Barry M Berry Ice Cream.

BarryM Berry Ice Cream: A pale/pastel, purple nail lacquer that would be perfect for summer months. The weather we are having at the mo is depressing, really dull and blah so I felt like a 'happy' nail colour was the best way to go.

I'm not the biggest fan of Barry M Nail Paints, I find the finished result usually looks quite sloppy, cheap, uneven (I could go on forever but I wont) but Berry Ice Cream applied well, the formulation was quite gloopy as per but the end result doesnt look too bad compared to some other shades I've tried.

Products Used: Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat, Barry M Berry Ice Cream (2 coats), Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Top Coat.

Glossybox, Valentines Edition (not a review but hopefully a swap)

I know everyones doing Glossybox posts so this isnt a review or anything like that. As far as I know theres three different boxes so just thought I'd list what I got.

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner (midnight blue)

Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream

Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream

FAB Body Moisturiser

Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish

I'm happy enough with everything I got, glad I didnt get the pale pink eyeliner, midnight blue sounds a bit groovy but its almost black.. Cant go wrong with black. Just wanted to see if anyone wanted to swap their Davines products for my Clarins, I've already got so much moisturiser to use up so would prefer something I'll actually get some use from. If you're interested in a swap just comment below.

Was everyone happy with what they received?



Review : JASON Brightening Apricot Scrubble.

Apricot Scrubble is a foaming scrub/wash, I tend to stay away from foaming facial products as I find they leave the skin feeling completely stripped, tight and uncomfortably dry, however, Apricot Scrubble is soap-free, without any SLS/SLES therefore it doesnt cause any of the above, you're just left with skin that feels truely clean. It contains brightening Apricot Oil and triple refined Walnut Powder to gently wash away dead skin cells and reveal a smooth glowing complexion, leaving behind no pore-clogging residue.

Apricot Scrubble, 128ml - £5.29

The 'scrubby bits' definately do their job and are larger than any mechanical scrubs I've used in the past. It claims to be mild enough for everyday use but everyday would be too much for my skin (combination and slightly sensitive). To me, Apricot Scrubble might not be the best scrub for those with overly sensitive skin but if you like a scrub that you can actually feel working, doesnt cause any irritation and leaves your skin cleaner than clean then you should really give this a try.

Swatched

Just remember not to be over enthusiastic with the scrubbing or you will cause more damage than good, same with any facial scrub.

I've tried 3 products from JASON now and can honestly say its a brand that delivers results. Yes the products were sent to me but that in no way sways my reviews, I'm not going to big up a product if its rubbish, why would I when people can try it for themselves. Obviously what works for me may not work for others, everyone is different and thats why I always state my skin type and who I think the product I'm reviewing would or wouldnt work for.

PR sample

Failed Attempt At Zebra Print.

I've been wearing O.P.I Feelin-Hot-Hot-Hot since last week (hasnt chipped at all, really impressed). I get bored with my nails really quickly hence why I usually paint them daily but thought I'd give my Models Own nail art pen another go.

How pathetic does my pinky look! lol Everytime I try to do zebra print it never turns out how I want it. In my head I know exactly how it should look but on my nails it looks more like snakes.

Mini MAC Haul.

After convincing myself that I didnt need anything from MAC, and how its not worth all the hype that surrounds it etc, I caved and ordered an MSF in Soft & Gentle and another lippy just happened to accidentally on purpose fall into my basket. I placed my order through Debenhams last week as I had a discount code and these babies arrived this morning just as I was getting Ready to go out.

Swatched

Swatched

Did I need it? No! Did I want it? No, atleast not untill I saw Boscy The Bad Influence mention it but I love it, so glad I caved. The lippy I went for is Speak Louder

Swatched

It's alot more pink in real life than its coming across in the pics and its even pink-er once on the lips but I really like it. If you're not into bright lips then stay well away from this shade.

Went into Boots earlier and picked up Sally Hansen Insta-Dry so I'll be testing it out over the next week or so and I'll let you all know how it compares to my beloved Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top-Coat.

Dermalogica Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex.

Out of everything I've received from Glossybox so far, this 1ml wonder is without a doubt my most used. Dermalogica Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex is one of the smallest, most unimpressive looking products I've ever clapped eyes on but good things really do come in small packages.

The Age Smart line is aimed at more mature skin but prevention is better than cure and theres no reason younger people couldnt use these products. The skin around the lips and eyes is the first place that ages - the younger you are when you start taking care of these areas, the more your skin will thank you. Even teens should be using eyecream, theres no reason why they shouldnt be takin care of the lip area too but most people (me) often forget.

