Saturday 30 June 2012

My Nail Polish Collection Part 2 - O.P.I

L-R: Bubble Bath | We'll Always Have Paris | Ridge Filler | Russian Navy | Feelin' Hot Hot Hot (link) | My Private Jet | Louvre Me Louvre Me Not.

My O.P.I collection has decreased dramatically. I found a lot of the light purple and pink shades had turned an almost yellowy grey colour (think nicotine nails) lovely. So now I'm down to 7, my lucky number :) not really sure why its my lucky number but I've just always said it is so why change it now. If I've swatched any of the colours before then the link will be beside the shade name and if theres any you'd like swatched just let me know.

Whats your fave O.P.I colour?

Friday 29 June 2012

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

I cant even explain how excited I was when I first heard that YSL were releasing a foundation version of the famous golden pen. I almost never get excited over new releases, collections etc but I've had butterflies in my tummy ever since the first whisper of Le Teint Touche Eclat. I'd read a few reviews and watched some videos and even though how it was being described didnt sound like it'd be the best foundation for me I didnt care, I knew I had to have it. My skin has always been on the oily side but as I get older dehydration kicks in. I still have an oily T-Zone so was worried about how well this would work for me as the vids I'd watched were by girls with dry skin. At the minute I've got a mixture of every skin type out there (how lucky am I) so I thought this review might be helpful to some of you.

Le Teint Touche Eclat is described as 'Illuminating foundation, dimensional radiance, weightless perfection' it is very light weight and quite fluid but I've been so impressed with the coverage. Its as if it picks out the parts of your face that need the most coverage yet allows your skin to look like skin. It obviously isnt full coverage but it still manages to cover any redness. As I said I have an oily T-Zone so really didnt know how well this would work for me as it gives quite a dewy look to the skin but I've had no problems at all. Yes it wears off slightly by the end of the day but this doesnt bother me and could be easily sorted if you set it with powder (I didnt). What I did notice though is it seems to make any dryness more apparent. Its not drying at all, it feels quite moisturising but if you have any dry patches then Le Teint Touche Eclat will highlight them. I would recommend cleansing with a muslin cloth each morning before use to make sure this doesnt happen.

The look it leaves on the skin is just gorgeous and I love how its dewy but without being tacky, its almost matte to the touch. I've been applying it with my finger tips then buffing very lightly with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush just to make sure I havent left any streaks. The shade I own is B30 and its the best match I've ever had.

The whole point of this post really was to let oily skinned girls know that I actually think it'll work better for them than those with dry skin so dont be put off. I think its available everywhere from the 14th of July or you can pick it up now from Selfridges. The price is £28 which I think is bloody brilliant considering the illuminating pen is £25 for 2.5ml.

Have you tried this yet?

Wednesday 27 June 2012

My Nail Polish Collection Part 1 - Nails Inc.

I finally done it. I sorted through my huge nail box! Binned the gloopy polishes, passed dupes on to friends and family along with the colours I'm never likely to use. I love seeing nail polish collections so thought I'd do the same. I wanted to do it ages ago but everytime I looked into the nail box I just didnt know where to start. If I've done swatches I'll put the link beside the colour names. Let me know if theres any I havent already swatched that you'd like to see.

L-R in top pic: Kensington Caviar Base Coat | Sloane Square Special Effects | Electric Teal (link) | Shoreditch | Brompton Place (link) | Limited Edition Noels Street (link) | Limited Edition Holly Place (link) | Limited Edition Shepherds Market (link) | Peach Sorbet (link) | Power Pink | Bluebell (link) | Whitechapel (link) | Brook Street (link) | Piccadilly Circus | Chelsea Embankment (link) | Hatton Garden (link) | Belgrave Square | Fashion Fawn | Porchester Square (link) | Kensington Caviar Top Coat. Minis: Oxford Circus (link) | Stables Market | Bruton Street | Belgrave Place | Oxford Circus | Hennetta Street | Union Street.

Do you own any of these colours?

Liz Earle Exclusive Summer Offer.

Just a quick post to let you know that tomorrow at 9am there will be a new offer launching on the Liz Earle website which includes the summer bag in the above photo. I'm not sure of the price or what the offer includes, its all being kept very hush hush.

Will you be stalking LizEarle.Com from 9 like me? :)

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser.

