Organic Surge Black Friday Sale

Just a quick heads up - Untill the 2nd of December Organic Surge have up to 60% off their already affordable products. If you're a fan of Organic Surge then this is the time to stock up on some of your faves but if you're new to the brand, this is the perfect opportunity to try out some products you've had your eye on.

Some products I recommend are the First Class Mask and Blissful Daily Moisturiser. Both get the job done and will make great additions to your skin care arsenal or if you're feeling generous, they would make great Christmas gifts. You can find all the products included in the sale here.

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Lately I've Been Lovin' #13

You might notice a wee bit of a coconut theme in my favourites this month but as with everything, I'm always on the look out for more so if you have any coconutty suggestions, leave 'em below. :)

Yves Rocher Malaysian Coconut Eau De Toilette: What's not to love? It even looks like coconut milk in the glass bottle! I've already declared my love for this perfume but if you missed that post, you can find it here.

Palmers Strong Roots Spray & Repairing Conditioner: Both are from the coconut oil formula line and leave my hair smelling good enough to eat untill the next wash. The Strong Roots Spray will last a long time as you don't need to use much at all but I've already got my needy mitts on a back-up of the Repairing Conditioner. If you like the sound of these you can read my full review.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc: I have to be honest and say I still don't really 'get' what this does and I do still get the odd spot around my chin area so wouldn't recommend it to those wanting it solely as a spot fighter BUT it make's my skin feel incredibly clean and clear. I've heard that it's great for red, inflamed skin which is the main reason I bought it. I apply it to a cotton pad after cleansing and sweep it over my face avoiding the eye area and even though it leaves the skin feeling really clean, I never experience any tightness. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and although it doesn't make a difference in the spot department for me, I think it's helped clear up the tiny bumps I get along my cheekbones. Does anyone know what those bumps are?

Organic Surge Blissful Daily Moisturiser*: My skin drinks this stuff up like crazy. When you first apply it, it slips around the skin as if it's never going to sink in but it does within a matter of seconds. It helps my skin stay calm, doesn't bring out any hives which I almost always get and it acts as a great base for foundation.

YSL Touche Eclat: This has been a long time fave of mine but never really gets a mention in my monthly faves posts. Chances are if I'm wearing make up, I'm wearing this. I get a lot of darkness in the inner corners of my eyes and this magic pen just helps brighten everything up and makes me look more awake. I apply it over concealer though to lighten certain areas, never as a concealer on it's own.

Have you tried any of these products?

What have you been lovin' this month?

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*PR sample

The Sweater Weather Tag

1. Favourite Candle Scent? I'm not into pine, Christmassy scents at all, I instantly think of toilet duck. For me it's all about foodie, sweet scents. Some of my faves are 'Christmas Cookie' from Yankee Candle and 'Rehab' - roasted almond and honey milk, & 'Lounge' - honeycomb and vanilla from Rodial. They're gorgeous, sweet without being sickly and just make me feel really cosy. I've posted about my love for Rodial candles before here.

2. Coffee, Tea Or Hot Chocolate? I don't do tea. I try forcing myself to drink green tea but that's as far as it goes. I love hot chocolate but have to be in the mood for it, I'm definitely a coffee girl.

3. Which do you prefer, Winged Liner Or Dark Lips? I've mentioned before about my lips being so thin that dark lip colours make them look even smaller. I love dark lips on other people and have a serious case of lip envy but on myself it has to be winged liner. 

4. Favourite Thanksgiving Food? We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK but even when it comes to Christmas food I pretty much eat what I would normally eat any other day. I don't like turkey cause I'm an oddball so eat chicken but Christmas day is all about overdosing on sweets. :)

5. What's The Weather Like Where You Are? Cold, dark and wet.

6. Most Worn Sweater/Jumper? It's no longer on the New Look website and is in the wash so I can't show you but it's a completely plain, cream fisherman knitted jumper. Sounds boring but it's really comfy, warm and can be dressed up with a statement necklace.

7. Must Have Nail Polish For Autumn? This is a hard one but it would have to be Chanel 'Vertigo' (swatches) Not only is it a gorgeous colour but it's special to me for two reasons - it was my first polish from Chanel and it was a gift from Lina.

