Lately I've Been Lovin' #6

Aromatherapy Associates Miniture Bath & Shower Oil Collection*: With the colder weather hitting us with a bang I've been having more baths at night. During summer I sway away from bath oils and favour bubbles but this weather paired with having the heathing on has just sucked the moisture out of my skin. I'm going away in December for a spa break and will definitely be saving one of these dinky oils to bring away with me. You can read my review here (link)

Collection Gel Liner: I was searching around for the Maybelline gel liner in Boots but couldnt find it then I noticed Collections offering on offer for 3 so chucked it into my basket. To be honest I wasnt expecting much, I usually walk straight past the Collection stand but I've been pleasantly surprised. Its a true black, sets almost immediately and lasts all day. I wore it to a wedding this month and it lasted the full day but I did notice it tends to flake ever so slightly if you rub/touch your eyes after a few hours.

Beever Daily Revive*: I use this after washing my hair, it helps to detangle and leaves the hair feeling in better condition. You can read my review here (link) It does contain parabens, boooo! But it works so well for me and I'll more than likely repurchase.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: If you havent tried this yet, you need to! Its bloody brilliant. I've been trying to make this sample last as long as possible but I've got the full size on my xmas list and will be stocking up in Oct when its out as a magazine freebie. Its not greasy at all but so, so moisturising.

Organic Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil*: This doesnt contain any nasties and feels gorgeous on the skin. Its such a multi-purpose product, I've been reaching for it daily. Read my review for more info (link)

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution: I've been using this to remove the bulk of my eye make up before cleansing. It doesnt remove it all but makes cleansing less messy. You can read my review here (link) Am I actually starting to like micellars? Shock horror!

What products have made it into your favourites this month?

*PR sample

NOTD: O.P.I We'll Always Have Paris

Have you been embracing the colder weather and dark Autumnal colours yet? I've only welcomed the latter with open arms. I love the dark nights but cant cope with being cold! In the photo is day three nails. They've lasted quite well with no chips or noticeable tip wear.

Products Used:

Kensington Caviar Base Coat

O.P.I We'll Always Have Paris (2 coats)

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat

What's on your nails this weekend?

Daniel Sandler Lipshine Lipstick in 'Hush'

Hairtrade.com is one of the UK's leading online retailers of hair-extensions, hair care and beauty products. I've discorvered some of my favourite products through Hair Trade and this month I decided to try my first ever Daniel Sandler product. I've been aware of Daniels products for years now and had read tonnes of great reviews but to my knowledge nowhere local to me stocks the range so I've never been able to see the products in person.

Daniel Sandler Lipshine Lipstick in 'Hush' £13.25*

Lipshine Lipsticks offer a sheer wash of colour instead of the usual block colour you would expect from a lippy but the colour can be built up. The packaging is right up my street, its a deep, glossy, reflective silver. I love weighty, sturdy, well made packaging. It just adds something extra to the product and its always nice to whip it out in public (how wrong does that sound! I promise I'm talking about the lippy ;)) It also has that satisfying click closure.

The lipstick itself is perfect for the colder months as the formula feels so nourishing on the lips. Its enriched with a blend of special oils to moisturise and condition which makes it ideal for anyone with dry, or even cracked lips. It contains Vitamins A, C & E, SPF 15 and is preservative free. Hush Is a really natural shade and I'm not sure how to describe it other than 'my lips but better' Its the type of shade that is going to suit every single skin colour, go with any make up look and look great on women (or men) of any age. If I had to choose a lippy for someone I didnt know very well, Hush would be a safe bet. It adds just the right amount of shine but never feels sticky or gloopy like a gloss. It feels almost like a balm on the lips but with a bit more slip and it isnt going to highlight any dryness.

Have you tried Hush or any of the other shades?

Daniel Sandler Lipshine Lipstick £13.25 from HairTrade.Com

*Product sent for review

My Nail Polish Picks For Autumn

I love dark nail colours. I'm really excited to start wearing them again but its been a bit of a shock to the system since I've literally lived in L'Oreal's Opera Ballerina for the last 5/6 months! After looking through my nail polish box I picked out some shades that have been locked away for the last year or so. As far as I'm aware all these shades are still available and seem to suit most skin tones. I'll add links beside each one if I've swatched it in the past.

Leighton Denny Supermodel | Nails Inc Porchester Square | Ciate Iced Frappe | Essence Irreplaceable | O.P.I We'll Always Have Paris | O.P.I My Private Jet | Rimmel Hot List 

Leighton Denny Supermodel: In my mind Supermodel can be worn through any season. Its the perfect neutral and goes with any outfit or skintone. The formulation is great and it lasts well too.

