SHALLOWWONDERLAND

SOAP AND GLORY THE HAPPILY EVER LATHER BOOK CLUB

2017-06-15T21:19:00.000+01:00

Soap and Glory have recently teamed up with My Kinda Book to create their
#happilyeverlather book club. The brand is giving away books and beauty goodies every month with a different title being featured each time. I was lucky enough to win a competition on Instagram this month. I won 4 signed books, book club merchandise including my very own Happily Ever Lather membership card and discussion booklet, plus lots of Soap and Glory goodies to share with my friends and get other people involved in the book club.
This month's book is Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell which I have never got around to reading but have heard so many good things about. Other books on their past reading list have been; Open: A Toolkit for How Magic and messed up Life can be by Gemma Cairney and A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard.

I could talk about Soap and Glory all day, they are a brand I never get bored of and there is always something new to try. The Soap and Glory products included were their new dry shampoo, The Rushower which I LOVE and am completely converted to! Their Love at First Blush Blusher which is my go-to everyday blush! Their Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in Nude Star and a few different scents of their body lotions, my favourite being Smoothie Star Body Lotion. This really is my idea of heaven! Bathing and bookish things go together so well. I really wish this was a monthly subscription box where you get a book and a product each month, I would totally sign up! You can find out more about the Book Club here. Look out for more book club competitions on their Instagram feed. I'm off to enjoy my book in the bath!

What's your favourite Soap and Glory product? Will you be joining the #happilyeverlather book club?

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BIRCHBOX SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED MARCH 2017

2017-04-13T11:39:00.000+01:00

I used to have so many beauty box subscriptions each month that I had so many samples building up that I decided to stop my subscriptions even though I really enjoyed receiving them each month. It’s been over a year since I last received a Birchbox. I saw that March’s box would include one of the new Benefit lip products, even better you could choose which shade you wanted, so I decided to purchase a box. This was the content of my box;
Benefit They’re Real! Double The Lip – I chose the colour Lusty Rose which is a lovely rosy nude shade. The feature of these lip products is that it’s a lip colour and lip liner in one and it really does work. This means you just need one product instead of two, which is great for on the go! The formula is semi matte but it's moisturising on the lips. I really liked the shade I picked, I would definitely look into some more shades of these.
Marcelle Gentle Make-up Remover for Sensitive Eyes – I had never heard of this brand before receiving it in my beauty box, but I was excited to use it as I tend to stick to Bioderma and it’s nice to try something new. I found this removed most of my make-up, I still cleansed my skin after using but the visible make-up had gone. This formula also helps to diminish dark circles and under eye puffiness using cucumber and green tea. It’s nice and gentle so it’s great for even sensitive eyes.
Balance Me Instant Lift Primer – I really like Balance Me body products, this was a little bit different from the range as it's verging on the make-up side of things. I liked the texture of this primer, it has a really nice citrus scent and my skin felt smooth before I applied the rest of my make-up. The primer contains hyaluronic acid and acacia gum to tighten and blur enlarged pores.
Model Co Highlighting Trio – This is a full-size product, which is quite impressive. But I’m not sure I would purchase this at £17.00. You get three colours in the palette; a peachy-pink blush, a pearlescent highlighter and a coppery bronzer. I like that these are cream products so you can put this palette in your handbag and top up on the go. The products are multi-purpose so you can use them on your cheekbones, brow bones and eyelids. The colours are pigmented and creamy in texture but they turn into a powder on your skin.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – This is a product I have received quite a few times in beauty boxes before but have never repurchased the full size. I really like the texture this product gives my hair for an effortless style. I love this product but I’m not convinced on the price when I can get a high street equivalent for a fraction of the price. This size is great for your handbag or travel though, so I might save this for a holiday.
I was really impressed with the contents of my box last month. Birchbox reverted back to the original kraft box in March to celebrate hitting 100,000 subscribers in the UK. Other products available last month include the Korres Santorini Shower Gel, Batiste Dry 2in1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner and the Bobbi Brown face masks.
As a little extra I added the promotion code MANI at the checkout and received a full size Smith & Cult Nail Polish. I have never tried anything from this brand before, so I’m excited to give it a go the next time I give myself a manicure or maybe a pedicure.
This month's box is a collaboration with Boden and the box is so pretty! I’m not saying I will keep my subscription every month, but it is nice to receive one every so often.

Which product is your favourite from last months Birchbox?

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FACE INC BY NAILS INC CAT NAP BRIGHTENING SHEET MASK

2017-02-21T18:17:00.000+00:00

I have recently been really into using sheet masks, especially during the colder months. Sometimes your skin just need an instant hit of moisture. This is my first time using a Face Inc by Nails Inc Sheet Mask, I was a little surprised when I first saw these as I didn’t expect a skincare product from this sort of brand. These face masks have a unique selling point of using the idea of fun Snapchat like filters printed on them instead of just the usual plain white mask. There are four different variations of the mask; Cat Nap, Instant Detox, Flower Power and 40 Winks. I have used the Cat Nap Brightening Sheet Mask which revitalises normal to dry skin. This mask is enriched with Green Tea and Botanical Root Extracts to balance, restore, moisturise and cleanse. It also contains Chamomile, Propolis Wax & Rice Bran Extract to brighten, refresh and nourish the skin. This mask helps when you haven't had much sleep or your skin looks tired and needs an instant pick me up. Cat Nap is suitable if you've had a late night or a long day at work and just need to relax. The packaging says to leave it on for 15 minutes but I like to just leave it on for as long as possible until no moisture is left on the sheet. You gently massage any excess liquid into the skin. I also find that there is a lot of left over product inside the sachet which I also massage into my skin (trying to get my moneys worth). These Nails Inc masks are priced at £5.00 each which I guess is quite pricey when you think a Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is around the £1.00 mark. I found the Cat Nap mask moisturising but not as hydrating as some sheet masks I have tried. I also found the crease in the middle of the mask was hard to work with, where as with a tissue mask I can get most of the creases out and cover the majority of my skin. I did see a difference in my skin after using it, it looked refreshed and glowy. My skin felt soft and plumped after using. These would be great to use with your friends as you could have so much fun laughing and joking around in your masks taking photos.
I like to use a face mask at the weekends as a treat and to help renew my skin ready for the week ahead. I like that more and more brands are making sheet masks accessible to the high street market, as it can be expensive for a one time use item. Nails Inc are a brand who are creative with their products and follow trends, so I wonder where they will take the brand next. I would be interested in trying out the other masks in the range, especially the Instant Detox mask as it contains Hyaluronic Acid. I have also seen that they do Glove Masks for your hands, which I think is a great idea and would be interested in trying the next time I'm in Boots. I also want to try the Boots Ingredients Sheet Face Masks next.

What's your favourite face mask?

