BeautySwot

Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 001 Make Up Base - Review

2013-05-23T12:06:00.000+01:00

I have mentioned previously that I have been using primers to smooth my pores and give that overall 'flawless finish' and when I find a really good one I just have to share it. I absolutely love this one from Paul & Joe which is from their limited edition Summer 'Beach Baby Collection'. Let's hope that it is NOT ltd edit!

Paul & Joe Beaute Smoothing Base Make Up Base in 001

Paul & Joe say

Smoothing Base is a foundation primer with a pore minimizing formula that instantly erases discolouration and dark spots. Contains Apricot, Jojoba oils and White Lily Extract supplying skin with hydration. The result is smooth, even toned skin. Oil-free finish.

This picture isn't blurred, this is the effect of the primer on the skin. You can see the difference from where I haven't applied it on my wrist.

My thoughts

Cute packaging with an apricot coloured lid, this small cream coloured tube contains an excellent foundation primer. It smells wonderful but is delicately scented. It is silicone based so it has that texture but it doesn't feel like it sits on the skin like some can do, it feels moisturising and leaves skin soft and silky.

Just as its name suggests it smooths everything in its path, my pores are filled in and the look of my skin is blurred. Foundation glides on evenly and you are truly left with smooth, flawless skin. What impressed me the most is that make up doesn't move, the product doesn't sink in (like some can do and you feel like you need to top up) but the flawless look achieved really lasts and there is no shine appearing as the day goes on either.

Perfect. Highly recommended.

Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 20ml costs £26

Collection available now from Harrods, Fenwick (New Bond Street), Selfridges and Asos.com and from the 1st June from beautybay.com.

*PR Sample

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Balm - Review

2013-05-22T12:19:00.000+01:00

Elemis say

Exude health and vitality with this energising skin radiance balm that instantly brightens and tightens for a smooth, even and dewy luminosity.

Formulated with a powerful vitamin complex that protects against moisture loss whilst exquisite purple orchid, noni and acai help defend against the early signs of ageing.

My thoughts

This was a strange one for me as I didn't really think that the Illuminating Flash Balm did much at all, nothing that I could detect at first. I wore it around the house on various days and kept looking but couldn't see a difference ...

However, 3 people commented on my radiance when I was wearing this that I felt I couldn't actually ignore this product. I also think that the sunlight enhances the effect.

My husband had no idea I was wearing it and whilst sat in traffic mentioned that my face looked more glowy than usual.

When I saw my mum she mentioned that my skin looked lovely and radiant.

A mum at school pick up said that I looked glowy and radiant and asked me if I was using anything different.

So back to the product - It is slightly creamy in texture and has a soapy citrus scent, it absorbs instantly.

I tried using it as my main moisturiser but it just wasn't moisturising enough for me, it worked much better used as a primer over my moisturiser and under my base. It smoothed and blurred lines but I didn't feel any tightening effect, it felt nice on the skin.

It is not at all greasy, but you won't want to apply too much as you can end up looking oily rather than radiant.

For a blast of instant radiance I think this is great.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 50ml costs £32.00

*PR Sample

Nails Of The Day - OPI A Roll In The Hague

2013-05-22T11:25:00.003+01:00

Today's nails are OPI's A Roll in the Hague from the 2012 Holland Collection *

This looks like a really bright orange shade in the bottle but on the nails comes out as a gorgeous orange with red undertones. I think this also makes an ideal pedi colour and on a dull day like today is the perfect Summer pick-me-up.

*Worn by my fabulous lil sister

Beach Baby Collection - Paul & Joe Beaute Summer 2013

2013-05-21T13:57:00.001+01:00

Paul & Joe Beaute is not a make up brand that I have tried until now, I think one of the reasons is it hasn't been in the shops that I regularly go to and although a few bits have caught my eye over the years I have been reluctant to buy online before trying. However I recently spent an evening playing with the new Summer Collection and I saw for myself why people are seduced with this brand.

Adorable packaging and gorgeous colours for Summer inspired by holiday destinations and 60's beach film nostalgia that just scream sun, sea and sand. Lots of fun to be had, at the same time the products are practical and multitasking.