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser is one of the latest additions to my ever growing cleanser collection. I've been using it as my morning cleanser for a couple of weeks now. Usually I dont feel the need to review a product unless its really good or really bad (this is neither) but I mentioned it in a post so thought I'd share my thoughts.

During the warmer months I prefer a light foam type cleanser in the mornings. They're quicker to use, easier to rinse and just a lot lighter on the skin. In the bottle Instant Foaming Cleanser is a clear water but once you press the pump it comes out as a light airy foam which you then massage into damp skin. Usually with foaming cleansers you're left feeling as if your skin is squeeky clean but I dont find that with this. Yes it cleanses well but sometimes it just feels like its skimming across the skin and not doing much else (another reason why I only use it in the morning). The one good thing is it doesnt dry out my skin or make it feel tight after use but if you have dry skin then it probably would.

Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN*, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE*, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE*, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINAMDE MEA CHLORIDE*, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), COCO BETAINE*, CITRIC ACID*, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE*, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE*, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM PHYTATE*, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT*, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT*, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) FRUIT EXTRACT*, CITRONELLOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, LINALOOL. * Plant origin

It removes make up well but has almost no effect on mascara (yet another reason its only good for morning use). The scent is similar to some micellar waters I've tried, very floral and comes across very fake. I'm not a fan of the scent but it hasnt irritated my sensitive skin at all.

 If you have oily/combination skin and are looking for a basic fuss free cleanser then Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser would be a good one to go for but if you have dry skin, wear heavy make up or you're like me and enjoy spending a good few minutes cleansing and feeling as if your cleanser is actually doing some good then maybe give this a miss.

Have you tried this?

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser £13.50 from FeelUnique

Sunday 24 June 2012

Pure Moisture Mineral Lipstick From The Artdeco S/S 2012 Kaviar Gauche Colour Range.

Artdeco is a German make up brand and responsable for the looks created on Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing On Ice, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street as well as major UK films and theatre productions. One of the newest collections from Atdeco is the Spring/Summer 2012 Kaviar Gauche colour range which consists of fabulous new shades of eyes, lips and teint products.

Pure Moisture Mineral Lipstick in Orange Passion £20* is unlike any colour I already own and not a colour I would have picked for myself but let me just say I love it! The packaging is quite weighty but not overly heavy, it just feels nice and sturdy and closes securely. 'Pure Moisture' describes this lipstick perfectly. For review purposes I applied Orange Passion without using a balm first to see if it lived upto its name and as you can already guess - it did! The texture is so smooth, it glides on easily like MAC Cremesheens but not as glossy which makes the colour last 10x longer on the lips and the pigmentation is just crazy. I'd go as far as saying its the most pigmented lippy I own. The scent is identical to MAC lipsticks, which I adore and the formula is free from parabens, mineral oil and perfume.

Lipsticks never last as long on me as they do on other people as I'm constantly drinking from a bottle or can (not alcohol haha) but Orange Passion lasted a good 3 hours and as it was wearing off I wasnt left with dry lips, nor did it go patchy.

Artdeco S/S Kaviar Gauche colour range is available from Tender Loving Skincare
*PR sample

Friday 22 June 2012

Clarins Liquid Bronze For Face & Decollete

Around two years ago I always had a bottle of Clarins Liquid Bronze on the go and after reading all the rave reviews I decided to pick up another bottle. I always loved using this as its so simple and fuss free but I cant say I remember it being the be all and end all which is the reason I had to order a bottle and try it out again. My face is always a lot paler than my body so I was in need of a natural tanner for the face anyway.

My bottle seems to be different from everyone elses, maybe its new? Liquid Bronze should be applied to the face after cleansing and toning then once its had a few minutes to dry you can go ahead and apply your usual moisturiser. It DOESNT go on after moisturiser, moisturiser creates a barrier between your skin and the tan making it pretty pointless and a waste of product. The smallest drop on a cotton pad is enough to cover your entire face and neck but I tend to do 2 coats as the result is so natural. Liquid Bronze would work brilliantly for people with very fair skin as I dont find it to be orange at all but darker skins wouldnt really see much benefits because its so natural. You can build it up each night untill you're happy with the results, I tend to apply it every other night.

The main thing I love about Liquid Bronze is that it doesnt gather in pores like most tan. I hate when tanners make me look as if I'm covered in blackheads, you dont get that at all with this. Theres never an obvious line where the tan starts and stops and I havent had any issues with streaks.

