip to St-Tropez! Nicole from Lipstick and Luxury swatches this limited-edition luxurious nail polish from Dior.

What type of results REALLY come from having a Brazilian Keratin Treatment? Check out Socialite Dreams for the results of the KeraStraight treatment at Ulta.

xoxo

L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

I was told, hair oil will change my life. With a comment like that, I needed to try it. And you know what? It has! Well, maybe not my life, just my hair. I've never really gone for hair oil before, having fine hair, I was worried it would look lank, weighed down and greasy. No no, how naive of me!

L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil is a nourishing oil for all hair types. You can use it on wet or dry hair. I use it on the ends of my hair when its damp. When my hair is styled the ends are smooth, sleek and nourished. Frazzled ends be gone! You only need a little bit so the bottle which is 125ml, will last a very long time. If you have thick, frizzy hair, this will turn your locks really glossy and sleek.

Mythic Oil is available exclusively from L'Oreal stocking salons.

Freya, if you're reading this, thank you!!

xoxo
PR Sample

Bourjois Intense Shadows

2011-07-28T09:00:00.003+01:00

Bourjois shadow pots. Raise your hand if you haven't had one in their collection? Yep, didn't think so. They a a good price, nice range of colours and last forever. Bourjois have launched a new range of eyeshadows called Intense. As you can guess by the name they are very pigmented.

There are 10 colours in the range starting with a golden beige right up to a charcoal black. They are really silky and smooth and apply really evenly. And the best part? They last, all night. I wore them on a night out, applied at 5pm, still fresh at 3am when I removed it. You can see from the swatches below just how pigmented and good quality they are. And for Bourjois, a 'drugstore' brand, I'm very impressed.

They are just £6.99 each and available now.

xoxo
PR Samples

St Tropez Naturals & SPF

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, more often than not, I have to fake it. Fake tan, that is. Without a natural tan, I can easily resemble caspar the not so friendly ghost. For years, St Tropez was my tan of choice. Now, there is so much choice in a soon to be saturated market that I have been busy looking at alternatives. In the mean time, St Tropez have stepped up their game, big time. Determind to stay the market leader, new additions to the brand are;

Naturals

A self tan lotion which boasts the ingredient Vegetan which is a naturally derived tanning ingredient. They have also added in Melanobronze, a melanin stimulator. Include grape and mango seed oils which help nuture and hydrate your skin and avocado butter to nourish. Marketed at their most natural formula. Gone is the distinct St Tropez smell and now lies a fresher, lighter scent. No guide colour means you need to be more careful when you apply to ensure you've covered everywhere, but means you can apply in the morning and leave to develop while you're sitting at your desk.

SPF

Yes, they help you fake it, now they are helping you stay safe if you want a natural tan. Face protections comes in SPF 30 or 50. Body in SPF 20 or 30. It contains Melanobronze which stimulates your body's melanin production. And, it smells like holiday! It blends in easily so you wont look like you've been covered in milk! They also have an aftersun in the range which contains a hint of self tan to build on a hard days work on the beach.

All of which are not only holiday must haves but have taken place on my bathroom shelf for everyday use too.

Available at Boots.

xoxo
PR Samples

Matrix Total Results Moisture Care

2011-07-26T08:00:00.002+01:00

If you have dry, dull hair and want moisturised locks, look no further. Matrix Moisture Cure is the one. It's a leave in spray that leaves your hair soft, detangled and shiny.

Spray all over to damp hair and style as normal. This is perfect for use everytime you wash your hair. You could even spray on during the day on holiday, tie your hair up and then wash off later for extra nourishing.

It comes in a spray bottle with 2 layers which you shake to mix before you spray on your hair. I found i still needed an oil/serum to smooth my ends, but my hair is now really soft and light. If you live in hard water areas, this makes your hair feel like you washed it on holiday, you know that really soft hair feeling?! No, just me then!

It's available from professional salons. If you want to find out more about the Matrix Total Results range click here :)

xoxo

Scandalous Fabulously Flirty Dry Shampoo

2011-07-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

Dry shampoo. A must have in my life, it’s nothing new these days. I don’t think I’ve met a girl recently who doesn’t have one on their bathroom shelf. I’ve even seen a few suspect grey roots on the tube. Work it in girls… work it in!

Scandalous have one. A spicy/oriental scent, fine mist, even coverage. Sorted. No dreading white stripes in your hair, no itchy scalp at 3pm. Refreshed hair, ready to go plus some extra zzzzs!

xoxo

PR Sample

Bourjois Delice de Soleil bronzer range

2011-07-22T10:00:00.004+01:00

I wear bronzer everyday. Yes, even in winter. The English rose look isn’t a good one for me. I think I must have been Mediterranean in a previous life…. I wish!

Bourjois have launched a new bronzing range! Delice de Soleil is here! In the range is a bronzer that comes in funky little packaging with a twisty mirror and contains a mini brush. Hello travel friendly!

Also in the range is a bronzer spray. It sprays on really fine so you won’t get that grubby look, just a light lift. You can spray this over your made up face and you’ll be good to go. This doesn’t just have to stay on your face either, it is perfect for legs, arms, décolletage, anything that needs a super quick tan and go. No development time, just bronzer in a can. Genius.

The range is in stores from July.

xoxo

PR Sample

Katie's Beauty Must Haves

2011-07-21T08:00:00.006+01:00

We all have our favourite beauty must haves that we cannot live without and here are a few of my favourite things...

