Peonies and lilies

Battle of the beauty boxes - June 2013

2013-06-18T08:45:00.000+01:00

This month I thought I'd try something a little different. Instead of my usual beauty box reviews, I thought it might be fun to do a bit of a comparision post instead:

BeauteCo June 2013*

Starting with the June BeauteCo box and as I've mentioned previously, there are a choice of 3 boxes each month. I went for menu 2, which includes an impressive 3 full sized products. In particular I'm really looking forward to trying the Balance me wonder eye cream. These days, I'm very much a balm cleanser type of girl, but the Organic surge cleansing lotion is surprisingly nice, and I've actually been putting it to good use on days when I've not been wearing very much make up. The only product I'm not keen on is the Headline nail polish (gold isn't really my colour), however with the pre set menu I knew exactly what I'd be getting, and the other 4 products more than makes up for this.

Glossybox June 2013*

Whilst the June BeauteCo box is very skincare heavy, Glossybox have gone for more of a diverse approach. Burgandy is one of my favourite nail colours, so the Mememe nail varnish couldn't have been more perfect. The Fig & rouge lip balm is lovely too, and having heard a lot of good things, I'm really looking forward to giving Sarah Chapman skincare a try. It was also nice to try the new Hugo Boss perfume ahead of it's official UK launch date. The only downside is that bar the Mememe nail varnish, there are no other full sized samples this month.

Overall, there are things that I like and dislike about both boxes. If you'd like to see what you're getting beforehand and prefer more natural brands, then BeauteCo would be the best box for you. On the other hand, if you'd like to try a more diverse selection of products (including some of the more niche brands) and don't mind the smaller samples sizes, then Glossybox would be your best bet.

Are you a beauty box subscriber? Of the two, which one would you prefer?

Neom scent with love bodycare gift set

2013-06-17T11:20:00.000+01:00

Neom may be best known for their scented candles, but in recent months I've discovered they also make some rather lovely toiletries too. And after a long week at work, their scent with love body care gift set was just what I needed to relax and unwind for the weekend:

Neom scent with love bodycare gift set*

As always with Neom, the gift set comes beautifully presented, and inside you'll find 4 of their best sellling products. The Tranquillity bath and shower oil smells exactly like my favourite spa treatment and fragranced with lavender, basil and jasmine, it really does set the mood for the rest of the evening.

With notes of ylang ylang, frankincense and patchouli, the Sensuous body wash and lotion are a bit more seductive and spicy, but still very relaxing and a compete joy to use. In fact come winter time, I'd almost be tempted to pick up a full sized body lotion.

Finally to complete the set, there's a mini Complete bliss moroccan rose hand cream. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of pure rose scent but with hints of black pepper and lime, it's more refreshing than old lady like. And because it's so moisturising yet light on the skin, it's now my go to hand cream when I'm out and about during the day.

Overall, a well thought out and beautifully presented gift set. Definitely one to consider if you're new to the brand or if you're out present shopping for a friend.

Neom scent with love gift set, RRP £35, available online here.

Are you a fan of Neom products? What's your favourite relaxing treat?

Dressing for the Royal Ascot festival

2013-06-14T21:30:00.000+01:00

Today sees the start of Royal Asco t, and seeing as its as much about the fashion as it is about the racing, I thought I'd put together my own little outfit:

Starting with the all important dress, and after a quick look on Asos, I couldn't help but fall in love with this one. With it's lace detailing, built in belt and chiffon skirt, it really couldn't be more perfect.

Hats are a major feature at Royal Ascot and seeing as I've gone for a cream dress, I thought I'd continue the theme with this pretty lace and floral statement piece.

Because the dress is so pretty, for jewellery, I thought I'd keep it simple with a classic silver necklace and bracelet.

In recent months I've been lusting after a pair of LK Bennett heels, and I think the nude sledge pumps would go with this outfit perfectly.

Finally, I'd bring along a cute little clutch for all my girly essentials. And because I've kept the rest of the outfit quite simple, I thought this pink messenger bag would be perfect for a pop of colour to finish off the outfit.

Have you ever been to the Royal Ascot racecourse? What would be your tip fashion picks?

*Collaborative post

Life lately...

2013-06-09T23:15:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these, but seeing as life has been quite busy recently and I've not had the chance to blog much, I thought now would be the perfect time for a catch up post:

Tea and cakes with an old uni friend/ Admiring the new Sleek make up palettes/ Visiting Prague

Traditional Czech food/ Trying out some local beer/ Inspirational quotes from the John Lennon peace wall

Nice and sunny back in the UK/ Pretty flowers at a local park/ Lamb koftas and cocktails for dinner

Cocktail making at the Millennium hotel

Millennium hotel Mayfair

Last time I attended a cocktail making class, I had so much fun that when the opportunity came up again, I jumped at the chance. This time, the class took place at Millennium hotel, a 336 bed luxury hotel just behind the American embassy in Mayfair.

