August Empties

Lots of products to get through this month so I am going to keep it brief! Lots of these products have full reviews on my blog already anyway!

Argan Oil Cleansing Facial Wipes

I hadn't seen these before so picked them up at a bargain £1. They are a nice wet wipe and remove my makeup well. Repurchase? Yes

T-Zone Cleansing Wipes

These are my favourite wipes that I always go back to. They are cheap, smell lovely and do the job! Repurchase? Yes 

T-Zone Clear Out Nose Pore Strip

I don't really get many black heads but saw these for a great price and bought them. I don't need them so they do nothing for me and are painful to remove. Repurchase? No

Clarins Cleansing Milk Sample

I did a whole review of these and they just didn't impress me for the price! Repurchase? No

Nivea Soft 

I was using this as a night cream for my face and really like it. It is very moisturising and smells lovely. When I wake up I can still feel the benefit of applying this cream the night before - a real winner. Repurchase? Yes

Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-up Remover

This is own of those products that has two parts and you have to shake them together before using. The only problem is, after a while I only had one of the parts left! This is very oily and greasy on the skin but it does a super job of removing all traces of makeup and its very gentle on the eyes. Repurchase? Yes, if I don't find anything better.

Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin-Enriched Toner

I wrote about this when I posted my skincare routine. It's very gentle, even around the eye area and leaves skin feeling really clean. Repurchase? Yes

Dr. Alkaitis Night Cream*

I got this in my Souk Souk box along with the day cream. I enjoy the feeling in my skin fom this product but the smell was very off putting. Repurchase? No

V05 Give Me Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner 

These are not my usual hair are products but the were on offer and handy sized bottles for my bag when I was off on holiday. I like these, they do the job but they are nothing special. Repurchase? Yes

L'oreal Lumino Contrast Hair Mask

I can't remember where I got this but have had it a while and decided to give it a go. This left my hair really smooth but tried out my scalp a little. Repurchase? No

Sanctuary Hand Cream

I'm really in to hand cream at the moment and this one was lovely. The tube size is perfect for my hand bag and I adored the smell of this product. Repurchase? Yes

T-Zone Revitalising Body Wash

I saw this on offer and decided to pick it up because I love their facial skincare range. I'm so glad I did because its a really lovely body wash. The smell is really fresh and it really weakens you up in the morning. Repurchase? Yes

Balance Me. Super Toning Body Wash

I got this free in a magazine and really enjoyed using it. The fragrance is lovely and really natural and it foams up well. Repurchase? Yes

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser

I did a full review of this product and I'm a big fan. It's really handy and allows for whole body moisturising really quickly and mess free. My only problem is that this didn't last mor than 2 weeks and its pretty pricey. Repurchase? Yes, if it was on offer

Nivea Stress Protect and Sure Clear Pure

When it comes to deodorant I just buy what's on offer. Both of these d the job. Repurchase? Yes

Astral

I love this cream and always pick one up when it's on offer. It's great for really dry areas like elbows and knees. Repurchase? Yes

Model Co Fibre Lashxtend Mascara

I got this as a magazine freebie and I love it. It's a great lengthening mascara which separates lashes with no clumps. The only reason I wouldn't repurchase is that it's a bit on the expensive side for me. Repurchase? No

Sample of Estée Lauder Double Wear

This is the foundation I normally use but I got this sample to try another shade. Repurchase? Yes

What have you used up this month? 

 

 

 

 

Products I'm Passing On - Reviews

Recently I visited my sister, Hannah, and decided to bring her a box of products that I wasn't using anymore. Some I didn't like and some I just didn't get round to using or didn't need. Below I have briefly outlined why I was getting rid of each and have included what my sister thought also. I think it's really interesting to see different opinions and it just goes to show that just because I don't like it, it doesn't mean that it isn't any good!

MUA Lipstick Shade 12 - I like this lipstick but I accidentally bought two of the same shade and I will never get through that much lipstick! I'm a big fan of the MUA lipsticks and think they are a great product for such a low price.