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LUSH CUPID BATH BOMB VALENTINE'S 2017

2017-02-09T12:15:00.000+00:00

I recently hauled my Valentine's Lush Haul and I had to share my favourite item from the range as it was too beautiful not to demo. Cupid Bath Bomb had to be my favourite from this year’s offering. This two toned pink bath bomb is in the shape of a Cupid’s arrow and is a little bit smaller than a normal bath bomb but this is reflected in the price. I created a heart shape in the bubbles and dropped the bath bomb in. I was pleasantly surprised that the heart floated across the water and the inside colours escaped from the two ends of the arrow. Dark pink, light pink and white are the colours that seep out and leave a petal pink tint to the water. This bath bomb fizzed away slowly which is nice as you can get the full enjoyment of them as some bath bombs are over in seconds. This was as well probably my favourite scent from the new products I discovered. The mix of the rose and bergamot bring a sweet floral fragrance which is right up my street. It also contains violet leaf absolute and lime oil, the scent is subtle but it’s uplifting, fresh and calming as well. It shares its scent with the Razzle Dazzle bath oil, which is lovely and I can imagine using both at the same time would add to the softness of your skin! This bath bomb is reasonable priced at £2.95 each, I would definitely repurchase and they would make such a cute little present. I also used the Kiss Me Quick Business Wash Card which was nice to use in conjunction with the bath bomb. This was my first time using a wash card, I was hoping it would foam up a little more but I really like the citrus scent of this!

Which product is your favourite from this years Valentine's range?

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LUSH VALENTINE'S DAY HAUL 2017

2017-02-06T11:40:00.002+00:00

It feels like we've just had Christmas, but Lush are straight onto their next seasonal range. The Valentine's range is bigger and better than before! I like to try new things so I didn't buy any of the products I have already tried from previous years, although I was tempted by the Unicorn Horn and Rose Bombshell.
I have never tried a wash card before, but this affordable Kiss Me Quick Business Wash Card is a great way to try them out at £2 each. It's a different, fun way of washing yourself rather than just a normal shower gel. You can tear a section off and lather it up under the water or wash yourself as you normally would with the whole sheet. I think I prefer reusing the whole sheet as it seems to lather up more. The scent contains apple, lemon and lime so the fragrance is quite fruity. It also contains ylang-ylang so it's refreshing and uplifting in the bath or shower. This would be great for travelling as it would take up no room in your toiletries bag, I think you would have to use it all though as I wouldn't want to put it back into my bag soggy. I look forward to trying more of these out!
Another one of the products I was excited to use was the Cupid Bath Bomb, which is shaped like a cupid's arrow. This bath bomb contains calming rose, violet leaf absolute and bergamot which gives it a subtle sweet scent. This bath bomb melts slowly on top of your bath water and leaves a lovely petal pink hue. I think this is one of the most reasonably priced bath products from the range, I would definitely repurchase this one.
I have tried some other bath melts from Lush before, they are nice to add to a bath bomb or another product you are using in the bath to add some extra moisture. Two Hearts Beating As One Bath Melt is a little different as it comes in two parts which you can use together or separate and get the most out of two baths or more. The product contains ylang-ylang and rose oils so the scent is quite floral. The melt also has organic cocoa butter and almond oil so it softens the skin and conditions your body. I really like the colours of this one, the coral and magenta oils float on top of the bath.
The most fun design from the range is Love Struck Bubble Bar which is shaped as a heart eye emoji, so cute! I'm not sure of the scent on this one, the scent is filled with lemon and geranium but it's not my favourite. I love bubbles in my bath and you only need to crumble a small amount to create enough to be covered in them. I'm not sure I would repurchase this one, looking back at my Lush haul 2016, I need to repurchase the Rose Jam Bubbleroon!
The last item I picked up was the Over and Over Bath Bomb which reminds me of the Never Mind the Ballistics bath bomb (which I loved!) from the Christmas range or Roller Bath Bomb. These bath bombs are half normal bath bomb and half bath melt. This bath bomb contains cocoa butter, lime and fennel oil, so has a lovely sherbet, citrusy scent. This bath bomb has a surprise pink centre and I really like how the scent lingers around for a while after using.

Which product is your favourite from this years Valentine's range?

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WINTER READS AND POPPY LOVES BOOK CLUB

2017-01-26T18:29:00.000+00:00

At the beginning of last year, I told myself I wanted to do something different, something outside of my comfort zone, find a new hobby. Poppy Loves runs a Book Club for women all over the world, who can join in online and discuss the book they have been reading that month with others and the Author. One day Poppy Loves commented on one of my Instagram photos, I had taken a photo of the book they were currently reading and she said I should join! I had read Poppy Loves blog before but didn’t realise there was a book club. I had never really considered joining a book club, I have always loved reading but there didn’t seem to be one out there for me. As there wasn’t a book club in my town she asked if I wanted to be the Captain Book for my club, this just means you organise where everyone meets and have the questions ready to go. Being part of a book club is great as it means I broaden my choice of books and pick up things I wouldn’t normally read. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same book so it’s good to discuss different opinions and also ask the Author questions about the book. The online book club has over 2700 members and has 70 book clubs over the world. Some of my favourite reads since joining Poppy Loves Book Club have been In a Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware and One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis. We are currently reading Paulina & Fran By Rachel B. Glaser, which I’m just about to start. I love looking back at all my photos, remembering where I was when I was reading a certain book. You can join Poppy Loves Book Club here.

I have set my Goodreads target of 25 books to read this year. I gave myself a target of reading two books a month, I try and read a little bit each day even if it is just a couple of pages. Hopefully I can reach this by the end of the year! As Winter has arrived it’s nice to cosy up with a hot drink and a book or run myself a Lush bath and read for hours in there. I have really been enjoying Thrillers at the moment. I have also really enjoyed listening to books via Audible, especially if I'm on the go. Some other books I want to get to this Winter are; The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Birald, The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin and The Women in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.

I have also really been enjoying watching Book Tube videos, some of my favourite channels have been Lauren and the books and Blabbering about books. I have also brought a book journal after seeing it on Lauren’s channel. I thought it would spare me on to read more and review my books so I don’t forget about them in months to come. This Busy B Book Journal is great as it has separate parts for book club, books read, books to read and books on loan. I have got a bit creative with mine and have really been enjoying it. I used to post some of my book reviews on here, I might start that up again.

Do you have any reading recommendations or any tips to read more?

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ANTHROPOLOGIE CHRISTMAS HOMEWARE WISHLIST

2016-11-24T11:24:00.001+00:00

Some might think it's too early to start the festivities, but after the Christmas cups and adverts have been released it's ok to start the Christmas wishing I think. Anthropologie is a shop that has dreamy homeware where I could buy one of everything and their Christmas range is just as magical.
My favourite picks from the website are anything to do with Gingerbread. My Christmas tree may have too many Gingerbread men after growing my collection over the years, but these little trinkets are too cute to miss. The Candy Cane Gingerbread House Christmas Ornament, Gingerbread Snow Globe Christmas Ornament and Yuletide Christmas Ornament are my picks of the Christmas decorations. My favourite being the Snow Globe one as I've seen nothing like it, it's so special and would look perfect on any tree. As winter is approaching, I'm drinking more hot drinks any excuse to buy a new Christmas mug every year, I may have already brought a Starbucks one this year in the shape of a penguin. This Snowy Salutation Mug is so vintage looking and comes in three different designs. My favourite is the mustard 'Christmas' one with Santa on his sleigh. If you are looking for something on the go or a cute present for a friend this Merry & Bright Travel Mug is the cutest thing to go with your Gingerbread lattes and also comes in three different designs. I've always wanted a special Christmas plate for mince pies or a plate for Santa. I've looked at Emma Bridgewater ones before but these Noel Canape Plates are perfect, decorative and come in four different designs. It would be lovely to have one of each design as Christmas Day dessert plates. There are so many things I could have chosen for my wish list from the website, including Snow Globe Stocking Holders and Jar Candles, I need to find my way to a store. Even better, for Black Friday Anthropologie are offering 20% off everything, just use the promo code 'GIFT'.