After a quick tour of the hotel's 4* suites and impressive views, we got to work making cocktails and sampling the barmen's own creations. In recent months, Mojito's have become of one of my favourite drinks, and it was so much fun learning how to make it myself. If you ever get the chance to, then I'd definitely recommend signing up for a cocktail making class or popping in and sampling one of their many delicious cocktails.

Detox kitchen deli

Despite what my Instagram photos might suggest, I really do try and be healthy 80% off the time. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Lily Simpson, founder of Harvey Nichol's newest food counter - Detox kitchen deli. As the name would suggest, everything is freshly prepared on the day and packed full of nutritious vegetables. Considering I usually go for a lunchtime BLT, the food was surprisngly tasty (they have a small selection of lean meats) and I'm now addicted to their guilt free beetrot brownies!

Prague

Finally, towards the end of May, we had the chance to spend a week in Prague. Rather annoyingly, it rained pretty much the whole time we were there, but Prague really is a beautiful city, and being 2 keen photographers, we had so much fun exploring and clicking away with our cameras. Look out for a photo diary very soon :)

For more updates, don't forget to follow me on Instagram, username @peonieslilies

What have you been up to recently? Have you ever been to Prague?

Guerlain gloss d'enfer maxi shine lipgloss review and swatches

2013-06-07T08:45:00.000+01:00

As much as I like to experiment with different lip products, deep down, I'll always be a lipgloss girl at heart. And recently I've been loving the new Guerlain maxi shines:

Guerlain maxi shine lipgloss*

Enriched with oils, I found the Maxi shines to be surprisingly light, non sticky and moisturising on the lips. With 20 shades to choose from, the colours are quite varied in terms of their pigmentation and coverage, although they all have the same classic rose petal scent.

Guerlain maxi shine in Candy strip, Rouge shebam and Prune zip

The three shades that I have are 468 Candy strip, 420 Rouge shebam and 471 Prune zip. Of the three, Candy strip was the most pigmented, and with it's pinky coral tones, perfect as an everyday lipgloss. In fact it's been my go to lip colour these last few weeks.

Rouge shebam (a classic red) and Prune zip (a hot bubblegum pink) on the other hand give more of a subtle tint, although both can be layered up for a more intense look.

Longevity wise, the Maxi shines lasted for around 4 hours before wearing off. What really impressed me though, was just how moisturising they all were. In fact, they could up have easily doubled up as a lip balm too. Definitely one to check out if you want something that's light and non sticky, yet still super moisturising and long lasting on the lips.

Guerlain maxi shine lipgloss, RRP £22, available instores and online at Selfridges.com

Have you tried any of the new Guerlain maxi shines? What are your favourite lip colours?

May empties/Project bathroom update

2013-06-04T08:45:00.000+01:00

It's always the way isn't it, after not finishing a single product in April, I seem to have worked through most of my daily essentials in May:

Soap & glory whipped clean shower butter

Herbal essences fruit fusions uplifting volume shampoo

Tresemme platinum strength instant rescue shot

Aveeno positively radiant eye-brightening cream

No7 beautiful skin BB cream

Batiste cherry dry shampoo

Origins make a difference plus rejuvenating treatment

17 miracle matte pressed powder

The body shop hemp hand protector

Nude perfect cleansing oil

Liz Earle botanical shine shampoo

For the first time in ages, I've actually liked every single product listed above. Special mentions go to the Soap and glory shower gel, which smells exactly like cupcakes, and the 17 pressed powder which has been my go to mattifier for the last few months.

As you know The Body Shop hemp hand protector and Batiste dry shampoos are absolute must haves for me, and I've already started using my back ups for both products. No7 BB cream has been a real favourite too, and thanks to it's broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, an definite repurchase for the summer months (although I'll be going for the oily/combination skin version this time).

Although I enjoyed using it at the time, I probably wouldn't repuchase the Aveeno eye cream again. In recent months I've started noticing fine lines around the eye area, and now that I'm approaching my mid twenties, I'd quite like something with more anti-ageing and brightening properties. Let me know if you have any recommendations :)

How did you get on this month? What are your absolute must haves?

