SHLYNSBIN ;

LOOK BEAUTY: PERK ME UP PRIMER

2013-05-22T20:42:00.000+01:00

This has been a primer I have repurchased time and time again, it does exactly what you want it to and has a subtle Benefit dupe quality to it. The formula is smooth and applies well onto the skin, while the light pink colouring which helps illuminate the skin tone and even out blotchiness. The same light pink colour is used in That Gal by Benefit - and essentially this is the high street version, however the main difference between the two is how the product is distributed. That Gal requires you to twist the base and the product is dosed through the sieve like top, which I find quite fiddly and wasteful. With the LOOK primer it is distributed via an air pump which means more oxygen is pumped into in the product and the result is instantly brighter skin and a dosage you can control. The formula also contains light reflecting particles for a super dewy finish without a greasy look or feel. As well as an all over face primer you can use this on your lids, inner corner of the eyes or under the eyes and along your cupids bow (top lip dip) to highlight and brighten the areas you feel need a little more attention.

SWATCHED

Overall I rate Perk Me Up very highly as it really does give me a flawless glow without being greasy or oily, it absorbs into the skin beautifully and you don't need more than one pump for the entire face. Pat a little over dull areas through the day for a quick perk me up fix. Have you tried LOOK Beauty yet, did you like it and what do you recommend?

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MY PICKS : SPRING NAILS

2013-05-15T23:16:00.001+01:00

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Nail polish tends to be something I use as more of a beauty accessory rather than part of my grooming routine, I'm not sure if that goes for most people but it is one of the reasons that spring colours and collections are my favourite. I love clashing my nails with my outfits as much as I love matching them which also leaves a lot of room to get creative and have fun with colours and - as well as a welcome chance to ditch the deep and rich tones.

My most worn colours recently are mostly from Barry M, who are creating some amazing colours - greenberry is my current favourite -, textures -the sand effect is so fun to apply and wear - and finishes - Gelly Hi Shine is by far the best - yet remain super affordable, but Models Own always find their way into my basket on the usual beauty spree - however this crazy bright colour from the Neon Iced collection photographs awfully and actually looks radioactive when applied. I also finally got my hands on the coveted confetti topcoat which I actually like wearing over a clear base coat for a nude monochrome nail - a lot of time for monochrome.

Let me know what polishes you have been reaching for this spring, get involved!

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MY PICKS : CURRENTLY ON REPEAT

2013-05-13T18:58:00.002+01:00

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I don't normally do music posts because, well I am not a music blogger nor do I think I warrant any title close to that - but to be honest you're reading my blog and that's enough for me to share what I am currently listening to with you. Recently this is what has been on repeat and happily so, feel free to send me what you like too. Enjoy...or don't.

BondaxFacebook BondaxTourDates

by the way - that photo is from their Facebook page and I merely added the text, I do wish I had taken it though.

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STORAGE IDEAS : EMPTY CANDLE JARS

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

A quick one today just about more my recent storage mission and how keeping to a budget isn't proving as hard as I thought! Yankee Candle jars are as beautiful as the scents they hold and in the past I have always felt awful throwing my large and medium jars away so when two of my favourites recently finished I thought about using these as brush storage as not only do they still look amazing but the glass jars can also be redecorated with studs and spray paint, you could completely re invent them and turn them into luxury make up brush holders which means you don't waste a perfectly good jar and your brushes look gorgeous.

I love how these look on my make up table and it makes finding the right brush quick and easy without being an overly bulky storage option, easy to clean and it also means you can splurge out on a candle without the guilt because you know you will get so much use out of it & I have seen Adrienne add her own little sequin touches to the different shaped jars. DIY done and dusted, to see more of my storage options click here and make sure you send me your favourite storage and DIY ideas!