I have a few products that I am a little bit funny/OCD about and they are fragrance – it’s such a treat! eye creams – I am always looking for the best one and foundation – I love a compact foundation that isn't too thick. I also tend to judge make up on how long it lasts. I want to apply my make up in the morning and then not look at a mirror again that day, come home and for it to look exactly the same as when I first applied it. I call this my “Industrial Strength Make-up!”.

I buy the majority of my beauty products from Superdrug and Debenhams so I can collect my beauty card points.
Elizabeth Arden Intervene Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream and Radiance Boosting Moisture Lotion are really smooth and silky, I have quite sensitive eyes and I have not had any issue with this eye cream. It leaves your skin smooth and soft.
Benefit Some Kind a Gorgeous Foundation works perfectly with this range. Not too thick but offers great coverage, 3 shades to choose from so you can grab the best shade for your skin, although I think they could do with extending their shade range.
My hand bag must haves –

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream for chapped lips & Benefit Dallas Blush Box. I also love make up brushes, the orange one in the photo is from Models Own. It’s such a great brush really soft and only £8. Perfect to tote around.
2true Effortless Eye Liner is the best liquid eyeliner I have tried. They are exclusive to Superdrug and only £1.99 each. It comes in a waterproof version and normal version. The waterproof is perfect for long days and the impending summer of festivals. They come with an easy to apply brush, which is sturdy and wont float around your eyelid with a mind of its own.

Sleek Pout Polishes, I carry at least 2 shades with me at all times. It is the first thing I apply in the morning after my moisturiser. A little tint of heaven!

Dr Darren's Naked Truth skin care range is new and exclusive to Superdrug, the eye cream is one of my beauty must haves. The bottle is very high end and has an applicator to control how much you use, the cream is very moisturising.

Another little skin care treat is MEMEME Seventh Heaven, smells of lemon – great for waking up your senses first thing in the morning! It has a silky texture and the packaging looks beautiful, my mum has already eyed this little pot as her own. It looks more expensive than it is at just £15.

I would not go out in public if I hadn't used these products. Bourjois Pourdre Bronzanta bronzer filled with little glints of glow and it smells of chocolate! I apply it with my GOSH Kabuki Brush. My eyelashes are totally flat, so eyelash curlers are imperative. I suffer with dark circles, so Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer in shade 53 is a miracle worker for me.

K
xoxo
PR Sample

Philip Kingsley Swimcap

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

Blonde haired bombshells rejoice! Say no to green chlorine stained hair with Philip Kingsley Swimcap. It first launched 26 years ago and guards against discolouration and damage caused by weathering from the sun (UV damage), chlorine, salt water and wind. Whether you are blonde, brunette or anything in-between, this is a winner for summer holidays. You apply this to damp hair and then again after swimming. Perfect for applying in the morning, whipping into a top knot then enjoying the sun and pool without worrying about getting your hair wet.

A new size of 75ml is launching soon which is the perfect travel size. At just £10 it is a tiny price to pay to keep your new cut and colour looking good.

xoxo

NUXE Lip Balm

2011-07-19T08:00:00.002+01:00

I may have a lip balm obsession, there will always be atleast one in my bag, one on my desk and one in my car at any given time, and that's just outside of my house, but who's judging here?! I like a deep conditioning one to use at night, enter Nuxe Lip Balm. A 'repairing and ultra-nourishing' balm. It contains honey, shea butter, plant pils and grapefruit essence. Quite frankly, it's lovely. One dab in the pot and you're good to go.

I have been using this at night mainly because with the weather being 'warmer' apparently in the UK, I havent needed a heavy balm in the day, but by the time winter rolls round, this will be a staple in my bag to tote around. I hate dry, chapped lips so this will be a huge must have.

It comes in a 15g pot which is slightly bigger than most balms. I have been using it for 2 months and hardly made a dent in the pot so I am predicting this will last me till christmas. If you want to give your lips some extra love at night, you need this little beaut.

Available at Space NK

xoxo
PR Sample

Philip Kingsley Moisturising Balancing

2011-07-18T10:00:00.006+01:00

Bleached hair is notorious for getting dry and looking frazzled. I need to constantly keep on top of it treating it to products that will boost moisture, give the ends some tlc whilst keeping it looking fresh. I don’t want frazzled hair, thank you.

Enter Philip Kingsley Moisture range. This rebalances the moisture making sure your roots are as lovingly moisturised as the ends. It is brilliant. No excess moisture at the roots at all. Just rebalanced, fresh looking hair. It works by balancing the lengths of the hair without build up and contains wheat protein. This helped me last a few extra weeks before having a good chop! I was really impressed that this worked from the first time and continues to work each time I use it. Afteer blow drying and styling, my hair is soft, silky and smoothed down. Perfect. I love the chubby bottles too!

The range is available at Philip Kingsley.

xoxo

PR Sample

BBLL - 16.07.11

2011-07-17T14:44:00.000+01:00

Read a thorough and honest review of Sigma's new eyeshadow palettes in Dare, Bare, and Flare at Handmade Reviews!

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella has been trying the new Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation and reviews it in depth.

Musicalhouses shows you summer's hottest offering - Benefit Cha Cha Tint!

The jury’s still out on whether a certain new lash curler looks incredibly intriguing or… incredibly gynaecological, but the real question is: are you ready to start a Revolution with Urban Decay?

Looking for a new blush? Check out my Swatches and Review on Chanel Joues Contraste Blush!

Beauty's Bad Habit shares her technique for using Fyrinnae's infamous Pixie Epoxy eyeshadow base.

You can achieve the perfect summer glow with just one product... shimmer! Steal My Heart Lovee.com shares her thoughts on Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks.

Amy Antoinette shares her top tips for transforming hay fever eyes!

