Wednesday 9 May 2012

MONU moisture rich collagen cream





This is a totally new brand for me.  Normally I’m pretty happy using Dermalogica skin smoothing cream and I honestly never thought I’d find anything as nice.  Until I tried MONU moisture rich collagen cream.

I was one of the lucky ones to get this in my recent Glossybox.  The product is full size 50ml. I’ve been using it for a few days now – it’s amazing.  It’s a really rich cream so it’s perfect for my dry skin.  It says it relieves dryness and smooths fine lines.  My skin feels really soft and smooth.  Often a cream for dry skin can take ages to absorb into the skin, but that’s not the case with this one.  I’ve found it to be great to use before applying makeup – my makeup has applied really well the last few days and has really lasted during the day.  I’ve found it a really nice cream to use at night too. 

One thing really stood out to me and that’s the scent.  This cream contains rose and geranium essential oils, evening primrose and blackcurrant seed oils.  I actually quite like the scent, but those who don’t particularly like rose might not.  The cream contains shea butter and sodium hyaluronate and marine collagen to help smooth fine lines. I’m not saying this is any kind of miracle cream because I don’t think they exist, but I’ll definitely be buying more of this.  I’ve tracked it down at feelunique for £16.25 which I think is a fantastic price.  

What do you think of MONU products?  I think I'll be trying more products in the future.  

Sunday 6 May 2012

Favourite fragrances



Like most girls I can’t just have one fragrance.  But I do have a few favourites, so I thought I’d quickly share them with you. 

Miss Dior Cherie
I am absolutely obsessed with this perfume.  It is gorgeous, feminine, girly, and sexy.  It is described as a sensual blend of Italian mandarin, Egyptian jasmine, and patchouli which truly captures the dazzling Dior spirit in a modern, fruity-floral fragrance.

I picked up the 50ml eau de toilette from Boots for £49.  I think that’s pretty reasonable.  I wouldn’t say this is overpowering, but you don’t need to wear much or re-apply during the day.
 
Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y 
This is my newest perfume and the one I’m really going to talk about the most.  It’s Stella McCartney’s latest fragrance L.I.L.Y which was launched recently.

The packaging is very unique: an oval bottle held inside a metal square with a metal cap. I love the name, which was taken from Paul McCartney’s nickname for his late wife Linda.  L.I.L.Y stands for Linda I Love You. 

The key note is Lily of the Valley with a subtle hint of truffle and a warm base of oak moss.

I am also a fan of Stella McCartney’s original fragrance Stella, but I’ve used every last drop I own!
If you don’t like floral fragrances, you most likely won’t like this.  The staying power is really good too.  I got this 100ml eau de parfum bottle from Boots for £59.

Marc Jacobs Lola
I’m onto my second bottle of this now, so it’s fair to say it’s a favourite.  The bottle is so over-the-top.  This is my favourite packaging.  I love the vinyl petals and gold rope detail - the moment I saw it, I wanted to get it for the reason that it would look fantastic on my dresser.

Since the whole idea isn’t just about visual appeal, I was pretty amazed to find that this actually smells as good as it looks.  It is described as a warm floral scent – playfully alluring and irresistibly tempting. The long-lasting, day-and-night scent opens with pink peppercorn, pear, and ruby red grapefruit. Blooming midnotes of rose, fuschia peony, and geranium make a feminine statement. 

This 100ml eau de parfum cost £63 from Boots.  

Jimmy Choo 
This was bought for me as a surprise present, so that was the first time I’d tried the perfume.  It was from someone who knows me pretty well.  I wanted something different.  Something that stands out from my usual floral fragrance and this certainly does that. 

The perfume itself contains modern fruity chypre with warm, rich, woody depths. This certainly isn't a sickly sweet perfume it’s a much warmer, sweet scent that has great staying power. The eau de parfum retails at around £39 for 60ml.

Saturday 5 May 2012

April Glossybox








It seems like ages since the last Glossybox arrived on my doorstep.  I’ve had this box a week now and can honestly say I’m amazed how fab it actually is.