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MY PICKS : FESTIVAL FIVE

2013-05-12T15:42:00.000+01:00

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Festival season is fast approaching and each year the run up to a music packed summer is always accompanied by the endless lists of beauty and fashion buys and my first list is from Urban Outfitters, who always have the best mix of styles in one place but keep it all very simple. I have chosen the basic crop top and shorts look paired with boots because it is the most comfortable and effortless attire to adorn, I am not quite into floaty dresses so slightly structured works for me - adding prints and tones into these staples make them so much more fun to wear.

Beauty this year is garish and bright so keep the eye makeup minimal but add a wash of electric blue wether it be mascara, eyeliner or even your brows just remember the brighter the better. As for manicures neon brights are spot on, you don't notice chips as easily while clashing colours here and matching colours there with your beauty and styling works really well at festivals , try not to look like a hot mess though keep it simple.
What festivals will you be going to, have you got our eye on any luxury must haves?

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GARNIER : MOISTURE MATCH

2013-05-12T14:05:00.003+01:00

Garnier are one of my favourite high street brands, their products are always perfect for my skin and I love the way they package their products, so naturally as soon as the Moisture Match range hit the stores I had to go check out what I could add my current Garnier skin care shrine.

Moisture Match was designed to combat the dreaded dry skin that tends to crop up this time of year, from dehydrated to oil prone skin. Moisturising is an essential part of my skin care regime and it should be a part of yours too, I know so many people who completely skip this step day by day and it's just got to stop guys dehydrated skin means wrinkles, dull skin and generally unhappy skin! This range is ideal for those of you who don't particularly enjoy your skin care routine wether it be because you are too busy, you don't know what products to use or you just aren't generally fussed by beauty products - with five tailor made moisturisers on offer you can really tackle your problem areas and get your skin back to a healthy and happy condition and these are super light and compact so will fit into any makeup or handbag (maybe not a clutch though).

I decided to go for "Wake Me Up" which tackles dull skin as I've finally managed to get rid of my dry skin and now it just tends to lack the glow that I like, the fact that this is a gel rather than a full blown heavy moisturiser also drew me to this one. I hate moisturising in the morning pre-makeup and having to wait longer than I have the patience for just so that my moisturiser sinks in, Wake Me Up is an oil free gel which is super soothing and contains Mannose which helps lock in moisture instead of creating a film over the skin. I have found that the formula really does give your skin a well deserved citrus boost and absorbs evenly in no time at all, so my morning routine is now fuss free.

I highly recommend trying of of these gems as this will most certainly be a staple in my summer skin care collection. Visit Garnier to check out the full range and let me know what you think!

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FEATURE: I'M IN COSMOPOLITAN UK!

2013-05-09T18:38:00.001+01:00

Well isn't this an honour! The lovely ladies at Cosmo' got in touch and asked if I would like to share my daily essentials with them, how could I say no? I am pretty excited to be featured in one of my longest read and favourite magazines and with all the blogging talent out there it is great that these magazines give us a chance to share the beauty love with their readers. Make sure you get your copy as there are loads of other great beauty and fashion articles inside - just look for Khloe Kardashian on the front, if you're lucky you will find one with a free argan oil remedy too!

Thanks Cosmopolitan, I love you, and good luck to all of you entering the Cosmo Blog Awards this year it is possibly the most fun thing about blogging this time of year!

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MY PICKS: MAY BEAUTY BUYS

2013-04-29T21:16:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since my last beauty "haul", I have been busy exploring new ventures and I must admit this time of year is always a little quiet in lipstick land, but I decided after not spending on new beauty products for a while my favourite repurchases were running low and needed replenishing - prefect excuse to have a gander! Not only did I find some products I was eager to get my mitts on, but my favourite body products too and while I was at it I decided to pick up a fresh new eyeliner, obviously.

REPURCHASES

001. Soap & Glory Sit tight Intense XS: I love this weird contraption , I first came across it last year and have loved it ever since. It actually works and what with this 30 Day Squat Challenge business this is the perfect post work out treatment. FULL REVIEW.

002. Soap & Glory The Firminator : Another favourite from S&G which I discovered when I first started blogging, it has now have a make over and looks very high end. The formula smells very minty and is best before bed because it tends to linger but this is another prefect post work out treatment. I will post a full review in the up coming weeks.

003. Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner : This is my absolute favourite eyeliner ever, I am without a doubt a liquid over gel fan because I find it much easier to work with and much easier to get creative with. This particular one lasts ages and gives the perfect matte finish to any eyeliner look, I particularly like the tapered felt tip like applicator - it also creates a perfectly symmetrical dot under the eye which is brilliant when I am in a hurry.

NEW PURCHASES

004. Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Greenberry : At first ignored this colour from the range because i thought I was over minty green and all other variations, turns out I am not. I love the formula and finish of these and after debating their durability I can safely say I don't mind a chip after two days because it means I get to apply the fluid yet gel like formula onto my nails again. I have a nice little nail tutorial coming up with this colour being used too so keep a look out!

005. L'Oreal Confetti to coat : Yes , Yes I know everyone has this. I'm not sure why it took me so long to find this but I am glad I did. I am yet to try it out but I think I am going to to apply it over a clear base coat for a true monochrome look, I am really liking glitter and designs over a natural no polish nail lately, which I can thank one of my best friends for - genius Jenny!

006. Garnier Moisture Match : When I first saw these in the DARE magazine Superdrug brings out I knew I had to try one, they're perfectly sized and tailored and I am a huge Garnier fan as it is. I decided to go for "Wake Me Up" as it is oil free and this works better on my skin during spring and summer, i also like the idea of a gel cream as you can completely skip primer in your make up routine, which is much lighter for spring too.

What are your May repurchases and new buys, anything new or old I should be looking out for?

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MY PICKS : GREEN FOR SPRING

2013-04-24T20:44:00.004+01:00

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Spring is here, intermittently but never the less, with the sun beaming on my skin I can feel my black clothes screaming to be put away and replaced for a new colour to parade around in. This season it is green, I am one of those people that thinks Pantone know everything, including the secrets to life, so when it was announced that Emerald green was the colour of the year I hopped on board the green train (just emerald green is a hard colour palette to stick to) and have some how lost myself among flower crowns and transparent underwear, yum. These are just a few of my current favourite green items that are hovvering high up on my wish list, a nail varnish called RAD and tartan Urban Renewal trousers - who could say no?
What colours are you getting into for spring? Share share share !

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HAWAIIAN TROPIC: SILK HYDRATION

2013-04-24T10:12:00.000+01:00

180ml £7.49 ++

Hawaiian Tropic are known for their luxurious yet affordable body care and it's signature holiday scents and their latest moisturiser comes packed with SPF 15 protection which is great for the summer, but it also has the most beautiful floral fruity scent which is described as "A warm tropical scent" - spot on really. This is a sun screen lotion which is a nice take on the average sun cream because I hate the smell of sun cream & as bad is it sounds I often avoid using it on my body.

The formula is very lightweight and absorbs quickly into my skin which I like, waiting for moisturisers to sink in before getting dressed is a little bit of a pain. The silk ribbons provide the skin with a moisture boost and you can really feel the formula soothe the skins you apply it - I use far too much out of greed for the combination of the delicious smell and how good my skin looks and feels after using it. As well as containing anti-oxidants this also provides an amazing 12 hours of moisture to my skin and also comes in a range of SPF factors from 12 to 30! Overall I love this new idea from Hawaiian Tropic and I will be purchasing a full sized bottle especially since Boots has selected HT products on half price at the moment!

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MAC LIPSTICK : VEGAS VOLT

2013-04-23T08:30:00.000+01:00

£14 from MAC

Another day another MAC lipstick to get us all in the mood for Spring brights. I love using a bright shade on my lips during spring as heavy duty complexion products like powder full to medium cover ups start to take a back seat, using you lips and eyes as a coal point on your face not only freshens up your look but also keeps your make up feeling light - no risk of melting faces round here!
Vegas Volt is a bright coral-orange toned lipstick with an opaque finish that is very similar to Costa Chic but without that Frost finish, the colour pay off is intense and fully colour blocks my rather pink pout which is great as the true shade is transferred perfectly. This lipstick is part of the Amplified finish range which makes it that vibrant orange coral tone that I have fallen in love with but also means you get around 3-4 hours worth of wear even with talking and indulging the taste buds, which may not seem long compared to my usual matte favourites however with a bright colour like this it tends to fade away rather than suddenly vanish which looks much better than a sudden pale pout.

