March: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

I didnt do as good this month, I've been testing out a couple of new products so didnt have much of a chance to use up what I already have but still, 5 empties isnt too bad even if 3 of them are small sizes.

REN Hydra-Calm Cleansing Gel* 150ml £17 | Hyda-Calm Cleansing Milk* 150ml £18: Only 5ml each but they lasted over a week. Both were simple and easy to use and as usual I used a muslin cloth. I liked both but the cleansing milk left my skin feeling more moisturised compared to the gel. It also wasnt runny like some cleansing milks I've tried in the past.

Would I Repurchase? The Cleansing Milk, yes.

RENU Radiant Skin Peel 100ml £32: Again, I got quite a lot of use from this small sample. The word 'peel' sounds quite scary, I'm sure it puts a lot of people off from even trying the product but I find enzyme peels so much kinder to the skin than mechanical scrubs. I've never had a bad reaction.

Would I Repurchase? Maybe but not at the minute.

Liz Earle Hand Repair. 50ml Tube £9.50: If like me you're a hand cream queen (or king) then this is definately one worth having in your collection. Sinks into the skin straight away and leaves no greasy feeling behind. Its brilliant, if you've tried this before them I'm sure you'll agree.

Would I Repurchase? Yes!

Elemis Exotic Lime And Ginger Hand And Body Wash. Full Size 300ml £18.40: I love Elemis, I'm a huge fan of most of the skincare but I'm really disappointed by their Sp@home range. I didnt like the scent, I found it really manly and smelling like a man isnt something I go for. Instead of using it in the shower I used it as a handwash and after a few uses I noticed my hands were getting really dry. Did anyone else experience this? I've tried 2 or 3 different Sp@home products now and am really shocked at just how much I disliked them.

Would I Repurchase? No

*PR samples

NOTD | L'Oreal Color Riche Nail In Opera Ballerina.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Opera Ballerina

As I said yesterday, the only reason I bought this polish is because there was a 3 for 2 offer on in Superdrug and nothing else caught my eye. There was a lot of shades similar to Opera Ballerina and I really wish I'd grabbed them all now.

Each bottle is what most nail polish brands would class as mini. The brush is paddle shaped, and apparently the polish has a built-in top coat. I never believe the built-in top coat claim so applied my own. Application was so simple because of the brush, I cant fault it. I usually hate sheer colours and do as many coats as it takes to make the colour opaque but Opera Ballerina was gorgeous even with one coat.

VNL is usually the enemy but I really like how this looks. I done 3 coats and didnt experience any streaks at all. The polish dried fast even before I used a quick dry top coat but it didnt fully harden, I woke up with sheet marks even though I'd painted my nails hours before bed.

Opera Ballerina is really similar to O.P.I Bubble Bath, minus the streaks and from swatches I've saw online it seems quite close to Essie Ballet Slippers.

Products Used:

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat

Opera Ballerina (3 coats)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

Have you tried any L'Oreal Color Riche Nail polishes yet?

Back With Bits And Bobs.

I'm back now, feels like I havent posted in ages and lack of internet means I have a lot of catching up to do with my favourite blogs. I think I've been quite restrained, I only purchased a few things and one was even a freebie.

My skin has gone completely mental lately. I have a huge red stripe down my cheek bone that just wont go away (I think its rosacea but I'm not 100% sure) and have quite a few bumps under my skin. I went for a facial a few days ago, the therapist said it looks like a serious hormone imbalance and advised me to ask my doc to refer me to a Dermatologist, which is what I plan to do. I headed straight to Boots and hit the tiny Estee Lauder counter with a bang, praying there would be some Double Wear. I dont do full coverage foundation, it just makes me feel like I'm wearing a mask but I was desperate to find something that'd cover my cheek. The MUA colour matched me to Fresco and she must have felt sorry for me, she gave me free gift. lol or maybe it was a GWP but I didnt notice any signs up.

This was the freebie, a double ended lipgloss (27 Pink Kiss Shimmer) and concealer (Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Conclealer in 02 Light Medium). I really really love it, review to come soon.

03 Lovely Rose

01 Fashionista Pink

Swatched - 03 Lovely Rose | 01 Fashionista Pink

Picked up two colours from the new L'Oreal Caresse lipstick line. At the mo they're around the £7 mark in Superdrug but I'm sure they're around £9 in Boots. Although they arent deadly pigmented, they show up a lot more on the lips than on my lily white hands.