I do really like Liquid Bronze but unlike the majority, it isnt something I would class as a Holy Grail product. You can get similar results by mixing a lotion tan with some of your usual moisturiser and save yourself £17.50

Wednesday 20 June 2012

June: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

The reason my empties are never pictured all together in one photo is because I try to take a pic as I use them up instead of letting them build up in a corner of my room. Maybe I need to get myself an 'empties box' and hide it away somewhere so my family dont have me sectioned? Anyway, heres what I made my way through this month.


Benefit It's Potent! Eye cream: This is only a sample that I was unlucky enough to receive when I was stupid enough to purchase two full sized products from the B.Right range when it first launched. Do I really need to say any more?
Would I repurchase? Nuh-uh!

Bourjois Baume De Nuit: Baume De Nuit is one of the nicest balms I've ever used. It's more than likely been discontinued now but a few years ago after I realized how much I loved it I made an online order of about 10. 10 might sound a bit OTT but I could never find it in store and wasnt taking any chances! It leaves the most gorgeous pale, milky, rosey pink flush on the lips and does a brilliant job at keeping lips flake free.
Would I Repurchase? Yes, if its still available.

BioNova Eye Wrinkle Treatment: Another sample sized eye cream. You can read my full review here (link)
Would I Repurchase? No


Vaseline Aloe Fresh 24h Protection: I dont usually include deodorant but I really love this one as it dries quickly (I hate how some leave me sticky or just dont dry properly) and smells so fresh. Ages ago Boots or Tesco reduced most deodorants to £1 so I filled my basket but I'm down to my last one now, sad times.
Would I Repurchase? Yes 

Boots Nail Polish Remover: Cheap as chips and does the trick. I'm not that bothered about nail polish remover brands, I dont have one that I think is better than the other and theres not a hope in hell I'd spend more than £3 on a bottle. I usually just pick up a Boots own brand remover.
Would I Repurchase? Yes



Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream: Theres only one thing I like about the Benefit skincare range and thats the packaging.
Would I Repurchase? No

Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser: Didnt remove my mascara at all (I dont wear waterproof mascara) but I loved everything else about this. I received this in a giftset which worked out far cheaper than buying it separately.If it wasnt for the price and the fact that it doesnt cope well with mascara then I think I would prefer it to Cleanse & Polish.
Would I Repurchase? Yes, but I wouldnt pay full price.


Caudalie Beauty Elixir: I. Love. This.
Would I repurchase? Already have, twice.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: An oldie but a goodie. I think this was maybe the first mascara I ever used, I'll always have a soft spot for it.
Would I Repurchase? Its not the best mascara ever but I probably would.

 My empties post is far earlier than usual this month but I've had so many things happen/going on this week and just havent had time for my blog. I didnt want to neglect it completely hence the early empties post. I promise I'll catch up with all your blogs soon. :)

Sunday 17 June 2012

'I'm Only Gona Get The Peach One'

Power Pink | Bluebell | Peach Sorbet

A few weeks back InStyle teamed up with Nails Inc and came up with three brilliant magazine freebies. At the time I told myself I only wanted the peach shade, which was true, kinda BUT my mum knows what I'm like so picked up the other 2 shades for me. I've noticed most people have the colour names on the bottom of their bottles but mine came with no names at all. Not that it matters but yano. I've already swatched Peach Sorbet here and had planned to swatch all 3 in the same post but I only went and deleted the photos of Power Pink like an idiot and now I cant find the polish at all so cant swatch it again.

Bluebell

Out of all three colours Peach Sorbet is my fav but the polish itself is a nightmare to apply. Power Pink and Bluebell are a lot better. All three look so pretty lined up together :) Which colour did you go for?

Friday 15 June 2012

Green & Spring: Refreshing Eye Cream and Restoring Face Serum.

Refreshing Eye Cream | Restoring Face Serum

Last week I posted about Green & Spring, a brand which is new to me (link) I explained about the ingredients they avoid using in all skin care products so if you would like to know more just have a wee read.

