A Little Boots Haul

Am I the only one who seems to find Christmas a massive excuse to buy myself presents? Please tell me I'm not alone in this!

After running out of my Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, I was in need of a new cleanser, and I couldn't quite stretch to the £34 price tag of the EH. so I picked up Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil which costs £19 for 200ml ( the pump has to be bought separately for £1). I haven't heard very much about this but so far I'm really enjoying it. It has a lovely fresh scent and it doesn't take much product to remove a full face of make up including waterproof mascara. Whilst at the counter also got some samples of the Never A Dull Moment scrub and face wash. I've liked all the Origin's face washes I've tried so far but I fancy a change from the Zero Oil.

I also got two of the new Elnett Heat Defence Styling Sprays, I went for the Waves and Volume varieties. They were on offer for 2 for £9 and I don't really have anything similar so figured they were worth a try. I used the Volume one yesterday and it definitely make my hair less flat and more bouncy.

What have you been hauling?

PS. Soap and Glory's Best Of All Gift Set goes on offer today, will any of you be picking it up?

 

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What I'm Loving #2

I've been off work this week so it's been a lazy week on the hair and make up front. I've just been scrunch drying my hair with a bit of Bumble and Bumble Texture ( £21.50, review here) which gives a great relaxed wave.

I've upped the moisture levels in my skincare with the Super by Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench Spray, which is full of hylauronic acid. I have been using it as a toner, and it's gorgeous, gets rid of any dry or dehydrated patches.

I've repurchased Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum (£10.99) foundation and it still my favourite base just enough coverage for everyday, and not heavy feeling at all. I've given my Naked palette a rest and have been using Burberry's Pale Barley (£22.50) swept all over the lid. Nars Luster (£21.50)has been my blusher of choice since dying my hair red. It's great for lazy make up as it has enough if a sheen that I can skip the highlighter.

What products have stood out to you this week? Share in the comments!

 

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Soap and Glory Whipped Clean and Smoothie Star Body Buttercream

I wrote about Soap and Glory's new Sugar Crush line which have a zingy, fresh lime scent, another of their new releases is a totally different scent. The Smoothie Star scent is a foody scent that is somewhere along the lines of vanilla cake batter and marzipan.

Whipped Clean is a Shower Buttercream that cleanses and moisturises in one. It has the texture of a thick lotion but it is emollient when used on wet skin. It doesn't really lather but it does have a bit of foam. This is a gorgeous product to use at the end of a long day, and I find the scent and texture very relaxing. It does leave a slight residue but not so much that it would stick to clothes.

Smoothie Star Body Buttercream is a body butter that is very thick and nourishing but when applied feels light and sinks in quickly when compared to something like the Body Shops Body Butters. It has the same amazing scent as Whipped Clean and is a joy to apply. I normally wouldn't apply a Body Butter in the morning as I would worry it would stick to my clothes, but as this sinks in in seconds there's no need to worry!

Both products and the Smoothie Star Body Lotion contain a mix of 5 oils to keep dry skin at bay, and when combined with a good scrub (I like Sugar Crush or The Breakfast Scrub) flaky, scaly arms and legs are no longer an issue.

Soap and Glory is available at Boots where Smoothie Star costs £10.50 and Whipped Clean costs £8 (but can both usually be found on 3 for 2)

 

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What I've Been Loving #1

I'm really bad at keeping up with monthly favourites (as you can probably tell if you've been reading my blog for a while) so I thought I would do a less structured current favourites!

L'oreal's Telescopic Waterproof is the first mascara I've found that really holds a curl on my straight lashes, I can't see myself straying from it . But it is waterproof which means I've had to step up my game when it comes to make up removal. My trusty Bioderma wasn't cutting it so I decided to try Garnier Simply Essential 2 in 1 Make Up Remover for Face and Eyes which was a bargain at £2 and its the best eye make up remover I've tried and works great and removing the majority of face make up.

My skins been not too bad lately and I have been trying to keep a glow with Botanics Facial Oil which I use at night either on its own or mixed in with a moisturiser. I have had a bit of a breakout and one of the products that has relly helped to calm it down is La Roche Posays Effaclar Duo a light gel that is great for shrinking up spots and calming down redness.

I've been keeping my make up quite simple; my primer of choice is Laura Mercier's Oil Free Foundation Primer which doesn't feel too sillicone heavy and makes my foundation last that extra few hours. I've been dusting No7's Vital Enlightening Highlight Powder ( review here ) on the tops of my cheeks and brow bone, and finishing off my make up with Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate.



 

What products have you been loving lately? Share in the comments!

 

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Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 15

Sexy is not a word I would associate with Liz Earle, but this perfume could change that. I'm not a fan of girly scents but warm, spicy scents are my thing, so it's no surprise Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 15 has captured my heart.