The Beach Baby Collection

The range comprises of Nail Enamels £12

My favourites are -

Bermuda

Caribbean

Rio

Eyeliner & Eye Crayon Duo £22

There are 5 in the collection but my stand out and one which would really suit my green eyes is

Cypress - an olive green and gold combo, stunning when the light hits it.

Eye and Lip Gloss Duo £28

The idea of these is fab - silky smooth eye shadow one end and a pretty lip gloss with a pop of colour on the other - It was no surprise to me that I was drawn to the Hawaiin inspired

Maui - Shimmery gold eye shadow and orange/nectarine gloss shade

Also in the collection are the famous Blotting Papers £3.50 with a dolphin print, Pressed Powder with UV SPF 20 £28 - a translucent compact powder available in two shades and Smoothing Base £26 ( look out for my review of the Smoothing Base, coming soon!)

Collection available now from Harrods, Fenwick (New Bond Street), Selfridges and Asos.com and from the 1st June from beautybay.com.

Kiko Sun Bronzing Blush in 101 Crystal Rose

2013-05-20T13:12:00.001+01:00

Another gorgeous item from the Kiko Make Up Milano Limited Edition Fierce Spirit Collection. This time it is the Sun Bronzing Blush.

Coming in 4 shades I was sent 101 Crystal Rose

Kiko say

Blush that combines three shades in a single product for a custom made look. Use the three shades separately or mix them up to sculpt your face and outline facial features with a radiant finish. Silky touch and long-lasting performance. Hypoallergenic formula and paraben free.

Swatches of all 3 shades

Daylight

Flash

My thoughts

This is such a pretty blush. It is cased in a sturdy gold compact and comes complete with a mirror. The three shades can be used alone or blended making it a great versatile, mulit-functional product. The brown is a warm matte brown and good as a bronzer and also for contouring. The main blush shade is a delightful raspberry colour and the highlighting shade is a frosted pale pink.

Texture wise this is soft and creamy and blends beautifully on the skin.

I cannot fault this blush at all. I think it is great value.

Kiko Sun Blushing Bronze in 101 Crystal Rose costs £13.90 and is available online from Kiko or from Kiko stores.

*PR Sample

Nails Of The Day - Orly Pure Porcelain

2013-05-17T17:19:00.001+01:00

Pure Porcelain - A slightly off white with a hint of pink.

How Could I Forget - The Friday Column

2013-05-17T14:03:00.001+01:00

How Could I Forget - A Poem

I remember the day you looked my way

Instantly smitten I returned your gaze

Attracted by your smile, your dark floppy hair

Staring into those dreamy blue eyes

I longed to be whisked away

Hardly believing my luck you felt the same

We enjoyed trips to the cinema, lunch in the park

Ice skating at Ally Pally, staring at the stars

My long blonde hair blowing in the wind, I sang

You played guitar, we dreamt of fame

Days turned into months, months into years

Teenagers graduating into young adults

University, jobs and a love that was envied

One day you looked at her that very same way

And all I was left with were my tears

Thirty years have passed and yet where do I start

I have never forgotten you, the memories remain raw

Your scent still familiar as if it were yesterday

Flashback of images often appear

How could I forget, you broke my heart

Sisley Phyto-Blush Eclat in Mango

2013-05-17T11:57:00.002+01:00

I love blusher it has to be said, when out shopping I am always pulled towards the blushers so when I attended an afternoon with Sisley to learn all about how to create the perfect red lip look, it was no surprise that my attention was drawn to the range of Phyto-Blushes.

Funky zebra outer packaging and a mirror the size of the length of the casing, two tones of blush and a handy brush included.. I fell in love.

Although it is available in 5 shades I chose to review the Phyto-Blush Eclat in Mango shade.

The Sisley Cosmetic brand prides itself on using natural plant extracts in their beauty products, the idea being that they have skincare benefits when used as well as being beautiful products.

Sisley say

Radiance revealed, in a single sweep. Its high-tech texture reveals and beautifies the complexion while leaving the skin soft and comfortable.