Refreshing Eye Cream* £32: First of all I couldnt get over the size of this eye cream! Most full sized eye creams are 15ml but this is 30ml. Most eye creams are designed to target wrinkles so I was pleased to see this claims to 'reduce puffiness and dark circles whilst refreshing and lifting the delicate skin around the eyes'. I get terrible puffiness and I dont sleep well so am always looking for products to reduce dark circles. The packaging is glass although not transparent and has a pump you can lock after each use. The design of all Green & Spring packaging is brilliant but the only thing I will say is with the Refreshing Eye Cream way too much product comes out. With the first two or three uses I was pressing out enough product to cover my whole face and neck but pressing the pump slowly ensures this doesnt happen.

The cream is thick and rich but without being heavy and as far as I can tell it isnt scented which is great for me as eye creams I've used in the past have caused my eyes to stream with tears and just feel really uncomfortable. Refreshing Eye Cream keeps my eye area well moisturised and works well under makeup. I havent noticed a huge difference concerning my dark circles but it definitely helps to depuff my eyes and make me feel more awake. You can also apply it to your eyelids which is rare for an eye cream and I find it helps act as a base for eyeshadow. Ingredients include lavender, soothing chamomile, aloe vera, cucumber and witch hazel to cool, soothe and renew elasticity.


Restoring Face Serum* £38: The packaging is exactly the same as above. Most serums I've used before either have a cream, watery or gel like texture but Restoring Face Serum is more of an oil, orange in colour and helps minimize any dry areas on the face. I always seem to get a dry patch on the left side of my head and under my chin, the areas arent flaky but feel dry to the touch and this serum instantly takes away the roughness. Restoring Face Serum is a rejuvenating facial treatment packed with essential oils, extracts and active ingredients that ensure maximum penetration and absorbtion. Ingredients include Rose Geranium and chamomile to balance, repair and rejuvenate. Sunflower and carrot oil, Vitamins A, E and D and evening primrose to help plump the skin reducing and refining wrinkles.

I've been using this every other night, after toning and before moisturiser. When I wake up the next morning my skin looks as if I've just had a facial, the skin is smooth, plump and almost has a glow. There is a little bit of shine because its an oil but this doesnt bother me as I only use it at night

All Green & Spring products can be found here and are free from parabens, SLS, SLES, PEGS, glycols, petrochemicals, synthetic colours and fragrances.
*PR sample

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Make Up Base.

Usually I wont bother with bronzer, apart from nights out and that sort of thing but this one was different. Ever since its 'Bronze Universal' days I've wanted it. I would perv over swatches online and drool over the packaging at Chanel counters but could never justify buying it for myself. Why do I talk myself out of buying something I really want? Its not worth my while, I always end up giving in in the end and this time was no different. I've wanted to do this review for a couple of weeks now but put it off as I wanted to be as fair as possible.

The texture is nothng at all like I expected. Its a mousse/cream/solid bronzer and I've honestly never used another product that feels even slightly similar. Has anyone ever worked their way through a full pot of this? The texture along with the pigmentation makes me think it'd be almost impossible to use it up, I've been using it for weeks now and the surface is flat, not a dent in sight and the pot is huge compared to products from other brands which makes the price a bit easier to swollow.

Looking at the bronzer in the pot there is clearly some shimmer but it doesnt transfer on to the skin at all. At first I used Soleil Tan De Chanel to contour with my Real Techniques Contour Brush - Some days I loved it, some days it just looked awful. I've never in my life had such a love/hate relationship with an item of make up, I just dont understand how one day it can look gorgeous then the next day I look like I've applied it with a paint brush and without a mirror. So the next few days I used it in place of blush and once again I loved it. It warmed up my base, didnt look orange and just made me look really healthy BUT, I went back to hating how it looked. I wasnt doing anything differently, this bronzer just has a mind of its own.

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel comes in one shade which supposedly suits everyone. I cant see how this would be possible though, surely its not going to show up on darker skin and on the palest of pale its just going to look too orange. I have to say I'm really disappointed, I dont understand how so much hype surrounds it? Yes, when it decides to work well it looks lovely but £30 for a bronzer that just looks awful most of the time? No thanks.

Have you tried this? Whats your thoughts? I'll continue to use it but no doubt I'll pick up a different bronzer at some point. I've had my eye on Nars Laguna for ages, maybe it'll be the one.

Sunday 10 June 2012

Current Obsession - White Nails.