This month's box is the natural box to coincide with Earth Month.  It supports brands that help the environment and believe in natural packaging and ingredients. The box came in a plain brown outer box, and the beige inner box has been made of recycled materials and everything is 100% biodegradable.
I like the idea of the themed boxes, but this is the best one yet.  So, here’s what was in my box ....

Caudline Vinosource SOS thirst-quenching serum (worth £9.66)
This is the first Caudline product I've tried.  It’s an ultra-concentrated serum that sinks in nicely and is extremely natural.  This is a deluxe sample size tube, so it will give me a good chance to see the benefits. 

INIKA Cosmetics certified organic eyeliner (worth £11.75)
I was really lucky to receive this in a usable everyday shade – charcoal.  It’s a nice rich, creamy liner and doesn’t feel cheap and scratchy.   It is a full size product and I would definitely recommend it if you are after a good organic and natural eyeliner with no chemical ingredients.

Monu Professional Skincare moisture rich collagen cream (worth £17.50)
A rich, luxurious cream to relieve dryness and smooth fine lines. This is another full size product but and although I’ve only used this once – I LOVE IT!! Definitely one I’d consider buying when my Demalogica has run out!

Figs & Rouge lip, face and body balm (worth £3.29)
I was really excited to see this in the box.  I know ... it’s the cheapest product in the box, but I really wanted to give this brand a go.  I love these multi-purpose balms and this one is 100% pure natural and organic and can be used on lips, face and body. This is another full size product too.  The packaging for the little tin is adorable and right up my street.  I received the cherry and vanilla flavour.   It is petroleum free and smells like sweets.  It sinks in really nicely and is so nice to use. The balm protects skin against dryness, and is also soothing, nourishing and is just a really handy product to pop in your bag.

Burt's Bees naturally nourishing milk and honey body lotion (worth £3.68)
Apart from the lip balms I’ve never used any other product from this brand.  This product is 99% natural and claims to nourish the skin for up to 24 hours.  I’ve not got round to trying this, but I’m looking forward to trying it out.  It’s the perfect size to take away, so I might have to save it for my hols!

Were you as impressed as me with the April Glossybox? 


Estée Lauder advanced night repair




I picked up a sample size of this product after hearing so many fab things about it.  Being the beauty junkie that I am I wanted to try it myself.  Every serum on the market seems to claim to give you beautiful, smooth, younger looking skin.  This one says it can help to reduce the appearance of past damage, uneven skintone and immediately hydrate your skin – it contains the vital ingredient hyaluronic acid.

My skin is normal/dry and I’m not prone to breakouts.  With only using this sample size, I’m not likely to see the full effects, but I’ve been using this for the last week and I love it.  My skin looks more radiant and it feels lovely on my skin.  About three drops of this on a night is enough.  It’s a bit like a gel/liquid with a bit of a strange smell to it – but that didn’t put me off.  It immediately sinks into the skin.  I’ve been moisturising after using this, particularly where my skin is dry. 

The only downside is the price tag.  But maybe its one of them products that you get what you pay for.  The 30ml bottle is just over £40 and the 50ml bottle is just over £50.  Have you tried advanced night repair?  What do you think? 

Thursday 26 April 2012

Primed and poreless SPF 20 bronze tint face primer





This product has been out a while now, but I stumbled across it while I was out shopping.  I’ve been on the look out for a primer and to be honest I think I was sucked into the idea of this having a bronze tint to it.
I don’t like to wear really thick makeup and prefer the more natural look.  You can actually get this without the bronze tint, but I thought this would be ideal to use over spring and summer.

When I squeezed a small amount of the product out of the tube, I must admit I had my doubts.  It’s a quite a dark brown-orangey shade, but surprisingly blends to leave a subtle, warm, sunkissed glow. The bronze finish is really nice. 

The added SPF is another bonus – I feel like I’ve got my moneys worth here.  I was worried that it could be a bit heavy, but I can honestly say it applies like a really well and doesn’t feel at all greasy. 

I luckily don’t have large pores, but if you do, I don’t think this would apply very evenly.  Or, if you’ve got pale skin, this would probably leave you with a nasty looking streak around your face. 

I prefer not to use this all over my face and use it to give a sunkissed glow – so it’s not for those who want to put a layer of primer and then cover it over with a layer of their favourite foundation – that would slightly defeat the idea of having a bronzer included. 