What are your favourite Christmas homeware picks this season?

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GARNIER MOISTURE BOMB TISSUE FACE MASK

2016-08-17T12:03:00.000+01:00

I have so many face masks, they’re probably my favourite skincare product to buy. I like to try different formulas for different problem areas. Multi-masking has become quite popular recently, this is where you put a clay mask on your t-zone and a radiance mask on your cheeks to get the best out of your face masks. I guess this means you don’t have to apply three masks a week, you can have one pamper session and target all areas. I try and use a face mask every Sunday evening, I'm always trying out new ones. I noticed the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Face Mask on one of my many shopping trips into Boots. I had seen the Moisture Bomb Range before but hadn’t seen the tissue mask. My friend said she enjoyed the day cream so I couldn’t resist trying one as the range always seems to be on some kind of offer. I must admit I wasn’t too fussed to try the day or night cream as I’m really into my Origins skincare.

I have tried sheet masks before but they always seem to slide off my face and end up having to lie down to keep them on. The Garnier one felt like it wasn’t going anywhere, as it is soaked with so much serum you know it's doing something good for your skin. The Moisture Bomb tissue face mask is super hydrating on the skin and is great for dehydrated skin but works on all skin types, even sensitive. I love the scent of the mask it's very fresh, it is enriched with pomegranate extract, hyaluronic acid and plant serum. It recommends to keep the mask on for 15 minutes, but I love keeping it on for longer to get the most out of the moisture. The mask claims to intensely rehydrate the skin, reduce the look of fine lines and revive radiance. The tissue mask diffuses the equivalent level of hydrating serum as per 1 week's use of day care, which is amazing! If you have had a busy week and your skin is looking a little bit dull using one of these is just what your skin needs to boost it back to life. They remind me of the Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Masks but at a cheaper price point. My skin feels plumper, smoother and healthier and I really like the cooling sensation it gives. If I apply the mask in the evening, I can still feel the benefits on my skin in the morning. It really does quench the skin, they're so effective! The mask fits really well, the eye holes were a little too close together for me but I found it overall very comfortable.
I really like the packaging, they're great for travel as they take up no room at all and would be perfect after a day in the sun. It's nice to use a face mask which isn't messy and you don't have to scrub your face afterwards to remove it. The mask has a blue protective film which makes it easier to apply, which you remove once the mask is in place. When you are ready to remove the mask, you can massage any excess serum into your face or use a cotton pad to remove it, I like to leave it on. I have since gone back for a couple more and have got my mum and a friend to try one for themselves. They’re currently on offer for 99p (normally priced at £1.49) which is a real bargain so I might have to stock up on a few more. As I have had such great results with this mask, I might have to try the other products in the range.

What's your favourite tissue mask?

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THE BODY SHOP PINITA COLADA RANGE

2016-06-15T14:28:00.000+01:00

I am a big fan of Pina Colada's in general, it's my favourite holiday cocktail and just reminds me of good times in the sun. When I saw that a new summer range was coming to The Body Shop in a coconut/pineapple scent I knew I would want to try EVERYTHING! I must admit I didn't try anything from the Virgin Mojito range last year but I love the original coconut scent from The Body Shop, so I knew this cocktail range would be a winner. I love coconut scented beauty products, especially Hawaiian Tropic Sun cream and various brands of shampoo and conditioner as they just remind me of Summer. The Pinita Colada collection consists of a body butter, a body scrub, a shower gel, a body sorbet and even an essentials set which would be a fantastic gift for a summer birthday.
My favourite product from the range has to be the Body Sorbet. The sorbets are lighter than a moisturiser but provide your skin with plenty of hydration. The product is lightweight and sinks straight into the skin. The formula is cooling on the skin so would work well as an aftersun and could be put into the fridge as I do on holidays to cool down. Unlike other sorbets I have tried,this scent has pineapple and coconut extracts from the caribbean in the formulation, so it is a bit of a strange texture to apply, but I can't get enough of the sweet, fruity scent.
The Pinita Colada Gift Essentials Set includes a full-size body butter, a full-size body scrub, a mini shower gel and a yellow bath lily. As the products range from £5-£15, it worked out better for me to buy the gift set, as I wanted to try every product in the range. Everything came in this gorgeous multicoloured 'Hola Happy Hour' box which I will definitely be keeping. I love the packaging of this range, the ombre colours are so summery.
I really like to layer up the scent, by using the products in the shower and then coming out of the shower and using the sorbet or body butter afterwards. The Body Scrub is a gentle exfoliator which is blended with real shredded coconut. This is a great product to get Summer ready skin. I like that it's creamy like a Pina Colada so it's not harsh on the skin at all. I like to use this once a week and follow up with the shower gel. The Body Butter is sunshine in a tub. The formula is thick but still lightweight on the skin. It definitely hydrates skin for longer than the quick fix body sorbet and is great for any extra dry places. The Body Shop body butters are always a winner in my eyes, but I think this one might just over take my beloved Satsuma scent. I've even used the Shower Gel as a bubble bath as it foams up nicely. You only need to use a small amount on a bath lily, as a little goes a long way. I'm so sad this scent is limited edition, I would buy it all year round! Looks like I might have to stock up so I'm not without it, especially the sorbet! Try it for yourself, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

What's your favourite Body Shop scent?

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DINKIBELLE NAIL WRAPS - PURPLE DREAM

2016-05-06T15:27:00.001+01:00

I must admit I’m not a massive fan of nail wraps, I haven’t tried many brands but I have found them in the past to be a bit of a faff. I hadn’t heard of the brand Dinkibelle before but I think they may have changed my mind on nail wraps as I applied these with no problems at all. Dinkibelle started as a quest to find nail wraps which were durable, pretty and affordable after not finding any that currently worked on the market. The problem I have found in the past is that they don’t stick around on the nails and can damage your nails underneath.

I found these nail wraps so easy to apply, they didn’t bubble up or crease at all and I didn’t need many things to help me apply them. The pack contains 20 nail wraps all different sizes so you have one that will fit every nail. I used the five smallest ones, so have the bigger ones left. As these ones won’t fit my nails I can cut these to size, I’m not too sure about using them on my toes! I did my nails whilst watching the television and was pleasantly surprised how fast I could create my instant manicure.

I prepped my nails by removing any nail polish I already had on, buffing my nails slightly to give the wraps something to stick to. I was also advised to wash my hands in fairy up liquid to remove any natural oils from my hands and nails to also make the nail wraps stick better. You remove the clear cover from the wraps and lift the wrap using the silver tab. Apply to your nail and smooth out any creases, wrap around the nail and file off any excess in a downward motion. The nail wraps should last up to 14 days, mine lasted well and the good thing about them is no chips! You remove them with nail polish remover or peel them off gently.