The perfume has been blended using 15 Natural Botanicals; Bergamot, Virginian Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guaiacwood, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Cypriol, Siam Benzoin, Elemi, Cinnamon Leaf,Damask Rose, Clove Bud, Pink Pepper, Bourbon Vanilla and Vetiver. It really is unique in that it starts of quite fresh and sharp but very soon settles to a gorgeously warm and rich scent.

The bottle is very understated and but is still elegant which reflects the scent well it's sexy but it doesn't shout. This scent is very comforting and I love that I can still smell it on my scarf the next day.

Scent is a very personal thing but if you know someone who loves unusual, warm and spicy scents this would make a great Christmas gift!

You can find Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 on their website (link) where 50ml will cost £45.

Disclosure: Product sent by PR for consideration, this does not affect my opinion.

 

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Bumble and Bumble Straight Shampoo and Conditioner

I mentioned in my review of Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry Cream that I was also trying out the Shampoo and Conditioner I have been using them for a few months now and it has been amazing at calming down my thick, dry wavy hair.

With Concen-straight technology they aim too leave hair smoothed and make styling less traumatic. The shampoo is SLS free but still has a rich creamy lather, and leaves my hair feeling clean but not stripped. It also doesn't strip my colour or irritate my scalp.

The conditioner isn't heavy and really moisturises the hair rather than just coating it, so it doesn't leave my hair greasy or limp.

My hair is much more manageable when blow drying after I use these and it seems to relax the curl and frizz that my hair naturally has. And when combined with the Blow Dry Cream my hair is noticibly smoother and sleeker.

I rotate this combination with the Ojon Damage Reverse which I tend to use every 1 out of 3 washes, as it is too heavy for regular washes, unlike the Bumble and Bumble.

Bumble and Bumble are my go to for high quality hair products and I am looking forward to trying more of their products!

Bumble and Bumble Straight Shampoo and Conditioner cost £23 and £25 respectively and are available at Space NK (link) where postage is currently free.

Disclosure : Products provided for consideration by PR, this in no way affects my opinion.

 

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Soap and Glory Sugar Crush

Soap and Glory have brought out quite a few new products in time for the festive season which include some great new scents. Normally associated with their classic floral scent, the Sugar Crush scent is a great option for those who don't love florals.

I've been trying the original scrub (£8) and the new body wash (£6.50) from the range which both have the gorgeous scent, which combines brown sugar, lime and almond oil.

The body scrub is full of sugar and macadamia and is perfect to slough of rough skin. And combined with the body wash it makes for the perfect zesty, fresh shower. If you buy just one product from the line make it the Sugar Crush Body Wash, it's got a gorgeous rich texture and the half litre bottle will last ages?

The range also includes a body butter which looks perfect for summer!

You can find Soap and Glory at Boots where it is currently on 3 for 2. Have you tried any Soap and Glory's new releases?

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The Art of Pampering

After walking two very mischievous dogs, and bathing one because she decided mud was this seasons latest accessory there is nothing I wanted to do today except have a hot shower and get into my pyjamas onesie.

This windy wet weather is doing me no favours but it is giving me a great excuse to spend some time playing with products. Nothing makes me feel cleaner and more fresh than a good body scrub so today I turned to Soap and Glory's Sugar Crush( £8 - Boots) which smells divine, like margarita in a tub. This gets rid of all of the dry skin from my legs and leaves me feeling as good as new.

Once I get out of the shower it's time to deal with my complexion, which hasn't been to bad but I've been blighted with a group of under the skin bumps on my chin, so a bit of Origins Super Spot Remover ( £13 - Origins) followed with Aesop's Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask (£33 Beauty Expert) This duo really helps to calm blemishes down, and get rid if any redness and swelling.

Whilst they work their magic I cover myself in Soap and Glory's latest addition to their Body Butter family Smoothie Star ( £10.50 - Boots)This rich body cream smells like marzipan and smoothes and hydrates and dry patches. If you love foodie scents, you need this body butter!

And before bed a quick slick of Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm (£9.50 - Feel Unique ) and I'm good to go and feeling a damn sight more human!

What are your favourite treats for Autumn?

 

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Bumble and Bumble Texture

Bumble and Bumble are a brand I'm loving exploring at the minute. Before I discovered Bumble and Bumble the main styling product I was using was a bottle of Dry Shampoo! Now I have a small arsenal of products to change up my style.

Bumble and Bumble Texture is a styling cream which give hair some extra texture and volume; perfect for that elusive undone look.