I dont know why but lately I've been in love with white nails. Not just slightly white pinks like L'Oreal Opera Ballerina but stark, in your face white! Over the last few weeks it has been one of the only colours I've worn, sometimes on its own, sometimes with glitter layered over the top. You'll either love or hate it and a few years back I absolutely hated it, most whites just looked chalky and I suppose they still do but if applied carefully you dont end up with chalky streaks.

Last week I wanted me some Jubilee nails but without going for the obvious Union Jack design. I blobbed on some polish with an earbud, done a few outlines with a black nail art pen then fished out some glitter from a glitter polish. These pics are after a few days wear so they look a bit battered but no chips.

Products used: Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat | O.P.I Alpine Snow (2 coats) | Filthy Gorgeous Minx* | Random Red Polish | Milani Gems | Sally Hansen Insta-Dri (which is now on its last legs and full of bubbles) | Models Own Black Nail Art Pen

The bubbles from the top coat are more obvious in these pics but IRL the glitter disguises it.

Products used: Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat | O.P.I Alpine Snow (2 coats) | Milani Gems (1 coat) | Sally Hansen Insta-Dri

What colour(s) have you been favouring lately?
*PR sample

Saturday 9 June 2012

Whats On My Bedside Table?

Last week I was moving around everything in my bedroom to try and make some extra space. It didnt work though so in the end everything went back to its original place. Anyway, I thought I would show whats on my bedside table/drawers. Theres nothing exciting but I plan on doing a 'whats in my bag' post so thought I'd chuck this in too.

I got my drawers nearly 3 years ago now from an online store called The Orchard. They're embossed silver and each drawer is deep enough to hold a decent amount. I use mine for undercrackers and the like which is why there wont be any pics. The top drawer just holds my passport, diary/notebook, kirby grips and other uninteresting things.

On to whats on top..

Purple Lamp From Next - I dont even like this but when I went 'lamp shopping' I wasted the whole day looking for lamps and in the end just grabbed this so I could go home.

Yankee Candle Spoonful Of Sugar - I'm sure the Spoonful Of Sugar candles were limited edition so I'm not sure if they're still available. I just love that this candle is in an old skool sugar jar. I've had it for around 2 years now and doubt I'll ever burn it, I love it too much. :)


Heathcoate & Ivory Vanilla & Brown Sugar Handcream - Not the best handcream in the world but not the worst either. I'm trying to use it up as theres plenty of other handcreams I like better so keeping it here reminds me to slather it on before bed.


100ml Caudalie Beauty Elixir - With the crazy heat we've been having this has been a godsend. I've started keeping my back up beside my bed for mornings when I cant wake up, nights when I'm too warm and times when I just dont feel too great.

Hello Kitty - Because apparently I'm still a child.

Glass Perfume Bottle - From BHS in the sale after Christmas.


Michael Kors watch - I dont wear a watch everyday but when I do I dont take it off untill I'm getting into bed so this is where it lives also because I have a habit of not being able to go to sleep untill I've read some blogs on my phone which usually means the battery ends up drained by morning and I never know what time it is.

Liz Earle Super Balm - I'm so lazy when it comes to my cuticles. I was told years ago that I dont really have any so thats why I dont do too much to them. I never push them back or anything like that but if they start looking a bit dry I'll slather them in Super Balm before bed.

Brushes - The only one from the pic that I really use is the Real Tecniques Contour Brush.
So thats everything, nothing too exciting and nothing glam like one of those silky eye masks. I'm scared of the dark so to me it would be torture rather than aiding a good nights sleep. Whats on your bedside table? Leave me your link if you do this post. :)

Thursday 7 June 2012

Green And Spring: Light Cleanser, Mild Toner & Reviving Face Mask

Green And Spring is a skin care brand inspired completely by the British Countryside. The products are created using herbs and flowers native to the British Isles and are free from parabens, SLS, SLES, PEGS, glycols, petrochemicals, synthetic colours and fragrances. None of the products nor the ingredients within them are tested on animals and all packaging is recyclable.

Everything about Green And Spring Appeals to me, even the packaging. Its simple but gorgeous and looks lovely left out 'on show'. I've been trying out a few products from the brand and thought it was about time I shared my thoughts

Light Cleanser* 300ml £28
I'm cleanser mad! Theres nothing I enjoy more than washing my face, sad and boring but true. The cleanser is a huge 300ml bottle complete with pump. The directions say to apply to face and neck with a cotton pad but as I do with all cleansers I apply it directly to my face, massage into the skin then remove with a muslin cloth and water. The cleanser is creamy and contains some brilliant ingredients - English chamomile and lavender to soothe, stimulating spearmint to reduce congestion and promote the release of toxins aswell as bilberry and comfrey extracts to help improve blood circulation and heal damaged skin.