This is going to be a brilliant colour when the sun is out in full swing especially with a tan, the coral tones will flatter darker skin tones while the vibrancy keeps your look on trend, equally this colour makes a statement on paler skin tones in a whole different way drawing attention to your lips as well as making any understated look super chic. Have you tried Vegas Volt yet, what do you think about it?

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TOPSHOP MAKE UP: BLUSH STICK

2013-04-13T16:53:00.003+01:00

TOPSHOP BLUSH STICK IN SNEAK PEAK £10 ++

Topshop have really impressed me with the latest additions to their Topshop Makeup collection, the twist up cream blusher sticks have caught my eye - particularly this neon pink beauty called "Sneak Peek". The sticks are twist up applicators which allow you to apply the colour directly to your cheeks, although I tend to run the product in a small circle on the back of my hand to avoid over doing it as these pack a pigmented punch - do not let their size trick you or put you off.

The colour is highly pigmented which makes this an essential to any make up bag as they are small enough to fit into any bag but give such a great colour pay off in such a small dose, hence using my hand as a palette when applying. I also like to use a stippling with the blush stick to give it a more even finish as it is neon in colour but has a sheer finish.

I really like this addition to my blusher collection and have been using it to ease myself into the spring makeup trends, the product itself lasts around 4-6 hours which might not seem that long but for a sheer cream blush I think that is pretty fair. I would really suggest getting your hands on one of the two Blush Sticks for spring and summer because they are going to be a huge hit at Glastonbury as well as on the high street.

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NARS: COPACABANA ILLUMINATOR

2013-04-13T15:51:00.001+01:00

NARS COPACABANA 30ml - £22

NARS is a brand that really grabs my attention when it comes to products, dirty names aside, their products always look like something you haven't seen or used before - which automatically gets me thinking " I must have that". I waited to try the range of illuminators because to be honest I had too many illuminating products and I couldn't justify adding another one to my collection, that was until one of my best friends went over to The States and happily picked one up for me!

Copacabana is a cool toned liquid / creme illuminator that carries a pearlescent glow, the cooler more silvery tones look similar to High Beam by benefit however once applied the pink tones blend into your skin seamlessly, while the silver tones dust your cheek bones with a subtle shimmer - no tin man skin tone to be seen here. The consistency is quite pleasant and is more liquid than a cream however it holds shape when applying it to your fingertips / brush and this makes it easy to control when applying it to specific areas of the face. I like to use this down the centre of my nose and at the highest point of my cheekbones to accentuate my face shape.

I would say this lasts around 6-8 hours before it joins up in a tag team with your foundation and begs for a little sprucing up, but until then it looks amazing and gives this really subtle and soft focus glow to the complexion, which is why it is my new go to highlighter for Spring and Summer.

Have you tried the illuminating range from NARS, what other products should I look out for?

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FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

2013-03-25T08:30:00.000Z

Better late than never I say, this post has been waiting to be done and finally I have paid my favourites some attention. February was all about trying to fight off the last of the winter blues and getting my skin back into top top condition, no one has time for dull skin these days, and sprucing up my beauty routine with bright lips, pastel nails and my favourite perfume.

001. Marc Jacobs Daisy - EDP lasts much longer than the usual eau de toilette, Daisy is a firm favourite not only amongst bloggers but within my friendship group so having this at hand has been delightful. I much prefer the black bottle and gold lid but saying that I am keen to try the new Sunshine Daisy fragrances released for Spring Summer '13.