Would I buy it again? I do really like it, but I would be tempted to buy it without the bronzer, especially for during the winter months when my skin is paler.  However, I’m really happy with the brand, so I’d be happy to use this again.  You can pick this up from the high street at your local Boots store for just over £20. 

What do you think of Too Faced products?  

Monday 23 April 2012

DuWop Doubleglow7




I must admit that DuWop isn’t a brand I normally go for, but I liked the sound of this, so I thought I’d give it a try. Doubleglow7 is a luminous face balm that claims to give instant radiance to the skin.  It says you can apply it under or over foundation.

Worn under makeup, Doubleglow7 can be used as a primer or it can be used over makeup to give a gorgeous glow.  It comes in a small jar (just .42oz), so it’s about the same size as an eye cream.  It’s a pale, golden, luminous, waxy looking balm.  At first I thought it was going to be too solid, but it seems to melt into the skin and it’s really easy to blend.

One thing I really like about this is that it’s not glittery and you can build the product up on the skin depending on how much of a glow you want.  The balm isn’t greasy and leaves my skin with a really luminous finish. 
If you’re looking for a highlighter, with good staying power which makes you look like you’ve had a few hours extra sleep, then I’d recommend this.

You can pick this up at HQhair for £21. 

What do you think of DuWop products? 

Saturday 14 April 2012

Dermalogica skin smoothing cream 50ml

No matter how many moisturisers I try out this is the only one I keep going back to.  I’ve got quite dry skin and this does exactly what it says on the tin.


It smoothes dehydration lines and makes your skin feel really moisturised, while toning and keeping your skin’s moisture.  It is fragrance free which I really like.  It contains lecithin and aloe gel and cucumber and arnica to soothe and hydrate.  It contains antioxidant grape seed extract and vitamins A,C and E. 

I find it’s got quite a thick texture.  It’s suitable for normal to dry skin so I find it perfect to use all year round.  I use it twice a day after I’ve cleansed and toned.  It’s such a great moisturiser and that really helps when applying makeup. 

This is the only Dermalogica product I use at the moment, but I’d love to try out more.  You can pick up a 50ml tube of this from lookfantasic for £25.90 

Essie mini wedding collection

This isn’t a particularly new collection from Essie, but I love the colour and of course it’s the start of wedding season, so the colours are bound to come in handy.

The box contains four 5ml stunning, combining classic shades and current trends,  including elegant neutral colours and a classic red.


  • Essie borrowed & blue – this light blue shade is one of my favourites and is perfect a perfect spring / summer pastel.
  • Essie better together – this is a really pretty light baby pink
  • Essie made to honor – a flattering natural pink
  • Essie first dance – this is a gorgeous rich, red, which has a completely different tone to any other red polish I use.

I love Essie polishes and think they’re good value for money and a good quality.  I always use a base and top coat, so maybe that’s why they always last and don’t seem to chip too quickly. 

You can pick this stunning set up from lookfantastic.com for £16.95. 

Monday 9 April 2012

TIGI S-Factor serious conditioner with sunflower seed oil 150ml

Well after being caught in the rain earlier the best thing to do was start an afternoon of pampering .. starting with one of my favourite intense conditioning treatments.

I've been using this for a while now and although I'll try others I keep going back.  Serious conditioner is a weekly intensive hair conditioner containing sunflower seed oil for intense moisture - it's great for those dry ends.  It's not really oily though and it's for all hair types.


I love the smell too. It's got a kind of minty smell which is really fresh but not sickly and overpowering.  It leaves my hair with a really nice shine.

The best thing is the treatment doesn't take ages to work.  Just apply after shampooing and distribute mainly through the mid-lengths to the ends - I always avoid my roots.  Then just leave for 3 - 5 minutes and rinse.

You can pick this up at Gorgeous Shop right now for only £11.55.  I really like the TIGI S-Factor range - what do you think?

Savings at HQhair

Just a really quick post to share a few discount codes to help you save a few quid ...






Happy shopping xx

Sunday 8 April 2012

Tantruth secret sun daily gradual tan

After the gorgeous weather the other week it was easy to be tricked into thinking it was summer.  But we all knew that we would never catch a sun tan that would last.