Want the scoop on Urban Decay's new Fall Collection? Well, Krasey Beauty has it all, from information to product pics!

Kelly from Gouldylox has a very bad day. Luckily some MacGyvering with beauty products saves the day!

Miss Beauty Nerd goes to the Big Apple and gets her eyebrows threaded at Blink Brow Bar inside Henri Bendel.

Madame B Fatale introduces her boyfriend to Gillette's new razor and skincare products.

Tired of the regular crackle nail look? Jenn over at Spiced Beauty spices it up with a tri-color mani!

If you like bright colours you'll want to check out the latest find from Lisamarie at Beauty Crazed - SleekMakeUP Caribbean collection - and you'll be relieved to know that the swatches are not on her arm!

Makeup, Beauty and More shows some love for the Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in I'm Getting Sunburned.

Lauren from Lovelaughlauren shows us some fab makeup brushes for less than £20!

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The Pretty Exclusive shows you beautiful swatches of Geek Chic Cosmetic's N7 Collection & Geek Love Duo, AND has a giveaway to win them all!

Pammy Blogs Beauty is giving away Clinical Organics "Try Me" Packs to two lucky winners! Visit Pammy Blogs Beauty for more details and to enter.

xoxo

Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Mask

2011-07-15T10:00:00.002+01:00

As much as I hate my skin at times, I like to treat it as much as I can with mini face masks and good cleansing routines. The newest mask in my routine is Yes to, Cucumbers soothing mask.

It has a mousse like texture that smoothes over my skin really well and feels like it is treating it to little pockets of air. It contains dead sea mud, organic cucumbers and aloe vera which gives a calm, gentle mask. No harsh, stinging ingredients. The Yes to cucumber range is aimed at sensitive skin so you won’t experience any skin flaring up or monster spots appearing.

This would be great after too much sun as well. Of course you should be using a high spf and seeking shade and blah blah but a bit of extra cooling never went a miss.

The yes to cucumbers range is available at Victoria Health.

xoxo

PR Sample

Great Lengths Fashion Colours

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000+01:00

Quickest way to change your hair? Clippers… or Great Lengths Fashion Colours. You can change your style ready for a party, night out or festival. The additions last 2-4 months so you can rock a new look all summer without having to colour your hair.

There are over 55 shades of human hair so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Each strand is attached with unique polymer bonds that are pH balanced that will not damage your natural hair.

Great Lengths Fashion Colours from £80.00

Available at premium salons nationwide, visit Greatlengthshair.co.uk or call 0113 216 3070

xoxo

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner

2011-07-11T10:00:00.002+01:00

You’ve heard me moan about my scalp before. Stress and weather changes are the main contributing factors to my tight, itchy scalp. I’ve tried Head & Shoulders menthol range, medicated shampoo and now… Phillip Kingsley Scalp Toner.

Imagine a toner (like from your cleansing routine) for your head. You wash your hair as normal, then when it’s wet, apply the toner to your scalp. It has a water like consistency so is really easy to use and comes with a nozzle to you can aim it straight onto your scalp. It doesn’t have an awful smell as you might expect either. I’m pretty sure there is no smell at all. You can layer your normal products on top of it and it won’t alter the results.

I’ve been using this every wash for a few weeks and haven’t once thought about my scalp because it has irritated me. Safe to say it’s doing its job!

You can buy yours from

xoxo

PR Sample

Hair Extensions from Very.co.uk

2011-07-08T10:00:00.002+01:00

You’re more than aware by now that I love hair extensions. For nights out they are part of an outfit. But sometimes the styling process, especially in summer, bugs me. I freshen them out, straighten, blend into my hair, style, add product… the list is endless. Very.co.uk have launched a range which come pre styled. From a natural wave to ‘bouncy curls’ they come with clips ready to clip in and go.

When I first saw the promo image for Bouncy Curls, I was worried I would end up like Curly Sue, but they actually come with a natural ringlet which you can then tease into smaller sections to make the whole of your hair wavy, at the ends. In my hair they start to curl just past my shoulders, which is how I would normally style my straight ones. That way, it’s just a case of blending you hair in. Easy!

They come in 12 shades; Black, Dark-brown, Chestnut-brown, Mid-brown, Light-brown, Light-auburn, Red-blonde, Golden-blonde, Honey-blonde, Ash-blonde, Lightest-ash-blonde, Lightest-blonde and they have swatches to help colour match your own hair. At £45, they are in the mid priced range and although they aren’t ‘human hair’ (they are made from a unique modafibre) they don’t have that shiny wig look that you can get from cheaper brands. You get more than enough hair to ensure you can cover your whole head, although if you have super thick hair you might want two lots, but you’d be expecting this anyway.

Not a bad price for what you get and a way to change your look in a few clips. If you are new to hair extensions, they have a step by step guide on the site to show you how it's done!

Get yours from Very.co.uk did I also mention they have a beauty section?!

xoxo

PR Sample

Benefit Cha Cha Tint

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Benefit new launches are always something I anticipate. They are a brand I use everyday )hello erase paste) and gift my friends with.

Their latest edition is Cha Cha Tint. A gorgeous mango colour lip and cheek tint. This is a lovely light orange coral colour which If feel, for me, is much more wearable than the original Benetint. This is perfect to add a splash of colour this summer without having to commit to to powder blush which will need to a top at during the day. Tints are perfect for long lasting colour without the worry of touch ups.

This isnt just for cheeks, a few dabs on your lips and your mango'ed up! Cha Cha Tint is on counters and online now.

xoxo

PR Sample

SilkPerfect Pillowcase

2011-07-04T10:00:00.001+01:00

Sleep is very important to me. I regularly take nana naps at the weekend and I need about 9 hours sleep a night to function! You wouldn’t be able to guess the amount of times I have considered moving to Spain just so I can have siestas! Beauty sleep is what keeps me going.