002. MAC Candy Yum-Yum - matte and vibrant pink was my pout of choice through february as it is such a strong colour it does all the hard work for your make up with no effort at all. Matte lipsticks last longer too which is why they are my favourite, perfect when paired with that coveted natural skin glow.

003. Barry M texture polish - I was so excited to see these released and actually didn't know what to expect from them but I have been pleasantly surprised by how easily they apply and last on my nails. The gritty texture is only obvious once the polish has dried and the colour is not compromised by the texture at all. Marvellous!

003. Maybelline Fit Me! foundation - Well this was kind of by default but I was more than happy to use this due to all other foundations running out (it's the first time this has happened to me) and I have blogged about this foundation multiple times but it is a good back up to have thanks to the buildable formula and even coverage. I still reckon this is for spring and summer more than winter, but I will test that in the months to come.

004. Macadamia Natural Oil - This little bottle of healing oil treatment has lasted me so long for the size it is , and works wonders on dry and brittle ends. I usually use a small amount on damp hair after washing my locks to lock in moisture and let the oil work the magic it holds. If I am running short on time or fancy a pick me up for my hair which can look a little dull due to the cold I will apply a little to my dry mid-lengths and ends which then gives a glossy and healthy finish whilst smelling delicious!

005. Laidbare DIY foaming cleanser - I was sent this treat of a facial wash and have loved using it, the formula is similar to the Clarins Pure Melt cleanser which feels like your make up has been rinsed away thoroughly post usage and leaves your skin feeling soft and surprisingly hydrated. The cleanser is a two in one and also acts as a toner for your skin so is perfect for busy girls and no mess no fuss beauty regimes and is packed with anti-oxidants. Beware though this does contain brazil nuts.

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BACK FROM MY BREAK

2013-03-24T21:44:00.000Z

Hi Blogerellas! Well it has been a while since I last posted about my latest and greatest in the beauty world but all is well and I am back. I decided to take a break from blogging and spend some time focusing my energy on content creation, blogging is a hobby of mine that I really enjoy but as I am creating content for others (you'll see) I have felt that it is important to let myself grow as a blogger and let me blog grow with me - after all I have been doing this non stop for a year now! Anyway I am back and I have lots to share with you so I hope you are all as excited as I am and I will happily be taking requests from you for any videos/posts/features and whatever else you may want to see simply drop me a message in the box on the right!

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MY PICKS : THE SPRING STAPLE

2013-03-06T22:24:00.001Z

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PIN-A-FORE :

A collarless sleeveless dress, tied or buttoned in the back and typically worn as a jumper, over a blouse or sweater.

As spring is blossoming and the sun is beginning to help us remember what good weather feels like I am finding myself clicking away in the NEW IN sections for all my favourite online shops, I love seeing what is new each week and especially so when the mid-season sales roll out and the new spring buys roll in. The Pinafore has caught my attention from each of my favourite high street retailers & what better to do than share my top 4 pini's with you?

001. MOTO Teal Cord Pini Dress: My favourite of the lot and the one I will most likely purchase before the end of the month is from, would you believe, Topshop. This teal corduroy number has just enough detail and is super versatile for dreamy day looks and easy to dress up evening potential, I especially like that the skirt is a flippy skirt - so cute!

002. Dungaree Dress: This cotton faux denim wash dungaree dress from Zara is the perfect piece for lazy days when you just wan't to throw something on, great for festivals and gigs or just a day out in the sun. I love the cute front pocket and low cut sides that leave room for t-shirts or crop tops to add a slice of colour to your look.

003. Denim Pinafore Dress : A basic pini from Asos which carries the same bib style as the rest but has buttons at the side and an amazing back button detail which proves less is more. I like the way that Asos have styled this Pinafore with a plain white crop top and I would do the same.

004. Cooperative Pinafore Playsuit: Last but not least is this simple little number from Urban Outfitters that feeds my monochrome obsession quite nicely. I like the fact that this one feels more dressed up which will be nice for warm summer evenings, day trips or even paired with a blouse for work.

