Tuesday, 30 September 2014
September Empties
I've used up a bottle of the NSpa Hot Cloth Polish which is extremely similar to the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish albeit a lot more fragranced and you run the risk of breaking out from it regardless. None the less, I enjoyed using it as it left my skin cleansed and soft. I've finished up a bottle of the Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover which removed all my eye makeup within seconds but didn't necessarily brighten up the eye area at all. I've gone through another bottle of the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Solution which helps remove every last trace of makeup with one single sweep which makes it perfect as a first cleanse. I've used up a tube of the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ which I much prefer over the original as I feel that it does a lot more for my skin that just helping with blemishes and the scars left over from them. I've finally used up the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads which have literally transformed my skin so I no longer suffer with quite an uneven skin texture anymore. I've gone through another tube of my beloved Hydraluron which I simply cannot live without as it essentially a magnet for your moisturiser.
I've used up the Aussie Take The Heat 3 Minute Miracle which I thoroughly enjoyed using as it helped protect my hair from heat as it's a mild heat defense whilst leaving your hair terribly soft. Will be repurchasing ASAP! I've gone through another bottle of my beloved Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which I use as a shaving lotion as it leaves my legs feeling very soft and will always be repurchased. I haven't quite finished the No7 Completely Quenched Moisturising Body Lotion as there is still a lot left in the tube however I can't squeeze it out. Despite this, it's a beautiful body lotion which helped leave my skin soft and smelling beautiful. I've used up the No7 Blissful Body Wash which is more of a body milk as it's so runny but it does the trick at leaving your skin clean and soft. I've finished up the No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak which helps melt away all your worries and makes your skin feel really soft which makes up for the lack of bubbles that it creates. I've used up the Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life which is more of a mild exfoliating shower gel rather than a full blown body exfoliator. None the less, it was pleasant to use and it kept my skin clean but I wouldn't go out of my way to repurchase in a hurry.
I've gone through another pack of the No7 Quick Thinking Wipes which I will always have on hand on my vanity as they're so handy to quickly remove foundation marks amongst other beauty related things. I've finished off another pack of the Wilko Maxi Oval Cotton Pads which are the only cotton wool pads that I will buy as they're the perfect size and don't fall apart. I've used up the Pretty Perfect Twist & Out Instant Nail Polish Remover which I use to remove my nail varnish and it does the trick so quickly and effortlessly. I've gone thorugh a bottle of the Cuticura Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Passion Flower & Mango which smells absolutely beautiful and is so handy to have on the go. I've used up a tube of the Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste which although it did help with my sensitivity, it didn't necessarily help make my teeth any whiter.
I've gone through another tube of my beloved 17 Stay Time Concealer which I use to help conceal any blemishes/scars as it's medium coverage which can be built up to full. I will always have this on hand as I stocked up on these recently whilst they were on offer. I've finally finished up the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer which I feel took my a whole year to use up and that it with daily use! I use this under my eyes once I've finished my foundation as it helps brighten up the area whilst concealing my dark circles at the same time. I've already moved onto my next tube as I love this stuff. Lastly, I've used up the Maybelline Master Duo Liquid Liner which I used to help fill in any gaps in my lashes after I finished applying mascara and it helped do so very nicely.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
Whilst out in the States back in May, I ran out of my travel sized toothpaste so decided to pick up a full size to bring back with me. As my teeth were feeling more sensitive than normal due to the amount of Mountain Dew and Reeces Pieces, I bought the Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste which unforunately we can't easily buy here in the UK unless you fancy paying a ridiculous inflated price or buy it from the States with over the top shipping.
The Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste ($4.72) has been specially formulated for those who have sensitive teeth and want to protect against cavities whilst whitening their smile. It helps to provide relief from sensivity in as little as two weeks whilst removing stains for a whiter, brighter smile. It leaves the mouth feeling clan and fresh whilst the added bonus of fluoride helps protect against any cavities.
I've noticed that since using this, the amount of sensitivity I have has been greatly reduced with the odd flare up here and there when I drink an ice cold drink or eat something which is far too hot. I've also noticed that my teeth appear a lot more whiter whilst using this which could be down to a combination of using this as well as teeth whitening strips. Overall, this is a really good budget toothpaste that I will definitely be picking up again when I'm next in the States.
The Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste ($4.72) has been specially formulated for those who have sensitive teeth and want to protect against cavities whilst whitening their smile. It helps to provide relief from sensivity in as little as two weeks whilst removing stains for a whiter, brighter smile. It leaves the mouth feeling clan and fresh whilst the added bonus of fluoride helps protect against any cavities.