Silk pillowcases have been spoken about a few times. The biggest selling point for me was to lessen the bed head! But when I heard they help your hair keep its moisture and your face creams/serums/wonder products stay on, I was sold. How much of my expensive products were being wiped of as soon as my head hit the pillow?!

SilkPerfect say-

SilkPerfect proactively retains moisture, keeping skin hydrated while you sleep and will help to keep expensive face creams on the face, helping you make the most of your beauty regime.

So… I gave them a whirl. Not only is a silk pillowcase a luxury, it means I press snooze even more! The opposite side to the pillow is cotton so it wont slide around your bed, but you wont get that cold side of the pillow guilty pleasure...

You can buy direct from their website here. And they come with a mini pillow chocolate… just like in a hotel! (not a Travelodge though.)

xoxo

Sebastian Thickefy Foam

2011-07-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

I haven't been blessed with thick luscious hair. We all know that after i've been moaning about it on here for nearly 3 years! Well, I've got a new product in my hair routine (shocker!). Sebastian Thickefy Foam.

It's a liquid in the bottle which dispenses into a foam. I use this on the lengths on my hair. Its weightless so wont weigh down the volume I'm seeking either! When I've rough dried my hair, the texture this gives helps me boof my hair up, it helps me and holds it where I want it.

This is my new hair love. You can buy yours from BeautyBay.

xoxo
PR Sample

Technic Nail Varnish

2011-06-29T10:00:00.003+01:00

If you change your nail polish as much as I currently am, you want nice colours, at a bargain price.

Hello Technic! At just £1.25, they are great quality polishes, nice bottles, and a good range of colours. The brush inside the bottle is really nice to use. When I've used other cheaper priced polishes, I find the packaging awful and brushes terrible. if someone gave me these in a blind price test, I would price them inline with OPI.

Get yours from http://www.lovethymakeup.com/ which accepts paypal and delivery is only £1.50. You're welcome!

xoxo
PR Sample

Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine Showtime Collection

2011-06-27T10:00:00.002+01:00

Nail polish is my current love as you may well know by now! Bourjois have just launched 7 new shades for summer to add to their 16 shade range. All of the new shades are bright, easy to wear and on trend for summer.

From red to lime green, the range covers every colour you'll need this summer to stand out for all the right reasons. At just £5.99 each, you can brighten your wadrobe without having to max out your cards. The 3 stand out colours for me are-

Bleu Model (China Glaze For Audrey fans should grab this!)

Lime Catwalk

Orange Creation

The new shades are in Superdrug now and in Boots from 13th July.

xoxo

PR Samples

Braun Silk-Epil 7 Dual Epilator

2011-06-27T10:00:00.001+01:00

Last year I tried out epilating for the first time properly. The times before that were using my mums in the 90's on a tiny patch of my leg and screaming in pain. I'm happy to report, epilators have come a long way since then!!

Braun have launched an even better version on last years Silk Epil. This comes with all of the features from the old model, except for the dual smoothing technology. You've got your epilator part, then you have an intergrated Venus blade to remove any hairs that are left behind. This means your results last for even longer.The battery life is longer than before too. You can still use this wet or dry, although if you are new to epilating- top tip, a hot bath and use wet!

My main worry when I heard about the intergrated razor was having to change it. Braun say you will only need to change it once every 6 months with regular use. Now, if your epilator gathers dust during the winter months, then you're looking at once a year!

Keep your eyes open on Boots website as they often have offers of 1/3 off electricals on and off over the summer, saving you a big chunk!

xoxo
PR Sample

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

2011-06-25T10:00:00.001+01:00

BB creams are the new buzz word. After a long time of us lusting over them, they are finally about to hit UK shores. The much anticipated Skin Base Foundation from Illamasqua is here! Inspired by the cult BB creams on the Asian market, this foundation hits all the right beauty buttons for me.

When I first heard about it, I was expecting a light tinted moisturiser that I would wear on days that I didn’t really need to wear much make up (hardly ever!) But when I got my hands on it last week, I knew it was a keeper.

Illamasqua says-

The Product Development team were inspired by the formula, delighted by the results and highly impressed by the ease of buildable coverage and payoff, however they chose to remove the SPF because we believe that everyone should have the choice to add their personal preference level and choice of product for SPF and as within a professional environment the SPF can be inconsistent and bounces light.

The second adaption was the removal of the whitening ingredients of the traditional BB Creams. As many Asian women strive to whiten and brighten skin , we wanted to develop a range of shades that would offer suitability to the palest to the deepest of skin tones and wider shade participation, thereby offering a truly diverse and professional range. The whitening ingredients hindered payoff on deeper skin tones and turned ashen thus causing unrequired limitations.

The coverage alone is just what I have been looking for. Medium to full coverage but you can wear as little or as much as you want. And you know the best thing? It stays put. Even after an 18 hour day. Yep, tried and tested! When I told people I was wearing it (other beauty bloggers!) they said it looks flawless, not cakey and just lovely. Wearing it all day isn’t an ordeal either. It feels really light, doesn’t slide around and is effortlessly flawless. I apply this with my fingers as I do with all foundations and it works fine for me.

Not only is this a serious must have in my collection, it also comes in 18 shades. I’m number 8 but think in the winter I’ll be a 6 or 7.