I'm not really a big fan of fake tan.  While I like to have some colour, I prefer moisturisers that contain a hint of tan.  I've tried most of the ones on the high street - some which I quite like and others which I'd never use again. But while I was picking some hair colours up from a local hair and beauty supply store I saw this and thought I'd give it a go.




Secret sun says to apply daily and it will enhance your natural skin colour, leaving it with a gorgeous sunkissed glow.  It contains avocado and shea butter, so it leaves your skin really hydrated.  The colour is noticeable, but natural.  The only thing I wasn't too fussed on was the smell - it's not terrible, but they've not tried to mask the fake tan smell like some brands do.  More importantly though, the colour is lovely, it's easy to apply and it doesn't break the bank!

I paid about £5 for a 250ml bottle.  I'd really recommend this if you like to have a natural looking tan all year round.  Find out more about Tantruth products here

Sunday 18 March 2012

March 2012 Harrods edition GLOSSYBOX

So after all of the hype about the Burberry lipstick .. it finally arrived.

I'm over the moon with my Glossybox, so I'll keep it short and sweet.  In my box there was a 30ml tube of Clarins extra firming body cream - I'm a huge fan of Clarins so this was a welcome edition to the box, a mini sample of Fan Di FENDI, an Erno Laszlo skincare sample set and the Burberry miniature lipstick in rosewood - it's really creamy, applies lovely.

My final and favourite product was the OJON damage reverse instant restorative hair serum, which has left my hair feeling silky smooth - absolutely love it




Can't wait for the next one to arrive.  What did you think of this month's Glossybox?


Sanctuary brightening 30 minute facial in a box

I love at home skincare treatments.  I've always enjoyed using Sanctuary skincare products so I thought I'd give their at home 30 minute facial kit a go.

The step by step pampering treatment comes in handy sized tubes which are big enough to get a few goes out of.  They're designed to be used together so you notice a difference - and I really have.

The brightening facial kit includes 1 x 10ml polishing hot cloth cleanser, 1 x 10ml radiance exfoliator, 1 x 15 ml moisture boosting mask, 1 x 5ml brightening eye gel and 1 x 10ml illuminating moisture lotion and a muslin cloth.






It's a perfect way to try the full range of products without spending too much.

The cleanser was really easy to apply and my skin felt lovely and clean, ready for the exfoliator which has a fantastic texture, but not too harsh on my skin.  The moisture mask is quite thick, so you don't need too much.  Although, it was a quite difficult to remove it really moisturised my skin.  Then I applied the eye-gel - it's very refreshing, before applying the moisturiser.

I'd really recommend this - for as little as just over £16 you can pick this up from most Boots stores.



Saturday 3 March 2012

Mystery Harrods GLOSSYBOX

There's been a lot of rumours about March's GLOSSYBOX, but now it's finally been unveiled.

Glossybox have teamed up with Knightsbridge department store, Harrods and created a special Harrods edition.  I've heard lots about the products that are in the box and  hope I'm not going to be disappointed.

Peeps, if you've subscribed, you're set to receive a lucky dip of sample sized luxury cosmetics that can be found at Harrods.  Packaged in a glossy white box, you've got a chance of getting a mini Burberry lippy, Clarins firming cream, YSL and Fendi fragrances and many more. I can't wait to receive mine!





Fabulous savings on beauty products

There's some fab deals out there on skincare, hair and fragrance - I thought I'd spread the word about them.

CHEAPSMELLS

One of my favourites is at cheapsmells Not only can you make some great savings on fragrance and on loads of amazing skincare brands, but they're offering a buy one get one free offer on these Orly mini nail polishes.   I totally love the pastel shades - be quick the offer ends on midnight 4 March.




HQ HAIR

For this weekend only HQHair are offering discounts when you spend.  All you have to do is enter the following codes at the checkout.  















FEEL UNIQUE

Feel Unique have got some great free gifts with certain products. Take a look on the special offers.

You can get a free bliss triple oxygen+ c energising cream 15ml when you buy two bliss products (exclusions apply) and Decleor are giving away some really cute freebies with purchases from their range of products.

