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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