I've noticed that since using this, the amount of sensitivity I have has been greatly reduced with the odd flare up here and there when I drink an ice cold drink or eat something which is far too hot. I've also noticed that my teeth appear a lot more whiter whilst using this which could be down to a combination of using this as well as teeth whitening strips. Overall, this is a really good budget toothpaste that I will definitely be picking up again when I'm next in the States.
Friday, 26 September 2014
September Love Me Beauty Review
Love Me Beauty have recently gone through a repackaging/rebranding phase where instead of eco-friendly packaging, their products now come in bags similar to Birchbox albeit more simpler. They're also going to be packaged into fancier boxes starting next month so I'm excited to see how they turn out. In addition to this, instead of choosing which edition menu you wanted each month, you now get to choose exactly what products you want with the credits they give you so you can get four/five products each month. If that is not enough, they can also let you add additional products at a cost. This concept is both different but annoying as it comes on a first served basis so if you see an item you want, then I would add it to your box and the rest ASAP as they go out of stock within hours. With that being said, I thought I would share what I picked for my September Love Me Beauty Box.
As I gave my original sample of the Lashem Lash Enhancing Serum away to a friend in desperate need of growing her lashes, I decided to get another one just to keep on hand for when my own lashes are looking a little short. As it's only a 2ml sample, I expect it would get used up within a few uses but I'm hoping a little goes a long way.
I'm quite annoyed that I picked another Oriflame Ecollagen Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream as I already have one from the August Box but in my defense, it was packaged and named something different altogether. I still have not yet tried this but I'll be keeping one at the other halfs as I've just finished my eye cream so I'm hoping this will do the job nicely.
As I'm stepping up into a higher role at work, I've been getting rather stressed which has resulted in getting lots of headaches so picking the Anatomicals Oi! You Throbhead Headache Relif Balm couldn't have come at a better time. It's completely natural so there are no adverse side effects and it smells very similar to Tiger Balm.
Another Anatomicals product I picked purely to bump up my box is their Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Revitalising Eye Mask which is a gel filled eye mask that you simply pop into the fridge beforehand and apply it on your eyes to really help reduce your puffy eyes. I don't personally suffer with puffy eyes but I expect this would be nice to pamper myself with which is the only reason why I chose it.
The last item I picked is a sample of the Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer which contains a clinically proven formula to help restore a clear, more youthful complexion by clearing congested pores and neutralising acne-causing bacteria as well as diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I chose this more so for the acne properties rather than the anti-aging however I think you're never too young to start using anti-aging skincare.
Overall, I liked the concept of this month although there wasn't enough new items as they were all simply ones from previous boxes where they had a lot of excess. I'm hoping Octobers selection will be better as if not, I will be cancelling my subcription and subscribing to a different beauty box altogether.
As I gave my original sample of the Lashem Lash Enhancing Serum away to a friend in desperate need of growing her lashes, I decided to get another one just to keep on hand for when my own lashes are looking a little short. As it's only a 2ml sample, I expect it would get used up within a few uses but I'm hoping a little goes a long way.
I'm quite annoyed that I picked another Oriflame Ecollagen Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream as I already have one from the August Box but in my defense, it was packaged and named something different altogether. I still have not yet tried this but I'll be keeping one at the other halfs as I've just finished my eye cream so I'm hoping this will do the job nicely.
As I'm stepping up into a higher role at work, I've been getting rather stressed which has resulted in getting lots of headaches so picking the Anatomicals Oi! You Throbhead Headache Relif Balm couldn't have come at a better time. It's completely natural so there are no adverse side effects and it smells very similar to Tiger Balm.
Another Anatomicals product I picked purely to bump up my box is their Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Revitalising Eye Mask which is a gel filled eye mask that you simply pop into the fridge beforehand and apply it on your eyes to really help reduce your puffy eyes. I don't personally suffer with puffy eyes but I expect this would be nice to pamper myself with which is the only reason why I chose it.
The last item I picked is a sample of the Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer which contains a clinically proven formula to help restore a clear, more youthful complexion by clearing congested pores and neutralising acne-causing bacteria as well as diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I chose this more so for the acne properties rather than the anti-aging however I think you're never too young to start using anti-aging skincare.
Overall, I liked the concept of this month although there wasn't enough new items as they were all simply ones from previous boxes where they had a lot of excess. I'm hoping Octobers selection will be better as if not, I will be cancelling my subcription and subscribing to a different beauty box altogether.
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
September Birchbox Review
Following on from the success of August's Birchbox, this month has certainly not disappointed! This months theme is based on Happy Days which celebrates capturing those special moments and making new ones whilst reminding us to embrace the month with the attitude that we're never too old to learn.
