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