Lipstick Fridays Blog Sale

I had some credit in my paypal account so bought this from Lipstick Friday's blog sale.  I do love Bath & Body Works.  We used to have a shop here and I was in it just about every day!

I got this Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Trio - Triple Moisture Body Cream (226g), Anti-Bac Moisturising Hand Lotion and Anti-Bac Hand Gel 29ml.  You can see Lipstick Fridays blog sale here.  Check out her blog too - its fab!

I paid £5 for all plus P&P and love all the products! x


p.s. oops another body lotion!

No7 £5 Money Off Voucher

Boots No7 £5 off voucher promotion is running until 25 March.  I picked up Beautiful Skin Energising Mask.  The normally retails at £12.50 for 75ml.

Suitable for all skin types.  This is a peel off mask - one of my favourite types! It's got a light, fresh floral scent.  Use once or twice a week for fresh and bright skin.  Looking forward to trying this out as I've not tried this particular mask before (and yes, I broke my spending ban - only lasted a week!) I'll do a review once I  try it out.

Do you think you'll get anything during the promotion?  

Joliebox - February

A long wait for this box as there was no January box.  Packaged slightly differently in a black drawstring bag with "Joliebox" logo on it and then packaged in the box as normal.  Not sure what I will do with all the bags I'll collect!

I'd seen a few spoilers and wasn't too impressed with the box but now I've got it I am quite pleased with it.

Here are the contents:

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink - "multi-purpose stain which adjusts its colour to your mood and temperature".  Love this! Pretty pink shade and very moisturising.

Macademia Deep Repair Masque - 30ml sachet - "ultra-conditioning hair masque will rebuild damaged hair for improved shine & elasticity".  Love the brand so looking forward to trying this out.  Reckon I'll get 2-3 uses.  

TAAJ Himalaya Micellar Water 100ml - a make up remover for face and eyes.  Can't wait to try this out.  This is the reason I like the boxes as I get to try brands I have never heard of.  I'd never have found Leonor Greyl if it hadn't been for Boudoir Prive!  Check out my Leonor Greyl posts here and here.

KIMIA Rejuvenating Facial System sample - facial oil and hydro activator.  Tried this before a few times via free samples (Love Lula/Naturisimo) so wish I'd got the alternative RMK cleansing oil scented with mint & Damascus Rose.

Lavera Basis Sensitive Organic Hand Cream 20ml - got this in Latest in Beauty box.  Not too excited by this, its an okay hand cream but there are others I prefer.

I am quite happy with this box, love seeing new brands and different products from brands I know and love.  I think I'll be keeping this subscription! 

What are your thoughts?  Did you love the box or hate it?

Parcel from America

One of the American girls on Beauty Box Swaps said she'd be happy to send products to the UK (I paid via paypal).  I was hoping the parcel would be here in time for my Valentine Giveaway - alas not!  I'd asked for two of the Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butters in Berry Smoothie - one of which I'm posting to Evelyn to try out.  The other colour I got is Gumdrop - a really pale pink.  I am loving them, they are so moisturising - can't wait for them to hit the shelves here on 3rd March!  I think I want every shade. (I'll try and get the camera to give me a swatch photo but its easy to find a photo of the shades if you search on Google).

I also asked for some Bath & Body Works.  I asked for surprise products and was sent 2 x 88ml mini bottles of Country Chic shower gel and White Citrus Body Lotion.  

p.s. I'd bought these before my spending ban! x

Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream 30ml

I received this 80% organic face cream in Pai's monthly prize draw for newsletter subscribers which you can read about here.

Packaged in a glass bottle with pump top.  This cream is lightly scented with geranium and thistle.  It really suits my combination skin, has a light texture and is easily absorbed. Balances redness and reduces pores.  It mattifies instantly so you can put make up on straight away.  Also great for sensitive skin types.  Retails at £24 for 30ml.  I'll definitely purchase it at some point.


You can see the website here.

Mystery Box - Beauty Products from Hong Kong

I recently took part in a mystery swap with Maria who swaps on beauty box swaps on Facebook.  She brought me back all these goodies from her holiday in Hong Kong.  I paid £10 including postage.  Look also at the very cute little notes about what everything is and how to use them.  Love it!

Here is what I got:

4 x assorted paper face masks - the interesting sounding "bird's nest collagen mask" is not available in the UK.  Looking forward to trying these out - they look really good.