The Light Cleanser removes make up well and leaves the skin looking and feeling clean. It hasnt caused me to break out at all and does have a soothing effect on the skin. I honestly dont think your skin type matters when it comes to this cleanser, its gentle enough even for the most sensitive of skins. The scent is spearminty but not overly so, it shouldnt annoy those you you who arent a lover of mint.

Mild Toner* 300ml £22
Just like the Light Cleanser, Mild Toner is in a 300ml bottle with a cute bird design and pump. You apply one pump to a cotton pad then sweep across the face and neck after cleansing (or after the mask if you've used it). The ingredients include - toning rose, moisture regulating cucumber and skin softening elderflower. I feel it would suit almost all skin types as it isnt astringent at all so you dont need to worry about that awful stinging tight face that some toners can cause but it isnt overly moisturising either so would work great for those with oily skin too.
Reviving Face Mask* 70ml £32
The face mask comes in a sturdy plastic jar with a burdy on the lid. :) Reviving Face Mask helps to brighten, tone and enliven the skin aswell as soften fine lines. Its a creamy texture and only a thin layer is needed so will last a long time. I always use masks after exfoliating as it clears dead skin cells and lets the mask do its job properly. After a few minutes the mask sinks into the dryer areas of my face and hardens slightly then after 15 minutes I wash it off with warm water and muslin cloth. Unlike most face masks it can be used under the eyes which is great as thats where most fine lines appear. I only have a few fine lines, usually when I first wake up so I didnt notice a huge difference concerning them as theres not much there to start with but it definitely makes my skin look brighter and healthier.

I had almost quit my search for a product that would help reduce my pore size, I was starting to think no such thing existed BUT I'm sure these three (mainly the mask) have helped in some way which is weird since they dont claim to rescue you from your pot holes.

All three products have my seal of approval. They all do what they say they will and even the packaging is spot on. Have you tried anything from Green And Spring?

Green And Spring products are available from the online site (link)

For reference my skin changes from week to week. My cheeks are dehydrated, I have an oily t-zone along with random dry patches and some sensitivity thrown in for good measure.
*PR sample

Monday 4 June 2012

Eylure Dylash Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit - Before & After Pics.

Anything that saves me money, time and does exactly what it claims is always going to be a winner with me. I cant even remember how long I've been using Eylure Dylash now but I've repurchased many many times.

The kit contains everything you need to dye your lashes and brows at home (I only use it on my brows), theres instructions on how to mix it up but I find mixing it as directed results in so much product being wasted so I just mix it up my own way. It doesnt affect the colour at all, its fool proof really.


The small dip in the plastic tray acts as a bowl for the dye. Theres a white 'mixer stick' included but I find the spoolie does a better job of mixing the tint, which never ends up smooth no matter how well you mix but again, it doesnt affect the performance. The shade I always go for is dark brown, it looks black but without the harshness. If I was using this kit for my lashes then I would go for black. My brows arent too bad at the minute so I've used my mum for before and after pics. Her brows are quite grey but the dye covers them well, it also adds more shape to her brows and gives her a better idea of where she needs to pluck.

Before

As you can see, her brows look washed out and fluffy.

After

Bare in mind she hasnt plucked/shaped her brows at this stage but you can already see how much more noticeable they are. After having her brows shaped at the Benefit Brow Bar a few times she now has to pluck along the top as they always insist on waxing it and now it grows back like crazy (dont do it!).They're still sparse but not much is going to change that.

An Eylure Dylash kit lasts me around a year, even when I'm sharing it between me and my mum it still lasts close to a year. The amount of product you get might look tiny but you honestly need the smallest amount each time. It has saved me so much money and hassle of making appointments, getting to the salon on time, worrying about whether the therapist is going to make me look an extra from sesame street. You get my point . From start to finish it takes me a grand total of 7 minutes and the clean up time is even less - 2 swipes with a face wipe and you're good to go.

Eylure Dylash costs around £7 and can be found in Boots/Debenhams.