Ultra-fine, unctuous and silky, for a light, astonishing translucent and long lasting make-up result.

Multiple make-up effects thanks to the Phyto-Blush Eclat duos, which adapt to all skin tones and looks, from the most natural to the most sophisticated.

An original compact design: a feminine, elegant and modern accessory.

The soft focus effect minimizes surface imperfections and fine lines. The skin looks smoothed. The light powder finish can be modulated to the desired intensity.

Active Ingredients:

Woodmallow extract: moisturizes and softens
Linden extract: softens, soothes
Corn: nourishes, increases hydration
Gardenia extract: softens, moisturizes
Ginkgo biloba extract: boosts surface microcirculation, fights free radicals

Rosehip extract: tones

My thoughts

I am going to have to do a face of the day wearing the blush as I had a really hard time trying to capture the blush blended to do it justice. Above are the two shades separately, the creamy peach colour is just about visible on my skin.

Super soft and silky smooth powder texture with buildable colour. There are two shades - a lighter creamy colour (like the fleshy inside of a Mango) and a darker pinky/peachy colour (like the outer skin of a Mango)

This is a really beautiful and subtle peachy blush that when blended gives a pretty hint of colour but is so fine and natural in appearance that it just looks like you have a wonderful luminous and radiant glow. It looks great when paired with corals and peaches but equally is perfect teamed with red lipstick.

Gorgeous packaging, gorgeous blush. I highly recommend.

Sisley Phyto-Blush Eclat costs £48.50

*PR Sample

New CID I-Prime Foundation Primer - Review

2013-05-14T11:42:00.000+01:00

I am not sure if it is an age thing but I never used primers until a few years ago and now I mostly prefer wearing them.. I suspect I like the way they fill the pores in (the pores are more noticeable as I am getting older..unfortunately) to give a lovely smooth appearance to my skin before applying my foundation.

New CID i-prime Foundation Primer is one of my favourites for smoothing the skin, leaving it silky soft and is a fantastic prep base for my foundation.

New CID claims

i - prime helps to blur imperfections, giving the skin a smoother and more radiant appearance. i - prime contains ATP (andenison tri-peptide) a skin care ingredient that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function and also adds the bounce and radiance back to the skin that we lose as we age.

This lightweight serum gives a gorgeous, smooth texture and appearance to the skin. It allows foundation to glide on easily and create a a long lasting flawless finish.

My thoughts

I like the smart packaging and the pump action bottle. 2 pumps provides enough product to use. The actual product is a lightweight gel/cream texture which I absolutely love and feels lovely applied to the skin. If you don't like the strong silicon textures and feel of other primers I think you will love this.

I-prime does exactly what it sets out to to do - smooths and preps skin and does a good job of keeping foundation in place. It smells good too!

New CID i-prime Foundation Primer costs £28 for 30ml

*PR Sample

KIKO Make Up Milano Fierce Spirit Colour Shock Eyeshadow Swatches

2013-05-13T19:43:00.000+01:00

Gorgeous cream eye shadows from Kiko Cosmetics, these are part of the Limited Edition Fierce Spirit Collection (more posts coming soon).

Colour Shock Longlasting Eyeshadow is available in 8 shades. I have two here - Decisive Stone and Fresh Mojito.

They can be used as an all over shadow or as an eye liner and they are waterproof.

I can testify to their lasting power, these do not budge. It took a lot of goes and plenty of remover! Texture wise they are buttery soft and very smooth to apply. Did I mention they are rather stunning and vibrant?

Swatches

Kiko Fierce Spirit Colour Shock Long Lasting Eyeshadow cost £6.90

*PR Samples

Models Own Hed Kandi - Bora Bora Nail Polish

2013-05-12T16:22:00.000+01:00

Love this gold shimmer nail polish from Models Own. Bora Bora from the Hed Kandi range is like pure liquid gold. Like dipping your toes into glistening sands. Gorgeous.

Take me to Ibiza now!