Under Eye Masks - 2 packs - for hydrating and reducing dark circles.  In the pink packet there are 3 pairs and in the foil packet 1 pair.  I've used a similar product from Estee Lauder before.  Looking forward to trying as I suffer from dark circles.

Face Wash - a hydrating gel cleanser - I can never have enough cleansers, looking forward to trying this one out.

A beautiful eyeshadow palette in gorgeous sparkly shades - sorry my photo doesn't do it justice.  Really pretty shades.

Oil Clear Blotting Paper - I always shine in my t-zone so looking forward to trying these out.

Peel Gel - a gentle gel which removes dead skin cells.  Maria recommends using once a week.  To use, cleanse and then pat skin dry (but not completely dry) apply kidney bean size of gel over the face avoiding eyes and lips and rub in a circular motion.  White bits will start to appear - and this is dead skin! eek!  Rinse and then apply a moisture/hydrating mask or moisturiser.

The final item is wrapped in orange tissue paper and is a winter warmer the Asian way!  It is unrefined black cane sugar with a hint of ginger.  Add the whole piece to a mug of hot water, stir and enjoy!  Sounds yummy.

I am really pleased with all the contents of the box and all the trouble Maria went to.  I'll let you know how I get on with all the products. x

What's in my Make Up Bag

I've not done one of these posts before but love seeing what's in someone's make up bag.

My bag is from L'Occitane it was part of a free gift.

I don't carry the primer or the large size BareMinerals (I've got a small one of this).

My current primer is Lancome Effet Miracle which I am really enjoying using but I'm not sure I'd buy it again as it is expensive at £26 for 15ml.

I am using BareMinerals Light Foundation (carry about a travel size pot and brush) and BareMinerals Tinted Hydrating Mineral Veil.

I have also been using the Estee Lauder Daywear BB Cream 5ml sample bought from Latest in Beauty. It's really nice but expensive at £32 for 30ml.

On my cheeks I am using Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink.

On eyes, BareMinerals eyecolour in Vanilla Sugar and Renew, YSL Waterproof Eyeliner in Black or Purple (or Green, not shown) and Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara in Black.

Armani Lip Liner and Top Ford Lipstick in Indian Rose or Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon.  I also carry two atomizers with Chanel Sycomore and Tom Ford Santal Blush.

Sanctuary Softening Thermal Sugar Polish - Relax

This scrub is available from Boots.  It contains organic sugar and crushed walnuts - an effective scrub having quite gritty pieces rather than being too smooth although it is quite runny. This is in the same scent as Warming Body Oils (which I loved).

I don’t like the scent so much in the scrub but this could be because I am using it in the morning rather than at night - I tend to prefer baths to showers in the evening.  It contains relaxing oils of Vetivert (helps calm the mind), Cedarwood (give clarity) and Labdanum (relaxation).

Wet skin and rub in the polish using circular motions.  The warming sensation  is really nice!

Spa like treatment at a fraction of the cost.  Leaves skin super soft and smooth.  Retails at £8.25.  Also can be purchased in 3 for 2 deals.

Have you tried this scrub? What's your favourite? I'm always on the look out for new body scrubs to try.

Lanolips 101 Ointment

I first tried Lanolips 101 Ointment via the Latest in Beauty YOU box where a 1g sample sachet was included. Love it.

Lanolips creator, Kirsten Carriol used to spend holidays on her grandparents sheep farm in South Australia as a child.  Lanolin is a natural substance taken from just shorn sheep wool.  Lanolips uses 100% pure grade Lanolin and the ointment contains 100% naturally derived ingredients and is fragrance and colour free.

It has loads of uses - as a glossy lip balm, for cuticles, dry skin areas etc. The balm is quite thick so I tend to rub a small amount on my fingertips before applying to lips.  Retails at £11.22 at Boots.

Have you tried this product? 

US Magazines - Allure/Marie Claire

I've three US magazines I'm finished with.  If you'd like one and you live in the UK please comment below which one you'd like and I'll post it out to you.  Please leave your email address so I can contact you for your mailing address.  First come first served.