I've been lusting after the Original BeautyBlender with BlenderCleanser Solid for what feels like months and I'm so grateful that I finally have it in my possession! The sponge itself is shaped like an egg which ensures a flawless base with no streaks. It also comes with the solid soap to help clean it which apparently gets rid of all foundation marks so I'm excited to see whether this will work with all my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponges as no amount of cleaning will get rid of those stubborn marks.
Everybody received a wee little pot of the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream which helps to banish dak cicles, smooth out fine lines and protect against free radicals with this light weight, peptide packed formula which sinks into the skin almost instantly after applying. As I'm feeling a little swamped in eye creams (don't ask!) I'll be reserving this for when I go to America next year as it's the perfect size for the amount of days I'll be away for.
I've never tried anything from Korres so I was intrigued to see their Citrus Body Milk included in the box. It's a light lotion that not only smells divine but does divine things for the skin! As it contains both almond oil and shea butter, it helps to hydrate and smooth skin which is perfect for using after a bath or shower. Once again, I'll be taking this away with me to America as it's the perfect travel size.
I received a tiny deluxe sample of the ModelCo Lip Lacquer in Morocco which is a nudey pink shade that it both very sheer on the lips and doesn't feel sticky. The formula itself provides long-lasting colour colour and hydration with plenty of shine. This is a beautiful colour and one that I'll be laying over similar colour lipsticks to get the full glossy effect.
I also received a deluxe sample of the Agave Healing Oil Treatment which is a lightweight oil to help smooth hair, build resiliency and boost shine and colour whilst reducing the appearance of split ends. I have more than enough hair oils to use at the moment so I'll definitely be taking this away with me to America next year.
As a few lifestyle extras, Birchbox threw in their own Happy Days Photo Clip to help brighten up the room whilst displaying a photo filled with happy memories. They also threw in a treat sized bag of Urban Fruit of which I received Smashing Strawberry. I'm not a big fan of fruit but I'm hoping this will make me want to eat more fruit whether that be in a snack pack or not is another question..
Overall, I'm thoroughly pleased with this months Birchbox and I'm so glad that I got a huge variety of products that I haven't tried before. I wonder what Birchbox will be putting into their October box as nothing can beat this months in my eyes.
I've been lusting after the Original BeautyBlender with BlenderCleanser Solid for what feels like months and I'm so grateful that I finally have it in my possession! The sponge itself is shaped like an egg which ensures a flawless base with no streaks. It also comes with the solid soap to help clean it which apparently gets rid of all foundation marks so I'm excited to see whether this will work with all my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponges as no amount of cleaning will get rid of those stubborn marks.
Everybody received a wee little pot of the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream which helps to banish dak cicles, smooth out fine lines and protect against free radicals with this light weight, peptide packed formula which sinks into the skin almost instantly after applying. As I'm feeling a little swamped in eye creams (don't ask!) I'll be reserving this for when I go to America next year as it's the perfect size for the amount of days I'll be away for.
I've never tried anything from Korres so I was intrigued to see their Citrus Body Milk included in the box. It's a light lotion that not only smells divine but does divine things for the skin! As it contains both almond oil and shea butter, it helps to hydrate and smooth skin which is perfect for using after a bath or shower. Once again, I'll be taking this away with me to America as it's the perfect travel size.
I received a tiny deluxe sample of the ModelCo Lip Lacquer in Morocco which is a nudey pink shade that it both very sheer on the lips and doesn't feel sticky. The formula itself provides long-lasting colour colour and hydration with plenty of shine. This is a beautiful colour and one that I'll be laying over similar colour lipsticks to get the full glossy effect.
I also received a deluxe sample of the Agave Healing Oil Treatment which is a lightweight oil to help smooth hair, build resiliency and boost shine and colour whilst reducing the appearance of split ends. I have more than enough hair oils to use at the moment so I'll definitely be taking this away with me to America next year.
As a few lifestyle extras, Birchbox threw in their own Happy Days Photo Clip to help brighten up the room whilst displaying a photo filled with happy memories. They also threw in a treat sized bag of Urban Fruit of which I received Smashing Strawberry. I'm not a big fan of fruit but I'm hoping this will make me want to eat more fruit whether that be in a snack pack or not is another question..
Overall, I'm thoroughly pleased with this months Birchbox and I'm so glad that I got a huge variety of products that I haven't tried before. I wonder what Birchbox will be putting into their October box as nothing can beat this months in my eyes.