8. Skinny Jeans Or Leggings? Both! Leggings for around the house, skinny jeans when I'm out and about.

9. Combat Boots Or Uggs? I don't care what anyone says about Uggs, they're essential in this weather but at the minute I'm more likely to reach for boots.

10. Is pumpkin Spice Worth The Hype? Who Knows? I have no desire to try it. I've never tried pumpkin but already know I wouldn't like it.

11. Favourite Autumn/Fall TV Shows? The series has ended now but I was OBSESSED with Under The Dome, can't wait for the new series to start. I always watch Law & Order SVU no matter the season. Need to get my Stabler fix even though hes old enough to be my dad. Creepy? Maybe. And most recently, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

I tag everyone who reads this post! :) If you've already done this tag feel free to link the posts in the comments so I can have a wee nosey.

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Affordable Hair Care Part 1: Palmers Strong Roots Spray & Repairing Conditioner

A few weeks back while sorting through all my hair care bits I realised I didn't really own anything you can pick up in the likes of Boots or Superdrug for less than a fiver. The only reason I can think of for this is because for the longest time I've been trying to get away from hair products containing sulfates, parabens etc and completely ditched the 'drugstore'. My scalp has calmed down quite a bit over the last few months, it's still dry and easily irritated but I decided it was time to try out a few products which are affordable and easy to get hold of. Palmers body products are loved by many but I'd never heard much about their hair care which instantly made me curious when deciding on a brand to go for, I also love coconut so it was an obvious choice.  

I bought both products (and a few more, I'll review them soon) from Superdrug. They were, and still are on a 3 for 2 offer.

Palmers Coconut Oil Repairing Conditioner, 250ml, 2.99: I need to point out that this conditioner is for fine, limp hair. It doesn't state this on the website so just be careful if you're placing an order online. My hair isn't fine but can be quite limp once straightened as it's so thick and heavy. With any conditioner, I clip my hair up for around 5 minutes while I get washed and if I'm not in a rush I'll brush it through with either my Denman Be-Bop or Tangle Teezer. The texture is on the thick side and spreads easily over the hair which made me think it was going to be very moisturising and heavy but I couldn't get my detangling brushes through it as easily as I can with the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque but when you compare the prices and the fact Palmers Repairing Conditioner isn't a mask, I wasn't expecting miracles. When rinsing the conditioner I noticed my hair didn't have much 'slip' to it, my hair felt REALLY clean where the conditioner had been which is obviously why it's best suited to fine, limp hair. Once out of the shower though I was able to brush my hair without sectioning it off or using any detangling products and my hair smelt amazing! I'm sick of my hair smelling nice when first washed then the scent disappearing after I've straightened it but this stuff sticks around till the next wash. Every time I move my head I can smell coconut, it's gorgeous. Is it the best conditioner I've tried? No but I bloomin' love it! I'm able create big waves without my hair looking lank or dropping halfway through the night and it smells like coconut which is always a winner where I'm concerned. I've even ordered another tube. People with fine hair will love this but if you're like me and have a heavy lions mane it's still great at smoothing frizz in a way that won't add any more weight to your hair plus it adds the most gorgeous shine.

Palmers Strong Roots Spray, 150ml, 3.49: I really wasn't sure how I was going to get on with this product but I loved the idea of it. It claims to promote healthy hair growth, moisturise  hair and scalp, soothe tightness and itch as well as refreshing hair in between washes. In my head I thought it was going to be a thick oil and couldn't understand how it was going to soothe and moisturise without making my hair oily but I'm so glad I decided to try it, it's brilliant! Just like the conditioner it's scented with coconut but with the addition of pure peppermint and eucalyptus to stimulate the scalp. At first I found the scent quite odd but it's definitely grown on me and once on my hair it smells like coconut only. I can't smell any peppermint after a few minutes. After washing/conditioning my hair I part my hair roughly into 6 sections and spray once or twice along each parting directly onto my scalp. I then massage it in with my fingers before brushing from roots to ends. It doesn't make my hair oily at all but if you over-do it I'm sure the roots could end up looking a bit slick. Once I've worked it into my scalp I can feel the tingle, it only lasts for a couple of minutes but really makes my scalp feel more comfortable and fresh. I have no idea if it promotes healthy hair growth but it adds the most amazing shine and when paired with the Repairing Conditioner I'm able to create a lot more volume at the roots.