Hannah -  I've used MUA lipsticks before and really like them. The silver writing on the black casing looks nice, and these lipsticks also have a little pot of lipgloss on the bottom which is a nice touch. This one was shade 12, which is darkish pink and glittery. This would be something I would use if my hair colour didn't completely clash with it, however I will hang onto it for the next time I change my hair!

6 Samples of My Trusty Little Sunflower Cream - I love this and have a full bottle so don't really need these sachet samples. I use it on my face and find it really hydrating. I tend to only use it at bed time because I find it doesn't absorb into the skin quickly and leaves a white residue.

Hannah -  I'm a big fan of moisturising products so I was more than happy to receive these. I work as a chef, and so my hands quite often get burned, or become dry from constant hand washing, so I used this cream on them after my shifts. I found that the cream rubbed in well and did not leave my skin feeling greasy at all, and the lavender scented cream had a lovely, subtle smell. I used the unscented cream on my face as a morning moisturiser and i was really pleased with it too. However, I would have to use this product for a longer period of time to know whether it was superior to other moisturisers i use. These were nice to use, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy the product, as I already have a brand of moisturising lotion that I like.

Style Expertise Texture Salt Infusion Surf Spray - My hair is really fine and not really suited to products like this. I had used this occasionally but then I got a similar one in a Glossybox so I will just use that one instead. I find that even with this product I can't get any sort of wave or messy look without heat styling.

Hannah - I am a big fan of hair products, so I was pleased to receive this. The bottle is a lovely colour and doesn't look cheap like a lot of store brand products do. It is very easy to use as you simply spray it onto your hair, and it smells lovely and fresh. I was really happy with the rough, tousled look it gave my hair, and it didn't go flat or frizzy throughout the day. My only criticism of this product is that the day after using this, my hair was totally unmanageable and it was impossible to run a brush or comb through it. As I tend to wash my hair every second day, this is a bit of a problem. Despite this, I will still use this on occasions such as a night out, and I would consider buying it again.

Deep Action Cleansing Lotion - If you read my blog, you already know I don't like this! It stings!

Hannah -  I have just run out of makeup wipes, so this came at a convenient time. I like the fact that it doesn't need to be rinsed off, as I'm not too keen on rinsing my face with water other than in the shower. I was expecting the sting, and it came, but it was more of a burning sensation, especially around the eyes, and the feeling stayed for quite a while after. It did its job though, and my face felt fresh. I will continue to use this product, but will not be going near my eyes with it again.

You Mist Me Luxury Flirtatious Scented Mist - I actually quite like the smell of this body mist as it is really subtle. It's a cute small bottle and handy for throwing in a bag but I just won't use it as I always wear perfume.

Hannah - This stuff smells pretty nice, it's very sweet, but that's the kind of smell I like to wear. However, the scent is very faint, and disappears after only an hour or so of using. It's a nice idea, but I'd rather splash out on a nice perfume than buy a cheaper, watered down spray, so I won't be buying this again. I will use the rest of it though, because it does smell nice while it lasts!

Beauty Formulas Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask - I used this mask once and I like the affects on my skin afterwards but I found the smell really off-putting.

Hannah - I don't often use face masks, so this was a treat. The mask smells lovely, and is really easy to apply. However, once it dries, it goes hard and feels quite uncomfortable. After I had washed it off, my face did feel and look  refreshed ,so I will use this again, but probably would not buy it.


nspa Beauty Balm - I recently reviewed this and thought it was a good product just not something I will use because I prefer a full face of foundation!

Hannah - I had never even heard of BB cream before I was given this! I feel like I have missed out. I use foundation but have really struggled to ever find one that matches my pale skin tone, and often end up with a tideline, but the BB cream is perfect. It gives enough coverage for me and it isn't too dark for my skin. It moisturises well, and it does look very natural and fresh. I will still use foundation sometimes, but I will definitely be buying this again.

Have you tried any of these products? 

Code Beautiful - Code VLM - Mascara Review

'We're just two women who went on a mission to find the ultimate mascara and couldn't .... so we decided to make our own!' Kirsti and Sarah, creators of CODE Beautiful.