Nails Inc Porchester Square: Like Supermodel, Porchester Square is a pretty easy colour to wear. Its not going to clash with other colours. Usually greige type shades have a slight purple tone which I like on other people but on me it just makes my hands look like they belong to a dead person. I dont have that problem with Porchester Square so this is a great shade for anyone with fair skin. (link)

Ciate Iced Frappe*: Very similar to Porchester Square but slightly lighter with more lavender. I'm still able to wear it without looking like a corpse. (link)

Essence Irreplaceable: The cheapest of the bunch but the quality matches the rest! Essence can be hard to get hold of in the UK, I'm in Northern Ireland and managed to find a huge Essence stand in a local chemist. Irreplaceable is in the same colour family as Porchester Square and Iced Frappe but shot through with gold shimmer which makes it a bit different.

O.P.I We'll Always Have Paris: My 'grown up' polish. A gorgeous deep, rich shade that makes your hands look polished. Looks brilliant on shorter nails with a glossy top coat.

O.P.I My Private Jet: A gunmetal grey shot through with teeny tiny flecks of holographic glitter. The glitter isnt over the top and the holo isnt overly noticeable but its just enough to liven up an otherwise boring colour.

Rimmel Hot List: A dirty purple and great dupe for the more pricey Paradoxal from Chanel.

I'll do a few NOTD's using the colours I havent already swatched.

Do you own any of these shades?

*PR sample

Rose Gold.

Is the rose gold trend ever going to fade? I hope not! Just a quick post, I wanted to show a few bits I picked up last week, everything is from Dorothy Perkins.

The blouse isnt exactly rose gold but its close enough. It has a high-low hem which I'm a fan of as it covers my bum.  I love the collar/cuff sequins but after a few hours the sides of my neck felt raw from constant rubbing against the sequins. I cant remember the exact price but it was around £35.

The jewellery was on offer (buy one get one half price) I spotted the ring first then saw the matching necklace and earring set so grabbed them while the offer was on. I just love the design and dont think they look overly 'dress jewellery'. I would never wear all 3 at once, I hate being matchy matchy but on their own they look so pretty. I'm thinking of picking up a few back ups for when these start to fade. The ring was around £5 and the necklace/earring set was £7.50.

Are you sick of rose gold yet?

Tag: 10 Products I would Repurchase

I very rarely do tag posts but after seeing this tag on Evelyn's blog I though it'd be a good one to do. Its always nice to see what products people would repurchase. It gives you a good idea of what really works and if its worth splashing the cash on.

Cleanse & Polish*: I've been using C&P for years now. I might try other cleansers from time to time but I'll always have a few tubes in the cupboard. It removes my eye make up better than all make up removers I've tried, never breaks me out, leaves my skin baby soft and I love the scent too! It just works for me and I'll more than likely always use it.

Real Techniques Brushes: The Delux Crease Brush & Buffing Brush are 2 brushes I never want to be without! They're brilliant quality, super soft, dont shed, easy to wash and dry quickly. If you dont already own these, its about time you believed the hype and got yourself to Boots.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat: I've got so much love for YSL because of this foundation. I feel like it was made exactly for my skin type, skin tone, everything. I know the packaging isnt whats important but it just looks so luxe and makes me feel special everytime I use it. If I could marry a foundation this would be the one. You can read my full review here (link)

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille: I dont like anything too fancy when it comes to eyeshadow. I stick to shades that make me look awake and can be worn alone. I'm not going to lie, when I first handed over £23 for a single shadow I left feeling like I'd been mugged. I've slowly but surely gotten over that now and would happly hand over the cash again. The colour is so easy to wear and it lasts all day without creasing. You can see my swatches here (link)

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I was always under the impression this would be super greasy because its so thick and moisturisng. I love a good handcream but if its greasy it gets binned. A sample came with a recent Debenhams order and I was sold straight away (take note brands - samples sell products!) Its the thickest handcream I've ever tried but for some reason it just sinks so quickly and improves the look of your hands straight away. I like the scent too, it reminds me of soap. I might be alone here but I love soapy/powdery scents so this is perfect for me.

Liz Earle Brow Pencil in Fair*: Liz is a genius. This is the only brow pencil I've ever been able to use without ending up with red/brown brows. I hope to God its never discontinued or a river will be cried.

Tangle Teezer: If I didnt own this lump of plastic I would be bald by now, honestly. Trying to get a comb through my hair when its wet is like trying to take eyeliner off Kim Kardashian - its not gonna happen.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: My all time favourite nail colour. Its quite sheer and needs 3 coats to be opaque but paired with a milky base coat like O.P.I Ridge Filler with only one coat of Opera Ballerina = match made in heaven!