By no means are they the best I've ever tried but both products are affordable, free from sulfates and parabens, allow me to create styles that last all day without dropping flat and make my hair smell great for days.

Have you tried any hair care products from Palmers?

Both products are available from Superdrug

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Love: Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush 'Icing'

Sorry about the lack of posts over the last week. I was so busy, didn't have a chance to sit down and type anything. The plan was to spend Saturday getting my draft on but being out on Friday night ment I spent most of yesterday sleeping and nursing the mother of all headaches. Still feeling rough today, you know you're getting old when a hangover lasts two days. Anyway, I NEED to talk about a highlighter. I've used it almost every day since receiving it, it also graced my face on Friday night and didn't budge even through hours of shape throwing. The highlighter in question is Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in 'Icing'*

Back in May I raved about the Watercolour Blush in 'Cherub' you can see that post here. In the cute dinky bottles 'Icing' and 'Cherub' look very similar but as you can see from the swatches, they're completely different. 'Cherub' is a blush whereas 'Icing' is a highlighter. When it comes to highlighters I'm always drawn to gold-y, champagne shades even though I'm fair and should probably stick to pinky hues. 'Icing' is pink but not overly so once blended, which makes it one of the most flattering highlighters I've ever tried. The texture make's it incredibly easy to work with, I apply it to the tops of my cheeks with my ring finger and whats left on my finger goes on my brow bone or down the centre of my nose. You can make it look as subtle or dramatic as you like but as there aren't any chunks of glitter, it's hard to go wrong.

The Watercolour Blushers are lightweight, you can't feel them on your skin at all and unlike powder highlighter/blush, they don't wipe off if you have a habit of touching your face throughout the day. Another thing I love about them is that they don't remove my foundation as I apply them which a lot of liquid cheek products do.

Have you tried Icing or any other shades?

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush 'Icing' 14.49 from www.hairtrade.com

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*PR sample

November 2013: Love Me Beauty Box

November's Love Me Beauty box is here and yet again it's a good'un! Last month the Lord & Berry Scuba Mascara was very dry. I'm not sure if everyone's was the same but I know a lot of you had the same problem with it so this month as an extra there's a full sized Lord & Berry product in the box in the form of a lipstick. The shade I received is 'Brick Lip Intensitiy' (I think?)

This month I opted for Edition 3* which includes:

Absolution Le Son Purifiant, 40ml sample, RRP: 24 quid for 50ml: A skin-renewing face mask from a French skin care brand that I've never heard of before. I love face masks so looking forward to trying this out. It rids skin of impurities, restores radiance and what I'm most excited about - it tightens pores

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Bronze Shadow/Liner, RRP: 10.50 (full size): I'm really into eyeliner and shadow sticks at the moment, and I adore bronze-y shades on the eyes. It's very pigmented and doesn't drag the skin. Not quite sure what's going on with the tip of this pencil, looks like it's been sharpened the old skool way with a knife but it was sealed. Let me know if your's is the same.

Mitchell & Peach Shower Wash, 50ml sample, RRP: 20 quid for 250ml: I have a bit of a thing for shower gel, love trying samples of more expensive ones and this is going straight into my 'travel box' for the next time I head off somewhere. It's enriched with Vitamin E, wheat proteins and natural English honey harvested from the Mitchell Estate in Kent. The scent is inspired by the English countryside.

Models Own Nail Polish 'Red Alert', RRP: 5 quid (full size): I'm a nail polish junkie and usually only go for deep red shades when it comes to nail colour but since getting Nails Inc 'Big Apple Red' which came in Glamour magazine I've been a little bit smitten. 'Red Alert' is very similar, a tiny bit lighter and perfect for Christmas with some glitter layered on top.

Art Deco Hydra Lip Booster 'Translucent Rose', RRP: 11.50 (full size): I've only tried one other product from Art Deco, a lipstick from the Kaviar Gauche Colour Range and loved it! You can see that post here. I don't own a lot of lip gloss, I prefer balms and lipstick but the Hydra Lip Booster claims to maintain the hydration level of the lips and cushion little wrinkles from beneath. Sounds good to me and the colours pretty too.

3 full sized products this month, 4 if you count the Lord & Berry lipstick and not a sachet sample in sight! :) I haven't had a chance to try everything out yet but as always, I'll either review them on their own or in an empties post, and as you may have noticed, my pound sign still isn't working. If I copy and paste it from somewhere else it screws up the whole post. 