Monday, 22 September 2014
Nspa Hot Cloth Polish
I'm a huge fan of hot cloth cleansers - my love for both the Liz Earle and Superdrug offering have been well documentated over the past year or so. As much as I love the two, the beauty blogger in me wants to try something different instead of repurchasing which is how I ended up with the Nspa Hot Cloth Polish in my possession.
The Nspa Hot Cloth Polish (£7) is both a cleanser and a polisher in one. It's contains a unique blend of ginseng, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil which helps dissolve the days makeup and impurities whilst buffing away dead skin cells when it comes to removing with the added bonus of a muslin cloth. It contains a protective and anti-oxidant blend of vitamin A, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 which helps leave the skin soft whilst protecting from the days elements.
The N-Spa offering comes enclosed in white pump which makes it both easier to use and much more sanitary than those in a pot. Unlike other cream based cleansers, this is a lot thicker and creamier than what I'm used to but it makes it more luxurious to use. I personally like to use two pumps and massage onto dry skin, ensuring that I work it in circular motions and giving myself a mini facial whilst I'm at it and then removing it with a hot muslin cloth. At first, I will happily admit and say that I wasn't a fan of this but fast forward a few weeks and I love using it! This is definitely one of those cleansers that you should use as your second cleanser rather than your first as although it would remove the bulk of your makeup, it won't nourish your skin as much so you wont get the same effect as if you used it as your second cleanse. I find that when I use this, my skin feels supple and soft to the touch whilst also being really clean but not stripped and dry. I've definitely had more breakouts than normal whilst using this which may be down to how strongly scented it is or down to a number of things but it is definitely one to consider. None the less, it is a brilliant bargain cleanser and one that I will definitey be repurchasing once I've gone through my stash.
The Nspa Hot Cloth Polish (£7) is both a cleanser and a polisher in one. It's contains a unique blend of ginseng, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil which helps dissolve the days makeup and impurities whilst buffing away dead skin cells when it comes to removing with the added bonus of a muslin cloth. It contains a protective and anti-oxidant blend of vitamin A, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 which helps leave the skin soft whilst protecting from the days elements.
The N-Spa offering comes enclosed in white pump which makes it both easier to use and much more sanitary than those in a pot. Unlike other cream based cleansers, this is a lot thicker and creamier than what I'm used to but it makes it more luxurious to use. I personally like to use two pumps and massage onto dry skin, ensuring that I work it in circular motions and giving myself a mini facial whilst I'm at it and then removing it with a hot muslin cloth. At first, I will happily admit and say that I wasn't a fan of this but fast forward a few weeks and I love using it! This is definitely one of those cleansers that you should use as your second cleanser rather than your first as although it would remove the bulk of your makeup, it won't nourish your skin as much so you wont get the same effect as if you used it as your second cleanse. I find that when I use this, my skin feels supple and soft to the touch whilst also being really clean but not stripped and dry. I've definitely had more breakouts than normal whilst using this which may be down to how strongly scented it is or down to a number of things but it is definitely one to consider. None the less, it is a brilliant bargain cleanser and one that I will definitey be repurchasing once I've gone through my stash.
Saturday, 20 September 2014
Samples I've Used Up 015
I've used up a sample of the Avene Micellar Lotion which did the job at removing my makeup. It wasn't anything special and for the price, I would much rather get something a lot cheaper. I've finished up a tube of the Vichy Idealia Life Serum which has similar results to Lancome Vissionaire as it helped even out my skintone whilst making my skin appear more brighter and reducing the appearance of pores. Speaking of Lancome Vissionaire, I've used up four satchets which I managed to get almost three weeks worth of daily use from after dispensing into a small container. As much as I love Vissionaire, I hate how much it costs especially the 30ml but I will definitely be picking up the bigger sized bottle in Duty Free next year which should help ease the pain.
I've finally finished the Lancome Genifique which you use in the mornings after using Visionnaire the night before. I haven't noticed any differences in my skin whilst using Genifique but I have a few more samples of this which I'll be putting to the test. I've used up the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser which I didn't like at all as it's one of those cleansers that you tissue off rather washing off and I felt that it dried my skin out regardless. I've used up the Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum which I thoroughly enjoyed using as it kept my skin hydrated whilst not irritating it and I will definitely be buying this in full size at some point.
I've used up another Sk:n Neck Firming Cream which I seem to have a lot of samples of. I find that this really helps to keep my neck hydrated and after using it, I feel that my neck looks longer and that the lines appear more reduced. I've finished up a tiny tube of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye which I got many uses out of. This is the eye version of the raved about ANR and this is quite literally heaven in a tube. I will definitely be buying this in full size in Duty Free next year. Lastly, I've used up a sample of the Lulu & Boo Frankincense Regenerating Serum which smelt unpleasant but helped hydrate my skin.