Models Own Hed Kandi Bora Bora nail polish costs £5

*PR Sample

* I applied 2 coats

Perfume Sample Saturday - Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.100 Review

2013-05-11T22:52:00.002+01:00

The newest Liz Earle Eau de Parfum has just been released - Botanical Essence No.100 has been created in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society to celebrate the centenary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.

Liz Earle says

A fresh floral fragrance capturing the sublime, uplifting joy of entering a British florist's shop.

Over 90% derived from natural ingredients.

Containing the following

Mandarin
Clove Leaf
Bergamot
Damask Rose
Indian Jasmine
Orange Flower
Ylang Ylang
Vetiver
Cypress
Sandalwood
Rose Scented Geranium
Bourbon Vanilla

My thoughts

As you would expect this fragrance is a strong and heady floral and if you love floral perfumes then you will adore this one. There is no denying this a gorgeous blend packed full of blooms, on initial spray the beautiful rose scents burst through but this soon dissipates to bring forward the jasmine and neroli. I cannot detect the more woody notes or the vanilla at all.

Personally this leans too heavily on the florals for my taste and more particularly my delicate and sensitive hay fever ravaged nose but I know my mum will LOVE it as it harks back and reminds me of the days of the popular power scents and is similar to those that she loved and still appeal.

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.100 EDP costs £47 for 50ml.

The Micellar Cleansing Water Blind Trial With Escentual.com

2013-05-11T21:35:00.000+01:00

When I heard that Escentual.com were looking for people to take part in a blind trial of Micellar waters I promptly headed over to the site to register my interest. I haven't really given cleansing waters a go (apart from Melvita Fresh Cleansing Water) and sometimes feel like I am the only person that hasn't tried the iconic French Pharmacy favourite Biorderma so when this opportunity arose I felt I HAD to take it.

Luckily I was one of the 100 chosen to take part and this morning my 7 anonymous droppers arrived labelled A-G.

14 days - 7 products

Each product is to be rated on

Cleansing power
Pleasure of use
Reactivity
Moisture balance
Bottom line
Overall favourite

The waters on trial are:

- Dior Instant Cleansing Water
- Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals
- Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleanser Water
- Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-Up Remover
- La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution
- Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution
- Vichy Purete Thermale Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution

I cannot wait to log my thoughts and then see the results of this trial. Exciting don't you think!

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette Review

2013-05-11T15:50:00.001+01:00

I admit to being rather shallow when it comes to choosing scents for my husband ..I tend to get drawn to the advertising (usually the man advertising it) and if it appeals to me then I go and have a spray of it. One of my all time favourite male fragrances is Boss Bottled - the advertising had me at hello ;-)

An example of this happened when we were walking through House of Fraser one day, right in front of me I was greeted with the poster for Viktor & Rolf's Spicebomb. If you are not familiar with it, it is of a topless muscular man with a very attractive smouldering face who has the tag in the above photo in his mouth. Well who could refuse to try the fragrance presented with that? Not me.

It worked, I had a spray, loved it and called my husband back to have a squirt and he liked it too. Win.

Viktor & Rolf say

The perfect balance between strength & elegance, intensity & subtlety. Powerful, daring, sensual...
Spicebomb reveals masculinity from every angle

Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Elemi

Heart notes: Saffron, Cinnamon and Paprika

Base notes: Tobacco, Vetiver and Leather

My thoughts

From the unusual grenade designed bottled that triggers to spray, to the explosion of Spice this is an all masculine scent. Spicy and sexy this smells incredible on my husband. A marriage of opposites the spice is set nicely against the subtle sweetness of the fruit.

Although I do think this is one that is going to split opinion. I know that a few members of our family were surprised it appealed as it really wasn't for them.

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb EDT 50ml costs £47

My Hair Loves - APIVITA Propoline Citrus & Honey Shampoo

2013-05-10T17:25:00.001+01:00

I was recently sent a few bits from APIVITA to try and top of my list (so far!) is this rather fabulous shampoo.

APIVITA say

For shiny, revitalised hair, this shampoo strengthens, tones and protects from split ends.