May favourites

2013-06-03T12:28:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since my last monthly favourites, but seeing as I've been trying out lots of new products during May, I thought now would be the perfect time to show you my top 5 picks:

Ren hydra calm global protection day cream

Organic surge citrus mint shower gel

Nivea in shower body moisturiser skin conditioner

Guerlain maxi shine lipgloss in candy strip

Revlon nearly naked foundation

In my quest to find a new moisturiser, I recently stumbled upon Ren hydra calm global protection day cream. Specifically designed for sensitive skin, hydra calm doesn't contain any SPF (my biggest cause of break outs) or anti-ageing ingredients. It does however feel very calming on application, and despite being quite a thick cream, absorbs quickly, and keeps my skin well hydrated without making it too oily during the day.

As you may know, I love anything that's citrus scented, and this new Organic surge citrus mint shower gel is perfect for waking me in the mornings. With extracts of mint, lemon and orange, this smells absolutely amazing. Currently on offer at £3.26, I think this is a real bargain and because it's SLS free, it's refreshing without being too drying on the skin.

On days when I've needed a bit more hydration, I've been using the new Nivea in shower body moisturiser skin conditioner. Manly packaging aside, this really is an innovative new product. You simply apply it as you would a normal shower gel, rinse away, and it leaves your skin feeling lightly moisturised, soft and smooth. As I'm always in a rush in the mornings and never have time for body lotion, this is a real must have.

As much as I love experimenting with lipsticks and crayons, I'll always be a lipgloss girl at heart. Recently I've been loving the new Guerlain maxi shine in 468 candy strip. Candy strip is the most gorgeous coral pink shade, and because the formula is enriched with oils, it's non sticky, long lasting, and mostly importantly, super nourishing on the lips. Look out for a full review and swatches of some of the other shades later this week.

And last but not least, I've finally ditched my beloved BB creams in favour of Revlon nearly naked foundation. 130 shell is the perfect match for my NC25 skintone, and it gives just the right amount of light-medium coverage without being too cakey or oily. I usually apply with my fingertips, and I find the finish to be very natural, almost like a second skin. The only downside? It comes in a pour out glass bottle and I would love it if they changed it to a pump instead.

Have you tried any of these products? What have you been loving this month?

Spring/Summer perfumes (part two)

2013-05-30T08:45:00.000+01:00

Following on from last week's post, here are 3 more of my favourite spring/summer perfumes:

Escada cherry in the air/Yardley Polaire/Estee Lauder pleasures

I've always liked Escada for their limited edition summer scents, and with notes of black cherry, raspberry, mandarin, gardenia, coconut and wood, Cherry in the air is no exception. As you'd expect, it's fun, fruity and flirty, perfect with a cute summer dress or for a day out on the beach.

With it's Art Deco bottle and floral chypre notes, Yardley Polaire nods to a more glamourous era. Polaire starts off with notes of pear, freesia and rose, before revealing it's more seductive base notes of amber, pink pepper and patchouli. A mature and sophisticated fragrance, and definitely one to check out if you like Miss Dior Cherie.

Finally, there's Estée Lauder pleasures, a clean and easy to wear day time scent. With notes of lily, jasmine, peony and rose, Pleasures reminds me fresh flowers, spring showers and clean laundry. A delicate and feminine fragrance that's work appropriate, yet still comforting and romantic.

Have you tried any of these fragrances? What are you favourite spring/summer scents?

Summer holiday wishlist

2013-05-25T08:45:00.000+01:00

Call me cliched, but the minute the temperature hits double figures and we get our first few rays of sunshine, I start dreaming about all the exotic locations I want to visit during the summer holidays. And because I've not had much time to go shopping recently, I've put together this little wish list instead:

Figleaves Pureda bikini /Marc Jacobs Oh Lola perfume/Mulberry Lily handbag

Nikon dslr camera/Chanel UV essentiel sun protection

1. It wouldn't be a summer holiday wishlist without at least one bikini. Browsing through the Styleleaves magazine, it seems one piece swim suits are making a come back, and although I love them for swimming, I couldn't help but fall in love with this tropical print 2 piece bikini. Pink and blue are 2 of my favourite colour combinations, and I love the fact that it's practical, yet still super flattering.

2. I love the idea of buying a new perfume just for your summer holiday. Perfume can bring back such strong memories, and with notes of peony, pear, strawberry and vanilla, Marc Jacobs Oh Lola sounds perfect for my summer travels. Plus just look at how pretty the bottle is!

3. Hair removal has to be the biggest pain ever, and this summer, I'd love a more long term solution. Judging by online reviews, Sk:n seems to offer the best laser hair removal, and although I had good results from an at home machine, it can be time consuming and fiddly, so I'd love to give it the professional systems a go.

4. Admittedly I've had my eye on this for a while, but just look how nice the Mulberry lily is! Considering the design, it's surprisingly spacious inside and the casual chic design would be perfect for a day of sightseeing.