Diesel Loverdose: I'm not usually a fan of Diesel fragrances but theres just something about Loverdose that makes me feel happy. Its more of a winter fragrance but I wear it during the warmer months too. I think its the vanilla I love so much. The scent lasts all day and strangers always ask what I'm wearing.

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid*: I'll never forget the first time I used this, I woke up the next morning and my lips felt brand new. If I could only use one lip balm/treatment for the rest of my life, this would be it. I love the smell and texture too.

Theres loads of other products I would repurchase (and have numerous times) but these are the 10 that stood out. I tag all of you to do this post. Let me know if you own any of these products and your thoughts on them.

*PR sample

Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer

Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer in Light

Concealers seem to be the product we're always buying in the hope of finding the Holy Grail. I need concealer more for covering dark circles than anything else but finding the perfect concealer is near impossible. I got my paws on The Real Deal last year after reading all the rave reviews on the QVC website and I'm not sure why I havent reviewed it yet.

Texture wise The Real Deal reminds me of Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer but a lot creamier and easier to work with. A little product goes a long way as the formula is seriously opaque, it can even be used to cover small tattoos, scars and birthmarks aswell as redness and blemishes. The amount on the back of my hand in the photo is enough for atleast 10 faces. Staying power is good too, it tends to last all day on me without feeling like a mask. The tube doesnt look the biggest but I've been using mine for almost a year now and it still looks full! The only bad thing is I cant use it around my eyes which is the reason I bought it in the first place. It covers dark circles like nothing else but it settles into fine lines and creases like crazy even when I set it with powder. It seems to make the eye area look really dry and I look as if I've aged 20 years.

If you're looking for a concealer to cover obvious marks then I really recommend The Real Deal. You'll be hard pushed to ever find any concealer as opaque but its a no-no for the eye area which is a shame as it really covers dark circles.

Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer £15.52 from QVC

Mont Bleu Foot Scraper

Mont Bleu Scraper

I never talk about feet on my blog. I hate feet and have no desire to look at my own nevermind anyone elses. If I ever come acoss a blog post showing a pedicure etc I have to shut my laptop straight away. I just hate feet, the world would be a better place without them as far as I'm concerned. So todays post is a bit of a weird one for me but this product is too good to ignore. It deserves a blog post all of its own but dont worry, there wont be any accompanying foot pics!

Just like the nail files from Mont Bleu, the scrapers are made from the same Czech tempered glass. The scraper is thick and weighty, its not going to snap in half while you're filing your feet. Oh God, I cant even say that without gaggin'. If you've used foot files before you'll know they're more like cheese graters and leave the feet feeling rough but they can also leave your feet feeling quite raw and sore which is the main reason I ditched them. If your feet are very dry you might be best using something a little 'harsher' and using the scraper once or twice a week as maintenance but for most people the scraper will be fine on its own.

The scraper removes the hardened dry skin without removing healthy parts which means you're never left with sore feet but my favourite thing about the scraper is how smooth it leaves the skin. I know a lot of people do their feet after a bath or shower but its best to do it before when your feet are completely dry. I've been using the scraper once a week before baths/showers for weeks and wouldnt be without it now. Its so fuss free and simple to use.

What do you use to keep your feet looking nice?

Mont Bleu Foot Scraper 16€ but currently 14,40€ from DesignGlassware

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #2

Two weeks ago I done my first 'Shopping My Stash' post. I decided to go for fortnighly rather than weekly posts as it gives me a good amount of time to put each product to use. I really enjoyed shaking up my make up bag a bit and felt a lot less stuck in a make up rut.

This fortnight my weapons of choice are:

Murad Skin Perfecting Dewy Finish Primer: I believe this came in a Glossybox months and months ago. I did use it a few times but wasnt blown away so chucked it into the dephs of the drawer of neglect.

Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Volume Mascara: I havent tried this mascara yet, it was a magazine freebie at some point but I have high hopes as the Jemma Kidd range is almost always raved about.

bareMinerals Foundation in Medium Beige: I would, and probably always will pick liquid foundation over minerals. I know people say you cant tell your wearing foundation when you use this but I always can and it seems to give me wrinkles where I dont have any! I need to give this another go, hopefully I'll love it by the end of the fortnight.

Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer: The Real Deal is a brilliant full coverage concealer. It covers everything but it does have some bad points. I'll get a review up this week.

Lanolips Lemonaid*: Possibly the best lip product ever. I've neglected it lately but with the weather changing my lips have started to get a bit sore.