Loreal Color Riche Nail Polish in Opera Ballerina. The only reason I got this is because it was 3 for 2 on all L'Oreal cosmetics and I was already getting two Caresse lippies. Havent tried it out yet but if the colour once on the nails is as pretty as in the bottle then I'll be a happy bunny.

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara. I already adore this and I've heard the original Telescopic is even better so will definately give it a try.

Thats all the makeup-y stuff I got, havent gone into much detail on anything as I'll be doing a few reviews but I really do love everything which makes a nice change.

Few Days Away | Make Up.

On Sunday I'm going away for a few days so while sorting out what I'm bringing away with me I thought I would make a few posts - Make up | Skin Care | Shampoo etc etc. I'll only be away for 4 nights and I'm not planning on going clubbing or anything like that, its just going to be a nice relaxing spa break so maybe I wont even bother with makeup but I thought it'd be best to bring some with me so as not to scare the other guests over breakfast. I'm very thoughful like that :]

Viva Glam Nicki | Creme Cup | Speak Louder

The sun is shinin' and my lips are getting brighter. I did plan on only taking one lippy but am I the only one who feels a bit braver around people you dont know? This will be my chance to wear VGN all her glory. Creme Cup is my safe everyday option and Speak Louder is just gorgeous. I never see much on the blogosphere about Speak Louder and I really dont know why, I think its perfect.

MAC MSF Soft & Gentle | Estee Lauder DayWear B.B Creme | Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint | MAC 187 | bareMinerals Blush

I never go anywhere without Soft & Gentle now, its like my life support machine. Dramatic? Yes, but true. EL B.B Creme - just a tiny sample size but enough for a few days. I might even buy the full size tube while I'm away, its brilliant! Decanted some Sheer Skin Tint to a wee pot to save some room. Brush - to apply my war paint and bareMinerals blush in tickled for a teeny bit of colour.

Benefit Browzings | bareMinerals Curl & Definition Mascara | YSL Touche Eclat | Shavata Brow Tamer* | Urban Decay Primer Potion | Naked Palette | Lash Curlers

Even if you're only wearing tinted moisturiser and mascara, Browzings makes a huge difference and just finishes off the look. I tend to back away from the powder in fear of ending up looking like the sister of Ernie and Bert but the wax does a great job on its own. I havent really had much of a chance to try the bareMinerals mascara out yet but it'll be put to the test this week. Touche Eclat - my best friend first thing in the morning. Shavata Brow Tamer* to hold my brows in place all day. UD Primer Potion, because I cant remember the last time I wore eyeshadow without it. Dont think I even need to say which shade from the Naked Palette will be over used ;] and just a cheapy pair of curlers untill I pluck up the courage to spend over a tenner on essentially a piece of metal.

Oh, and I forgot to mention Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer. Dont know where it disappeared to in the pics. So thats everything on the makeup front. Not sure if I'll have time to do my other posts before I go but if not I'll just do them when I get home but I'll leave you with this scary thought.. If you were going away for a week and could only take one lippy,what would it be?

*PR samples

bareMinerals | Prime Time Primer Shadow & Blush

On to the second part of the bareMinerals goodies I got at Christmas. Better late than never eh, and I've had a good chance to use them all properly now.

Prime Time Primer Shadow (Cameo Pink):

These primer shadows provide rich, light-reflective metalic colour in a lightweight texture. They can be worn alone or as a base colour. Cameo Pink is described as an intense pop of pink coral. Maybe I'm wrong here but I dont think 'coral' when I see this shade.

With Flash

Natural Light

I dont wear this too often but when I do, I wear it as it is for a wash of colour over the lid. Its quick, easy (I just use my fingers to apply) and lasts the whole day! These set very quickly, You only have a few seconds to play around before they're budge-proof but for me thats a good thing. Prime Time Primer Shadows definately live up to everything they claim, I havent been let down but there is one thing that annoys me - The tubes are absolutely tiny, 3ml to be exact. I could get over the tiny size, they'd be great for traveling with and wont take up much space in your make up bag but they cost £16 each!

Tickled Blush:
Tickled is a watermelon pink shade, in the pot it looks really vibrant but I find the colour to be very sheer when applied to the cheeks. Certain skin tones might need to be a bit heavy handed with it to achieve the desired effect. The colour lasts well throughout the day, barely fading if at all.

Heavily Swatched
As you can see, darker skin tones would have trouble making 'Tickled' work for them. A blush from bareMinerals will set you back £19 but unlike Prime Time Primer Shadow you get get a good amount of product.

Have any of you tried other shades in the blush? Are they all quite sheer?

Whats In My Shower?