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Aussie Take The Heat 3 Minute Miracle
I'm sure that every beauty blogger is no stranger to the brand Aussie especially their three minute miracle hair treatments which are brilliant budget buys and can often be found on a special offer almost everywhere. I personally reserve their intensive treatments for a Sunday night after using a build up removal shampoo as I find that it conditions my hair more. The one that I've been reaching for recently has been the Aussie Take The Heat 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment which has been transforming my hair especially in the heat defence department.
The Aussie Take The Heat 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment (£4.99) is unlike any other deep treatment I've tried from Aussie as it contains a built in heat protection although I would personally use this and double up with a heat protection spray just to truly protect your hair from heat damage. As it contains jojoba seed oil which the Australian natives used to use to heal their skin, this will essentially heal your hair by reconstructing the damaged parts whilst smoothing and soothing it leaving it manageable, shiny and fabulously fragrant.
As I only use this once a week as a deep conditioning treatment, the results don't last quite as long as they would if you were to use this on a daily basis. Just like with the other 3MM, this gives me shiny, soft hair which smells delicious and feels really healthy. The only difference is however is that I think that this has been helping with any heat damage I've encountered from using heat on a daily basis as at my recent hair cut, my hairdresser commented on the lack of split ends which I think is partly down to my current heat defence as well as this brilliant deep conditioning treatment. As I always use Aussie's 3MM, I will definitely be repurchasing this one in particular as it's by far one of their better ones that they do.
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
No7 Blissful Body Wash
I know that this month, my blog has been a little No7 crazy with this being my fourth review in the short space of three weeks however I believe that they are a little underated in the beauty blogging world. I also wanted to use all their bath products at the same time to see how well they worked together which of course meant that I would be reviewing them all around about the same time. This time however, I'm reviewing their Blissful Body Wash which I've been putting to the test for the past few weeks.
The No7 Blissful Body Wash (£9.50 for 200ml) is unlike any other body wash that I've used as for starters, it's more of a body milk rather than a body wash. It contains a nourishing blend of argan oil and grapseed oil which helps protect the skins barrier whilst conditioning the skin from top to toe without leaving the skin dry. I found that I went through this far too quickly for my liking which is probably down to it being a body milk-like consistency unlike a standard shower gel. Despite this, I found it pleasant to use and it did the job. I noticed that unlike some body washes I've used, this didn't irritate my skin especially after shaving and using a salt scrub. Overall, whilst this isn't one of the most cost-per-use-friendly body washes I've used, I can definitely see myself repurchasing this at some point especially when I need some more me time.
The No7 Blissful Body Wash (£9.50 for 200ml) is unlike any other body wash that I've used as for starters, it's more of a body milk rather than a body wash. It contains a nourishing blend of argan oil and grapseed oil which helps protect the skins barrier whilst conditioning the skin from top to toe without leaving the skin dry. I found that I went through this far too quickly for my liking which is probably down to it being a body milk-like consistency unlike a standard shower gel. Despite this, I found it pleasant to use and it did the job. I noticed that unlike some body washes I've used, this didn't irritate my skin especially after shaving and using a salt scrub. Overall, whilst this isn't one of the most cost-per-use-friendly body washes I've used, I can definitely see myself repurchasing this at some point especially when I need some more me time.
Sunday, 14 September 2014
VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray
When it comes to styling or heat products, I've always remained loyal to Tresemme and have repurchased their heat defense numerous times but in true beauty blogger tradition, I decided to branch out and try something different. It's not that I disliked what I was using, I just wanted to try something new so I settled with the VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray after reading numerous rave reviews of it.
The VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray (£3.69) helps protect your hair against heat damage whether that be from an occasional blow dry to regular heat styling. As it contains a heat activated complex, this makes styling a lot easier and quicker whilst calming frizz, static and flyaways all whilst providing a long lasting shine.
What I personally like about the VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray is that it protects your hair with heat up to 230°C whereas the majority of the others claim to protect your hair up to 220°C. Although this may not be a huge difference to most, it's a huge difference to me as when I recently got my hair cut, my hairdresser commented on the lack of split ends and that is with using heat every day. I've noticed that since using this, I don't suffer with a lot of frizz or flyaways which I've been struggling to maintain for a while now and my hair always has a shine even a few days after washing it. As it is cheap as chips, I can definitely see myself repurchasing this once I've finished up a few more heat defences as it truly is a brilliant, budget heat defence spray that I think everybody should try.
The VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray (£3.69) helps protect your hair against heat damage whether that be from an occasional blow dry to regular heat styling. As it contains a heat activated complex, this makes styling a lot easier and quicker whilst calming frizz, static and flyaways all whilst providing a long lasting shine.
What I personally like about the VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray is that it protects your hair with heat up to 230°C whereas the majority of the others claim to protect your hair up to 220°C. Although this may not be a huge difference to most, it's a huge difference to me as when I recently got my hair cut, my hairdresser commented on the lack of split ends and that is with using heat every day. I've noticed that since using this, I don't suffer with a lot of frizz or flyaways which I've been struggling to maintain for a while now and my hair always has a shine even a few days after washing it. As it is cheap as chips, I can definitely see myself repurchasing this once I've finished up a few more heat defences as it truly is a brilliant, budget heat defence spray that I think everybody should try.
Friday, 12 September 2014
Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life
I'm slowly starting to make my way through my moutain of beauty products that I've built up over the past few months and have decided that I don't need to buy anymore until 2016. As I've already tried a few of Soap & Glory's body exfoliators including Flake Away and The Breakfast Scrub, I've decided to dig out their The Scrub Of Your Life and give it a whirl.
The Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life (£7) is by far one of Soap & Glorys' cheaper bathing products unless you count their vast amount of miniatures. It claims that you'll know it's "the one" when once rough elbows go suddenly silky, dry shins become suspiciously shimmery, the bumps are gone through the backs of your arms and you start to believe that scrub can conquer all. It comes housed in a squeezy pink tube which is both easy to use and more shower friendly as there is no mess nor any unscrewing of the lids which we all know is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Unlike the others in their body exfoliator line up, I found myself going through this at a fast rate as a little doesn't go a long way which is definitely the case with the others that I've tried from them. I noticed that this is no where near as exfoliating as I would like it to be and although it did help with the bumps on the backs of my arms, it didn't help reduce the amount of them nor did it help get rid of them entirely. Overall, I was disappointed whilst using this as I believe it should be marketed more as an exfoliating shower gel rather than a body exfoliator as it is too gentle on the skin to notice a difference. With that being said however, it was still a nice product to use regardless and I would consider buying it again in the future although I would use it more as a shower gel.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak
When it comes to bathing, I'm definitely one who would much rather settle for whatever is on offer than splash out big bucks for essentially a product that does exactly the same thing but just with a big name on it. With that being said, I've found myself using something a little more luxurious than your bog standard Radox bubble bath in the form of No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak.
The No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak (£9.50 for 200ml) is one of those products where you feel as if all your worries and cares have melted away, completely. With a nourishing blend of rosehip oil and skin-softening emollients paired with a comforting fragrance to fill the bathroom with soothing hints of white florals and sandalwood, this is definitely the bubble bath to have especially when the silky bath milk cleanses and cares for the skin, leaving it feeling touchably soft and smooth.
The first thing that I noticed about the No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak is the packaging - it just looks so sleek and sophiscated especially when put next to a bottle of Radox. Unlike most bubble bath products, a little goes a long way to create bubbles although no matter how much your pour in, it won't create a mountain of bubbles unfortunately and trust me, I've tried! With that being said, I think how soft it leaves your skin feeling definitely makes up for it as well as how beautifully fragranced it is. Even after having a bath, the bathroom still smells of it hours later. Overall, this is definitely one of those bubble bath products that if you were to mix with an unfragranced one that creates a mountain of bubbles, you'll have the best of both worlds unless you prefer an abundance of bubbles..
The No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak (£9.50 for 200ml) is one of those products where you feel as if all your worries and cares have melted away, completely. With a nourishing blend of rosehip oil and skin-softening emollients paired with a comforting fragrance to fill the bathroom with soothing hints of white florals and sandalwood, this is definitely the bubble bath to have especially when the silky bath milk cleanses and cares for the skin, leaving it feeling touchably soft and smooth.
The first thing that I noticed about the No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak is the packaging - it just looks so sleek and sophiscated especially when put next to a bottle of Radox. Unlike most bubble bath products, a little goes a long way to create bubbles although no matter how much your pour in, it won't create a mountain of bubbles unfortunately and trust me, I've tried! With that being said, I think how soft it leaves your skin feeling definitely makes up for it as well as how beautifully fragranced it is. Even after having a bath, the bathroom still smells of it hours later. Overall, this is definitely one of those bubble bath products that if you were to mix with an unfragranced one that creates a mountain of bubbles, you'll have the best of both worlds unless you prefer an abundance of bubbles..