It’s not often you see me raving about foundation on here. It’s normally me tweeting that I am reapplying on the tube! I honestly can’t rave about this enough. I am just about to place an order for more. But don’t take my word for it… try it and see. The Skin Base is in stores and online now. If you live in or near London, pop down to their store on Beak Street. The staff are really love, super helpful and wont push products in your face for sales. Its a new favourite hide out of mine :)

xoxo

PR Sample

Paul & Joe, The Blue Horizon Collection, Summer 2011

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001+01:00

Paul & Joe, always lovely packaging in my eyes. The bottles of foundation look like something you would see on your grandma's dressing table. I love it.

They have recently launched a new collection for the summer call The Blue Horizon Collection. It is based on summer holidays, beaches, the sea and ultimately, quick make up looks. Each product comes with that in mind. The eyeshadows can be swirled with you finger and washed across the lids, the lipgloss gives a hint of colour with some shimmer to bring out your tan.

The colours are quite simply beautiful, subtle and just so. They are on sale now on ASOS, Harrods, Knightsbridge or Fenwick, New Bond Street.

xoxo
PR Sample

NEW Witch Skincare Anti- Blemish Liquid Concealer Giveaway!

2011-06-24T09:17:00.000+01:00

I love a bit of Witch. So why not give you the chance to get your mitts on some?!

The new, soon to be launched Anti Blemish Liquid concealer goes on sale in July. But you can win one here
first!!

Witch say...

Our new Concealer is the ultimate festival must have product. It’ll conceal dark circles from the previous night’s antics, cover up any nasty spots that appear and help prevent any more from popping up!
Mattifying concealer in 2 shades to fit most skin tones.

01 Light can be used with light or medium tinted moisturiser

02 Medium can be used with medium or dark tinted moisturiser

For best results the concealer should be slightly lighter than the tinted moisturiser, as to ‘fade’ not darken blemishes

Perfect yet lightweight coverage

Treats and covers spots and blemishes

Gentle formulation also suitable for use under eyes

Oil free, fragrance free

With witch hazel extract and antibacterial actives

Controls shine & clarifies skin

Brush-tip pen for easy, smooth application

All you need to do is...

- Be a follower (I like to give my readers the prize, not a freebie site following!)
- Follow Witch on Twitter
- Leave a comment below with your name, twitter name and whether you would be shade 01 or 02

And that's it... winners will be notified after 6th July (my birthday fyi.. ) and your concealer will be sent straight out.

So get entering below....

xoxo

Prizes provided by PR

e.l.f Studio Conditioning Lip Balm spf 15

2011-06-22T10:00:00.001+01:00

e.l.f have launched a new lip product from their Studio range, Conditioning Lip Balm with spf 15.

Available in 6 colours and contain vitamin A & E. The colours are lovely wit Peaceful Pink being my favourite. Its a similar colour and feel to Nars Sabrina, a nice posie pink colour. The balm itself smoothes on nicely but feels a bit waxy once it is on your lips. However, this helps the colour and balm stick for a long time so you dont have to top up as often.

Other colours include, Nice & Natural, Peaceful Pink, Mellow Melon, Blissful Berry, Bombshell Brown and Romantic Rouge.

You can get yours from e.l.f for £3.50.

xoxo
PR Sample

Joico K-PAK Reconstructor

2011-06-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

Being blonde has its ups, my skin always looks brighter, and its downs, damaged hair! This time when I went blonde I was determined to keep it looking fresh and frazzle free. I had heard lots about Joico K-PAK reconstructor so gave it a go.

At first, I used it, squeezed a good chunk out and applied it to my hair. It didn’t feel like there was enough product on my hair, like it had soaked it up. So, I put some more on. I left it for as long as I could then washed it off. I wouldn’t say my hair felt super smooth or soft but it did feel lots stronger, like it had been given and extra person on its team in a tug of war! Because I had used quite a lot of product (just on my ends) I only use this once a week.

The washes where I don’t use this, I have been using cheaper masks like Herbal Essences, Aussie & John Frieda. I am now warding off any frizzy damaged ends and my hair feels stronger and not dying of a bleach death! It has me curious about the rest of the Joico range and wondering what products to try next. Any suggestions?

You can buy Joico K-PAK range from feelunique.com

xoxo

PR Sample

Batiste festival essential!

2011-06-19T10:00:00.001+01:00

Festival fever has officially arrived, and excited as we are to see our favourite bands and don our wellies, there is always that horrible pressure to look festival-fabulous even after 3 days in a tent with no running water…

Enter ‘Batiste’!

Now well established in the beauty world, a can of dry shampoo is a cheeky staple of most of our bathroom cabinets. And rightly so! Who wouldn’t say no to an extra half hour in bed for the sake of quick spritz of Batiste! Whether you need an extra 40 winks or you need to get through a 5 day festival before your next shower, a can of Batiste is a must have.

To well and truly mask the tell tale signs of festival frazzled hair, Batiste have now launched a special scented dry shampoo with summer tropical scents - no one will ever know you rolled out of bed (or your tent!) 10 minutes ago!

So go on girls, hit SNOOZE and bring out the Batiste!

Batiste now comes in a festival ready size of 50ml (£1.55) and an XXL can of 400ml (£3.99) so you can have one for your handbag and one for your bathroom. Batiste is available from all good pharmacies and supermarkets.

See the full range of Batiste products at http://www.batistehair.co.uk/

xoxo

Fabulous Magazine teams up with Nails Inc.

2011-06-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Starting tomorrow, start collection the tokens in Fabulous Magazine with the News of the World to redeem them for 2 Nails Inc. polishes.

Collect the tokens over 4 weeks and from 3rd july, you can redeem them in a Tesco store for 2 brand new polishes! You can also get a half price manicure at a Nails Inc. salon for £14 instead of £28!