Lemon, orange and grapefruit - revitalise and give shine
Ginseng, trace elements and vitamins - strengthen and tone hair

Panthenol, honey and bio cotton protection system - protect from split ends

Rosemary infusion instead of water offers antioxidant protection
88% natural ingredients free of: Parabens, silicones, mineral oil, propylene glycol, ethanolamines, colorants, phthalates, polycyclic musks and nitro musks.

My thoughts

A long time ago I used to use a shampoo and conditioner called Citri-Shine and to be honest I had all but forgotten about it, until I flipped open the lid of Propoline Citrus & Honey Shampoo - the scent took me right back! I absolutely love the fresh, citrus scent. The product foams nicely (that will be the SLS) and rinses out well leaving no residue.

Result -

Styling my hair I am left with shiny, bright hair. My (long faded) highlights seem to have been given a new lease of life.

Really nice product.

APIVITA Propoline Citrus & Honey Shampoo 250ml costs £13 and is available from the new Beauty Halls at Marks and Spencer and online

*PR Sample

Soap & Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick Collagen Boosting Lipstick In Guavarama

2013-05-10T16:29:00.000+01:00

I love nude lipstick and I love nude gloss but nothing brightens the face and my mood more than a good bright lipstick. I have mentioned before that the right bright whitens the whites of the eyes and makes them sparkle like nothing else. Spring/Summer is the perfect time to dabble with colourful bright lipsticks.

I picked up Soap & Glory Guavarama Lipstick in December but have been wearing it loads more recently. Although it doesn't look like much in the tube, on the lips it transforms into a gorgeous pinky orange shade..just wear with lashings of black mascara :-)

As it is pigment rich one creamy application provides full coverage for luscious, moist plump looking lips.

Soap & Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick Collagen Boosting Lipstick costs £9

Dr Lewinn's Skin Perfect Foundation Review

2013-05-09T14:04:00.000+01:00

The one thing that pretty much every woman is looking for is the perfect base, some find it quickly and for others it can take years. I am pretty happy with my current products and have 2 absolute favourites but of course I am always open to other suggestions and willing to give them a go just in case I am missing something! Dr Lewinn's recently unveiled a new range of make-up and amongst this range was the new Skin Perfect Anti-ageing Foundation. The foundation appealed to me because it promises to not only cover problems on the surface but is packed with innovative ingredients for younger looking skin.

Dr Lewinn's Say

Reveal a flawless complexion with a radiant youthful glow. This fluid foundation visibly smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, hydrates and protects from ageing. Leaves skin soft, supple with a velvety touch.

Key ingredients -

Rose Stem Cells - Renew & Stimulate Skin

Matrixyl Synthe'6 - Helps enhance skin collagen
Tourmaline - Radiance Booster

Swatches

My thoughts

I was sent shade Cream which was a good match.

The bottle comes complete with a pump and the foundation smells lovely. I found it to be quite thick in texture and it covers well, smoothing and disguising everything that needs disguising.namely redness and pores. It leaves skin with a velvet finish and with a dewy radiance which I liked.

However, I had a major issue with the foundation that I just couldn't get past. It is a fair bit thicker and drier than the foundations I normally use and was hard to blend. It really clung to dry patches (I didn't know I had any!) and accentuated them. My skin is normal/combination and I don't notice any dry patches when using other foundations/BB creams.

I tried the foundation with and without primer and with extra moisturising to see if it made a difference but I had no luck. I personally couldn't make this foundation work for me.

A full face of Skin Perfect Foundation

Dr Lewinn's Skin Perfect Foundation SPF15 30ml costs £25 and comes in 6 shades.

*PR Sample

L'Occitane Petit Grasse Fragrance Collection Limited Edition

2013-05-08T13:52:00.001+01:00

Last week I gave a little background into the new fragrance collection from L'Occitane - La Collection De Grasse. It is a really quite beautiful collection and with four in the range there is bound to be one that will appeal. However, if you cannot decide there is this super cute mini collection which features all four of the fragrances inside!

Four miniature bottles (ideal for travel) each containing 7.5ml of EDT

Jasmin & Bergamote EDT

A sensual and luminous union between Jasmine from Grasse and Bergamot from Italy.