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REAL TECHNIQUES : EXPERT FACE BRUSH

2013-03-05T21:17:00.002Z

£9.99 at Boots

Oh look, another Real Techniques brush has made it's way into my collection! I know you might be thinking this is bordering on excessive however how on earth is a girl supposed to resists a new foundation brush for under £10?

Real Techniques brushes are the best brushes on the high street and I will continue to whichever brush appeals to me next. The thing about these brushes is their taklon synthetic bristles which pick products up without absorbing and fluid, clinging to liquid or storing powder which then attracts bacterial build up. The Expert Face Brush has got to be my favourite brush for applying cream and liquid foundation, the unique, sleek and oval shape makes buffing and blending products easy and leaves a flawless finish.

I love this brush and use it for liquid foundation, BB Cream and concealer touch ups, if you are looking for a budget friendly and make up friendly brush I would totally recommend picking up one
of these!

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BUMBLE & BUMBLE: TEXTURE HAIR (UN)DRESSING CREME

2013-03-04T08:30:00.000Z

£18.28 150ml at Feel Unique

Bumble and Bumble has become a big contender in the fight for my attention among my hair products, the Thickening Spray has earned a place in my permanent products and will definitely become one of my must repurchased items. So when I saw the Texture (un) Dressing Creme which boasted an easy to create tousled yet groomed look I knew I had to have it especially with with Spring is in the air textured, free flowing and easy to style hair is a must for the slowly warming weather and trust me this is yet another product from Bb. which doesn't disappoint.

The packaging is amazing as with all Bumble and Bumble products and this teal and black colour combo makes the product easily identifiable among a sea of products or as an accent colour for those of you who use your dresser as a pretty beauty area. Something about teal is really calming and draws me right to it! The squeeze tube with air tight lid means you don't waste products or risk wasting any of the 150ml tube through it drying out.

The formula of the product is similar to a gel cream and has a slight gummy feeling when pressing it between your fingers, this doesn't transfer to your hair however it actually leaves the hair with a matte texture that isn't porous or coarse; which is down to the silica, green algae extract and a sugar extract called sorbitol which all provide the hair with a moisture boost as well as helping to lock moisture into the hair when applying the product.

To apply the product simply twist the air tight cap up and squeeze the tube, then apply the product into damp hair and can use it from root to tip for a full control and root lifted looks as well as to create the perfect wavy, flowing and free locks. I use a hazelnut sized amount from my mid lengths to ends and this covers my hair evenly without leaving residue or crisping however depending on the thickness and length of your hair you might want to experiment as I have shoulder length medium thick hair.

A little tip from the Bumbles : use a diffuser to amplify curls.

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PHARAOHS

2013-03-03T17:55:00.003Z

What a week it has been - busy busy and also super fun, I spent the weekend with my best friends and some work friends too which was really lovely and slightly messy. Last week I focused on more products to get you in the mood for spring and as it is officially Spring you can expect to see more of these types of posts popping up next week along with a round up of my favourite products in February. I am so excited for the weather to start changing and even find myself getting excited that it is still daylight when I get home from work so excited I am already searching for my new best oil free products to share with you but for now here is the weekly round up of what was going on last week.

Monday: MAC Candy Yum-Yum - a review and celebration for the return of the neon pink lipstick we all loved when it hit us the first time round.
Tuesday: MAC Vegas Volt - a review on yet another lipstick which is going to look amazing with a tan, your favourite spring brights and will help brighten the imminent sun hangovers.
Wednesday: What Did I Buy Today - this little journal is going to keep my finances in shape and keep me interested with it's quirky details.
Thursday: MUA Undress Your Skin Primer - a review on the new primer from MUA.
Friday: Soap & Glory Body Butter Cream - a review on my absolute favourite body butter, like ever.
Saturday: Hotel Chocolat Cocoa Juvenate - a inside look at the new beauty range from my favourite high street chocolatiers.