Once my hair is towel dried I get a small amount of Texture and scrunch it through my hair. If you need more then you can apply more but I find it best to apply in layers rather than a large amounts all at once, as it's quite easy to over apply it. It's then as simple as either using a diffuser or scrunching your hair whilst you dry it for a wavy look, or if you just want some lift at the roots I use a round brush to blow dry.

Texture will hold your style throughout the day but if I feel it needs a bit of a refresh I just spray on some Surf Spray to revive it. The day after styling with Texture my hair still has some shape, and I normally just use my hair dryer to feta bit more volume.

I can't recommend Texture enough and if your after a messy,bedhead style with out the effort you need this in your life!

Bumble and Bumble Texture is now available at Boots ( link )where the full size costs £21.50 or the travel size (pictured) costs £9.50



 

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Murad Perfect Balance

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend a Murad Event hosted by Dr Murad himself. It was a really informative evening and I didn't feel that Murad were just trying to push products, he stated more than once that lifestyle had a much bigger impact and was full of useful tips.

Murad's philosophy is all about 'inclusive health' making the right lifestyle choices as well as the correct skincare for your skin type will result in a better complexion.

Just in time for Christmas, Murad have released five Try Me kits each tailored for different results. I opted to try the Perfect Balance kit which aims to control oiling maintain clear pores, whilst giving the right amount of hydration. The Kit contains T-Zone Pore Refining Gel, Blemish Treatment Concealer, Oil-Control Mattifier, Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture for Eyes.

I've been trying all of the products for a couple of weeks and so far I'm impressed, no drastic results yet, but as we found out at the event your skincare can take up to a month to show affects. I'll be reviewing the products in more depth very soon. The star of the show so far though us the eye cream, it's got the nicest texture and sits perfectly under concealer.

The Kits are available now from Murad's Website (link) and the Perfect Balance set costs £42.50 (worth £89.70)

 

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Burberry Eyeshadow in Pale Barley

Burberry Beauty is very much the new object de jour in the Blogging Community, so it would have been rude not to treat myself to something during Harrods recent 10% off day. I've been lusting after their eyeshadows for a while now so I picked up Pale Barley a gorgeous pale gold with a grown up sheen.

Once you build up the courage to put a brush to the gorgeous tartan embossing your rewarded with a soft buttery texture. This is without a doubt the best eyeshadow texture I have used, I would quite happily get rid of all of my MAC shadows and have a few more of these.

All of Burberry's shades look extremely flattering, they seem to be true neutrals not leaning to cool or warm, and as with Pale Barley the finishes are either a very subtle sheen or matte. I apply with a Japonesque Shader brush but you could use a MAC 217 if you want a more sheer coverage.

I can't recommend Burberry eyeshadows enough and I will definitely be getting a few more. They are priced at £23 and can be found at Harrods, Harvey Nichols and selected John Lewis stores.

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Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry

 

My hair is not known for cooperating when I want a straight, frizz free style. I've tried so many straightening serums, sprays and creams that I have lost count. None of them really worked until I tried Bumble and Bumble's Straight Blow Dry.

Bumble And Bumble recently launched in Boots, and whilst at the Bond St branch I treated myself to a few of their products, and got given an amazing blow-dry and style by the stylist there, who was extremely helpful.

I was recommended the Straight Blow Dry, a heat activated styling balm which you apply whilst your hair is damp before blow drying and straightening. It's part ofBumble and Bumble's Straight line which also includes a Shampoo, Conditioner and Concen-Straight a professional straightening treatment. I like to wrap my hair in a towel for about 10 minutes to get rid of most of the water before working the product through my hair with my fingers.

I then blow dry with hands first and then I used a Denman brush to concentrate the heat at my roots pulling them taught, and then I use the brush to flick the ends under.

Once I've done all that straightening is a breeze and takes half the time it usually would. It also claims to protect against humidity which I would agree with, as usually any sign of moisture in the air makes my hair revert to its usually frizz, but not when I have used Straight.

I can't recommend this product enough, and I will be reviewing the Shampoo and Conditioner from the same line very soon!

Bumble and Bumble Straight costs £23.50 and is available at Boots, Space Nk and selected salons.

 

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The Diner

I was in London last weekend for a Murad event (post coming soon) and while I was there I had a great meal at The Diner, Covent Garden. The Diner is everything you want from an American style restaraunt; great decor, coke floats and huge sandwiches. I opted for the deli classic Reuban sandwich and a Cherry Coke, with a cheeky milkshake to take away. The sandwich was loaded with pastrami with just enough cheese and sauerkraut. Absolutely delicious! I'll be visiting again on my next trip!

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Think Pink with Japonesque: Brow Kit

It's October which mean loads of brands are going Pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Each sale from Japonesque's Pink range will donate £1 to Breast Cancer Awareness Research, so if you fancy trying some Japonesque products nows a good time to!