Monday, 8 September 2014
Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
I'm definitely one of those people who are open minded when it comes to buying products especially when some bloggers who I follow religiously and buy their every recommended product say do not buy this. However, I've realised that everybody is different - what may not work for somebody may work brilliantly for somebody else. So when I found out that Botanics have rebranded, reformulated and repackaged their products a few years back; many people declared that the All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover has changed entirely and thus no longer works for them however going in with an open mind, I bought it and have been trialling it for the last few months or so.
The Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (£3.99 for 150ml) is a clear bi-phase oil solution that you have to shake up to combine the two liquids in order to use. The clear oil on top helps remove daily grime and makeup including waterproof whilst the bottom aqueuous phase which is given its colour by hibiscus helps to soothe the eye area and condition lashes.
Unlike other eye makeup removers I've tried, this needs a little more elbow grease to remove all eye makeup which is never a bad thing especially when you're wanting to make sure that you've removed it all. I find that after using this, there is a slight oily residue left behind which disappears once you've followed up with a micellar water or a cleanser. I think that it's a bit far fetched for Botanics to claim that this will brighten up the area as I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever whilst using this despite it containing brightening hibiscus which the entire All Bright range contains. Overall, I thoroughly like using this eye makeup remover and once I've gone through the rest of my stash, I will be happily repurchasing this as it's always on offer in Boots.
The Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (£3.99 for 150ml) is a clear bi-phase oil solution that you have to shake up to combine the two liquids in order to use. The clear oil on top helps remove daily grime and makeup including waterproof whilst the bottom aqueuous phase which is given its colour by hibiscus helps to soothe the eye area and condition lashes.
Unlike other eye makeup removers I've tried, this needs a little more elbow grease to remove all eye makeup which is never a bad thing especially when you're wanting to make sure that you've removed it all. I find that after using this, there is a slight oily residue left behind which disappears once you've followed up with a micellar water or a cleanser. I think that it's a bit far fetched for Botanics to claim that this will brighten up the area as I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever whilst using this despite it containing brightening hibiscus which the entire All Bright range contains. Overall, I thoroughly like using this eye makeup remover and once I've gone through the rest of my stash, I will be happily repurchasing this as it's always on offer in Boots.
Have you tried the Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover?
Saturday, 6 September 2014
No7 Completely Quenched Body Lotion
Does anybody else feel as if they go through body moisturisers far too quickly or is it just me? I hate moisturising my body with a passion yet I force myself to do so every other day after I've had a bath just so that I can say that I have moisturised my body. Despite doing this, I still feel like I've gone through a whole tube/pot in a matter of uses. A product that I feel like I used up within a week is the No7 Completely Quenched Body Lotion which smells absolutely divine if I don't say so myself!
The No7 Completely Quenched Body Lotion (£10.50 for 200ml) is one of No7s' more luxurious products as you could quite literally wrap your skin head-to-toe with this velvety soft lotion that is light on the skin and absorbs almost instantly. It hydrates thirsty skin whilst softening and soothing the skin at the same time all whilst leaving the skin healthier and more radiant than before.
It's scented like the rest of the No7 bathing line up - a scent that I can't quite descibe in words other than luxurious and sweet. As a body lotion, the texture is rather thick so it does take time to work it all in and as a result, feel greasy afterwards which quickly disappears. Just as the name suggests, this truly is a moisturising body lotion as my body feels hydrated for hours after applying it which is down to it containing coconut oil and shea butter which makes it a truly nourishing formula. Unlike other body lotions where a little goes a long way, this doesn't so I've found myself needing a lot more than normal to moisturise my body which probably explains why I feel like I've gone through it rather quickly. As it is rather pricey, this is definitely a factor to consider although when they're handing out the No7 coupons, it does make it a lot cheaper. Overall, this is one of the best body moisturisers I've used to date and I will definitely be repurchasing once I've gone through my stash.
The No7 Completely Quenched Body Lotion (£10.50 for 200ml) is one of No7s' more luxurious products as you could quite literally wrap your skin head-to-toe with this velvety soft lotion that is light on the skin and absorbs almost instantly. It hydrates thirsty skin whilst softening and soothing the skin at the same time all whilst leaving the skin healthier and more radiant than before.