The only downside I had was after I had filed off the remainder of the wrap the colour didn’t quite cover my whole nail, but for a first try I was really pleased with the finish. I applied Essie Gel Setter Top Coat on top of the wraps and was left with a shiny gel appearance and by adding the top coat this makes them last longer. But just a top tip a fast drying top coat damages the wraps, so don’t use one of those!

I chose the shade Purple Dream which contains a few geometric shades of purple to create a lovely deep colour on the nails. There are quite a few different designs you can choose from which are fashionable and wearable, some of my favourites include Pastel Princess and Naked Daisy designs. I like that there’s no mess or fuss and you can fit them in your bag and easily apply them on the go. The nail wraps are priced at £6.99 each, which I think is quite reasonable and the same price as a high street nail polish. Admittedly you don’t get the continual use of a nail polish but for a special occasion I think they’re worth it.

Dinkibelle have kindly offered to give away a pack of the Purple Dream nail wraps to one of my readers. If you want to be in a chance of winning them, just enter the Rafflecopter competition below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
What's your favourite design?

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*PR Sample

ST TROPEZ GRADUAL TAN EVERYDAY TINTED BODY LOTION

2016-04-30T17:02:00.000+01:00

The St Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan is one of my most popular blog posts. I’m not a big tanner but I do like a gradual bit of colour, especially if I’m going away or if the weather is nice enough to get my legs out. The newest Gradual Tan to St Tropez's collection is the Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion. The tinted moisturiser gives an instant hint of bronze to illuminate the skin. You can gradually build this up to create a sun kissed glow. I have been applying this twice a week to build up the colour, but you can use this daily as it instantly perfects the skin and blurs imperfections. In the photo above it shows before and after one application and I think you can really see a difference straight away. I like to still use a tanning mitt with this product as it comes out bronze so you can see where you’re putting it, but the directions say you can use your hands. It’s lightweight and hasn’t gone streaky on me at all. The tan has a new mood-boosting fragrance, which isn’t overpowering at all but I can smell it from time to time throughout the day. I like to leave it a few minutes before doing anything else, but it is quick-drying and you can see an instant difference in your skin tone. The formula seems to be thicker than other tans I’ve tried from St Tropez but this means my skin is hydrated for longer which I like. I’m quite pale but I’m sure this would work on all different skin tones. I can see myself going through this tube quite quickly as the lotion is so thick. If you were applying this every day it could be an expensive buy at £15.00 a bottle, but topping it up every few days is definitely worth it. Or you could alternate between the In Shower version, which I think I might start doing before my holiday. I’m really impressed with the natural colour and it’s nice that you can build it up over time, instead of a full blown tan. I have also found that because I’ve been exercising more regularly it doesn’t come off when I sweat or transfer onto clothing or towels. A couple of people have even commented on my skin tone and have said it looks like i've just been on holiday, which definitely is a mood changer.

It would be great if you could get a miniature version of this product to take away with me! I think Marie Claire were reading my mind as they are giving away a free sample of this product in June's issue, which I need to get my hands on! I will definitely keep topping up the colour, I especially like the way it looks on my arms and legs. I would absolutely keep using this after my holiday too, to top up the tan! I’ve seen emails about a darker shade of the In Shower Gradual Tan coming soon, so I would be interested to try that when it comes out. Another winner from St Tropez!

What’s your favourite St Tropez product?

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CHLOE EAU DE TOILETTE

2016-02-22T14:41:00.000+00:00

Chloe Eau De Parfum has always been my favourite, signature perfume. I have tried most of the fragrances from the Chloe line and I’ve liked them all, some more than others. I have been through a few bottles of the original scent, but have been without it in my collection for a while now. I had moved on to other things and really got into See by Chloe Eau de Fraiche which I have recently used up, I really need to repurchase it. After Christmas I saw on the Debenhams website the Chloe Eau de Toilette gift set on offer for £30.00. I had £5.00 to burn on my Beauty Club reward card, so for me it was a no brainer. A 50ml perfume and a 100ml body lotion for £25.00, you can’t really go wrong, the perfume alone costs £58.00.

Chloe scents are always delicate, iconic and centre around roses. I sprayed it once and was so pleased it was back in my life. I’ve never had the Eau De Toilette version but I love it. I believe the Eau de Toilette has been reworked and this version was released last year as an update. The Eau de Toilette is lighter and softer but still has the same gorgeous scent as the Eau De Parfum. Chloe is known for being a fresh and feminine fragrance and when I smell it, I know the scent straight away. The fragrance has top notes of Bergamot, Lemon and Magnolia. Heart notes of White Rose, Gardenia and Rose Buds and Base notes of Cotton Flower and Musk. I think I like it so much because Bergamot has to be one of my favourite scents. I think this is the perfect fragrance to wear as we come into Spring and is great as an everyday scent. I find Chloe perfumes so long wearing on my skin and original Chloe stays around all day. I love the classic packaging, this version comes with a white ribbon instead of the original pink one. I have seen that they have just released the Eau de toilette of Chloe Love Story, so that will be next on my list.

What's your favourite Chloe fragrance?

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LUSH VALENTINE'S DAY LOVER LAMP BATH BOMB

2016-02-16T12:03:00.001+00:00

My last post was all about the Lush products I picked up this year for Valentine’s Day, one of the ones I had to try first was the Lover Lamp Bath Bomb. This bath bomb is not the most exciting to look at, but the red heart shapes in the white bomb are very cute. This bath bomb contains Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute and Brazilian Orange Oil. Everybody said this one smelt like Chocolate Orange but to me it was very subtle a little bit like Vanilla, maybe I didn’t get a strong scented one. Once the bath bomb hits the water, the bath turns to a milky white shade. At first lots of little red heart confetti comes out of the bomb and then as it dissolves some more three bigger red cocoa butter bath melt hearts come out and float on top of the water. I massaged these into my skin as they took ages to melt. I used the Prince Charming shower gel in my bath as well, which has to be one of my favourite shower creams I have tried from Lush so far. It turns my bath into a pale creamy pink colour which looked lovely. It felt really moisturising on my skin and was like I was in a bath of silk, this would be great on all skin types. It was such a nice bath to relax in, it dissolved really quickly but the hearts made it feel luxurious and reminded me a bit of the Yognog or Star Dust bath bombs from Christmas. It might have been nice if a different colour came out of the middle of it, but I enjoyed it as it is. This ballistic is priced at £3.95 each and I definitely think it’s worth it as you are getting the bath bomb and bath melts in one. I wish I had picked up a few more of these, they’re now out of stock online but I’m sure they will have a little stock left in bigger Lush stores and they still have some of the Valentine's range still online. Hopefully it will return next year! I’m looking forward to the new Easter products coming soon and hitting Lush Oxford Street next week.

What was your favourite product from the Valentines range?

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LUSH VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION 2016

2016-01-28T10:32:00.000+00:00

I rarely buy anything from Lush’s main range, but when it comes to their seasonal collections I have to try everything! It seems like their Christmas collection has just left the shops but the Valentines range has been available for a few weeks now. My bathroom is still stocked up on Lush Christmas items, but it’s nice to treat yourself to the Valentines items if you haven’t got someone to treat you. Soon the Mother’s Day and Easter ranges will be hitting the stores, I have seen a few photos and they excite me a lot, but I should really use what I’ve got before treating myself to any more.