I've noticed this post doing the rounds so thought I'd be original and jump on the bandwagon. I love seeing what people have in their shower/handbag/makeup bag, I'm a bit nosey like that. :] I like to rotate my conditoners/treatments depending on how much time I've got to faf around, and of course, how my barnets behaving.

The shelf/stand thing in my shower broke so technically this is a 'Contents Of My Shower' post. I've already posted reviews on most of what I'm using, I'll link them incase any of you want more detail on a certain product.

Hair

Davines Moisturising Balm For Face Body & Hair: I've been trying to make this last as long as I can. I only use it on my hair as conditioner and its fantastic! So so so expensive but I'll definately order more. If you received this is Februarys Glossybox but havent tried it yet, you really need to.. (or do a swap with me!) lol

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo: I think anyone would be hard pushed to find a shampoo that leaves the hair feeling as clean as this does. Leaves absolutely nothing on your hair, doesnt contain silicone or SLS and helps remove product build up. Link
Evolve Organic Beauty Protein Build Conditioner*: Posted my review a few days ago and to be honest, I dont really know how to describe what its doing to my hair. I havent been using this all that long but my hair already feels miles stronger. Link

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment*: Again, this leaves nothing behind on your hair which is rare for a treatment. My hair is thick but I really think girlies with thin hair could easily use this without ending up with dreaded flat hair. Link
Hair Clamp: Self explanatory.

Body

Earth People Watermelon & Eucalyptus Shower Gel: Earth people is a range of shower gels from The body Shop - free from SLS and all other chemicals. I had a sniff of all the different types in store, they were pretty horrendous, not my type of scents at all but watermelon & eucalyptus is quite nice. I stocked up while TBS had one of its crazy online sales but the original price is £5 each. The gel itself is very, very watery. If you dont use a scrunchie you'll just get zero lather and it wont last you very long but with a scrunchie it lathers up brilliantly. I've been using my bottle for around a month now and theres still half left.
Essential Care Coconut Candy Body Scrub*: This is my night time scrub. I'll use this when I'm not in a rush and can just take my time. Leaves the skin silky smooth. Cant fault it. Link

Face

Liz Earle Gentle Exfoliator: I always keep mechanical scrubs in the shower. They're quicker, easier to rinse and you dont end up with any gritty bits stuck in your hairline like you do when you use them over the sink. I'm almost out of this now, its lasted ages and is probably one of the gentlest face scrubs out there. It does state that it may not be suitable for sensitive skin but I'm sensitive and have never had any problems.
JASON Brightening Apricot Scrubble*: This is like the never ending scrub. I've been using it for months now and you cant even tell that its been used at all. Anyone who loves to feel their scrub actually working will love this, your skin feels like glass after and it makes a brilliant body scrub too! I've been using it as an all over scrub on days when I dont have time to dilly dally. Link

*PR samples



Latest In Beauty | Luxury Sample Box.

Around two weeks ago I received an email from Latest In Beauty saying if you picked atleast 5 luxury sized samples you could use voucher code 'MUM50' for 50% off the total price. All these samples are still available but I'm not sure if the code still works, it was for mothers day.

I knew there was a few samples I wanted to get my hands on, and 50% discount is too much temptation for someone like me with zero willpower..

NEOM Real Luxury Organic Body Wash. 50ml

I've been wanting to try some NEOM products for a while now so this was the perfect chance. The scent is organic and fresh but not organic in a muddy/crushed grass type way. Hate when organic products smell like that. I'm going away in a few days so this came just in time and wont take up too much room.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash. 55ml

I used to hate anything rose scented but now I'm obsessed, maybe I'm turning into an aul biddy? Or maybe its just synthetic rose that I dont like. This body wash smells so good. I'm starting to use a lot more natural products, I've noticed a huge difference and would rather boil my head than put SLS anywhere near my skin now. I havent even tried this yet but already know I'll be getting me some full size.

Burts Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk&Honey Body Lotion. 29.5ml

Really cant get over how good this smells. Tried it out on my arms earlier and really liked it, its nice and light and doesnt leave any greasy/heavy feeling on the skin. I'll be bringing this away with me too :]

Melvita Naturalift Youthful Smoothing & Firming Face Cream. 15ml

This is going to mama. It claims to have an instant smoothing effect on the skin, soften lines and wrinkles and tighten.

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo. 50ml

I didnt need this but needed to pick something else to bring my order to 5 items but Batiste always comes in handy.

I got all 5 produtcs for just over £5. Did any of you go for this offer, what did you pick?