This is a gorgeous floral scent that manages to be bright and fresh. Like walking into a garden full of Jasmine flowers. I can imagine this being extremely popular.

Magnolia & Mure EDT

A mysterious and charming union between magnolia from the Far East and blackberry from the South of France.

For those of you who prefer sweeter, fruity scents this will be right up your street.

Vanille & Narcisse EDT

A radiant and voluptuous embrace between Vanilla from Madgascar and Narcissus from France.

Vanilla scents can be quite sweet and sickly but this contains a musty slant to it that makes it rather more appealing and incredibly wearable.

Thé Vert & Bigarade EDT

A refreshing union between the aromatic Green Tea and the zesty Bitter Orange.

As you will know from my full review of Thé Vert & Bigarade this is my favourite. Sparkling, green and bursting with citrus notes . Refreshing Green Tea, delightful for Summer.

I adore this new collection, there really is something for everyone. Each one of the fragrances has its own charm and none are overpowering. Beautiful and a treat for the senses.

L'Occitane Petit Grasse Fragrance Collection costs £28.

Full size EDT's cost £49 for 75ml.
Also available in the range - Shower gel, body milk and soaps.

*PR Samples

L'Occitane La Collection De Grasse - The Vert & Bigarade EDT review

2013-05-03T16:26:00.002+01:00

L'Occitane have just launched four new fine fragrances developed by top perfumer Karine Dubreil.

Grasse is known as the perfumery capital of the world, a town in the south of France. Local growers mastered the art of cultivating rare and delicate flowers such as orange blossom, rose and jasmine. Adventurous perfumers travelled to distant lands like the far east and brought back ingredients like Madagascan vanilla to complement and enrich the fragrances and that is how modern perfumery was born.

This was the inspiration for Collection de Grasse

The four EDT's are

Jasmin & Bergamote
Magnolia & Mure
Vanille & Narcisse
Thé Vert & Bigarade

I have samples of all so will be writing a review shortly of each of them but one that particularly caught my attention and that I simply couldn't wait to share was the delightful Thé Vert & Bigarade.

L'Occitane say

Energizing upon first contact, this fragrance has head notes of bitter orange, made with essential oil from the Mediterranean. Sparkling citrus notes evolve to reveal a heart of green tea - using an extract from Japan - and yerba mate. An aromatic blend of cedar, thyme and musk compose the base of this fresh and citrusy fragrance.

My thoughts

I loved Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea fragrance and this is every bit as beautiful if not more.

Bursting with light citrus notes at first which make way to reveal a wonderfully fresh, green and sparkling green tea scent. Wearing this I picture myself transported to sunnier climes (The South of France would be ideal) sat in a tea dress, sipping iced tea and people watching. Light, bright and youthful.

Thé Vert & Bigarade is the perfect fragrance for Spring heading into Summer and one that I haven't been able to resist wearing since I received it.

The bottle is clean, simple and classy. It is already on my bathroom shelf.

L'Occitane Thé Vert & Bigarade Eau de Toilette £49 for 75ml

*PR Sample

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream - Review

2013-05-03T16:05:00.001+01:00

I have to admit to being guilty of not visiting The Body Shop that often and really I think I should as there are some real affordable gems to be found in there, especially the skin products. An amazing product is their Hemp Hand Protector Cream which I reviewed earlier in the year and now there is this facial moisturiser which I have been really impressed with.

Vitamin E Moisture Cream

The Body Shop says

Daily antioxidant protection and moisturisation
Suitable for all skin types

Our best selling daily moisturiser hydrates skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Hydrates and protects
Light and easily absorbed
Leaves skin soft and healthy-looking

My thoughts

Light and hydrating with a subtle scent this is a gorgeous and rather fabulous simple moisturiser that does the trick nicely. I love its gel/cream texture which absorbs instantly and leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable all day. A no gimmicks basic moisturiser that does what it says on the pot.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream costs £10 for 50ml.