So get collecting from tomorrow for your chance to bag these hot colours.

xoxo
PR Sample

Stoke Park Spa endorses Pantene Pro-V

2011-06-17T12:00:00.000+01:00

Ladies the time has come – salon shiny hair in your own home at teeny weeny prices! It’s official – Pantene Pro’s Smooth & Sleek range – all under £4 – have been tried and tested and proved just as good as a £60 salon treatment! The range has been given the stamp of approval from the 5* award winning Stoke Spa in Buckinghamshire and they are now officially recommending it to their clients after running blind consumer trials.

The news is great in this tough economic climate where a lot of women have had to cut back on little luxury pick-me-ups such as salon treatments. Knowing you do not need to spend big bucks to look a million dollars is music to our ears. With gorgeous, delicate scents of lily, rose and jasmine, not only will you look salon fresh, you’ll smell it too!
The range includes a shampoo & conditioner (£2.19 each RRP), an Intensive treatment (£399 for 200ml), and a 24 hour frizz fighter leave-in treatment (£3.99 50ml). Grab the whole collection and have salon healthy hair every day!
This has come along just in time for the Summer months when our hair is battling with sun, sea and sand and really needs a bit of extra TLC. A must-have to keep your tresses luxurious all Summer.

xoxo

17 Instant Glow Bronzer

2011-06-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

I love bronzer. I wear it all year in different amounts! I’m not a big blusher person, I struggle to find colours that look nice and don’t turn me into Coco the Clown. Bronzer is my fail-safe and helps contour…always a bonus! My Nars Laguna was running out pretty quickly and I wanted something I could use everyday, that was just as good, if not better. But also a bronzer that was a ‘budget’ price. So off I went to Boots and searched the aisles for something to match it. lots of bronzers, I find have too much red tone in them which give me a funny colour. I’m a Benefit Hoola girl rather than Dallas.

So during my bronzer quest, I spotted 17 Instant Glow pretty matte, nice brown toned rather than red, and under £5. In the basket it went. To be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope for it thinking that I may turn into a grubby chimney sweep girl like I did when I tried ELF matte bronzer. Not a good look. So a very light touch, a big fluffy brush and off I went. The bronzer itself it tightly packed so you don’t get lots of fall out from the pack, just the right amount you need. What I was left with was a natural bronze touch. It looked completely natural and complimented my half fake, half real tan. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

You can get yours from Boots, 17 counters.

xoxo

Soltan Beautiful Bronze

2011-06-16T10:00:00.004+01:00

Another new tan… Soltan Beautiful Bronze range!

Soltan are a well trusted brand when it comes to skin care. Their ads showing the girls with sun damaged skin has helped raise awareness of the true damage that the sun can do to our skin. I tried out their new fake tan range to see how it fared.

The self tan gel isn’t something I had used before. It’s normally a lotion, mousse or spray that most brands use. I was initially worried that the gel would be quick thick, hard to apply and not dry very quickly. Well, I needn’t have worried. It applied like a dream, dried pretty much instantly and I was done. By the time I had covered my second arm, the other was already dry. Perfect. When I looked down to see I was covered in shimmer, and by shimmer I mean major Cullen style, I thought that this might have been an instant product rather than one that would develop overnight. I loved the effect it had though. You know the pictures you take at the end of a holiday or two weeks in the sun and you’re all glowy? Yep, that was me! Slightly concerned however that I would wake up to glittery bed sheets! Waking up the next morning, I was a bit confused as I couldn’t see a bit different in my tan but after comparing my arms to my deathly pale legs, I was happy with the results. I washed the shimmer guide colour off and luckily my colour was still on my skin and not down the drain.

The range includes a mitt, a back applicator (something I desperately need to invest in!), a mousse, spray, face cream, an exfoliator sponge & an instant tan spray. With the gel retailing at just £6.99 for £150ml, I think this is a bargain tan range. Get yours from Boots.

xoxo
PR Sample

Jacques Townhouse in London & Liverpool this Summer

2011-06-15T17:17:00.001+01:00

Fancy spending the evening in a beautiful multi-million pound townhouse, indulging your inner fashionista and taking a step back in time with all sorts of vintage delights? Look no further – The Jacques Townhosue is back for another year!

Jacques Summer Soiree offers visitors the chance to be pampered with manicures & makeovers by leading brand ‘Model’s Own’ as well as the opportunity to get your hair styled. There is also an amazing opportunity to dress up in some fabulous vintage gear, with stylists on hand to help you achieve the classic look. To snap your newly made-over self, Jacques photo shoot studio will be on hand with their top photographers.

If you would rather relax with friends over a chilled glass of Jacques, you are welcome to chill out and spend a few hours in the beautiful Enchanted Garden!

After the success of last year’s Townhouse Soiree fronted by Sophie-Ellis Bextor, Ex-Sugababe Keisha Buchanan has stepped up and taken on this years role of ‘Lady of the Townhouse’.

What’s even better is that it’s FREE! To find out more and to secure your place at the Townhouse visit www.facebook.com/jacques. Events are taking place between 19^th – 28^th July in London & 10-19th August in Liverpool & the location will be revealed once places are secured. Places go fast so snap up your spot today.

xoxo

Metique Tea Tree Range

2011-06-15T10:00:00.001+01:00

Tea tree is something all of us have probably used as a teen. When I was a teen it was THE thing to use to get rid of spots. Luckily I managed to swan through my teens without so much as a breakout. But in my early twenties I developed breakouts that aren’t even worth mentioning. Luckily over the years, I now know how to cover them, mostly. But when I was approached to try some tea tree products, my first thought was ‘why didn’t I think of this before?!’ Going back to basics sometimes is the only way.