I am not particularly blessed in the eyelash department. My lashes are a decent length but so straight that it takes a lot to get a dramatic look from them. In the past I have turned to eyelash extensions but they are expensive, time consuming and high maintenance! I have recently found the perfect eyelash curler but still flit between mascaras, looking for something fantastic. Needless to say, I was excited to try this new product from CODE Beautiful. 

CODE VLM Volumising Lengthening Mascara* £19.95

Firstly, the packaging of the mascara is gorgeous. It comes in a lovely presentation box that has application instructions. The wand is exactly the kind I love to use. I find the tapered end perfect for reaching the inner corner.

I curled my eyelashes and then applied a coat of this by hold the brush at the base of my lashes then curling out. With one coat my eyelashes looked defined but I added a second coat to give more volume. Even my boyfriend commented on how 'big' my lashes looked.

Throughout the day I found this mascara stayed put and didn't crumble like many tend to. When I went to wash it off I found that I needed 2 pads of remover but I did eventually get my eyelashes clear of product.

This mascara is a real winner and I am really enjoying using it! 

It can be purchased from http://www.code-beautiful.com

 
 
 
 

Fudge Urban Colour Hair Chalk - Review

I haven't dyed my hair for years and I am not very adventurous with styling so I was keen to try these hair chalks as they looked so simple to use.

Fudge Urban Colour Hair Chalk in Festival Pink* £4.99

The hair chalks are available in 5 colours: Iced White, Red Hot Pepper, Electrik Blue, Pumped-up Purple and Festival Pink, which I have reviewed.  

The idea of the chalks is that you can create crazy coloured looks, great for parties and festivals, which can be washed out the next day. They are really easy to use and totally mess free. They can be used on dry or wet hair and hair can be twisted to encourage the colour to grip more. Hairspray will keep the colour locked on for the whole night. 

I used these on a little ladies light hair because I wasn't sure how they would show up in photos on my own dark hair. I simple took a strand of hair and drew a line with the chalk. I didn't spray with hairspray and the colour stayed put all evening. When washing the next morning her hair needed a little extra scrub to get all the colour out but in general it was easy to remove. 

These are really fun and great for young girls or for a festival or night out. They are really easy to use can be mixed up to create different shades. 

These can be bought from Superdrug and more information can be found on the Fudge website: http://www.fudge.com/en-int/

 

Current Favourites #1

I have decided to start writing favourites posts. I'm not sure that I will have enough products to have a monthly feature so will just post them as and when! 

Carex Cola Bottles Hand Wash 

Normally I don't review hand washes or include them in posts but I honestly can't get enough of this one! The chocolate orange and strawberry laces versions were nice too but this is a clear winner in my eyes. Purely for how delicious it smells I will definitely be buying this again! I bought this for £1 from Morrisons but it seems to be available everywhere at various prices.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush  - Electric Pink Satin £25

This is much more than I would usually spend on blush but I absolutely love this product. The colour is gorgeous and the packaging is really high quality. I have been using this for 2 months but my use is barely visible. It applies well and lasts all day. 

Real Techniques Detailer Brush - From The Core Collection 

I overlooked this brush when I first got the set and have only really begun to use it now. It is perfect for applying concealer or for adding more foundation to tricky parts of your face. 

Amie All Clear Instant Action Spot Clearing Gel* £4.95

I am not a spotty person. I am very lucky with my skin and very rarely get so much as a pimple. Recently I have started a new job and the stress has caused a major break-out on my chin. This gel has been a god send during this time! I apply it before bed, spreading it across my whole chin. It's lovely and cooling and really soothes the soreness. In the morning I find the redness is significantly reduced and the spots dry up much quicker than usual. A real winner! This can be bought from the website http://amieskincare.com/product/amie-all-clear-instant-action-spot-clearing-gel-15ml/

Do you like reading favourites posts? 

 

 

Clay and Mud Masks - Reviews

I love a face mask and have recently begun to experiment more with clay and mud based masks. These are different to my usual type of mask because they dry hard and can feel quite strange on the face! This is a collective post, reviewing 3 different masks that I have tried.

Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask* Prices from £1.50

I have tried several Amie skincare products and loved them all. This mask is no exception. This contains 94% natural ingredients and contains organic peppermint, French white clay and lime butter. This mask smells divine. You can really smell the lime and it gives it a gorgeous fresh smell. This is very easy to apply and doesn't go particularly hard when dry. I love the cooling, tingly feel this product gives to your skin. After removing the mask I use a light moisturiser and find this really heightens the cooling tingle. My skin is left feeling super soft and is still noticeably smooth the next morning. This mask comes highly recommended from me. It can be purchased from Boots or from the website: http://amieskincare.com/buy-online/spring-clean-cooling-clay-mask/

Live Native Botanic Earth Mud Mask* Prices start at £7.50

Unlike the masks I usually use, this comes as a powder and has to be mixed with water. The sample above makes two masks. The mask contains acai, cacao, spirulina and 23K gold leaf. I used one spoon of the mask mixed with a spoon of warm water and applied it to my face. This is quite a messy business but once on the face it sets well and dries quickly. This smells heavenly! It has a rich cocoa smell and makes you want to lick your face! You have to keep this mask moist throughout which I did by laying a wet cloth over my face after a few minutes. Once washed off my skin felt very soft and the next day was a good base for my makeup. I also love that this is a local company to me, on the isle of skye! To find out more, go to the website: http://www.livenative.co.uk/article_03BEML100/botanic-earth-mud-mask-100ml.html

The Herb Jar Toning & Exfoliating Face Mask* £1.40 for sample

This 8g sample is marked as one use however I found it too much for one and halved the mixture. This mask is available for various skin types and I received a sample for normal skin. This contains rosehip and pomegranate extracts. Similar to the last mask this has to be mixed with warm water before applied to the face. It dries very hard and can be a little uncomfortable on the face. I left this for 10 minutes, washed it off and followed it with a sample of The Herb Jar moisturiser. The moisturiser also needs to be diluted with water and leaves the skin really smooth and hydrated. I thoroughly recommend these products if you are interested in natural beauty. These can be purchased from the website http://www.herbjar.co.uk/natural-skin-care-product-samples/face-mask-samples

Have you tried any of these masks? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SoukSouk Little Green Beauty Box - August 2013

I'm a sucker for a beauty box. I love the surprise and getting to try products I may never have discovered before. SoukSouk Little Green Beauty Box* offers 5 samples that are natural, organic and chemical free all in a monthly box with a free magazine dedicated to green beauty. I was kindly sent the August 2013 box to review for you.

The first thing to notice about this box is, unlike other boxes, there is no inner box. Instead the products are housed within the outer box, surrounded by shredded paper to protect them meaning less waste. Also unlike other boxes, SoukSouk comes with its own magazine as well as a product menu. The magazine is packed full of green beauty hints and tips plus some natural product recommendations. This is a lovely touch and I really enjoyed reading it. 

 

Dr Alkaitis Organic Day Cream RRP £6.95 (5ml)

This cream is in a small pump bottle like a perfume sample. I found the packaging very difficult to get the cream out of. The ingredients boast echinacea root, St John's wort flowers, water navelwort, horsetail, coltsfoot and marigold blossoms with organic shea butter and aloe vera gel. The cream has a lovely smell and soaks into the skin well.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Night Cream RRP £6.95 (5ml)

I had the same packaging problems with this one! The night cream contains olive, jojoba, wild carrot, Roman chamomile and hundred-leaf rose blossom.

Bloom Remedies Daily Balance Cream RRP £10.99

Much better packaging with this product. This comes in a glass bottle with a pump top and is a fairly thin cream so is pumped easily. This cream contains 77% organic ingredients including sweet orange, geranium and rose. Tis runs in well and a little goes a lovely way. The scent of this is gorgeous and so natural smelling.

Alva Stressed Hands Cream RRP £2.03 (18ml)

This hand cream contains avocado, calendula and chamomile and is said to soothe dry, coarse and hardworking hands. This has a strong smell which, although not unpleasant, smells almost medicinal. It leaves hands feeling soft but not greasy.