5. My Nikon coolpix S570 has served me well, but since playing with my boyfriend's fancy dslr, I can't help but think it's time to upgrade. The bulky design isn't so travel friendly, but there's a noticable difference in photo quality and given that I'm obsessed with taking photos, it's only going to be a matter of time before I end up purchasing!

6. Finally, the all important sunscreen. Whilst I love Piz Buin for my body, I'll always end up coming back to Chanel UV essentiel for my face. It's light, non greasy, sits well under make up and offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. A must have for the summer months.

Are you off to anywhere exotic this summer? What's on your summer holiday wishlist?

*PR collaboration

Birchbox May 2013

2013-05-23T08:45:00.000+01:00

The new Birchbox landed on my doorstep last week, and with the Baftas and Cannes both happening this month, Birchbox have been inspired to go for a 'red carpet ready' theme for May 2013:

Birchbox May 2013*

Elemental herbalogy cell plumping facial hydrator

MakeBelieve enhance sunbeam bronzer and brush

OPI mini nail lacquer

Doctor Duve anti-ageing & firming eye cream

B/Attitude body souffle

Kusmi detox tea

So as you can see, there's a good variety of products in this month's box. I found the Elemental herbalogy moisturiser to be light and refreshing, and given that I've just finished my Origins day cream, it really couldn't have come at a better time. The OPI mini nail lacquer is lovely too (a really pretty mix of dark purple and golden shimmer) although I do wish they'd labelled the sample so we don't have to guess what the name is.

As always with beauty boxes, there are 1 or 2 products that I don't like, and this month it's the B/Attitude body souffle, which was just too sweet and incense smelling for my taste. For their lifestyle element this month, they've gone for a Kusmi detox tea, which I'm really looking forward to trying, and like the February box, their monthly magazine features a good mix of beauty, fashion and travel advice.

Products aside, Birchbox are also supporting Fashion targets breast cancer this month. There's a mini TLC guide inside every box and throughout May, they'll be donating 30% of all e-sales and £5 per referal to help fund vital research into the condition. A great cause as I'm sure you'll agree and the perfect opportunity for some guilt free shopping too!

Are you a Birchbox subscriber? What do you think about this month's box?

Spring/Summer perfumes (part one)

2013-05-20T08:45:00.000+01:00

It may still be cold and grey outside, but seeing as we are well into May, I thought it was about time I shared a few of my favourite Spring/Summer perfumes:

L'occitane spring cherry, The Body Shop pink grapefruit EDT, L'artisan Caligna

Starting with L'occitane spring cherry, and I must admit it was the pretty pink bottle which first attracted me to this perfume. Scent wise, the perfume starts off with light notes of mandarin, blackcurrent and cherry, before revealing it's smokier base notes of wood and musk. For me, this perfume brings back memories of the first few days of spring, and I think it's a good choice of you want something that's not too sweet, but still light and fresh enough for the hot summer months.

Next up is the new Pink grapefruit EDT from The body shop. Now The body shop are famous for their fruity scents and I think this perfume compliments the existing range beautifully. As you'd expect, it's very zesty and fresh, with just a touch of citrus throw in for good measure too. Being an EDT, it's not the most long lasting of perfumes, but at £8.50, I think it's a real bargain, and the small compact bottle means it's perfect for throwing into my handbag and freshing up during the day.

Finally, something a little different with L'artisan Caligna, which contains notes of sage, rose bud, mandarin tree leaves, pine needles and oak chips. Compared to the other 2 scents, it's got more of a luxe feel, and with such green notes, it really does evoke memories of countryside walks and gentle summer breezes. Definitely one to consider if you want something that's clean, fresh and easy to wear during the day.

So there you have it, 3 of my favourite Spring/Summer perfumes. Don't forget to check back for part 2, which will be up later this week.

Have you tried any of the perfumes above? What's your favourite Spring/Summer scent?

Illamasqua Paranormal collection

2013-05-13T08:45:00.000+01:00

As a make up addict, I love seeing what Illamasqua have come up with, and season after season, they've continued to surprise and shock with their innovative new collections. For summer 2013, they've once again bucked the trend and gone for a surprisingly spooky Paranormal collection:

Illamasqua paranormal - UV glow nail varnish

Starting with my favourite products from the new collection. In the bottle, they look like any other brand of nail varnish (albeit very pretty ones), but shine a UV light on them, and they suddenly transform into super bright florescent neons. There's also a 'clear' topcoat, which when in the presence of UV light, allows you to experiment and create a whole host of nail patterns.

Illamasqua paranormal - hydra veil

This definitely gets the prize for most innovative new product. It's a hybrid skincare-make up primer, which when applied, lightly hydrates the skin and smoothes over any pores, giving you a flawless base. The coolest thing though is that it self smoothes, and at the event I had no end of fun stirring it up, then watching as it seemingly magically restored itself to perfection.