I tried Metique Tea Tree 5% hygienic skin wash. I used to in the morning for a week and it helped clear up my skin and get it back under control. Well, as much control as I can have over my skin that decides to go AWOL more often than I’d like. Because the % of tea tree used is much higher than most tea tree products, you put this on your skin, leave for no more than 10 seconds, then wash off. I have become very good at counting to 10!

This wash is just for use on your face. I have been using it the few days after waxing on my underarms to warn off any ingrown hairs and to keep the skin fresh. This would be really good for men who shave a lot and can be prone to spots. It dries out blemishes nicely and attacks spots to stop them developing.

You can get yours from Metique.

xoxo
PR Sample

17 Nail Art Offer

2011-06-14T20:00:00.000+01:00

Nail art is big news this summer! Seen on the likes of Katy Perry, Jessie J and Lady Gaga, bright, bold nail art is bang on trend.

Boots’ own range, 17, have a fantastic deal for ‘Nail Art in a Bag’ when you buy any two products from the 17 range between. A great excuse to expand you nail varnish collection and add some summer brights. With nail varnishes starting at just £3.99 you can afford to be daring! 17 has a really broad range and being so affordable, it’s a great place to start with experimenting. For the price, the varnishes are surprisingly chip-resistant.
In the set you will find –

- Two 17 Lasting Fix Nail Polish in ‘Pink Grapefruit’ and ‘Knockout Red’

- Mini Pink and Leopard Print Heart-shaped Nail Transfers & a Hot Pink and Black Leopard Print Nail File

Mix & match with other varnish colours you already have and set about creating your very own masterpiece on each nail. Grab yours in store or on line and get creative!

Deal running between 15th June – 12th July at Boots.

xoxo

Dove & Nails Inc. The Beauty Collection

2011-06-14T16:43:00.000+01:00

Want to smell nice while looking nice too?
Dove & Nails Inc. have teamed up this summer to give away some lovely polishes when you buy 2 Dove deodorants- roll-on in 50ml, RRP £2.24, aerosol in 250ml, RRP £3.44, and in 150ml, RRP £3.20

The shades in the exclusive Dove ‘Beauty Collection’ are-

Copacabana

Havana

Snap up both colours from 15th June – 12th July in Boots stores.

xoxo

Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing

2011-06-14T10:00:00.001+01:00

Not a fan of standard after sun products? Jergens Naturals have launched an Aloe Soothing moisturiser which will be perfect for summer nights.

It contains Aloe, Cucumber & Eucalyptus which will leave you feeling clean and smooth!

I like to store my ‘after sun’ products in the fridge for an extra cooling factor! For under £5, this is a summer bargain!

xoxo

Superdrug launches Lashes!

2011-06-13T10:00:00.004+01:00

There are some new lashes on the block this year. The latest are Superdrug’s own offerings. The hand made collection consists of 8 different designs from natural lashes to full on volume TOWIE style!

Each lash pack comes complete with glue and a picture on the front of a model wearing the lashes. You can see exactly how the lashes will look! This is a winner for me. I can’t keep count of how many times I have bought lashes to apply them and realise they aren’t as thick as I thought, too thick or just not what I wanted. There is even a lash set with double volume… that’s 2 set put together so you don’t have to! Oh, and these are good for contact lenses wearers too!

They retail from £4.49-5.49 per pair and are launching instore and online on 6th July. If you stock up before 2nd August, you’ll be able to grab them for cheaper!

xoxo
PR Sample

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask

2011-06-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

If you follow me on twitter, you’ll probably know that I’m not really a morning person. Morning tweets are more likely to be those of a moan rather than a cheery Good Morning! But even though I don’t like mornings, I don’t want my skin to give than impression!

Introducing Liz Earle Brightening Mask. This mask contains stimulating camphor oil and toning witch hazel and helps brighten your skin ready to take on the world, or the layers of make-up you’re about to apply! I’m all for faking it as you know! I use this a couple of times a week while running my bath, eyes closed. You apply it to clean, dry skin, leave it for as little as 30 seconds and wash off with a muslin cloth. If has a slight tingling feeling and perks your skin up leaving a good natural glow. Love this!

As always, Liz Earle products can be bought on their website or in John Lewis.

xoxo

PR Sample

Cover FX Save Face Campaign

2011-06-09T20:34:00.002+01:00

Protecting your skin from sun damage is serious stuff. This June Cover FX, Dermatologists’ First Choice For Flawless Looking Skin, is helping raise awareness, so wear your black ribbon with pride in support of skin cancer awareness.

How can you help?

You can join the facebook group to help spread the word.

You can buy SkinTint FX SPF30 £37.00

BritePrep FX SPF50 £43.00

Cover FX products are available in: Select Harvey Nichols, Harveynichols.com, House Of Fraser and houseoffraser.co.uk and CoverFX.com

Cover FX will also be making donations to skin cancer foundations in the Canada and United States.

xoxo

Nails Inc. Mr Men & Little Miss Collection

2011-06-09T10:17:00.000+01:00

It’s safe to say, a collaboration always goes down well in my eyes. So when I heard about Nails Inc. & Mr Men & Little Miss, I squealed. Well, more ahhhhed. I grew up reading the books and even now when a see I kid with one of the books, I want to read them. It’s Mr Men & Little Miss 40th anniversary, so what better way to celebrate than an inspired collection from Nails Inc.

Little Miss Chatterbox created a soft greige; the colour of the season. Little Miss Splendid made a minty green that was perfectly splendid enough for her, while Little Miss Naughty got her own naughty pastel purple, and lucky Little Miss Sunshine has her own peachy shade.