It's scented like the rest of the No7 bathing line up - a scent that I can't quite descibe in words other than luxurious and sweet. As a body lotion, the texture is rather thick so it does take time to work it all in and as a result, feel greasy afterwards which quickly disappears. Just as the name suggests, this truly is a moisturising body lotion as my body feels hydrated for hours after applying it which is down to it containing coconut oil and shea butter which makes it a truly nourishing formula. Unlike other body lotions where a little goes a long way, this doesn't so I've found myself needing a lot more than normal to moisturise my body which probably explains why I feel like I've gone through it rather quickly. As it is rather pricey, this is definitely a factor to consider although when they're handing out the No7 coupons, it does make it a lot cheaper. Overall, this is one of the best body moisturisers I've used to date and I will definitely be repurchasing once I've gone through my stash.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Free No7 GWP
To celebrate the launch of No7's new Match Made Lipstick Service (47 new shades of lipsticks to suit a variety of foundation shades) they've brought out a new gift with purchase which sadly isn't lipstick based but is more purple themed and aimed at the eyes.
Included in this fabulously designed gift is a deluxe sized sample of one of No7's newer mascaras Lovely Lashes which aims to give the lashes natural, glossy volume whilst enriching them with the added bonus of Argan Oil. A smaller version of their infamous eye colour brush is also included albeit it does feel a little stiff. There is a full size Stay Perfect Metallic Eyes Pencil in Purple which has a pencil on one end and a smudger on the end to create a pop of colour with a serious amount of impact. Lastly, is a little eyeshadow which is in the top shade from their Forest Fruits Trio (the shade itself is a shimmery rose gold pink hue).
In order to receieve this free gift with purchase which is worth £26, you must buy any two No7 cosmetics which when combined with the £3 off voucher, makes it more worthwhile. I would highly suggest checking out their new lipsticks as I've certainly got my eyes on a few bright numbers which surprisingly, I feel comfortable wearing.
Included in this fabulously designed gift is a deluxe sized sample of one of No7's newer mascaras Lovely Lashes which aims to give the lashes natural, glossy volume whilst enriching them with the added bonus of Argan Oil. A smaller version of their infamous eye colour brush is also included albeit it does feel a little stiff. There is a full size Stay Perfect Metallic Eyes Pencil in Purple which has a pencil on one end and a smudger on the end to create a pop of colour with a serious amount of impact. Lastly, is a little eyeshadow which is in the top shade from their Forest Fruits Trio (the shade itself is a shimmery rose gold pink hue).
In order to receieve this free gift with purchase which is worth £26, you must buy any two No7 cosmetics which when combined with the £3 off voucher, makes it more worthwhile. I would highly suggest checking out their new lipsticks as I've certainly got my eyes on a few bright numbers which surprisingly, I feel comfortable wearing.
*This is NOT a sponsored post.
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
August Favourites
Do you have a favourite clothing item that you wear constantly that it's practically falling apart? I'm like that with the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge except I have three and one of which I will have to either chuck or replace. I use this everyday without fail when I'm applying makeup as it's the only tool I've used to apply my base with for the last few months. It's kicking the Real Techniques Buffing Brushs' butt - literally. As I'm currently suffering with the mother of all breakouts, I've found myself relying more and more on the Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer which I've been applying to anything that needs concealing. It's got buildable coverage, feels light weight and does the job ever so well. Seventeen have a limited colour range so I find that Extra Fair is the perfect match for me albeit being too light in certain lightings.
As well as concealing the mother of all breakouts, I've been arming myself with the Nip + Fab Gycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads to help combat them. These are soaked in a mixture of gycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and blue daisy which not only helps with blemishes but it resurfaces the skin whilst moisturising and soothing the skin. I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin and I think its partially down to using these bad boys. I've even been recommending them to anybody and everybody who listens and quite a few people who have bought them after my recommendation are now having better skin days.
I've found myself favouring a nude-ish lip throughout August so I've been applying MAC Creme Cup almost religiously and toning it down slightly with a dab of concealer to create the perfect milky, pink nude that suits my pale complexion. I've noticed that I've almost used it all up so a repurchase is most definitely needed.
As well as concealing the mother of all breakouts, I've been arming myself with the Nip + Fab Gycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads to help combat them. These are soaked in a mixture of gycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and blue daisy which not only helps with blemishes but it resurfaces the skin whilst moisturising and soothing the skin. I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin and I think its partially down to using these bad boys. I've even been recommending them to anybody and everybody who listens and quite a few people who have bought them after my recommendation are now having better skin days.
I've found myself favouring a nude-ish lip throughout August so I've been applying MAC Creme Cup almost religiously and toning it down slightly with a dab of concealer to create the perfect milky, pink nude that suits my pale complexion. I've noticed that I've almost used it all up so a repurchase is most definitely needed.
What products have you been loving throughout August?
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