I'm in my 20s and dont have lip lines so really cant comment on how well this product works for that problem. I've been using Lip Renewal Complex almost everynight before bed (1ml has lasted me almost 3 months) and my lips have never felt as smooth, especially at this time of year. I've never suffered from chronic dry lips anyway but the dryness is zero now.

The texture is thick and balmy but glossy and long lasting, It can feel quite gritty, more so when its cold but thats just down to the ingredients reacting with the temperature. Full size isnt much bigger than this sample - its under 2ml, eek! RRP: is around £16 but I'm sure I saw it online for alot cheaper. I'll definately repurchase and continue to use it as a night treatment.

What did all you Glossyboxers think, did you enjoy using Lip Renewal?



Review : Alva, Green Equinox Collection.

I received 2 multi-purpose products from Alva's Green Equinox Collection, I had a look on the site and picked out 2 colours that I would get the most use out of, because as you know, I'm a neutral girl when it comes to eye shadow.

Kiss Of A Rose - Described as an intense rosewood with silver pearl (satin effect)

Now, I would never use this colour on my eyes but it is such a gorgeous blush, you can also add it to clear lip gloss or nail varnish to make your own colours :] Kiss Of A Rose leaves such a nice sheen on the cheeks, used sparingly it acts as a highlighter but of course you can build it up for a lovely flush of colour. The mineral powder is really pigmented so start off with a little then build it up to how you want it.

Sparkling Harmony - Described as warm sand with golden shimmer (shimmer effect)

I use Sparkling Harmony mainly on my eyes, either on its own or the inner corner of my eyes to make me look more awake, it disguises any discolouration and is great for days when you just want something simple.

Theres over 20 different shades in the collection, £7.50 each. Some of the teal/green shades would look lovely as eyeliner. I love multi-purpose products and these wee gems have so many uses...

Eye Shadow: Used dry or wet for a more intense look.

Eyeliner: Dampen an eyeliner brush and sweep the colour along the last line.

Highlighter: Leaves a gorgeous sheen on cheekbones.

Lip Gloss/Nail Varnish: As mentioned above and you can even add it to Aloe Vera gel to make your own lippy.

Swatched - wet & dry

Trying to find decent light to take pics in this weather is fun!

Same as above but pic taken outside.

Lightly swatched with a fluffy brush to show the natural sheen.

You can decide how subtle/noticeable you want these mineral powders to be, its upto yourself. Green Equinox is versatile and easy to use, its also 100% vegan and is certified organic by the highest international standards.

Have any of you tried this range yet? whats your thoughts?

PR sample

NOTD : O.P.I Feelin-Hot-Hot-Hot

I bought this polish over 2 years ago (i think) and the first time I tried it I hated it so since then its been all alone at the bottom of my nail box.

I dont know whats changed but I love it now! I only have one bad thing to say - it takes 3 coats to be totally opaque, its quite sheer and with only 2 coats there was VNL.

Feelin-Hot-Hot-Hot topped off with a thick layer of Nails Inc Kensington Caviar reminds me of gel over lays, its so glossy.

Review : JASON Energizing Vanilla Pure Natural Hand & Body Lotion.

The first thing I need to say is - I think I've found my HG hand cream, no joke.

This botanically rich, non-greasy daily lotion naturally delivers deep, long-lasting hydration. The natural blend of energizing Sugar Cane and Vanilla extracts rehydrates and revives dry, tired skin. With use, skin is soft, smooth and glowing with health.

About the brand:

JASON was one of the first to offer natural products without harsh chemicals. For over 50 years JASON have delivered wholesome, no-nonsense, natural products that happen to really work. JASON products dont contain Petrolatum, Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfates, Parabens or Phthalates and never test on animals.

This. Smells. Like. Heaven.. Warm sugary vanilla but not overly sweet. Although this is a hand and body lotion I only use it on my hands and can honestly say I've never used a hand cream before that has left my hands as soft, its amazing and brilliant value - £7.99. The tube is huge and using it only on my hands it'll last a long, long time.

My hands arent overly dry but my mums are cracked from being in and out of water all day, they look almost raw. The first time she tried this cream she noticed a difference straight away, shes tried 100s of hand creams and I've never heard her rave about any of them.. Untill now.

Its just the perfect hand cream.. Brilliant value, non-greasy yet extremely moisturising, smells gorgeous, absorbs quickly and delivers results from the first use.

Whats your fave hand cream? If you havent tried this before you really should, I doubt anyone would be disappointed with it.

PR sample.

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner.

As most of you will know by now, I have a crazily sensitive scalp and after doing some research I found out that SLS/SLES (the harsh foaming agents) in most shampoo can be the cause, so for the last year or so I've avoided products containing those ingredients. I've tried a few different SLS free shampoos so thought I would do a comparison between Liz Earle and The Body Shop, I've already reviewed LE Botanical Shine here.