The first thing that caught my eye from the collection was the Kiss a few frogs Knot Wrap (£4.50). I must admit I don’t have too many knot wraps, I missed out on the Christmas Snow Angel one but they’re great to store loose Lush items in as online items don’t come in packaging. I love the cute design and the bright neon colours. This knot wrap has been created in partnership with Arthouse Meath and re-wrap. Arthouse Meath is a social enterprise showcasing the talents of those living with severe epilepsy, learning difficulties and physical difficulties, drew the charming design then re-wrap – a women’s co-operative from Mysore, India – provided the fabric.

A release that I tried last year is the Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar (£4.25). This year it has come back slightly different, with added lustre and without the stars. This bubble bar has a relaxing lavender and neroli scent and creates lots of fragrant pink bubbles. I prefer the appearance of last year’s unicorn horn but that bath water is definitely a nicer pastel unicorn colour. I can get about two-three baths out of one unicorn horn.

A new Valentines Bath Bomb is the Lover Lamp Bath Bomb (£3.95). This bath bomb contains fair trade organic cocoa butter so it’s really moisturising on the skin. It has butter hearts which slowly melt and soften you to leave you with silky skin. The scent combines fair trade vanilla absolute and Brazilian orange oil so it smells just like a chocolate orange. The bath turns a milky colour and the scent lingers on your skin which I really like.

Not a Valentine’s Day exclusive, but one I’ve wanted to try for a while now is the Rose Jam Bubbleroon (3.75). I love the Rose Jam shower gel and I’ve seen a few demonstrations of the giant pink bubbles this product creates so I wanted to try it for myself. I think this is the first bubbleroon I’ve tried, but the design is really cute! This bubbleroon contains; lemon, rose and geranium oil so it will help perk you up as well as containing Fair Trade cocoa and shea butter which leaves your skin feeling and smelling lovely. This is definitely a new favourite and one I will be repurchasing, I will have to try out the other bubbleroons.

I also picked up a 250g bottle of Prince Charming Shower Cream (£9.75) which I haven’t tried before. I really like the scent of this, it contains fresh pomegranate juice and grapefruit oil. It also contains marshmallow root, Fair Trade vanilla pod and Fair Trade organic cocoa butter which softens the skin. I was a bit worried the texture would be as thin as the Lord of Misrule Shower Cream, but this scent is much thicker which is great when you want to foam up the product.
Also in the Valentine's Day collection is a gorgeous looking soap which I didn't pick up called Roses all the way, which is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. They also have The Kiss lip gloss and lip scrub and of course a few lovely looking gift sets, the Lots of Love gift set is just stunning!

What’s your favourite Valentine’s Day Lush product?

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MITONIA - BEAUTE MEDITERRANEA COSMECEUTICALS SKINCARE

2016-01-26T15:55:00.001+00:00

Mitonia is not a company that I had heard of before, but when I started doing my research I was excited to try them out for myself. Mitonia is a new company, devoted to cosmetics and perfumes and has a number of brands they have selected for their consumer. Mitonia is the distribution link between the brand and the consumer, taking into account trends and what the consumer has to say. Beaute Mediterranea is one of the brands and the only brand products I have tried from Mitonia. Beaute Mediterranea is a Spanish laboratory led skincare brand which products are formulated with active ingredients to get the best out of your skin. The brand has paraben-free cosmetics and are new to the UK market.

I picked out some products based on my oily skin tone, the Regenerative line seemed to be most suited to me. I was really excited to try the Beaute Mediterranea Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml £20.00). I am a big fan of Bioderma and use a micellar water as my first cleanse before I go in with a full cleanser most evenings. I’m always looking for an alternative and trying what else is out there in the market. The cleansing water is formulated with marigold and elder floral water and snail secretion extract, which leaves the face free from impurities and can be used in the morning as well as the evening. The snail secretion part put be off a little, but I know it is used in quite a few beauty products for its collagen, glycolic acid properties and other compounds that regenerate skin cells. I’m really enjoying using this product so far, I normally just use it in the evenings before my evening cleanse and just put a small amount on a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face. The micellar water gets rid of most of my make-up and feels refreshing on my skin. The cleansing water seems to make my skin look a lot clearer, as well as calming down any redness I have. I like the floral scent, but it's not too overpowering on my skin.

The other product I got to try out was the Beaute Mediterranea Snail Cream (50ml £34.00). This cream is formulated with organic certified snail slime extract rich in allantoin, collagen, elastin and other micronutrients to help moisturise, soothe and attenuate skin blemishes. It combines aloe vera and marigold extracts with UV filters that ensure an active skincare. I also apply this one in the evenings after cleansing my skin and gently massage in it until it’s all absorbed. I like that it comes in a pump bottle as it dispenses just enough product for my face. I find this cream to be really moisturising, not too heavy on my skin and sinks in nicely. I have seen a difference in my skin since I started using the products every evening and I'm looking forward to seeing the continual results over time. I really like the packaging, it reminds me of the brand Korres. I really liked trying something new, the ingredients are of high quality and I look forward to trying more from the range. Also in the regenerative range is; Dragon’s Blood Regenerative cream, Snail Body Cream, Snail Concentrate Serum and Snail Eye Contour Cream. But they also have other ranges to suit other skin types like the moisturising, anti-aging and expression lines collections.

Will you be adding Beaute Mediterranea into your skincare routine?

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*PR Samples

NEW YEAR BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES

2016-01-21T11:22:00.000+00:00

It's a new year and I think most people feel the need to declutter and get rid of things they don't need. Whether this is downsizing your wardrobe or finishing half used beauty products that have been hanging around your bathroom. These are some of the products I have finished recently.
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, 90ml £13.00 - This has to be one of the stand out products from The Body Shop for a while. I really enjoyed using this up, it’s super moisturising on the skin and takes every little bit of make-up off. It’s not harsh around the eye area and you only need a little piece to clean your whole face. It's really gentle on my skin and has quite a subtle scent, so it's not overpowering at all. Would I repurchase? Yes, I’m currently using the cleansing oil in my shower from the same range.

Liz Earle Limited Edition Orange Flower & Chamomile Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, 150ml - Cleanse and Polish is my go to cleanser, if my skin is playing up I know I can rely on this to help it get back to normal. I try and purchase the limited edition scents to mix up my usual skincare routine. I use this most days as it’s moisturising on the skin and dissolves make-up straight away. It's suitable for all skin types and age ranges, so I can see myself using this product for a while. Would I repurchase? Always, I have to have a backup in my stash. See my full review on the scent here.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo & Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner, 250ml £5.89 each - I was excited to see a hair care duo suited to my hair type in Boots. I liked the minty fresh scent which felt cooling on my scalp. I wouldn’t say these did something special for my hair, but they’re great to use for everyday use. The shampoo is lightweight, adds texture and increases manageability and shine. Would I repurchase? Yes, if the products were on offer like they are now.