Happy shopping xx

Sunday 26 February 2012

February 2012 GLOSSYBOX

I didn't want to be too quick to blog about the newest GLOSSYBOX But now I've had chance to test my products out, I'm pretty sure I've got the best of the bunch.


GLOSSYBOX is a subscription package that sends you a cute box of 5 luxury beauty samples to your door.  It costs £10 per month + postage and packaging.  If you like the products you can buy the full sized product at a discounted price.  I love the surprise element of this treat and it's a great way to try out new brands.


Each month has a theme.  This month it's The London Fashion Week Edition - 5 fab ways to keep you looking your fashionable best. 








In this month's box I got 


BECCA Beach Tint Watermelon (value £20.00)
I couldn't believe it when I heard there was a BECCA product in this month's GLOSSYBOX - never mind it being a full sized product! AMAZING! - that's the only word to describe this.  I love the natural colour.  It's obvious that this is a more expensive product.  It has a lovely texture and it's really easy to apply and blends into my skin beautifully.  The product has a nice scent, but it's not over-powering.  This is the top product in the box for me.    


COMO SHAMBHALA Invigorate Shower Gel (value £3.33) 
This shower gel smells delicious.  It contains a blend of essential oils: eucalyptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint.  It's really uplifting and perfect to give you a boost in the morning.  


BM BEAUTY Pure Mineral Eyeshadow in Noir (value £3.50) 
I'd never tried this brand until now, so it's a great way to try products I'd not used before.  This is natural product and it's ingredients are not tested on animals.  I'm a huge fan on mineral makeup and probably own most of the Bare Minerals range.  I love this product.  It's not a colour to put all over your eyes, but it's great when used with a damp eyeliner brush for the perfectly lined smoky eye look.  


DR BRONNER'S Lavender Hand Sanitiser (value £3.99) 
This is the  one product I wasn't sure of - probably because it's not something I would think of buying.  However, I've been nicely surprised.  It's another full sized product in the box too.  It's really easy to use - you just spray it onto your hands and rub into your skin.  I thought the lavender scent might be a bit strong on my hands but it's actually quite lightly scented.  Maybe not something I'll buy again but I'll be keeping this one in my handbag.  


AWAPUHI by Paul Mitchell Wild Ginger Treatment Oil (value £6.49) 
I've not used a Paul Mitchell product for quite a few years so I was really excited to receive this.  This hair treatment smells absolutely gorgeous! My highlighted, naturally wavy, mid-length hair needs a little bit of extra moisture on the ends and  this worked a treat.  I normally steer clear of anything that's called an oil as I expect it to be greasy, but this is lightweight and absorbed quickly into the ends of my hair.  I was left with a gorgeous shine too.  This is one product I'll be buying again. 



Overall I'm really pleased with this month's box and it's great value for money.  I can't wait to see what's in the Mystery Box.  Have you subscribed to GLOSSY BOX?  What did you think of your products? 


If you've not already subscribed to GLOSSYBOX you can get your first box half price - just £5, by entering code glossytube2012 

Cargo 6 in the bag! by Mimi Spencer



I've never tried any of the Cargo products before.  I've always wanted to have a go with the LashActivator, which is supposed to make your lashes appear longer in just 30 days.  

I picked this little set up from Boots the other day.  I couldn't resist - normally this costs £26, but I got it for just £6.50.  A massive saving of £19.50.  

The kit contains the must-have LashActivator black mascara and CheekActivator in rose.  There's also a lip pencil, a lip gloss, an eye pencil and One Base - which is supposed to be like a concealer and foundation. 

I love the CheekActivator.  It looks like a white cream at first.  You can choose the intensity of the colour by how much you rub the product.  It's a really natural rosy colour and has a beautiful glow.  

The size of the products are perfect to take away in the cute make up bag and they're all really practical, natural colours.  

Has anyone else used Cargo products?  what did you think?  

Big skincare mystery



Glamour magazine is one of my favourites and I'm always impressed with their free samples and gifts.  Normally I know what I'm trying out, but not this time.  There is a free sample of a mystery product, which they call a wash and mask cleanser.