What do you think of this months box?

What edition did you go for, 1, 2 or 3?

Love Me Beauty Box 10 quid plus P&P from lovemebeauty.com

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*PR sample

Christmas Gift Idea #2: Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange and Frangipani Bath Soak

If you missed my Christmas Gift Idea #1 you can see that here but today I have a gorgeous luxurious, organic bath soak from Conscious Skincare to talk about. In my October Favourites post I included their Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Butter, the texture and scent is incredible and the Sweet Orange & Frangipani Bath Soak* smells just as good, perfect if you like layering up with the same scent. If you aren't familiar with Conscious Skincare, it's a British organic skin and body care brand. The products are made at the company's rural retreat in Wales and are free from chemicals, synthetics and preservatives. The brand is strongly against animal testing and is approved by Cruelty Free International and 'Leaping Bunny' certified.

Most products from Conscious Skincare come with the option of premium eco-natural, 100% recycled gift boxes and ribbon at no extra cost which isn't something many brands offer. I love the gift box, it's simple yet still festive and makes the gift seem that little bit more special. If you usually buy a prezzie for someone who loves having baths but only uses organic products, it's well worth having a look at the website. If this bath soak doesn't appeal to you, I'm sure you'll spot something that does. Unlike a lot of bath products, the scent does linger on the skin for a decent length of time and because it's free from sls, it doesn't dry out the skin.

Would you be happy to receive this on Christmas day? :)
Have you tried any products from Conscious Skincare?

Conscious Skincare Sweet Orange & Frangipani Bath Soak, 250ml, 15.99 from www.conscious-skincare.com

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*PR sample

Obsessed: Yves Rocher Malaysian Coconut Eau De Toilette

 While in Paris I noticed a Yves Rocher store a few steps from my hotel but didn't venture in till the last day and honestly wasn't expecting anything to jump out at me. I was wrong. There was a stand filled with fragrances in different scents with matching body products - Organic Vanilla, Organic Raspberry, Yellow Peach, Blackberry, Wild Strawberry and of course, Malaysian Coconut. They were all gorgeous but I'm loyal to the coconut so that's what I stuck with. I had no idea Yves Rocher sold these types of fragrances and was worried they would only be available in France but nope, we can get them here in the UK too  :) I'm sure there was a honey one in store but I can't find it on the website.

It's a well known fact to everyone who knows me that I adore anything coconut scented. I buy EVERYTHING coconut-y but more often than not the scent comes across very synthetic or just doesn't smell like coconut at all once on my skin. Well, this didn't disappoint. It smells like the real deal! Imagine relaxing on a sun lounger with a coconut in one hand and a bounty in the other, coconut oil in your hair and sun cream all over your skin. It's gorgeous and creamy, definitely a Summer scent but I don't care, this babys gonna' see me through Winter. Can you tell I love it? It's so good that I'm kinda' feeling the need to buy all the other scents too.

This post is for all the coconut lovers who are on a never ending search for the perfect coconut scent. Call off the search, this is it.

Have you tried this or any other fragrances from Yves Rocher?

Yves Rocher Malaysian Coconut Eau De Toilette, 100ml, 9.50 from www.yves-rocher.co.uk

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Klorane Smoothing & Relaxing Eye Patches with Cornflower

I've tried 2 or 3 eye patch products from different brands now and I have to say, none of them made much difference. I almost didn't buy these ones from Klorane, thought they would be just as pointless as the rest but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The box contains 7 sachets, each with 2 eye patches. They make all the usual claims - reduce dark circles, combat puffiness, decrease signs of tiredness. Anyone who hasn't used eye patches before, you don't have to worry about them dragging the delicate eye area when you remove them. They do stick but aren't sticky. It's hard to explain but they lift away from the skin easily with no tugging whatsoever. The patches should be applied to clean, dry skin and left to work their magic for around 20 minutes. They feel instantly cooling even if they haven't been kept in the fridge. My eyes look less tired, slightly less puffy, any dehydration lines disappear and the skin feels soft and smooth. My dark circles don't do a disappearing act sadly but I'm yet to meet any product hardcore enough to make much of a difference in that department. 