Batiste Stylist Texture Me Texturizing Spray, 200ml £4.49 – I’m really into using a texturizing spray when styling my hair, so when I saw the new styling products from Batiste I had to give this one a try. I like using this to add a bit more volume and grit into the lengths of my hair. You can build it up in the hair to create different styles for different occasions. It doesn’t feel sticky at all, but I do have to top it up to make it last in my hair to separate my layers. The product is infused with Keratin & Inca Inchi oil to help strengthen your hair. Would I repurchase? Yes, I wish they did a mini size so I could fit it in my handbag.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash, 500ml £6.50 – This is one of my favourite shower gels, saying that I’m a big fan of all Soap & Glory shower gels. I like the fresh green mandarin, sicilian lemon and sweet orange peel oils, as it’s so refreshing and wakes you up in the morning. It’s moisturising on my skin and foams up nicely. You can also layer the scent with the other Orange scented products in the range. I've said it before, I love the large pump bottles, I wish Lush products came in these. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always have a Soap & Glory body wash in my shower. See my full review on the Orangeasm range here.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Butter 50ml, Irrisistibubble Gift Set £5.00 – I received this deluxe sample sized product in a gift set, another one of the delicious scents from Soap & Glory. I like the texture of this moisturiser, it sinks into my skin as it’s nice and light and great to use in the Summer months. The moisturiser contains Shea butter and Cocoa Nut Balm so it's really soothing on the skin. Would I repurchase? Yes, love this scent in Summer.

Dove Compressed Original Anti-Perspirant, 75ml £2.99 – I normally use Mitchum deodorant, but these compressed deodorants are great to take on holiday with me. Dove have re-engineered the spray system thus reducing the amount of gas needed to deliver the same level of antiperspirant ingredient with each spray. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would buy again if I was taking it away with me.

Colab Sheer & Invisible Dry Shampoo in Rio, 50ml £2.00 – I think I received this product in a beauty box. I really like the Batiste dry shampoo in the tropical scent so I knew I was going to like this Rio scent, it has notes of papaya, pineapple and a heart of cassis. It really helps to absorb oil and refreshes roots, it feels lightweight in my hair and I like that it leaves no residue. Would I repurchase? Yes, I need to try some of the other scents.

This Works Clean Skin 5 in 1 Water, 200ml £21.00 - I haven't tried many products from This Works, but the ones I have I've really enjoyed. I like to use a micellar water to take the bulk of my make-up off before cleansing with a hot cloth. This rosewater cleanser removes make-up, decongests and brightens the skin. I would say it's not great around the eye area, but it doesn't dry my skin out as it's refreshing and boosts elasticity. Would I repurchase? Maybe, it is quite pricey compared to Bioderma which does practically the same job.

Aussie Shower Smoothie Shower Gel, 250ml £2.99 – I’m a huge fan of the Aussie hair line, so when I saw they were releasing body washes I knew I wanted to give one a try. This scent is super sweet, similar to their Miracle Moist hair care line which I love. It contains Australian Macadamia nut oil which leaves skin smooth and silky. I would prefer a pump bottle as it's so much easier to use in the shower, but I can't fault the product. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would like to try the other scents.

Have you tried any of these products?

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LUSH BUTTERBEAR TIN & BOXING DAY SALE

2016-01-01T16:33:00.000+00:00

My love for Lush has grown over the years and it's nice to pick up a gift set every year which I can keep and store all my sweet smelling goodies inside. My favourite set this Christmas had to be the Butterbear Tin. I was drawn to this set straight away, the festive red and green packaging with the giant bear on the front was just too cute not to buy. The tin contains six butterbear bath bombs, so it's a great set if you like your skin to be smooth and moisturised without the hassle of applying body butter after you have got out of the bath. The Butterbear is just like the Butterball from the main range, but in a cute bear form which appeals to kids as well as adults. I must admit I like Butterbear for it's smoothing benefits, but it's not going to create a beautiful pattern in your bath. As the bath bomb fizzes away, you see a white foam on top of the water before it just dissolves into moisturising Cocoa Butter. Butterbear has a gorgeous creamy vanilla scent which is heavenly but not sickly sweet. You can still purchase the Butterbean Tin on the Lush website at half price, so it's a really great deal not to be missed!

I managed to bag a few gift sets in the Boxing Day sales after a lot of hassle on their website (it's the same every year). I was so impressed on how fast my order came though, it was despatched on the same day! I picked up the Christmas Bathtime Favourites gift set, the Merry Christmas gift set, It's Christmas Deer gift set and Snow Fairy's Castle gift set, as well as a tub of Santa's Belly which I haven't tried before but have wanted to for a while now. You can't go wrong with half price bath bombs! Hopefully these will last me until next Christmas when (fingers crossed) the Butterbear reappears in the shops again. I decided to use my new Champneys Hamper which I got for Christmas to store all my Lush goodies in my bathroom, I think it looks great!

What was your favourite product from the Lush Christmas collection this year?

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ORIGINS FEEL GOOD CANDLE

2015-12-29T14:08:00.002+00:00

I have been a sucker for a candle recently, my house has been decorated with votives, gorgeous scents and even a rotary candle holder, it must be that time of year! Obviously in the winter months it's so nice to light a few candles and feel cosy whilst the room is filled with warming fragrance. When I saw Origins was releasing a Christmassy candle I knew I wanted it! I must have missed out the first time around as when I went on the website I had to enter my details so they could email me when it was back in stock, so it must be a popular choice. Origins has to be one of my favourite skincare brands, so I’m always excited about new releases. The Feel Good Candle is scented with pine, spruce and orange, which just reminds me of Christmas straight away and is perfect near the Christmas tree to get you in the festive mood. This candle would be great if you want your house to smell like a Christmas Tree but you only have an artificial tree. The candle celebrates the Global Releaf 25^th Anniversary with the ‘Give & Give Back’ campaign which promises to plant a tree on your behalf when you make a purchase of the candle or a bauble ornament. The candle comes in such clever packaging; the glass container is actually recycled from a wine bottle. The wax is 100% Soy Wax and the wick is 100% cotton. With my online order I also received a free eco-chi tote. I have received one of these before and use it all the time so I was pleased with the added extra. It’s nice to give a little something back around Christmas time and it’s always nice to get something out of it as well. The candle is limited edition and is priced at £35.00. It would make a perfect present or even just a treat for yourself. I will definitely be reusing the glass jar after all the wax has been burnt and maybe use it for my make-up brushes.

What are your candle recommendations?