*PR Sample

The Essential Hay Fever Kit - Surviving Hay Fever Season

2013-05-01T12:52:00.002+01:00

Spring/Summer is usually agony for me, as although we can enjoy warmer temperatures and the sun shining..for those of us who suffer from hay fever it also means looking forward to itchy + watery eyes,an itchy throat, constant sneezing and puffy sore eyes by the end of the day.

I have put together my essential ultimate hay fever kit. The products I need to see me through hay fever/pollen season.

1. Wrap Around Sunglasses - I may have enormous bug eyes wearing these but these help immensely to keep the pesky pollen away from my eyes

2. Optrex Actimist Eye Spray for Itchy Watery Eyes - New for this year, this spray works wonders for providing instant relief from itchy eyes. A must have.

3. Prevalin Allergy Nasal Spray - My favourite hay fever relief product and it is steroid free and non drowsy. This usually does the trick unless the pollen count is really, really high.

4. Antihistamine Tablets - I take a tablet but these are just used in an emergency now as the Pevalin is good.

5. A Waterproof Mascara - I love to wear mascara as it really opens my eyes therefore a waterproof mascara is an essential on the Summer months. I have just bought L'Oreal False Lash Architect Waterproof.

6. Individual Packs Of Tissues - A handbag must whatever the season if I am honest - I get through tissues in abundance.

7. A Cooling Eye Mask - Sometimes hay fever can really affect me. I rub my eyes too much and they start to hurt and feel sore and dry. Those who suffer will know exactly what I mean..we even can get a gel like film over the eyes (really not good!). When my eyes feel like this I like to have some time out and just rest them, I pop on a mask (refrigerated for extra cooling benefits) and lie back and relax. This soothing gel mask is an absolute bargain from Superdrug

Would you add anything to this list?

Be Bright Be Beautiful - The Best Of The Brights This Spring/Summer

2013-04-30T13:28:00.002+01:00

May's iN Magazine is out now!

This month I am taking a look at the Spring/Summer trend of wearing bright make up and offering tips on how to wear it.

Take a look by clicking on the link below

http://issuu.com/in-magazine.com/docs/inmagessexdigitalmay2013/29

As always I welcome your feedback

Bettina x

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo and Conditioner Review

2013-04-29T19:53:00.001+01:00

I usually add the words My Hair Loves in the title of hair care posts but the title was far too long so they were omitted but hair does indeed love these products!

I don't often write hair care posts as I am rarely wowed by a product. I have to see a real difference for me to put finger to laptop and recommend a hair care product, in this case I am very excited to share my thoughts on this Shampoo and Conditioner.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo

L'Oreal Say

This shampoo is specifically designed for very dry and rebellious hair. Enriched with botanical oils Cameling and Apricot Seed and non-sulphate cleansing surfactants, the formula leaves hair feeling intensely nourished whilst helping to protect from dryness.

My thoughts

The shampoo is opaque colour and texture wise is thick and creamy much like a conditioner. Despite being SLS free it foams up nicely to give that all important feeling of really cleaning your hair. As an aside I personally don't feel the need for loads of foam but I know a lot of people need the reassurance.

It smells divine with a very subtle coconut scent which just adds to the experience.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing & Taming Conditioner

My thoughts

The conditioner has the same divine scent as the shampoo, it is opaque and slightly thicker than the shampoo (as you would expect). After rinsing out I can see and feel the difference in my hair, it really feels conditioned and smooth. It is incredibly manageable and the comb just glides through it. It doesn't weigh the hair down.

Results

Background -
My hair is thick and porous. I have been highlighting it in some way every year for nearly 20 years now. I have frizzy, wavy hair that has a mind of its own. If I leave it to dry without touching it, it goes wavy and frizzy, basically resembles someone who has been dragged through a bush.

Using this shampoo and conditioner combination I can achieve salon textured hair at home, something I have only dreamed of in the past. My hair after styling is super soft, sleek and silky to the touch and it stays this way until the next wash. My hair looks healthy and shines. In fact the first time I used the products a woman at the school complimented me on my hair and said that it looked like I really looked after it!

My usual routine is to air dry for a bit and then blow dry it and then straighten but using these products I could just blow dry it straight and leave it like that, it is that smooth. For the sake of extra sleekness I run the straighteners over it but it just needs going over once.