MAC Viva Glam Nicki: Not my favourite lipstick ever. Infact I'd say its probably the worst lippy I own but I'm determined to get some use out of it.

Do you own any of these products?

*PR sample

Organic Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil

Organic Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil*

First of all you need to ignore the Mother & Baby part. Yes its perfect for mothers and babies but I'm neither and absolutely love this! This beauty is the mother of all oils - Its 100% pure and natural | suitable for all skin types | vegan friendly | not tested on animals | soil association approved | contains vitamins A, B, D and E | 85% equivalent to human sebum, one of the most anti-oxidant materials known | its a rich source of Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, beta-carotene, polyphenols and other anti-oxidising and moisturising substances such as Squalene 'an important constituent of human skin which acts as a moisturizer and also processes Vitamin D from sunlight'

This Golden Camillia Oil has so many uses -  relieves dry and irritated skin on both the body and face | can be used as a cleanser | lip balm | intensive hair treatment | as a serum to tame frizz | add salt or sugar to it and make your own scrub | bath oil | hand cream | cuticle oil | overnight foot treatment.

It works on every type of skin - broken skin | young skin | old skin | stretch marks | lines and wrinkles.

This takes 'multi purpose' to a whole other level. The ingredient list impressed me the most as it only contains one ingredient - Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil. I cant think of one negative thing to say (which is rare for me) it works and it works well. I've been using it as an all over body oil and hair treatment. The difference it has made to the condition of my skin is like nothing else, my legs feel so smooth as if I've exfoliated daily and it has improved the overall look of my arms. The scent is barely there and my skin hasnt reacted badly in the slightest.

Have you tried Golden Camillia Mother & Baby Oil before?

Camillia Mother & Baby Oil is available from GentleBodyCare 24.99 for 100ml

*PR sample

Review: Liz Earle Brow Pencil & Sharpener

Liz Earle Brow Pencil in Fair £11* | Pencil Sharpener £5*

The 10th of September saw the launch of new make up essentials from Liz Earle. I've been trying out the brow pencil for around a week now. I'll be honest, when I first saw it I thought there was no way this pencil was going to work for me. Its the only pencil I own as I usually find them such a faff - they're usually too soft or too hard and I just cant apply them properly but I've also found EVERY pencil I've tried has too much red in it and just looks ridiculous. I would class my brow colour as dark brown/black so when I saw this shade was fair I was even more certain it wouldnt work.

The texture of the pencil can only be described as perfect, atleast for me. It allows you to define your brows so easily without ever going overboard and is enriched with natural source vitamin E. On me it lasts all day, even if I rub/touch my brows and its water resistant so you dont have to worry about being caught in the rain. I've already said I would describe by brows as dark brown/black yet 'fair' is described as a fair taupe, perfect for light to medium brows. The only reason I can think of for this suiting me is that my brows arent very dense but if you're thinking of placing an order I would definitely advise trying it out in store to make sure you get the correct shade. Theres only two shades available - Fair and Dark.

The pencil sharpener is the perfect brow pencil companion and I love how it looks a bit fancy. :) I'm as impressed as I was with the Healthy Glow Cream Blush and will definitely repurchase the Brow Pencil now that I've found one that works for me.

Liz Earle Brow Pencil & Sharpener available from Liz Earle.Com and Liz Earle stockists.

*PR sample

September: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

I'm early as usual.

SBC Arnica Gel: If you suffer from any type of ache or pain then you need this in your life! I get really bad back pain and this makes it so much better. Its a bit pricey so buying it from QVC in a set is your best bet or wait untill the SBC website has a BOGOF offer on. As its a gel its easy to rub in or if you're very sore just apply a layer and allow it to sink in instead of rubbing. It moisturises quite well too so if you're not a lover of lotions or butters then this could be for you. I've gone through a 250ml bottle and now this huge 500ml bottle.

Repurchase? I've already got one waiting in the cupboard

Philosophy Amazing Grace Conditioner: I always say this but I'm a HUGE fan of all the Grace fragrances from Philosophy. They just smell so clean and fresh. This conditioner wasnt bad but my hair needs a bit more moisture. If you're hair is on the normal, slightly dry or oily side then this would be perfect for you. I loved how the scent stayed on my hair untill I washed it again.

Repurchase? I wouldnt go out of my way to but if it came as part of a set I'd happily use it. Again you're best picking up Philosophy from QVC.

Kerastase Lait Vital (conditioner): This is an average conditioner but for the price I expected so much more.

Repurchase? No

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask: One of the few masks you can feel working. The tingle is intense almost painful but the more often you use it the less it 'hurts'. After rinsing this mask off your skin is left feeling like glass and so so cool but I cant say I noticed any long term benefits from using it. Over £45 for 50ml is just too much for something that offers no long term results.