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HOTEL CHOCOLAT : COCOA JUVENATE

2013-03-02T08:30:00.000Z

I was invited Hotel Chocolat in The Oracle to have a browse and play with the new range, I know chocolate is not normally something associated with a beauty regime and in fact some of us steer clear away from the sugar pumped treat to keep our skin clear at all costs.

Cocoa is actually full to the brim with antioxidants and a really fresh fragrance and Hotel Chocolat have decided to bring the luxurious cocoa infused spa products to us in their high street stores!

Revive Treatment Candle £30

The Cocoa Juvenate range was developed at their Spa in St Lucia, which has the same name as the range, and contains all the best ingredients derived from the cocoa pods to ensure your skin is revived, hydrated and kept looking its best. The Cocoa plant has a really bright and fresh smell and each of these products carries this lovely fragrance which smells nothing like chocolate and I actually much prefer it this way as smelling like a candy bar is not my idea of relaxation and during the warmer months this would tend to linger and induce head aches, good work HC I am loving this calming and fresh scent! The skin care range is rich in antioxidants to keep your skin looking young, minerals to promote a glow to your skin and the candle uses aromatherapy to boost your mood and keep you calm.

My favourite products are the body oil which is the perfect consistency without being overly fluid or greasy in fact it reminded me more of a dry oil when applying it to my arms, I also like the hand and body lotion because the rich and creamy formula absorbs into my skin quickly and didn't feel heavy or greasy but did leave me with a a subtle sheen and super soft skin, I also really like the hand cream which is a good size for your hand bag, desk and bedside table plus the chic yet simple packaging gives the range a really luxe vibe and who doesn't love a treat?

This range would make an amazing gift to yourself for your bath room or as a gift to anyone else includes men who have been heard to really like the range (I'm convinced the smart packaging choce was the right one), I would highly recommend trying at least one of these out next time you are near a Hotel Chocolate store and I have now added the Revive Body Oil to my wish list and I am sure I will snap this up soon especially with such a reasonable price list!

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SOAP & GLORY : SUGAR CRUSH BODYBUTTER

2013-03-01T08:30:00.000Z

£10.50 300ml from Boots

Not so long ago I was writing to tell you about my new favourite shower gel from Soap & Glory and here I am again writing to tell you about the sister product which comes in the form of a body butter, enter Sugar Crush Body Butter Cream. The similarities in these products are mainly down to the fragrant ingredients of kiwi fruit water, lime tree blossom extracts and coconut oil which make this range smell absolutely gorgeous!

Sugar Crush Body Butter Cream is a really rich and luxurious almost like whipped cream that melts into the skin, while the consistency makes the body butter cream easy to apply and also a delight to slather on after a long hot bath, but also absorbs into the skin quickly enough to apply it 20 minutes before getting dressed. The combined ingredients of sweet almond oil, shea butter and cocoa butter provide not only a quick fix of moisture but also long term nourishment for the skin to keep it supple, soft and glowing which is why this has become my new go to for spring.

I would seriously recommend getting your mitts on this beauty for Spring , smelling like a zesty fresh lemon with a sweet twist is right up my street and the subtle lingering scent will be great for lazy spring days and hot nights out to keep you feeling fresh and glowing all spring and summer.

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MUA PRIMER : UNDRESS YOUR SKIN FLAWLESS PRIMER

2013-02-28T08:30:00.000Z

£3 from MUA Online or atbSuperdrug

MUA are a brand I am always eager to try new products from, their price range and product quality is really good especially as the beauty market has become increasingly competitive for the attention of beauty lovers across the land. This primer from the new Undress Your Skin line, which is very familiar -Naked hype, is a silicone based primer and the main purpose is to create a flawless base for your make up application.

Silicone based products like this and Porefessional from Benefit basically help fill in fine lines, visible pores, often help to keep excess oil at bay during the day and prolong the wear of your foundation and other complexion products. When I decided to pick this up I expected the usual silicone smoothing product with nothing special especially as the product is a colourless gel consistency, however this formula is a little different as I found it to be slightly more oily to the touch and actually felt much better on my skin than Porefessional ever did, the pump dispenser also ensures a dose of oxygen is infused into the product and will help promote a healthy looking glow along with a little massage technique when applying it.