The packaging is simple and you have the choice to either use it as a wash or as a mask.  I chose to use it as a mask.  The 3ml sample was just enough to put a generous amount on my face.  The scent is fresh and it's a pale green colour.  I left the mask on for 3 minutes and could feel my skin tightening as it dried.

I've found some masks in the past quite difficult to remove once they've set, but this on isn't too bad.  It was easy to remove and my skin felt really clean, bright and radiant.  

I can't wait to find out what the product is.  All will be revealed on 1 March at facebook.com/skincarerevolution

Monday 20 February 2012

MAC cosmetics at CheapSmells.com

I've found some great savings on MAC cosmetics.  Take a look at Cheap Smells Until 26 February you can save 20% by entering code Mac20.  They don't have the full make up range but you can pick up some of my favourites including the MAC lipglass and the sheer tone blush.


Sunday 19 February 2012

Gorgeous Shop savings

The Saturday sale at Gorgeous Shop is over, but you can still make savings while you shop.  For the next 10 days receive £5 off when you spend £60 or more  - just enter the code GS012666

There's some great products to choose from at discounted prices.  I love the Bare Minerals range.   

VIP week save 25% off everything at Dorothy Perkins

I never used to be a big fan of Dorothy Perkins, but I think its recently become much more stylish.  From today until next Sunday you can save 25% off everything.  All you need to do is enter DPVIPD at the checkout.  Everything you need to instantly update your wardrobe - hurry .. get shopping!

Friday 17 February 2012

Topshop makeup collections

I would have never thought of buying makeup from  my favourite fashion store Topshop - but I'm loving their products.  After picking up a couple of their gorgeous face palettes in the sales I've tried their lip polishes and lip glosses and they're all amazing yet great value for money.

Check out their make up tutorials

Treat yourself - it's the weekend!

What better way to treat yourself this weekend with an online Saturday sale at one of my favourite sites for beauty and hair products - Gorgeous Shop 

There are some amazing products on offer with savings of 40% 

I've got my eye on the BareMinerals Golden and Gorgeous Collection for only £22.80 RRP £38.00.  The set includes honey eye colour, copper high shine eye colour, big and bright eyeliner in bronze and tapered shadow brush.  

Happy shopping! xx  

Monday 13 February 2012

Pretty pastels

Treat yourself this Valentines day.  There's some beautiful pretty pastels at feel unique  to match your beauty products to this season's trends.  My favourites are Benefit Hervana Good Karma Face Powder - the perfect blush for spring and the packaging is really cute £23.50.  

I can't wait to get my hands on the new nail polish collection from Mavala.  The Mavala Art Colour Collection contains six gorgeous spring pastels 5ml for a fantastic £18.50 and they come in a beautiful makeup bag.  


Feel Unique ship for free worldwide.  I've always had a fantastic service from feel unique so I wouldn't hesitate ordering from them again.  You have until Wednesday 15 February to save £4 on orders over £40 - just enter promotional code LOVEBEAUTY at the checkout.  

Happy shopping xx 

Sunday 12 February 2012

Perfect matt pink lippy

Following a bit of online retail therapy at asos I couldn't resist a quick look at the beauty products.  I've been on the look out for a matt pink lipstick and I'd not quite found the shade I was after until now.  I clicked on Barry M lip paints and there it was - dolly pink.

I couldn't wait to try it out.  It's the newest shade in the range, vibrant, moisturising and long lasting and costs only £4.50 - so it's a perfect excuse to try out some more beautiful colours.  If you're looking for a colour to make you stand out from the crowd, then look no further.  


Glossy box

Just ordered the beauty box from GLOSSY BOX
For just £10 per month plus p+p you receive a mix of five exciting miniature products.


Sunday 5 February 2012

Winter beauty wonder


Soothe dry chapped hands from the winter chill with Lanolips Rose BalmIntense for Very Dry Hands and Nails.

It’s quite a thick balm and it does take a while to sink into the skin,but when it does you’re left with silky soft hands.  It’s hydrating without being greasy and has awonderful smell of roses.    
    
I’ll definitely be stocking up on this one.  Grab yourself a tube fromBoots for only £9.18   for 50ml – bargain!