Allure - December & February issues

Marie Claire - January issue (this is a bit dog eared!) x

Beauty Bible Testing - My Buy Again Products - Part 1

Out of my first batch of products these are the ones I would buy again.  I still have testing to do for the rest (shampoo & conditioner, cleanser, anti-ageing serum and neck cream - a longer period was set for testing these). You can see all the products I got here.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (pale pink) - Loved the colour and texture, how easy it was to apply and how well it lasted and the fact you could use it on lips too.  This pot will last for ages as I've barely made a dent in it - would purchase.  Retails at £18 for 11ml.

Clinique Chubby Stick - Mega Melon - absolutely love this lip product, super moisturising and leaves lips with a beautiful hint of colour.  Retails at £16 for 2g.

Avene Eau Thermal Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub - amazing and effective product, gentle gel scrub, could be used on wet/dry skin.  Soft floral scent.  Felt like it was being really kind to the skin but also removing dead skin cells.  I also love the Thermal Water Spray from this brand.  Retails at £9.50 for 50ml.

The ones I wouldn't purchase are -

W7 Flirty Eyes False Lash Effect Mascara Black (£1.99) and Nuture Protect Day Cream SPF15 (£9.95).

Body Lotion Spending Ban!

I've put myself on a body lotion/butter/oil spending ban (and all other beauty products apart from Carmine, She Said Beauty and Joliebox.  Amarya (I have until September as I paid this for a year) and any essentials I may need).


I was a bit cheeky yesterday and bought L'Occitane Cherry Princess Silky Body Gel - like I need another body lotion - when you see the photo below! A limited edition scented with cherries and floral notes - (I recently received a free sample instore and fell in love).  Its got a light silky texture and melts into the skin leaving the skin delicately scented.  There is an extra-special Limited Edition set available containing 50ml EDT, 250ml Shower Cream, 75ml  Body Gel and 30ml Hand Cream all for £39.  You can see the set here.

Below are the body products I want to use up this year.  I have nearly finished the Neutrogena Body Oil, Nivea lotion and Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream.

Other half doesn't understand why I need so many! I do like a choice (plus I have a few more hidden away - oops).  This post was inspired by The Bristol Beauty Blog and Cosmetic Cravings.

What beauty products do you have too many of?

Freebies

I took a half day from work today and trawled the shops picking up a few freebies on the way.

Grazia magazine are offering a VIP make up consultation at Armani counters.  You get sample pots of Luminous Silk Foundation, Fluid Sheer, Blushing Fabric and a 2ml Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara in black. 

Also on the back cover of Grazia you can pick up a 2ml sample size of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser at SpaceNK.

In Crabtree & Evelyn I got a mini sample pot of Avocado, Olive Oil & Basil Body Lotion.

p.s. I went for my Carmine Benito Brow Threading - It was agony!  My eyebrows were red for hours - but I am pleased with the results.

Beyond Organic Skincare Top to Toe Anti-Ageing Body Butter - Review

I was approached by award winning Beyond Organic Skincare to review their Organic Body Butter Top to Toe.  They sent me a tester pot which you can see below with enough product to last a couple of weeks.

Certified Organic with 98% organic ingredients and 2% natural ingredients.  The company was founded in 2005 and is based on a small Cornish farm near Falmouth.

The products are natural, Fair Trade, not tested on animals, suitable for vegetarians, low carbon footprint and the packaging is recycled and recyclable.

If you are in the area you are welcome to drop by during opening hours Monday - Friday.  I was in Cornwall last summer wish I'd visited!

You can find out more about the company and range of products available here.  

The body butter is balm like in texture and scented with Alpine Rose & Vanilla.  I expected it to be a bit more strongly scented but it has a natural scent due to the butter being made with herbal and botanical infusions rather than perfumes.  The scent has grown on me over use.  I have also been using it on my face at night - it is deeply nurturing and moisturising - it truly is a top-to-toe product - great for holidays/weekends away due to its multi-purpose use for face and body.

Retails at £39.65 for 200ml - this size pot would last for ages.  It's definitely a product I will purchase at some point as I love its deep moisturising properties, how soft it leaves my skin and the natural ingredients used.


On my wish list are Organic Detoxifying Cleanser and the Travel Pack for weekends away and holidays. The chocolate lip balm sound pretty yummy too. x

ingredients: Top to Toe

sunflower oil containing chamomile, shea butter, sunflower oil containing marigold, olive oil, macademia, olive oil containing vanilla, beeswax, Alpine Rose active, rosemary antioxidant, Vitamin E

Diptyque Eau Rose Roll On

Happy Valentines Day!