Illamasqua paranormal palette

It wouldn't be an Illamasqua collection without a palette or two, and for summer 2013, they've gone for a really interesting texture. Described as a cross between a cream and a powder, the product feels almost moussy to the touch, blended really easily, and once dried, was nice and long lasting on the skin.

Illamasqua paranormal - Gleam highlighter in supernatural

Illamasqua paranormal - lipstick in Posture and Esp

Finally, to complete the collection, there's a golden shimmered cream highlighter, a precision gel eyeliner, as well as 2 eyecatching lipsticks. And if (like myself), purple lipstick's not for you, then check out Jayne's blog post on how it can be used as the perfect mixing medium for other lipsticks.

Illamasqua paranormal, available now instores and online at Selfridges.com

What do you think about the new Paranormal collection? Will you be treating yourself to any of the products?

Glossybox May 2013, 2nd anniversary edition

2013-05-10T18:35:00.001+01:00

Can you believe that it's been 2 years since Glossybox first launched in the UK? It really doesn't feel like that long ago, and even now I can still remember sitting at my desk, reading that email and being super excited about the prospect of a monthly box of beauty treats being delivered straight to my front door. Here's what's inside their 2nd anniversary May 2013 box:

Glossybox May 2013*

Like all new start up companies, Glossybox has had it's ups and downs, but I would say that it's now better than ever. The last few boxes have really impressed me, and even though this isn't my favourite box (that accolade goes to the November box) I do like most of the products that they've choosen.

Caudalie divine oil

Beautiful movements cosmetics prime & create mixing medium

My trusty little sunflower cream

Headline colors poolside nail polish

Glossybox mini nail files

Givenchy dahlia noir l'eau

I'm already a big fan of the Caudalie divine oil, and as often is the case with Glossybox samples, it'll come in so handy for weekend breaks and short trips abroad. My trusty little sunflower cream is rich and moisturising, and I'm really liking the Givenchy dahlia noir sample. There's also a bonus pack of mini Glossybox nail files.

The only product that didn't impress me was the Beautiful movements prime & create mixing balm. I don't usually bother with primer, and because it's such a small sample I doubt I'd be able to test it out properly anyway.

Overall though, there's a good mix of skincare, bodycare and make up samples. Bar the Beautiful movements primer, all 4 products were generously sized, and I thought the addition of Glossybox mini nail files was a really nice touch.

Glossybox retails for £10, plus £2.95 P&P, available online at Glossybox.co.uk

Are you a Glossybox subscriber? What do you think about the May 2013 box?

BeauteCo box, a new beauty subscription service

2013-05-06T18:05:00.002+01:00

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that beauty boxes are here to stay, and this month sees the launch of BeauteCo, a new monthly subscription service with a difference:

BeauteCo May 2013*

Compared to other beauty boxes, BeauteCo has more of a natural slant. To make it more environmentally friendly, there's no fancy pink box or drawstring bag, instead the products are packed straight into the delivery box. Because of what I was used to, this was quite a surprise at first. However like most people, I really don't need any more beauty boxes, and the printed design, green tissue paper and pink bow still gives it that nice girly present feel.

BeauteCo May 2013:

Anatomicals body scrub

Anatomicals hand cream

Dr Bragi age management moisturiser

Mitchell & Peach body cream

Melvita cleansing oil rose

What really sets BeauteCo apart though, is the fact that you can see before purchasing and choose from 3 boxes each month. With other subscription services, it's always a bit of a risk, but because I choose this box myself, I knew exactly what I'd be getting and it's nice to be able to use all 5 samples. So far I'm really liking the Melvita cleansing oil and Anatomicals body scrub.

Product wise, I thought the samples were all really generous, and even though Anatomicals isn't a luxury brand, it's nice that they've included one or two full sized products too. This month the boxes were fairly similar (there were one or two star items that were in every box), however I think it's great that we finally get a choice, and hopefully over time, as the company expands, the boxes will become more varied too.

BeauteCo retails for £10 plus £2.95 P&P, available from beautecobox.co.uk

What do you think about choosing your own beauty box? Will you be subscribing to this new service?

Balance me natural skincare amnesty and Radiance face mask review

2013-04-27T16:33:00.001+01:00

Balance me are well known for their natural, paraben free skincare, and this April, they've launched their first ever natural skincare amnesty. The idea being that people would swap one item of their existing skincare routine in exchange for a more natural, chemical free alternative:

Balance me natural skincare amnesty

Since starting work, my skin has been somewhat neglected and as a result it's now rather dry and dull looking. With that in mind, I decided to put Balance me radiance face mask to the test.