Avril Certified Organic Mascara in Black RRP £7

This mascara is new to the UK from a French company. I have never used a green beauty mascara before so I'm happy to see this in the box. The want is a great shape, bristly but not too big. 

Box Bonus! Avril Eyelash Curler

It's always nice to get something extra! 

This box is £12 plus postage making it £14.95 a month. The products are worth more than you pay and this box included a great mix of lovely natural things. I also love the addition of the magazine.

To find out more and to order, see the website http://www.souksouk.co.uk/ or follow on Twiter @souksoukUK

*PR sample 

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Smile - BeconfiDent

I have used home teeth whitening kits in the past and have had some success with them. After a few applications I always found my teeth whiter but then I began to find them sensitive and slightly painful. We are warned off teeth-whitening because the peroxide can cause sensitivity.

BeconfiDent is different because it is peroxide-free. The ingredients are organic and there are no harmful chemicals in the formulae. The product claims whiter teeth in 30 mins but can it really achieve this with no peroxide?

Teeth Whitening Kit* £19.99

This kit contains 10ml syringe of gel, 3 mouth trays, 1 shade guide and 1 instruction manual. Firstly you soften the mouth trays in hot water and mould them to your teeth. Then you line each tray with approximately 0.5ml of the gel before placing the trays in your mouth. Like all mouth trays, these are uncomfortable and cause you to look somewhat like a slobbering dog. Also the taste of the gel if swallowed is very unpleasant! 

After the first treatment of 15 mins I saw no difference however when I repeated the process the next day I found my teeth do look whiter. The instruction manual recommends continuing the steps everyday for up to 10 days of required. 

Teeth Whitening Pen* £12.99

The teeth whitening pen is for use alongside the kit. It's designed for hard to reach areas like between the teeth and for use between treatments. This product is very easy to use. You dry teeth, wind up the pen then brush the gel onto your teeth. Keep your mouth open for 3 minutes to avoid the gel rubbing onto the lips and then close mouth normally, no need to rinse the gel off. This is a quick and easy process and handy if you don't have 15 minutes to sit with the trays in!

Although a peroxide treatment would lighten your teeth faster and more noticeably, this product certainly has made my teeth whiter and has left me with no sensitivity or pain. I would thoroughly recommend it if you are looking to brighten your smile. The prices are very reasonable and the site offers free delivery to the UK!

Find out more at http://www.beconfident.co.uk/ or follow on Twitter for more details @beconfiDentUK

*PR sample 

 

 
 
 

LAQA & CO from Sparkling or Still

I love packaging. It's all about attention to detail and gorgeous packaging can really make a product for me. LAQA & CO have taken this to the next level by using artwork by talented young artists on the boxes of their cosmetics.

I almost didn't want to open these and I certainly won't be disposing of the boxes. The artists are given a cut of the profit and you can read more about them on the website. LAQA & CO are an American company and their products are now available in the UK through Sparkling or Still who kindly sent me these samples. 

Fat Lip Pencil in Bossy Boots* £12.50

Bossy Boots is a gorgeous deep red coloured lip pencil. To use this you draw around the natural line of you lips and then fill them in. I didn't find this the easiest to apply as the deep colour means mistakes are shown easily. The texture is lovely and creamy and slides across the lips well. This has a nice minty taste and the packaging means you can roll it up rather than having to sharpen it. I found the colour stayed on my lips for a long time as this almost acts as a stain. These aren't sticky on the lips at all and make a nice alternative to gloss or lipstick. 

Nail Polish in Chubs* £8.50

Chubs is a gorgeous deep gold colour. The intensity of the colour means that, with only one coat, you get a nice, full colour. This applies easily and dries quickly. I love the bottle shape and the brush is lovely and long for ease of application. 

Nail Varnish in Greedy Guts* £8.50 

Don't be deceived by the colour in the bottle, this is actually a lovely pinky red and much easier to wear than I first thought. You need two costs of this to get a deep colour but it layers well and dries into a lovely, shiny finish.