Repurchase? Mine came in a QVC TSV but I wouldnt purchase it on its own.

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Deodorant: Theres not much to say about deodorant but this is one of my favourites.

Repurchase? Yes

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash: I really liked this at first. It lathered up well and the scent was gorgeous but after about a week the scent changed.

Repurchase? Probably not

RevitaBrow: For anyone who doesnt know, RevitaBrow is a treatment to help your brows grow. I have thyroid problems so my brows are quite sparse and fall out really easily. RevitaBrow really did work but I wasnt as religious with it as I should have been. I expect the results would be amazing if used every single day.

Repurchase? Yes BUT only if QVC happen to have it at an amazing price again.

Thierry Mugler Angel: You can read what I think here.

Repurchase? No

Nariciso Rodriguez For Her: You can read what I think here.

Repurchase? No

Tous H2O: This shocked me a bit, I liked it more than I thought it would. I've had a few samples over the last year and have used them all. Its a lovely summer scent as its so fresh but its not something I would wear too often.

Repurchase? More than likely not

Montagne Jeunesse De-Clog Pores Nose Strips: These are great for using once a week. You can read my review Here.

Repurchase? Already have

Dr Bronners Magic Soap (Tea Tree): When I first received this in a Glossybox months ago I wasnt impressed but once I used it I fell in love! The smell stinks, its so bad but has so many uses. I used it to clean make up brushes, as shower gel, face wash and shampoo. I want to try the peppermint version next.

Repurchase? Yes

Montagne Jeunesse Hot Chocolate Pore Cleansing Sauna Mask: I really, really like this mask but it stains everything it comes into contact with. Even after washing my muslin cloths they still look manky.

Repurchase? No but only because of the staining.

Samples

John Master Citrus & Neroli Detangler: Brilliant! Just like the rest of the John Masters hair care range.

Repurchase? Yes

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream: When I purchased the Origins Drink Up Mask the girl on the counter gave me this sample and said it wouldnt be going on sale untill next month (this month) I got a good few uses from this sachet but didnt notice anything that would make me want to buy it.

Repurchase? No

Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk: Just an average cleansing milk.

Repurchase? No

Ananne Equilibrium Day Cream: I'm not having much luck with samples this month. I cant even remember what this cream felt like so for that reason I wouldnt buy it.

Repurchase? No

Kenzo Madly & Kenzo Flower Tag: I liked Flower Tag which isnt a shock as I like the original 'Flower' but not so much Madly.

Repurchase? no

I should point out I'm not affiliated with QVC in any way shape or form! Haha I just happen to buy a lot of my skin care from QVC as the prices are brilliant, especially the TSV's. What did you lot get through this month? Link your empties posts below.

You're No Good For Me: bareMinerals Brushes

I'm no expert when it comes to make up brushes. Up untill last year I only used my fingers to apply foundation but I now realise its because I'd never found a brush that could do a better job than my digits. Now I swear by the Real Techniques Buffing Brush for both powder and liquid foundation and would recommend it to everyone. Over the years I've ended up with quite a few brushes, most came in gift sets but theres one in particular that disappointed me beyond belief.

BareMinerals Foundation Brush

Yes, thats dust you can see. I never use it, as you can tell. For Christmas last year I ordered a huge BareMinerals girftset from QVC which came with 2 brushes - foundation brush an tapered shadow brush. The brushes arent the reason I made the purchase but I was looking forward to trying them out and had high hopes considering they're not exactly the cheapest out there.

Tapered Shadow Brush

Whats so bad about them? They shed like nothing else! I've honestly never had as much shedding from any brush before. After doing my foundation I have to pick the hairs off my face and pray I'm not walking around with what looks like whiskers glued to my skin. The quality certainly doesnt match the price tag, the bristles feel cheap and scratchy. I cant even use the foundation brush as it irritates my skin so much and it doesnt apply the BareMinerals foundation the best either. The eye shadow brush doesnt shed as much but its just useless. The bristles feel very sharp and dont pick up much product at all. I know I'm not the only one who doesnt rate BareMinerals brushes. I would be fuming if I'd spent money on one of the brush sets but thankfully the 2 I received were included in a QVC TSV so were more or less free. I've liked the few things I've tried from BareMinerals but the brushes really let the brand down.

Have you tried BareMinerals brushes before?

Just thought I'd ask your thoughts on negative reviews as I've saw some people say they dont like to post negative reviews on their blog but I find them just as helpful, if not more helpful than rave reviews.