Balance me radiance face mask*

The fact that it was a triple action face mask really appealed to me, and I like that I can exfoliate, deep cleanse and hydrate all in the space of 5 minutes. I usually exfoliate once a week anyway, but with this, I can just leave it on whilst I condition my hair and it barely adds any extra time to my beauty routine.

The face mask itself is unscented, and I found the ground walnut shells to be really gentle on the skin. In terms of hydration, it's not the most moisturising of face masks, but my skin definitely felt more deep cleansed afterwards, and the gentle exfoliation helped to add some much needed radiance.

Overall, I think this a good multi purpose face mask. Definitely one to check out if you want a more natural skincare routine or if you're super busy and struggle to find the time to treat yourself.

PS. Balance me are also giving away £200 worth of products on their website. For more information and to enter, click here.

Have you tried anything from Balance me? What's your favourite face mask?

Clinique a different nail enamel for sensitive skin

2013-04-23T15:08:00.002+01:00

When Clinique first announced that they were launching a nail enamel for sensitive skin, my first thought was why? It doesn't go any anywhere near the skin. Well, it turns out I was wrong, and the average person touches their face around 200 times a day, making it a major source of irritation around the eyes:

Clinique a different nail enamel for sensitive skin*

With that in mind, Clinique have spent 6 years developing this new range, and if you do suffer from sensitive skin, then you'll be glad to hear that it's been tested and approved by both dermatologists and opthalmologists.

Red red red, Fizzy, Hula Skirt, Sweet tooth

Now I can't personally vouch for the gentle formula of the nail varnish (as much as my skin drives me up the wall, it is on the whole fairly tolerant) however I will say that they've got some beautiful on trend colours, the formulas are easy to apply, and at £12, it's on par with other high end nail polishes.

And my top picks for Spring/Summer? Pinkini, Grape ice and Hot date, all three of which are eye catching hot pink shades, which will look great with a tan!

Clinique a different nail enamel will be available online from 25th April, and in stores from 31st May 2013.

Will you be trying the new Clinique nail enamels? What are your favourite Spring/Summer shades?

Glossybox April 2013 - Pearl Lowe edition

2013-04-16T08:45:00.000+01:00

The limited edition Glossyboxes are always my favourite, and this month, they've teamed up with fashion designer Pearl Lowe to create a floral themed peach and black box:

Glossybox April 2013*

NIP+FAB dry skin fix body butter in Pistachio sundae

Model Co cheek + lip tint in Rosy red

Essie nail lacquer in Nice is nice

Yves rocher france so elixir purple eau de parfum

Sunsence daily face SPF50

And it's not just the box that's special - they seem to have put a lot of thought into the contents too. In fact it's one of the few boxes that I can actually see myself using all 5 samples, There's a good mix of high end brands too.

Essie has been on my wishlist for quite some time now, and the lilac grey Nice is nice shade couldn't be more perfect for Spring. The Nip +Fab body butter is another product that gets a lot of rave reviews, and I can't wait to give Model Co cheek and lip stain a try. It sounds like it could be a good alternative to Benetint, one of my favourit lip colours at the moment.

So all in all, a great box from Glossybox. They seem to have really improved the contents of their boxes recently and I can't wait to see what they've got planned for May 2013.

Glossybox, RRP £10 plus £2.95 P+P, available online at Glossybox.com

Are you a Glossybox subscriber? What do you think about this month's contents?

Sleek make up lip 4 lipstick palettes

2013-04-15T08:45:00.000+01:00

Having done my fair shair of travelling and make up on the go, I seem to have discovered a new found love for make up palettes. Now Sleek make up may be best known for their iDivine eyeshadow palettes, but I think their new lipstick palettes are just as nice, and since taking these photos, they've gone straight into my travel make up bag:

Sleek make up lip4 lipstick palette in Ballet and Siren

Each palette comes with a choice of 4 complimentary shades, and there's a good mix of matte, gloss and satin finishes. I like the fact that each shade is individually named, and as you'd expect from Sleek make up, packed with pigment. The textures do vary though, with the matte colours being firmer and the gloss shades much softer and creamier.

In some ways, these remind me of the Sleek pout paints (their equivalent of the OCC lip tars). Like most matte lipsticks, it's not the most moisturising, so a slick of lip balm is essential before hand, but the glossy shades are lovely.

For everyday use, I would still stick to traditional lipsticks and glosses, simply because they're quicker and easier to apply, but for my travel make up bag these are perfect. The matte black packaging is firm and study, and from a convenience point of view, it's great to have 4 lip colours in such a small compact palette.