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THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVE PYJAMAS

2015-12-08T10:33:00.000+00:00

It's always been a tradition to wear new pyjamas on Christmas Eve. I thought I would put together my festive favourites currently from the High Street. I'm a little obsessed with Gingerbread men every Christmas, so they tend to feature a lot, I can't resist the cuteness.
Asos Christmas Snowman Print Vest & Legging Pyjama Set, £24.00 - Me and my sister have actually brought each other these pyjamas for Christmas this year, they were my favourite pair from Asos. I really like the skiing snowman print! I don't normally like a vest style as my arms get cold, but this print is too cute to miss! We will definitely be sporting these on Christmas Eve. There is also a matching jersey dressing gown which I might have to purchase as well.
Cath Kidston Christmas Nightwear Sweat Top, £35.00 / Christmas Flannel Long PJ Bottoms, £26.00 - These Cath Kidston pyjamas are right up my street. They're quite a lot more than I would normally spend on pyjamas, but I will definitely be looking out for these in the sale. I can imagine they're great quality, the bottoms would be so comfortable and they have so many cute designs including; penguins and a ditsy Christmas print, they would also be ideal for a present! The sweater could also be worn throughout the day just relaxing at home, not just for bedtime.
F&F Gingerbread man Fleece Christmas Onesie, £12.00 - I am all about the onesie, they are the ultimate comfortable clothing during the winter months. This one from Tesco is so affordable and of course has my favourite print all over it. I am making it my mission to pick this up before Christmas. They also have some matching Slipper Socks which look ever so cosy.
BHS Red Gingerbread Placement Pyjama Set, £25.00 - Another cute pair of Gingerbread man pyjamas! These are currently on offer, I just love the print on the trousers and the red is so festive! BHS also have some matching socks, these 3D Sock in a Box are an ideal Secret Santa gift!
Next Navy Gingerbread man Pyjamas, £16.00 - Next have a couple of Gingerbread man printed styles. I like the relaxed fit of these and they aren't so Christmassy that you could wear them all year round. They also have a cute pair of Character Socks that might just have to make their way into my basket.

Primark is also a great place to get pyjamas from, most of my pyjamas are from there.

Which are your favourite Christmas pyjamas?

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SOAP & GLORY - ONE HECK OF A BLOT PRIMER & FOUNDATION

2015-11-29T17:12:00.000+00:00

With a lot of brands, I have to try the newest products available as soon as possible. Anyone who has read my blog before will know I’m a massive fan of Soap & Glory and I constantly have one of their Shower gels on the go and have a never ending Blusher which doesn’t seem to be ending for an empties post any time soon even though I use it most days. Soap & Glory have recently added to their make-up line One Heck of a Blot. I have been using the powder of this range for a while now as I loved the Kick Ass Powder from the brand so much. They have added a primer and a foundation to the One Heck of a Blot range and I grabbed them at my local Boots when they were on a 3 for 2 offer.

I always use a primer before applying my make-up as I have quite an oily forehead and I try and hold on to my make-up for as long as possible throughout the day. The Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Instant-Perfecting Power Primer claims to instantly shrink pores and perfect the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, but it’s most suited for people with Oily/Combination skin who are looking to keep the shine controlled and hide imperfections. It evens out your skin tone and reduces the appearance of redness, which I definitely like about it. The primer reminds me of the Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer which I have really enjoyed in the past. I find that my make-up does stay around for longer when using this product, instead of using a foundation straight onto my skin. You can also use it over make-up similarly to the Benefit Porefessional where you can touch up throughout the day. I don’t tend to do this, but I guess it’s a great pro if you’re out for the whole day. I really like the tube design it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is and you get a good 30ml size for £10.00, I would definitely repurchase this.

I also purchased the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot All Day Liquid-to-Powder Foundation. This foundation claims to give a full coverage flawless finish, It contains Shine-Bloc 12hr Long wear Technology so the base stays around all day whatever you may be doing. It also has Super-Blur Powders which help to blur away the appearance of pores, imperfections and redness. I find this foundation is more of a cream than a liquid, I’m not used to such a thick base so I found it hard to work with at first. It comes in four shades; Fair Enough, Cool Sand, Happy Medium and Caramel. So not the widest range of shades, but I’m the shade Fair Enough which is a little too dark for my skin tone. Again, this foundation is suited for oily skin and it does look great once you have buffed it in. I did find during the day the foundation was collecting in certain areas especially on my forehead where I am most oily. It was like the foundation was just sitting on the surface and needed to be buffed in some more. It does feel nice on the skin, really lightweight even though it’s such a full coverage. I still do set my make-up with the One Heck of a Blot Powder. I think I need to try the foundation in a few other ways, maybe applying with my fingers or just top up my powder throughout the day. It’s priced at £12.00 for 30ml, so at the high end of the High Street foundations but you can always find some sort of offer.

I have to say the powder is still my favourite product from the One Heck of a Blot line. It’s velvety, translucent and absorbs oil from my skin straight away for a matte finish. Soap & Glory are currently offering a great gift with purchase when you spend £15 on make-up including; a mascara, my favourite everyday blusher and a gloss stick! Have you tried Soap & Glory make-up?

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CONVERSE THE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR II OX TRAINERS

2015-11-27T18:16:00.002+00:00

I am a big fan of Converse trainers, they're about the only trainers I wear outside the gym. I have had about five pairs over my lifetime and still have the very first pair I ever bought. It seems Converse last such a long time and any time I feel they're looking a bit sorry for themselves I just pop them in the washing machine and they come out looking as good as new. They're fashionable, comfortable and easy to wear on more casual days.
Recently, I was lucky enough to receive this pair of Converse Chuck II OX Trainers by winning a competition in association with Look Magazine and JD Sports. When I first saw the Chuck II's were released I knew I wanted a pair, but I couldn't justify getting another pair of Converse right now. But I'm so glad to of won the competition and I know I will get so much use out of them, my other trainers have definitely took a back seat. I had four different colourways/styles to choose from and I chose the black and white ox trainers as I already own a black and white Hi-top version and wanted something a little bit different.
This is the first revamp of the classic design. They take the iconic silhouette of the original trainers and have giving the shoes an overhaul. The new look trainers are lined with micro-suede for enhanced comfort and the tongue has been refreshed with non-slip padding. The midsole has been fitted with Lunarlon technology which is soft, resilient and cushioning to the foot. I did wonder the first time I tried putting them on if my normal size would actually fit because the sock has such a thick foam layer that there is less space between the sock and the upper. I have read on other sites that they did need to size up but my normal size is roomy enough, I think it's just getting the trainer on as it has an elasticated tongue. The sole is so comfortable I can imagine my normal Converse are going to feel wierd after walking around in these. I'm really impressed with the quality of these shoes, definitely what you would expect and more from Converse.

What do you think of the new Converse?

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LUSH CHRISTMAS - STAR DUST BATH BOMB

2015-11-23T12:03:00.001+00:00

I love trying new bath products from Lush, I’m always excited about new arrivals and have to try them out at least once. There are so many products I am yet to try! Star Dust is a new bath bomb this Christmas, it may look quite simple from the outside but I was eager to see what this one did in the bath. Star Dust is shaped like a star and reminds me of the silver glitter bath melt from other years, which hasn't come back this year. I must admit I picked up this one because of the cute shape, but it also reminds me of Butterball which is one of my favourites.

I was quite disappointed on how quickly this bath bomb dissolved, it wasn’t around for very long. I’m not sure if this was to do with having the water too hot, (as it was warmer than usual) but it was over so fast. Once the bath bomb touched the water the bath bomb started to turn the water an ice blue colour, with a layer of white foam over the top of the water which looked just like snow. Then the best bit was lots of multi-coloured stars coming to the surface, which filled the bath with confetti. These little stars were moisturising on my skin and I liked the way they looked pretty in the bath.

The bath bomb has a very simple scent. It contains sweet Fair Trade Ugandan Vanilla and Rosewood oil. As well as Bergamot oil to uplift and cleanse your body and mind. I really liked the fragrance of this one it wasn’t too much, just enough to fragrance and comfort the skin. The oils definitely softened my skin. Lush say on their website that this would be a great one to pamper yourself with after a Christmas party. I can also imagine children liking this one, they would be amazed by the tiny stars appearing out of nowhere and the scent is gentle enough for their skin.