I had a voucher for Harvey Nichols and decided to treat myself to something.  I was thinking something along the lines of an eye shadow or lipstick but I came across Diptyque Eau Rose 20 ml roll on at the SpaceNK counter.

I adore rose scents as I think I’ve mentioned before.  The scent retails at £30 for 20ml or £60 for 100ml.  Although I am guessing if this becomes one of my favourite scents its more economical to buy the larger size.  There is also a limited edition candle.

It’s gorgeous!  With top notes of bergamot, blackcurrant and Lychee and middle notes of damask and centifolia roses ending on notes of musk, cedar and honey.  The rose notes last and last (although I did re-apply a few times during the course of the day).

It comes boxed and encased in a black velvet pouch – would also make an amazing gift.

I asked if I could have a sample (SpaceNK usually give a sample(s) with purchase if you ask) and was given – 2ml mini tube NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer and a 2ml tube NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Light2 Alaska - not tried either of these products.

Have you used this scent?  

February Wants

Here are my February wants -

Bourjois Smile Enhancing Gloss £8.99 - read about it here.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy.

Miller Harris Single Note Oil in Rose Absolute.

Givenchy Mr Radiant.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in Gel.

SUPER Lush Lips Conditioning Balm.

Tom Ford Beauty Eye Colour Quad. 


I can wish! x

Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial

I recently went for a Just Be Anti-Ageing Facial.  A luxurious treatment which uses a range of products created by Gail Bryden the founder of Just Be.

The treatment starts by being asked a few questions about your skin and how it feels at the moment.  You then choose your oil (for the neck and shoulder massage - pure bliss!) and your toner out of a choice of two.

I chose Just be Happy (a blend of pink grapefruit, Lime and Bergamot Essential Oils with Coconut Oil) and Just be Toned Refreshing Toner (with basil and chamomile Essential Oils).

The treatment room is gorgeous!  Very restful and tranquil bringing a feeling of calm (the bed is heated - so easy to drop off!)

Just before the treatment you get to smell your oil inhaling deeply for feelings of calm and relaxation.

The facial starts with a double deep cleanse using Just be Cleansed - a rich, nourishing balm cleanser scented with geranium, bourbon and petigrain - I own this already and can highly recommend it especially for removing waterproof mascara.  It is removed with a warm cloth.

Your skin is then misted with your chosen toner.

Next, a pressure point massage using Just be Hydrated, a hydrating serum.  The massage stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins and plump up skin.  

An amazing neck & shoulder massage follows using the Just Be Happy Oil chosen earlier and finally the facial is finished with Just be Radiant Treatment Oil and Just Be Soft Lip Balm. 

My skin glowed and looked so healthy after this treatment.  It costs £45 for 45 minutes.  Gail also does various massage treatments.  You can read more about these here.  I am tempted by the Hawaiian style Lomi Lomi massage next!

Check out the online shop for all the products used in my facial. There are also gorgeous treatment candles which when melted can be poured directly onto the skin for massage and amazing body butters.  You can see the shop here.

Weleda Body Oil - Lavender

Weleda products are made from plant, nut and seed oils which help to nourish the skin and promote a sense of wellbeing.  Very relaxing and pampering.

"our luxurious oils penetrate deep into your skin helping improve your skin's health while pleasing your all of your senses"

The bottle is quite plain - a bit like a medicine bottle!

Great product for stress relieving after a hard day either for use either in the bath or for massage or use on wet skin in the shower and then rinse.  Calming for use just before bed.  Retails at £9.95 for 100ml.  This is a close second to my favourite bath oil Bamford Geranium Bath Oil.

Valentine Giveaway - Winner

Congratulations to Jade at JetleyMess who won my Valentines Giveaway

(Jade, I have emailed you for your address)

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog - I do appreciate it :)

xxx

Simple Invigorating Shower Gel 250ml

I first came across this shower gel when it was reviewed by The Gloss Goss.  I normally pick it up in Poundland, if they've got it instore or Semi-Chem (recently bought in Semi-Chem 2 for £2 instead of £1.79 each).

It's my favourite cheapie shower gel.  It's a fresh and minty wake up call in the morning and I'd highly recommend.  Kind to skin and great for everyday use. (and that one to the left is going into my February empties shortly!)

What's your favourite bargain shower gel?