I found that this did create a fairly flawless base and the product held to my skin quite well however I don't think it did anything in terms of prolonging the wear of my foundation as it lasted roughly the same amount of time as it would with my other primers. I would recommend trying this out if you want a primer that gives a flawless coverage or a product that you can wear without make up as a skin base.

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BOOKS : WHAT DID I BUY TODAY?

2013-02-27T08:30:00.000Z

£6.39 from Amazon

Journals are something I have enjoyed since being a little girl, there is something fun about documenting something that you have experienced or enjoyed and in a way I think this is why blogging appeals to me so much too, so when I discovered there was a journal that could document my spending I was really excited to get my hands on one to see if it could actually work.

What Did I Buy Today is spending journal created by an amazing and one of my favourite illustrators based in Portland (Oregon,USA) her name is Kate Bingaman-Burt and she has decorated the pages of the journal with drawings based on cash flow, quirky doodles and the things we spend our money on. Each page is cleverly thought out and keeps you interested which is great especially when it comes to the pages which help you save those pennies, there are even pages which have suggestions and challenges for saving money and the week by week tracker means you can track as you go rather than trying to guess and estimate what your out goings will be like for the month.

The paperback A5 sized book fits into any handbag, has a really quirky doodle covered and canary yellow cover which instantly improves any mood and is great to take out and about with you to set goals of where you wan't to be financially and how you are going to get there whilst tracking what you are spending your money on. I am always reading tweets about spending bans or apologies to bank accounts for the splurging but now you can make managing your finances fun and easy to keep track of whilst holding off on the "Obsessive Consumption".

What do you reckon will you be getting in on the journal keeping for your finances this year?

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MAC LIPSTICK : CANDY YUM-YUM

2013-02-25T08:30:00.000Z

£14 3g from MAC ++

MAC actually describe this as the lipstick dreams are made of and I am going to have to agree. This matte finish lipstick caused a stir when it first made an appearance in the Quite Cute collection, which is still one of my favourites ever, word of the return of Candy Yum-Yum started to spread and so did the excitement among lipstick lovers and Makeup Artists as the colour was a limited edition shade that has now been made permanent which is awesome news so clear your collection and make space for this cutie.

I was lucky enough to get this for my birthday (my boyfriend knows how to keep a girl smiling) and have worn this so much since then I haven't actually had time to blog about it. The colour itself is a highly pigmented neon pink, the matte finish makes this colour seem even more vibrant and also gives my lips a slightly fuller look which is always a plus. I love how long this lasts and even after a night out I will wake up with a perfect pout of colour, it can also leave a stain of colour behind but this is easily removed. All in all I am in love with this little beauty and whenever I wear it people comment on the gorgeous colour, I would love to use this on a warmer skin tone too so let me know if you have bought this!

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INHALER

2013-02-24T10:30:00.000Z

Hi dolls! Another week gone and what a busy week it was, work has been mental but still by far my favourite job ever. This week I have been dabbling with different make up looks for spring but all will be revealed, I have also been thinking about some ideas on how to spruce up your wardrobe for spring so keep your eyes peeled, I have also been talking about brightening your skin and preparing for spring in my blog posts this week so here's a chance to catch up if you missed anything.

Monday: Soap&Glory GlowAll Out - a review on my favourite new highlighter from the kitsch cool brand.
Tuesday: Birchbox February - a look at my London Fashion Week beauty box with some really good treats inside!
Wednesday: First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller - a review on the super luxe 3in1 detox magic wand that gets rid of dark circles, puffiness and dehydration lines.
Thursday: YSL Shocking Mascara - my all time favourite mascara with an updated review.
Friday: My picks for spring - check out what TOPSHOP shoes I am liking for Spring'13.

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