Nail Varnish Pen in Incestuous* £10.50

This product is genius. I have seen nail varnish pens before but they have been fiddly and designed for nail art. This pen has a brush top and is designed for easy application on the go. You give the coloured end a few pumps and the polish starts to dispense through the brush - simple. This colour is pale and needs 3 coats but you are left with a gorgeous pale purple colour. Inside the box there is an instruction leaflet which is written as if it were a talking leaflet. I'm a sucker for cute instructions!

The overall presentation of these products is second to none making them a great gift or a gorgeous treat for yourself!

All of the above and more can be purchased from http://www.sparklingorstill.com/

*PR sample  

 

 

 

Asda Young Skin - Review

I love the Asda Young Skin range. They do basics for a great price and are really handy to bulk out your skin care routine. The prices seem to change but always stay under £1. These cost me between 85p and 97p.

Foaming Facial Scrub

I'm not sure how much this actually foams but its a great scrub which is not too harsh. I use this weekly and it leaves my skin smooth. The price of these products means you don't expect a lot from the ingredients but this is parabens free and suitable for vegetarians. 

Eye Make-up Remover

I got this recently and I have to say that it is my least favourite of the 3. It does a good enough job of removing my makeup but is slightly stingy on the eyes. I will continue to use this but I'm not sure if I will buy it again.

Matt Finish Moisturiser 

This is my favourite of the young skin range and I have been using this for a while. This moisturiser is very light and absorbs into skin quickly making it great for a morning product. I use this underneath my foundation. It helps my makeup go on smoothly and keeps my face from getting shiny throughout the day.

Have you tried any of this range? 

Faith In Nature - Shower Gel & Bath Foam - Review

I love a bath. I put a face mask on, get a trashy magazine and lay back in the warm and soothing water. Of course, a bath is not complete without bubbles and the Shower Gel & Bath Foam* from Faith In Nature is my favourite at the moment!

Faith In Nature is a UK based company with over 30 years experience in natural beauty. Their products use naturally sourced ingredients, contain no artificial colourings or perfumes and are free from parabens and SLES. Importantly they are not tested on animals and, where possible, their packaging is made from recycled materials. You really can have a clean conscious with these products!

The products I have received can be used either as shower gel or as a bath foam. I have used 2-in-1 bath foams before and often find they don't bubble enough for me but that is definitely not the case with this! I poured a generous amount under running water and found it foamed instantly. I was left with a very bubbly bath and the foam lasted the duration of my bath.

As a shower gel this is equally as effective. I used it on a shower puff and it lathered up nicely. These products smell amazing. The scents are natural and soothing and just what I need to relax in the bath or shower. The gel leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated, especially when used in the bath.

This product is available in several variations. I received Aloe Vera & Ylang Ylang and Lavender £ Geranium. The Ylang Ylang is described as an energising shower gel whilst the lavender is to calm and sooth. 

The gels are between £5.20 and £5.45 for 400ml and can be purchased here.

Faith In Nature also have a loyalty scheme and more information can be found on their website or by following them in Twitter @FaithInNature

*PR sample 

Elf Studio Shimmer Palette - Review

Recently I received my first Elf order. I have was happy with everything that I ordered but this shimmer palette really caught my eye and so I have decided to review it. My order was bought at the time of the sale but usually this item retails at £3.75.

This palette is from the studio range and is in the studio black packaging. I have found that the leap in quality between the basics and the studio range is huge. This product doesn't feel cheap and the packaging is really sturdy.

Inside there is a mirror and this palette comes with its own brush. I have been using the brush and found that it does the job however I am going to be using my Real Techniques detail brush for this product. I will leave the brush in the palette as it will be handy if I'm traveling. 

The palette features 4 creamy shimmery shades which can be used on the eyes, lips and face. I bought this as a high later and have been using the pinky shade along my cheek bones and the white in my Cupid's bow. I have also tried this on my lips and it gives a lovely shimmer. The swatches don't show up well in camera because this product really needs the light on it. All the shades are fairly similar but you can see their colours coming through.

I'm really enjoying using this palette and think it is an absolute bargain.