This bath bomb is priced at £2.95, which is a little cheaper than your average Lush bath bomb. But I think the price is reflected on how long it lasts in the bath. I would be interested in trying it again, but I don’t think it’s my favourite Christmas bath bomb.

What's your favourite Lush Bath Bomb this Christmas?

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MARC JACOBS DECADENCE EAU DE PARFUM

2015-11-15T13:27:00.000+00:00

Marc Jacobs know how to do fragrance! Their bottle designs are always on point, I’ve always liked the Lola scents and my sister is obsessed with Daisy, but maybe just a little too sweet for me. Decadence is the newest fragrance to their perfume line and is targeted to a more mature individual than his other scents. The bottle is just gorgeous, inspired by one of Marc’s iconic handbag shapes. I am a big on handbags so this bottle is made for me. It’s very glamorous in emerald green with a python patterned lid, it would go perfect with any outfit. Of course it looks stylish on my dressing table and I've been using it everyday since I got it.

The scent itself is woody and sensual and symbolises the ultimate in feminine glamour and sophistication. I can’t get enough of the scent, I would say it’s more of an evening fragrance but I would happily wear this all day long. But I think you can tell it's still a Marc Jacobs scent straight away. The scent contains Italian Plum, rich Bulgarian Rose and Liquid Amber. The rich and elegant formulation was created in collaboration with perfumer Annie Buzantian and Ann Gottlieb. It also contains Saffron, Iris, Sambac Jasmine, Orris Root, Vetiver and Papyrus Wood. I also like the packaging it comes in, a velvet emerald green box to match the bottle, I think I'm going to have trouble throwing this away.

I have the 30ml bottle which has a chain, but the bigger bottles also have a black tassel attached to them, It’s a new level of luxury! The 30ml bottle is £49.oo so it is a treat, but there's also a Christmas Gift Set with the 50ml bottle of perfume. I like quirky fragrances, something a little bit different which you aren’t going to smell in the street every day. When I do wear it, it seems to stay around all day. There is also a shower gel and body lotion in the range which would make the fragrance stay around for even longer. This would be great as a winter fragrance to wear at parties, I can see myself using this scent up quite quickly as I have already made quite a dent!

What's your favourite Marc Jacobs fragrance?

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BENEFIT AIR PATROL BB CREAM EYELID PRIMER

2015-10-21T12:04:00.000+01:00

Benefit are known for their quirky packaging and individual products. Air Patrol is their newest product to the range which is an eye primer. I normally use the Urban Decay Primer Potion to prime my eyes or currently I'm using the Soap & Glory It's About Prime, but the Benefit version is a little different. It contains an SPF 20 which helps guard your delicate eyelids against the sun, smoke and pollutants. I normally like to apply a concealer and an eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow on top, but this is like two products in one and means I can miss a step in my routine. The BB Cream hides any blue veins or redness around your eyes and you could even use it under your eyes to hide dark circles. It also helps to extend the wear of eyeshadow and doesn’t crease or fade throughout the day. The product actually makes my eyeshadow appear more pigmented and this colour stays around all day.

You use the product by clicking the bottom of the pen and the formula appears on the silicone tip at the top. The cushion tip is pressure free which means it’s softer than your finger so you protect the thin skin around your eye to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. You then massage the formulation onto the eyelid and evenly blend. If you’re not using eyeshadow you can still use Air Patrol alone as the shade gives a natural-looking colour correction on all skintones. This actually works with my pale natural tone but I’m not sure if it will work on darker skin tones as well. I don't feel like I have to touch up my eyeshadow when using Air Patrol and I don't have to smooth out any creasing during the day like I normally do. The formula is quite light on the eyes and gives your skin a satin finish.

I have found with continual use that my eye area is hydrated, I have dry eyes but this product doesn’t seem to irritate them at all. I haven't really come across a product like this, which protects your eyes from sun damage, normally it's lip products which get more care. I guess it's not a necessity, but it's a nice product to use especially in the Summer months.

I actually purchased this product from Birchbox for £1.50 as I had £20.00 worth of Birchbox points to spend. I thought it was the ideal opportunity to try a new product from Benefit. I’m not sure how long this product will last but you do only need a tiny amount per eye. I'm not sure I would run out and repurchase it if I ran out, but it's a nice little extra product to add to my make-up bag. I think this product is probably more suited to women older than Benefit's normal target market because of the smoothing benefits, but we've all got to take care of our eyes!

Have you tried Benefit's new innovation?

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LUSH SEASONAL CHRISTMAS HAUL

2015-10-08T18:45:00.002+01:00

Last week I managed to make a quick trip to Lush Oxford Street, I was quite restraint but picked up some brand new and a couple of older products that I hadn’t tried before.

So White Bath Bomb £3.65 – I can’t remember actually using this bath bomb before, but I know it is a popular one come Christmas time. It might look boring from the outside, it reminds me of a snowball, but I’ve heard it contains a pink centre. I know they did have a shower gel version of this scent but they haven’t brought that back this year. The scent is bergamot and rose which gives it a crisp apple scent

Peeping Santa Bubble Bar £3.95 – This is a brand new product for this year and it’s so cute! I would definitely use this in two pieces like a bubbleroon. The middle contains shea butter and cocoa butter and he has two dairy free chocolate drop eyes, as well as heart shaped confetti on his hat. I love the strawberry scent which also contains sweet bergamot and geranium oils. You crumble this under running water to create lots of bubbles as well as it making a red tint to the bath water. I will certainly be picking up more of these Santa’s.

Snow Angel Bath Melt £3.95 – Another Lush favourite which I can’t remember trying. This product is packed full of gold glitter and has a marzipan, rose and cassie absolute scent. I haven’t tried many bath melts before but I can imagine this one lasts a while floating on top of the bath. If you don’t like glitter everywhere, I guess this isn’t the one for you, but it’s adorable so I had to try it for myself. The Snow Angel dissolves into a blanket of white foam so It looks like snow on top of your bath. This formula is also really moisturising on the skin as it contains fair trade cocoa butter. You could certainly get a couple of baths out of this and a great one to use on dry skin that needs some love.

Yog Nog Bath Bomb £3.95 – This bath bomb smells amazing! I think this might be my new favourite and I haven’t even used it yet. It contains organic shea butter, clove bud oil, ylang ylang oil and soya milk powder and smells just like christmas, it’s spicy and creamy. If you like sweet toffee scents you’re going to like this, it turns the bath gold and has a touch of lustre.

Star Dust Bath Bomb £2.95 – Another one I’m excited about! This again is a new bath bomb and doesn’t look anything special from the outside. I love the vanilla scent with rosewood and bergamot oil. But inside are tiny multi-coloured confetti stars, which add something special.

Some of my favourites haven’t come back this year like the Melting Snowman and the Christmas Penguin, but I definitely need to pick up a few old time favourites like Cinders and the Golden Wonder bath bomb nearer to Christmas. I will have to demo and review my favourites from my haul separately. There are also a few gifts which have caught my eye for Christmas, especially the Butterbear Tin and the Christmas Wishes Tin which spins around and plays music.

What’s your favourite product from the Lush Christmas range?

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