I usually reach for these bad boys when my eyes not only feel tired but look tired too. They don't leave any residue behind so there's no faff of having to rinse your face after. They aren't miracle workers but if you're like me and have an eye area that won't behave, they're a godsend. If I had to recommend eye patches from one brand, it would definitely be Klorane. BUT, yes there's a but. They contain some not-so-nice ingredients such as parabens and mineral oil which I didn't notice when I first bought them so even though they work, I'm not sure I would buy them again.

Have you tried eye patches before?

Klorane Smoothing & Relaxing Eye Patches with Cornflower RRP: 17, currently 13.50 from www.escentual.com

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Love: Clarins Colour Breeze Face & Blush Powder

Back in August I posted about the Clarins Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder and haven't stopped using it ever since. I love everything about it, from the packaging to the product itself. The only thing I would change is the shimmery over spray. It disappears after one use which I usually prefer as oversprays tend to cover the whole top layer of the pan and no-one wants a disco ball head but with Clarins, the shimmer is in such small areas that it would make a lovely, subtle highlighter and really be the do-it-all palette. Clarins face palettes usually retail at 30 quid which isn't cheap but the designs are always so pretty, it's hard not to cave. While having a neb at the beauty counters in a local chemists I noticed a section full of Clarins products all half price. I spotted some eye shadow quads, they were gorgeous but not shades I would wear then I spotted the Colour Breeze Face & Blush Powder. For some reason I thought the shades were the same in all the face palettes with the only difference being the designs yet I still ran to the till with it like a crazy women (think Phoebe from F.R.I.E.N.D.S running through the park)

Luckily after getting home and comparing swatches I realised they aren't the exact same. The Graphic Expression Palette is more on the nude/peachy side of things while the Colour Breeze Palette is more pink. I've been having a look at some swatches online and they look completely different on each person depending on their skin tone. Fair skins will get on well with this as an all over powder (it adds a lovely glow to the skin), blush and maybe even as a bronzer but darker skins might want to give it a miss, I have a feeling it could look quite stark.

Did I need it? No. Want it? Yes. Glad I bought it? YES! Unfortunately the Colour Breeze Palette is no longer on the Clarins website but you might be able to find it if you have a wee snoop around either online or in local shops but if you still don't have any luck there's always the Graphic Expression Palette or the Palette Eclat.

Do you own this palette?
Are you as taken by Clarins palettes as I am?

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PS - The winner of my Paris skin care giveaway is Victoria from Cosmetic Cravings who I'll email shortly. Congrats! :)

Paul Mitchell Super Strong Liquid Treatment

Anything that claims to strengthen my hair, I'm all over it. For the last 2 weeks or more I've been trying out the Paul Mitchell Super Strong Liquid Treatment* it claims to repair hair from the inside out, seal split ends and strengthen each strand by up to 60%. If you have long hair or want to grow it, you need to do everything you can to keep it strong or the ends just snap off every time you brush/blow dry/straighten it and it never seems to grow past a certain length. Anyone who uses bleach on their hair will probably notice this more as broken bits of hair end up all over their clothes after brushing it. Yes, I am speaking from experience. Back in the day I had what can only be described as a neck fringe at the back of my hairline. I don't colour my hair very often these days but the condition still isn't great, my hair is naturally curly with a good dose of frizz thrown in. I get way too excited over products that make my hair look and feel healthy and when they don't weigh it down, that's even better.

Before I even get into what the Super Strong Liquid Treatment did do, I can tell you what it didn't do and that's weigh my hair down. I can NEVER feel this product in my hair which is great for not only anyone with fine hair but for people like me who use more than one product in their hair after every wash. The treatment is in a spray bottle and should be used after you've washed, conditioned and towel dried your hair. It feels like a silky water and even though it contains silicone, my hair doesn't feel coated or slippy. It acts as a bit of a detangler too so, if your hair isn't too tangly it takes away the need for a separate detangling product. It also claims to replace lost minerals and proteins. Obviously I have no idea whether or not it does this but in the short period of time I've been using it I have noticed a difference. I usually use it every other day so can only imagine the results will be even more impressive over time and I'm glad it doesn't claim to get rid of split ends, hate when hair products say this. It does seal split ends but that's only down to the silicone, nothing will ever put an end to split ends apart from a good trim. 