Sleek make up lip 4 lipstick palettes will be available in stores and online at Superdrug.com from 8th May 2013.

What do you think about the new Sleek make up lip palettes? What are your travel make up essentials?

Spring giveaway winner

2013-04-14T17:18:00.000+01:00

A big thank you to everyone who entered my Spring giveaway. I loved reading each and every one of your comments. So without further ado, I numbered all the valid entries and used random.org to select a winner:

And the winner is Elfie!

Congratulations Elfie, can you please email me your postal address by 21th April and I'll get your prizes posted out asap.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and keep an eye out for future giveaways if you didn't manage to win this time :)

Girl's night in - pampering treats

2013-04-12T08:45:00.000+01:00

Back in the day I used to love going out, but as I've gotten older (and the responsibilities of work started taking over) I seem to be spending more and more time just relaxing at home or chilling out with a few close friends. And judging by a recent survey by Ladbrokes bingo, it seems like I'm not the only one. So with that in mind, I've put together a selection of my favourite pampering treats for a girls night in:

To start off with, I like to set the mood by lighting Neom invigorate, my favourite scented candle and one that's perfect for spring with it's blend of bergamot, grapefruit and lime. Candle lit, I then move on to a pampering face mask. At the moment I'm liking Biotherm hydra detox as it seems to both rehydrate and detoxify my skin at the same time.

Whilst the face mask is on, I get to work using No 7 nail and cuticle care cream. My hands have been rather battered recently, and I find this really helps to strengthen and inject some much needed moisture back into my nails. By the time the face mask is washed off, this has sunk in, leaving me a nice base for my nail colour of choice.

And because we're finally getting some sunshine in the UK, I've been drawn to the new Bourjois Rendez-vous a Paris collection. Prepp'hibiscus would be my top pick and Oh so rose a close second on days when I need something more subtle and chic.

Finally, no girl's night in would be complete without a boxset of my favourite TV show and some mint ice cream. My top picks? One tree hill, Gossip girl, Grey's anatomy and The OC.

Do you prefer to stay in or go out? What's your favourite TV show?

*Blog post in association with Ladbrokes bingo.

Bourjois Spring/Summer 13

2013-04-10T15:42:00.000+01:00

For on trend, fun girly make up, Bourjois are fast becoming one of my favourite high street brands. Last week I had the chance to preview their new SS13 releases, and it looks like they've got some great products launching over the next few months:

Bourjois rouge edition shine lipsticks

Starting with their new Rouge edition shine lipsticks, which was by far my favourite product on the day. There'll be a choice of 6 colours, and for someone who likes sheer moisturising lipsticks, these are perfect. The lipsticks are creamy and glossy, and although sheer, they can be build up for up to 4 hours of intense colour.

Bourjois Je T'aime vintage blush

Bourjois 150th anniversary cream blush

Did you know blusher was the first product that Bourjois ever created? The brand turns 150 this year, and to celebrate they've brought out a limited edition design for 3 of their best selling shades. Along side that, there are also 4 new cream blushers. I thought they had a nice cream to powder finish, gave a lovely glow to the skin and for a cream blusher, relatively long lasting too. I'm predicting these'll be a big seller this summer.

Bourjois summer on the Riviera bronzing collection

For the nails, there are 3 new 1 seconde shine nail polishes and of course it wouldn't be a summer collection without some bronzing products. Bourjois have gone for a Summer on the Riviera theme, and there'll be a choice of bronzing powder, BB cream and a rather interesting titled bronzing primer. Having tried it in person, I would say it's more of a mousse than a primer and I suspect it may be a good high street dupe for the infamous Chanel tan de soleil.

Bourjois SS13 products will be launching in stores and online at Boots.com from May onwards.

What do you think about the new Bourjois SS13 collection? Will you be travelling anywhere nice this summer?

Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm review

2013-04-08T17:38:00.000+01:00

As much as I love wearing make up, there really is no nicer feeling that taking it all off at the end of the day. A few weeks ago, Elemis launched their new pro collagen cleansing balm and it's been my go to make up remover ever since:

Elemis pro collagen cleansing balm*

In the pot Elemis pro collagen cleansing balm is thick and waxy, but when applied to the skin it melts and becomes a light, non greasy face oil. Like most balm cleansers, it makes make up removal quick and easy, but for me, the it's the blend of essential oils and aromatherapy scent which really sets it apart.

Because the scent is so relaxing, the cleanser is an absolute joy to use, and I like to really take my time, massaging it into the skin. The only downside is that it's not suitable for use over the eye area, so you will need a separate eye make up remover first.