For once, I can’t pick a favourite, I love them all.

They are available from June at Nails Inc.

xoxo

No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara

2011-06-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

Yes, I love mascara, No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara. I don’t go out without it. I love this one…. It does everything it says. I’m on my 3rd tube.
That speaks for itself!

xoxo

PR Sample

RMK Cleansing Oil

2011-06-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

Using hot cloth cleansers mostly in the form of Liz Earle cleanse and polish pushed me towards the world of oil cleansers. There was a buzz of oil cleansers in the beauty world last year but I steered clear not really knowing that they could work for me. It was only when I got a travel pack of RMK skin care containing a cleansing oil that I decided to give it a go.

Dispense the oil into hands, smear over make-up covered face, add water, lather a bit and wash off. Simple. There is something about putting a cleanser straight onto a face full of make-up that I like. I like watching it melt off and I like not relying on water to make it happen. The RMK oil cleanser has a menthol smell to it which also helps leave your skin fresh and clean ready for the next(400) steps on my night time routine!

So as oil cleansers go, this may have been the first I’ve used, but I like it. It does what it says it will, smells nice and doesn’t dry out my skin.

What oil cleansers do you like?

xoxo

PR Sample

Cowshed for Whistles collab....

2011-06-07T10:00:00.001+01:00

Cowshed have teamed up with Whistles to bring you a lovely collab collection!

Not only is there a lovely clothing range, there is also 4 of Cowshed's best sellers that have been revamped.

The print is cute and features across the products and the clothing range. Check out the range at Cowshed & Whistles.

But, is it hearts or hooves?

xoxo
PR Sample

Decleor Expression De L'age Smoothing Roll On

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Eye cream, to me, is big business.

Since I started using them, I can’t tell you enough how much it has changed my look. I haven’t had tired looking eyes ever since. Yes, I’m aging, I may have to actually deal with the fact that it is going to happen at some point. But using eye creams means I can warn off the signs.

The latest for me is Decleor Expression De L'age smothing roll on. It comes in a tube with a roller ball dispenser. Now, for me, roller balls never really rock my boat. My finger is a more than ample instrument for me, I’ve never felt the ‘benefits’ of the roller ball being there. So even though it can seem a pain getting this one out of the tube and bypassing the balls, I still like it. It's light, isn’t sticky and dries quick enough. I have been using this at night and although I would tend to go for a thicker cream, its working nicely and satisfying my eye cream cravings! Its moisturising enough for me to just use an eye gel (currently Organic Surge) in the mornings.
Currently putting together my Decleor wish list….

xoxo

PR Sample

Fabulous & Next Model Management Model Search...

2011-06-05T10:00:00.001+01:00

Ever wanted to be a model? Well, now could be your chance. Next Model Management have joined forced with Fabulous magazine to find their next big model.

The winner will get their own cover on Fabulous and will also win a global modelling contract with Next Model Management. Next's models include Alexa Chung, Petra Nemcove & Tali Lennox.

How do you enter? Easy. Just log on to www.facebook.com/fabulous where you can upload your photo. Entries are then voted for by the public to shortlist the final 10! Fabulous magazine's Editor, Rachel Richardson, fashion Directorm Tracey Lea Sayer and Next Model Management's Head of New Faces Ross Young will pick the final winner.
The competition is open for entries until 23rd June and you can vote up until midnight on 30th June. The top 10 on the shortlist will be taken to London on an all expenses paid trip and the winner will appear on the cover of Fabulous magazine this summer.

Think you've got what it takes to be the next big model? Enter here now.
xoxo

BBLL - Saturday 4.06.11

2011-06-04T11:47:00.002+01:00

Madame B Fatale tests a fun gimmicky product with some not so amazing results.

Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone, and slip into summer? Then be sure to check out this melon and teal makeup look over at theNotice - you won't be disappointed!

Phyrra gives you her take on the Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Sticks.

AOYV shares her tryst with Inglot eyeshadows and shares with fellow Canadians how to access this fabulous brand.

Pammy Blogs Beauty finds a new "Holy Grail" product with MAC's Prep & Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is already thinking about fall - but she can't help it, it's Chanel! Come check out the Illusions d'Ombres De Chanel fall collection and you'll understand why she's so weak!

Vesna from Beauty addict blog has a thing for Inglot products lately! Her favorite Inglot item at the moment is definitely 420P eyeshadow so check out what she loves about it so much!

Here's my link: Beautywoome just reviewed the best airbrush tan EVER.

Not having a good day (like Tracy, at Beauty Reflections)? See how the Sephora Flashy Liner helped her to face the day!

Want a fancy perfume but hate the price? Jeweled Thumb finds something similar to a popular and expensive Juicy Couture one. Best part? It's $10!

Beauty's Bad Habit shares her five favourite make-up finds for under £5 because everyone loves a bargain!

Need a sheer foundation for summer? Check out My Lips But Better's comparison chart for Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua vs. Clinique Moisture Surge. Which will be the winner?

Hair prone to frizz? With the weather in the UK always indecisive it's good to find something that can control that frizz. Has LaaLaa over at Dolce Vanity found that with Sedu Anti Frizz Polishing Treatment?

MAC's Big Bounce Shadows got a bad rap, but Kajal Couture shows you how to make them work.

Looking for a new curling iron? Sophie tries and tests the Remington Pearl Conical Wand!

Don't have the budget for the Mac Big Bounce shadows? Jo checks out Rimmels 8 hour colour mousse and is very impressed!

Nicoletta's Beauty Space tries out some of her favourite Sleek True Color lipsticks.

xoxo