After styling, my hair looks healthy, less frazzled and doesn't look like it's laden with product. Anyone with oily hair shouldn't have a problem with needing to wash their hair more often when using this.

Have you tried this before?

Does your hair seem to stop growing when it gets to a certain length?

Paul Mitchell Super Strong Liquid Treatment, 100ml, 7.40 from www.hairtrade.com

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Have you entered my Paris skin care giveaway?

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #18

The Body Shop White Musk Libertine Body Mist: I very rarely buy anything from The Body Shop now but when I was a kid I looooved all the White Musk scented products and does anyone remember when you could mix up your own perfume oil? I've maybe made that up but I have memories of standing around a round table with glass bottles full of different scented oils. Anyway, during one of their sales last year (or maybe the year before) I ordered myself this body mist along with the matching perfume. I don't love it as much as I did back then but I still have a soft spot for it. As you can see, I've barely used any of this bottle but to me it's more of a Wintry scent, great for this time of year so I'm sure I'll make a quare dent in it.

Organic Surge 2-Minute Moisture Mask*: By the time this post goes live I'll probably have already tried this hair mask. It came in the Organic Surge Beauty Blogger Bundle, you can see that post here. At the time of writing that post I wasn't sure when the bundle would be on the Organic Surge website but the post has now been updated. You won't find the bundle on the website unless you click the link in that post as the offer is exclusive to beauty blog readers.

Estee Lauder Double Wear: My full coverage friend, I've neglected you for what seems like forever. I do love Double Wear but for some reason the shade I own 'Fresco' has started to look quite pink on me but the colder weather makes any redness in my skin more noticeable so I'm now reaching the most hardcore base I own. I'll just bash the bronzer to warm my ghost face up a bit.

Dainty Doll Cream Blush '002 Orange County Girl': This blush is gorgeous, you can see my swatches here. It adds colour, acts as a highlighter and just makes my face look alive and healthy. I don't own NARS Orgasm but a lot of people who do claim this is the cream equivalent.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil: I'm stepping up my night time skincare game and introducing an oil back in. I've heard so many great things about Radiance Face Oil, apparently it even keeps spots at bay as well as keeping the skin hydrated and all that other magical stuff.

Have you tried any of these products?

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Have you entered my Paris skin care giveaway?

*PR sample

Sally Hansen Age Correct Growth Treatment

Sally Hansen Age Growth Treatment aka my milky base coat for lighter shades of polish like my beloved L'Oreal 'Opera Ballerina' before this I was using the O.P.I Ridge Filler which wasn't the best for filling in ridges but it did make a good base for lighter shades. It ment I didn't have to use as many coats of colour but O.P.I isn't the cheapest so I went on the hunt for something similar. This isn't a review as such, I don't use Sally Hansen Age Correct Growth Treatment for it's intended purpose but I can say I haven't noticed a change in my nails for the better. This post is just for anyone like me who might be looking for a milky base coat that won't break the bank, it even looks nice worn alone.

I can't remember where I bought mine, it was months ago but I know it was from a discount website and under 2 quid. Anyone who loves shades that are too sheer and need built up quite a bit will love this plus it'll save you using up too much of your favourite nail colours.

Have you tried this?
Do you use milky base coats under sheer nail colours?

Sally Hansen Age Correct Growth Treatment 1.60 from Amazon

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Have you entered my Paris skin care giveaway?

My Go-To Make Up Brushes

When I'm wearing make up, I almost always use brushes. I can't stand how grubby my hands and other make up products get if I apply foundation with my fingers. I also like how a brush provides more coverage and buffs out any harsh edges.

For foundation I use either the Sephora Professionnel #45 Mineral Powder Brush or the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Both do the same job - they buff liquid (or powder) foundation into the skin without leaving any brush strokes behind, they wash well, don't shed, won't break the bank and the bristles are synthetic/taklon.

As most of you know, I'm not that big on eyeshadow so if I'm not applying the likes of MAC Paint Pots I'll use the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush for sweeping colour over the lid and adding colour in the crease. This brush is also brilliant for blending concealer under the eye's without removing it at the same time. If I've been using the Deluxe Crease Brush for concealer then I obviously don't want to be using it to apply eyeshadow so when this happens I reach for a Hello Kitty brush I got in one of those Liberty/Hello Kitty/Boots collab sets.