I love these products and as they are such a great price I would certainly purchase over and over again.

Holy Grail material.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverRiche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo and Conditioner 250ml cost £5.99 each.

*PR Sample

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Review

2013-04-29T11:58:00.003+01:00

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution
Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution is a Glycolic peel off mask and serum duo which promises to reveal younger, smoother skin.

Sanctuary Spa say

Straight away from the very first application skin looks smoother and glowing.

After 1 week - Skin feel firmer, toned and looks brighter

After 2 weeks - Skin glows with radiance and fine lines appear reduced

After 3 weeks - 72% of women noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a glowing radiance

After 4 weeks - A flawless complexion and younger looking skin

How to use

After cleansing skin thoroughly apply peel to dry skin. Using the brush provided apply a thin and even layer of peel avoiding the delicate eye area. Relax for 15-20 minutes allowing mask to dry. Mask should be completely dry and not tack to the touch when ready to peel off.

To remove, start at the base of the face and gently peel off mask to reveal fresh, smooth skin. Rub off any excess.

Immediately after apply a pea sized amount of the Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum.

Use peel twice a week but not on successive days.

SPF should be worn every day when completing this treatment to protect newly revealed skin.

My thoughts

This at-home facial system was really pleasurable to follow. It was so easy to do and it never felt like a chore. I looked forward to peel day as there is something immensely satisfying applying a sticky, gooey gel, feeling it tighten and dry into a shiny, clear mask and then peeling it off and seeing all the dead skin cells coming away to reveal softer, smoother skin.

It took me back to my school days when we would apply glue to our hands and then spend the rest of the day peeling it off in lessons! Happy days.

The Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum smells nice - fresh and citrusy. It is simple to add this into the daily skincare routine.

After the first use of the peel I could see that my skin was brighter and smoother instantly and as the days passed into weeks I really noticed a difference in my complexion. It seems more even and glowing, the fine lines are almost undetectable now and I have noticed an improvement in my blemishes. I have had some spots on my cheeks that have been there for an age and this system made these disappear. My skin looks so much better and almost flawless that the amount of foundation that I need to use has dramatically decreased.

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit costs £22.50

*PR Sample

Instant Relief - Optrex ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray For Itchy + Watery Eyes

2013-04-26T14:02:00.000+01:00

Just as hay fever was rearing its ugly head, a saviour from Optrex was presented..ironically on my way to the Press Day I tweeted that my Hay fever had started and I was suffering from really itchy and watery eyes.

I generally take Prevalin Nasal Spray when hay fever strikes and if it is really bad I take an antihistamine tablet as well. I should add eye drops into this equation as my eyes really take a pounding but I don't like to use them. I have sensitive eyes, I hate the feeling of opening the eye area up and applying the drops and then I don't like the fact for a short while after it renders you blind!

So I was really interested to see this new release from Optrex that seemed like a solution to the drops problem...

ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray for Itchy+Watery Eyes

Claims

Instantly cool, soothes and relieves.

Repairs the eye's natural protection moisture barrier.

Clinically proven to reduce itchiness in and around eyes

Won't smudge make-up

Safe to use with contact lenses

Instructions for use

Hold 10cm from your closed eyelied

Spray 1-2 times onto closed eyelids. 3-4 times per day.

My thoughts

The last week has provided the perfect conditions for me to try out the spray. I have woken up with incredibly itchy eyes and one spray to each eye has given me (to my amazement) instant relief. Actually I have been wowed with this spray. It is so easy to use, just make sure you spray from 10cm away otherwise when you open your eyes they sting! (that was my first use..) When I followed the instructions it worked perfectly. I have used it with mascara too and that has been fine too.

I was a little surprised at the cost of the spray compared to the drops but for the relief and results that it provides and the ease of use personally I would pay this.

Optrex ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray for Itchy + Watery Eyes costs £15.31 for 10ml

Also in the range

ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray Dry + Irritated Eyes
ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray Tired + Uncomfortable Eyes

*PR Sample