Rainforest Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. 400ml - £6 each.

The first shampoo I went for was Liz Earle Botanical Shine and had experienced good results but after using up my second bottle I decided to pick a shampoo & conditioner from The Body Shops Rainforest range, theres a few different options depending on your hair type but I went for 'Moisture'

Both the shampoo & conditioner contain Pracaxi Oil, Manketti Nut Oil and Community Trade Honey and are free from Silicones, Sulphates, Colourants and Parabens.

Anyone who has used an SLS free shampoo before will know that with the first wash it doesnt lather up as quickly but the second wash is fine. The shampoo did feel moisturising during the wash but I cant say I noticed any difference once my hair had dried and unlike Liz Earle Botanical Shine, I didnt notice any improvement in my scalp after the first use.

The Rainforest range isnt marketed as a dry/itchy/sensitive scalp solution but the fact that it doesnt contain any nasty ingredients should benefit us sensitive lot.

I have 400ml and wasnt going to let it go to waste, I found that if you stick with this shampoo and use it daily or atleast every other day (like I do) then it really does help your scalp but not as much as Liz Earle Botanical Shine. If you decide to go for this shampoo I would say save yourself a few quid and dont buy the conditioner, its nothing to get excited over, I found it really average.

Pros: Better prices and bigger sizes / easier to get hold of as most places have a Body Shop / Improves condition of scalp with continued use.

Cons: Doesnt leave hair as shiny as Liz Earle Botanical Shine shampoo / Doesnt smell as good / Takes longer to notice/feel the benefits.

I doubt I'll repurchase this shampoo, just because I've had better results from other brands but I know some people really love the Rainforest range. If you've tried it, what did you think?

Review : Essential Care Mineral Lipstick.

Essential Care is a natural/organic company that provides natural skin care, makeup and supplements.

Mineral Lipstick In Rose Parfait (10) - £18

100% natural - 86% organic.

Rose Parfait is a mid-rose pink with a subtle sheen. My lips are really pigmented which can be a pain when I want a nude lip but Rose Parfait is an exact colour match for my lips, you cant tell I'm wearing lippy but it makes them look alot healthier.

The only way I can describe the texture is 'comfortable', its non drying due to the 100% organic plant oils, butters, fruit and flower extracts and doesnt feel heavy, the colour lasts a few hours and fades evenly rather than patchy.

Swatch

These mineral lipsticks were the first lipsticks to be certified to Soil Association and Fairtrade Standards. They dont contain synthetic dyes, Lakes or Carmine (crushed beetles) *URGHH*. They're made from highest purity mineral colours and are free from toxic chemicals.

Rose Parfait is the perfect everyday lippy for me, definately a shade I'll get alot of wear out of.

PR sample

Review : Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15.

This isnt going to be a long winded review, theres already been so many reviews on this product and from what I've read - you will either love it or hate it.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15, 40ml - £21

I've been a huuuuge Liz Earle fan for a good few years now so when I first heard about Sheer Skin Tint I rushed straight to my laptop to check out the reviews, most turned out to be less than positive so I put my bank card back in my purse. A few weeks later I received a pack containing 3 samples - Bare, Beige & Beach, decided to put it to the test and I'm so glad I did, I loved it! I used Beige which lasted for a few days then I mixed Bare and Beach together in a wee pot, I wanted to make sure I really liked it before I went ahead and ordered a tube.

Sheer Skin Tint isnt a tinted moisturiser, you still need to wear moisturiser underneath. The texture is quite thick but I dont find that it feels thick once blended in, it can feel slightly tacky but a tiny bit of powder does the trick. The coverage is light but still manages to even skin-tone. The finish is natural and dewy and even though I have an oily T-Zone it never makes me look as if I've slept face down in a plate of chips (take note Garnier BB Cream)

Swatched

Blended

Blended

You can clearly see a more even skin-tone and less visible redness.

I really think Sheer Skin Tint is one of those products that you need to try for yourself, dont be put off by bad reviews, try to get your hands on some samples. If you like full coverage, suffer from bad blemishes etc then this isnt for you but those who love a natural finish - I urge you to try it.

Sheer Skin Tint almost ticks all my boxes but theres 2 things that annoy me..

*The Smell: I cant even describe the scent but thankfully it doesnt last on the skin.

*Parabens: It contains proplyparaben, ethylparaben and methylparaben. I HATE parabens and avoid them like the plague, if I'd known the ingredients from the start then I never would of purchased it.

If you've tried Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint before - was it love or hate?