I was sent the Brow Kit to try, which has everything you need to shape and tame unruly brows. It contains two brow powders, a wax, a brow gel and some stencils. The colours would suit most hair colours from dark blonde to dark brunette/black.

The stencils are perfect for shaping thinner brows and getting the perfect arch. The powders are just the right pigment and stick around all day especially when set with the wax or gel.

It also contains some of Jonesque's Tweezers which have overtaken my Tweezermans as my favourite pair!

Japonesque's Brow Kit cost £21.00 and is available from HQ Hair (link)

 

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Brush Love: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

For the past 6 months I've been a Sigma F80 girl, but when I spotted the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush had landed in Boots I had to treat myself. I haven't picked up my F80 in the past fortnight! The Expert Face Brush looks quite similar to the Buffing brush but it's denser and has shorter bristles.

If you like to get the most coverage you can from a foundation then this brush is perfect. It works really well to apply my Nars Tinted Moisturiser, but what it is really perfect for is high coverage foundations. I've been using this for my new love No7 Beautiful Matte which can go a bit cakey with the F80, and the buffing brush just isn't dense enough.

I really can't fault this brush and it is a complete bargain at just £8.99. You can find Real Techniques at Boots.

Have you got any brush recommendations?

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Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara

Liz Earle are best known for their famous Cleanse and Polish but earlier this year they launched their Colour range. They have recently expanded that range which includes Foundations, Powders and the Lash Definition Mascara which I was sent to try.

I'm very picky about mascara, first sign of clump and it's going in the bin. Liz Earles Lash Definition is a great day to day mascara it doesn't go clumpy, but still manages to hold a curl.

The texture isn't too wet, but after a month of use it hasn't dried out either. Lash Definition doesn't make a list of ridiculous claims but it does make my lashes look longer, thicker and keeps them curled all day. It can be built up for a more dramatic finish, and I find about 2 coats perfect for me.

This doesn't smudge through the day and stays where you put it until you take it off. My main annoyance with long lasting mascara is that horrible crunchy feeling they can leave on my lashes, which will inevitable lead to me picking it off (yes really!) luckily this doesn't have that effect. You can tell it's there but it doesn't irritate at all.

I really reccommend this mascara, and I will be repurchasing it when this one runs out.

Liz Earle Lash Definition Mascara costs £14.50 and is available online here and at Liz Earle stores and selected John Lewis counters.

 

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F.A.B Radiance Pads : Liquid Gold for Sensitive Souls?

I've been loving all things Glycolic Acid lately, the obsession started in similar way to most with Alpha H Liquid Gold. I love Liquid Gold but I won't use it more than once or twice a week at the most, as it make my skin kinda oily.

Liquid Gold contains alcohol, which is I believe is to stabilise the AHA's ( or something along those lines) which is fine apart from the face that anything with alcohol makes me horribly oily. I also don't think the Alpha H agrees with my skin when it's breaking out.

I use the F.A.B Radiance Pads every night in place of a traditional toner, the packaging states to use them in the morning as well, but personally the idea of using a chemical exfoliant before make up sounds a bit silly.

They are alcohol free but the Glycolic and Lactic acids give a good tingle on application and leaves the skin feeling really refreshed. Sometimes I use these with a moisturiser and sometimes I skip it, and let my skin breath, they don't make my skin feel tight or like I need to grab for a heavy night cream.

If you want a introduction to AHAs and the effect they an have on your skin the F.A.B Radiance Pads are a good place to start, they are a great way to incorporate some exfoliation into your daily routine.

Marks left from blemishes haven't been hanging around since I started using these and my skin looks a lot less dull and grey.

60 Pads ( a two month supply if used nightly ) costs £20 and is available from Boots or online at Feel Unique.

 

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Update and New Things

Erm...Where shall I start? I haven't blogged in months now, so if this is a bit of a ramble I apologise. First I have started a new job, and I'm now working full time, so adjusting to that has taken a lot, I don't always feel like writing after a long day, and I can't write about something for the sake of it, unless I want to write, chances are I won't!

I am currently living back at my parents house (not going to go into it) and don't have a PC or my SLR. I'm thinking about getting a MAC.. any advice very appreciated! I'm blogging from my iPad at the minute but without my camera I'm at a bit of a loss.

I've got lots of great new beauty bits recently, I have been indulging myself in a lot of retail therapy! My most recent purchases being some new skincare (I'm in LOVE with Origins at the minute) and Stila's Creme Bouquet EDP which smells flipping amazing!

I'm gonna try and get back into the swing of things and once I'm reunited with my camera get back to blogging more regularly!

 

 

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