The Zoeva 230 Pencil Brush is great for highlighting the inner corner of the eyes, adding eyeshadow along the lower lash line and smudging eyeliner. Zoeva brushes are brilliant! I also love the 106 Powder Brush, it can be used to set foundation with powder, to lightly bronze up the skin or to apply blush. 

I only own one MAC brush, the 187 Stippling Brush and to be honest, I wish I'd never bought it. Unlike the rest of the brushes I own which are a lot more affordable than MAC, it sheds like crazy and has started to splay as you can tell from the photo's. In my opinion it isn't dense enough to apply foundation, all it does is bend around my face. Instead of letting it collect dust I've been using it to apply very shimmery highlighters and sometimes cream blush. The other brush I use for applying highlighter is the Real Techniques Contour Brush which as the name suggests can also be used to contour.

Everyone needs a spoolie for their brows. The one I own is the Rae Morris Angle Brow/Mascara Definer. I use it because I have it but if I had to start over again I would just go for the cheapest spoolie I could find, they do exactly the same job.

All the brushes wash up well without shedding (apart from the MAC 187), don't take forever to dry and return to their original shape. If you're just starting out with brushes you really can't go wrong with Real Techniques and Zoeva. They're both really affordable but Zoeva have the upper hand, you can buy all the brushes separately rather than having to buy them in collections.

Are any of these your go-to brushes?
What's your favourite brush brand?

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Christmas Gift Idea #1: Organic Surge Beauty Blogger Bundle

Yes I did just mention the C word and no, I'm not sorry. :)

For the first time ever Organic Surge has put together 4 of their most highly rated products by beauty bloggers, for beauty blog readers. The Beauty Blogger Bundle* has a not to shabby 13% discount which means you'll get 4 products for under 21 quid. You can buy the bundle as a treat to yourself, as a gift for someone else or even split the bundle into 4 separate prezzies.

Citrus Mint Shower Gel, 250ml: I love anything minty and I have a bit of an obsession with shower gels. This one from Organic Surge is 100% free from SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colourants. It's enriched with organic mint, lemon and orange essential oils and smells divine! Definitely one that will wake you up in the mornings.

Lavender Meadow Hand & Nail Cream, 75ml: Unfortunately lavender can sometimes bring on one of my migraines. I'm ok with certain products containing lavender but this is a bit too strong for me so will be passed on to my mum. It contains cocoa butter and vitamin E as well as other goodies and works to prevent moisture loss.

Blissful Daily Moisturiser, 50ml: This lightweight moisturiser claims to balance oily and dry skin zones. It's designed for normal/combination skin, my skin is definitely combination, it has a bit of everything going on so I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

2-Minute Moisture Mask, 150ml: This is the product I'm most excited to try. It's for dull, dry or frizzy hair and as the name suggests, only needs to be left on for 2 minutes! Pure coconut oil and plant extracts work to protect hair from the inside out while making hair more manageable.

I haven't tried any of these products before so for someone like me it would make a great gift. Or, you could buy it for yourself and keep any you're not too fussed on for prezzies.

Have you tried any of these products?

Is the Beauty Blogger Bundle something you would be interested in?

You won't find he Beauty Blogger Bundle on the Organic Surge website, it can only be purchased via this link.

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*PR sample

Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof Eye Pencil Set

After having a look through all the blog photos stored on my laptop I realised I'd never posted about this Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof Eye Pencil Set. I've had it for ages now, Lina surprised me with it last year. You already know I love the Contour Eye Pencils and yes, I love the Flashy Liners too. The formula is creamy, long lasting, smudge proof, can be used on the water line without causing any irritation and sticks around all day. The pigmentation puts other brands to shame. The colour you see, is the colour you get which is why I haven't risked staining my hands for swatches. All the shades apart from the black have a shimmery/metallic finish but don't look tacky or OTT. As you've probably guessed, the purple and blue shades don't get much use from me but I've still held on to them in case I ever fancy smudging some colour along my lower lash line.

After having a quick look on the Sephora website I'm wondering if the Flashy Liners have had a name change or been discontinued? I can't seem to find them anywhere except on Ebay and Amazon. Does anyone know what's happened? Even if they have been discontinued, fear not, they're still really similar to the Contour Eye Pencils which I recommend to anyone who will listen.

Sephora, I love you.

Have you tried Flashy Liners from Sephora?

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