A whole years worth of tinting for 7 quid, bargain! Does anyone else love this kit as much as me? :)

Lately I've Been Lovin' #3

Quite a lot of the products I've been loving and using to death lately are all in the same type of 'family'. I cant get enough of spritzers/toners and the two I've been using are the complete opposite of eachother.

The Love List

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I started off with the 30ml bottle but after just a few days I knew it was a keeper! I went online and ordered the 100ml bottle which should be around £32 but I found it on GorgeousShop for £25. I havent even used 1/4 of the 100ml bottle yet but when Zuneta were having a flash sale I managed to get my hands on a Caudalie gift set containing 100ml Beauty Elixir, mask and moisturiser for under £26! Bargain. For me it isnt some miracle product, to be honest I havent noticed any difference in my skin, it hasnt tightened my pores and I cant say it adds a burst of radiance either but I love the tingling feeling it leaves on the skin, especially when my cheeks flare up. I dont find it adds any moisture to the skin so if thats something you're looking for then I wouldnt recommend this. I personally love the smell, its really fresh and calming but I know a lot of people cant stomach it. I've done a full review, you can read it here.(link)

Elizabeths Daughter The Skin Spritz* - If you're looking for a toner/spritz that adds a lot of moisture then this is one to have a look at. It can be used on the face and body but I mainly use it on my face. Elizabeths Daugther is an organic brand and none of the products contain harmful ingredients. The scent is gorgeous but I'm not sure exactly what it is, its just lovely. The spritz contains Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Strawberry Cells, Rose Water and glycoproteins from Mountain Balm. Used after cleansing, my skin feels as if it doesnt even need moisturiser. It soothes any irritated skin and has a brightening effect. I know its how well the product works that counts but like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, The Skin Spritz feels special because of the glass packaging and the fine mist ensure you dont end up with product dripping off your face. The Skin Spritz £15 from ElizabethsDaughter.

Lavera All Round Cream - As the name suggests, its a brilliant all round cream! Sinks into the skin quickly, isnt heavy or greasy and has a fresh lemon sherbet type scent.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - I really dont know why I turned my nose up at this for so long! Read my full review here (link). I havent been wearing it in this weather, I havent been wearing any makeup at all but if any redness flares up I'll just buff on a tiny bit to cover it. £26.50 from Estee Lauder counters.

Lanolips* - By far the best lip treatment I've ever tried! My local Boots doesnt seem to stock Lanolips but I'll definitely pick up a few more at some point. The colour ointment contains SPF so its great for this weather. You can read more here (link). £7.99/£9.18

Nails Inc Peach Sorbet - Gorgeous colour - awful gloopy consistency, which makes it an absolute nightmare to apply but the colours just so summery and pretty :)

Benefit Brow Zings - I've mentioned this brow kit a few times before. I love it but was only ever using the wax as the powder was a bit too full on for me, I always ended up looking like someone had stuck two strips of felt above my eyes but lately I've been mixing the powder and wax together on the angled brush and it works great.

Green And Spring Reviving Face Mask* - I'm such a mask hoe! I'm flipping between about 6 different masks at the minute depending on what my skin needs but every 'mask night' I keep reaching for this, the rest arent even getting a look in. Full review will be up soon.

I'm still loving everything from my last Love List but I'm going off L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic a bit. It doesnt seem to have much hold so within a few hours my lashes drop and are almost straight, not a good look. If you've found any mascaras that are great at holding a curl let me know. :)


Friday 1 June 2012

Caudalie Instant Radiance Set

Caudalie Instant Radiance Set

Last week while Zuneta were having a flash sale (they still are) I managed to bag myself this gift set for under £26 which is a bargain considering the 100ml Beauty Elixir costs £32. I'm in love with the beauty elixir so needed a back up for my back up, as you do. The set includes..

 100ml Beauty Elixir

 10ml Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15

15ml Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask

Whats your thoughts on Caudalie? I've only tried a few things from the range so I'm still making my mind up. I also purchased the Instant Foaming Cleanser so expect a review on that soon. This was my first order with Zuneta and I'm pleased to say everything arrived quickly and well packaged. They also offer a choice of 3 free samples with every order.


I went for Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, Rouge Bunny Rouge Aqua Primer Prelude In The Clouds and BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz. The last two came in cute little Zuneta pots that will be added to my travel pots once I've used them up. :)