The balm emulsifies on contact with water, and it comes with it's own flannel cloth so you can gently exfoliate and wash away any last traces of cleanser. Since using this, I've noticed a real difference with my skin, and no matter how much make up I'm wearing, it always leaves my skin feeling cleansed, but still super soft and nourished.

So as you can tell, I'm a big fan of the new Elemis cleansing balm. In fact it's just one of 2 cleansers that I would repurchase. Definitely one to try out if you're new to Elemis or if you suffer from dry/dehydrated skin.

Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm, RRP £39.50, available online at timetospa.co.uk

Have you tried Elemis pro collagen cleansing balm yet? What's your favourite make up remover?

Stila SS13 festival of colour collection

2013-04-05T17:20:00.000+01:00

Being a bit of a beauty addict, I love seeing all the new collections that come out at the start of every season. And today I wanted to talk about Stila, who have gone with a 'festival of colour' theme for their SS13 collection:

Stila after glow lip colors

At the event, I was immediately drawn to their new After glow lip colors. It's no secret that I love moisturising lip crayons, and I think the 6 new shades will be perfect for a pop of bright colour during the summer months. Being a festival themed collection, the lip crayons will glow in the dark, something which I wasn't too sure about (fluorescent lips are really my thing), but I'm reassured that this only happens in the presence of UV light, so on a day to day basis, it should be just like any other lip colour.

Stila countless color pigment eyeshadows

Along side the new lip crayons, there are also 5 new Stila countless color pigments. I think the colours are quite bright and daring, but I love the swirled tie dye effect and pigment wise, they're second to none. There's also a new turqoise eyeliner, which comes in both a liquid and pencil format.

Stila SS13 festival of colour

Despite the initial hype, it seems that BB creams are here to stay, and Stila are lauching 2 new versions. A bronzing beauty balm for a sun kissed glow, and an illuminating version for radiant hydrated skin. Finally, they're introducing 2 new lip glaze trios, which I think these are an absoulte bargain at only £12 each. 'Road trip' would be top pick, but if you like baby pinks then you'll love the 'Music festival' trio.

What do you think about the new Stila SS13 collection? Have you tried any of their original lip glazes?

March empties/Project bathroom update

2013-04-02T17:50:00.000+01:00

Can you believe we're now a quarter of the way through 2013 already! It seems like only yesterday that I was writing about February's empties, and now here we are, at the end of another month. March started off quite slowly, but in the end I managed to finish 7 products:

Crabtree & Evelyn wisteria bath & shower gel

Corn silk translucent pressed face powder

Apivita intensive moisturizing hand cream

Batiste diva dry shampoo

Sure maximum protection sensitive anti-perspirant deodrant

Angela Langford balanced and beautiful face oil

Nioxin cleanser shampoo for fine hair

As always, it was a mixture of real favourites and products that I didn't get on so well with. I really didn't like the Sure deodrant, but the other items were all nice enough to use up.

Of the 7, my favourite would have to be the Nioxin shampoo, and I would definitely consider repurchasing in the future. Batiste dry shampoo remains a firm favourite as well, although I have at least 3 cans on standby, so won't be running out anytime soon.

How did you get on this month? What are your least favourite products?

March 2013 favourites

2013-04-01T13:02:00.000+01:00

March favourites

Soap and glory whipped clean shower butter
A cake scented shower gel? Yes please! And not only does this smell amazing, it's also packed with essential oils and moisturising butters so I can get away with not moisturising every day. Great if like myself, you're always in a rush or running late in the mornings.

Organic surge fresh ocean light body lotion
On days when I do moisturise, this is my body lotion of choice. It's light, quick absorbing and leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not greasy. I've spoken before about my love for the million dollar anywhere balm, and this is like the body lotion equivalent. It's got a similar lemon sherbet smell and I think it's so refreshing and perfect for Spring.

Revlon nearly naked pressed powder
Face powder is an everyday essential for me, and I like how this leaves my skin matte, but not flat. The packaging is quite bulky, but it comes with it's own sponge applicator and mirror, which is handy when touching up on the go. The formula's lightweight too, so I can get away with reapplying several times without it caking up or oxidizing.

17 mirror shine lipstick in roasted red
It's no secret that I love sheer moisturising lip colours, and formula wise, this one fits the bill perfectly. It's been my go to lip colour for the last few months, and I love that it's got a little mirror hidden away in the lid too.

Vita coco natural coconut water
Coconut water has been around for quite some time now, but it wasn't until recently that I realised just how good they were for you. It's high in potassium, less sugary than traditional sports drinks but just as hydrating and contains natural anti-oxidants. I've been drinking this whenever I exercise, original is my favourite, but the pineapple flavour's rather tasty too.

Have you tried any of these products? What were your March favourites?

*Peonies and lilies*