Seaside Beauty

Seascape Island Apothecary Peppermint Lip Balm Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 19:05:00 +0000

I must admit that I am obsessed with lipbalm and must have at least one with me at all times. I had never tried any products or heard much about the brand Seascape Island Apothecary before trying this lipbalm, but what really grabbed me was their values and that their products are free of nasties, such as parabens, SLS, silicones, petroleum and artificial colours and fragrances. They are also against animal testing which is a huge bonus!

Seascape Island Apothecary Peppermint Lip Balm - £10*

This lipbalm contains 100% natural peppermint essential oil with Jersey beeswax, Jersey honey, and Jojoba seed oil which are all locally sourced in Jersey. The first thing that caught my attention was the adorable packaging which is perfect for sitting on your dressing table! Personally I don't think that it is very travel friendly as the glass pot is weighty and it's also not very hygienic to apply this on the go without washing your hands first. For me, I love applying this lipbalm at night before going to bed.

When your finger comes into contact with the lipbalm, it instantly melts into a luxurious oil which feels lightweight and refreshing on the lips. The peppermint leaves a sensation on the lips when applied, but fades after time. If you're a fan of lipbalms which are thin and feel as if there is nothing on your lips, then you will love this! It has an irresistibly silky feeling which leaves your lips smooth and hydrated. You can also apply this under your lipstick for a smooth finish and to help it last longer. I do think that £10 for a lipbalm is a bit expensive, however a little bit goes a long way and the pot lasts for ages! I think that it is the perfect pick me up for the lips!

Have you ever tried Seascape Island Apothecary products before? What is your favourite natural lipbalm?

Glossybox August 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 02:45:00 +0000

This month's Glossybox has the theme 'High-Flyers' which is filled with products that are perfect for on the go. There are even products included that are from Sweden and Brazil to go along with the theme. Not only that but all the products are under 100ml - so are perfect for taking on board!

Emite Eyelash Curler- approximately £20

All the way from Sweden is this sleek eyelash curlers which are developed with professional makeup artists and claim to have a special curve design to suit all eye shapes without touching your makeup base. They're definitely the best curlers that I have tried and the most expensive, however when I use it, it does touch my eyelid but not as much as other curlers. I love that you don't need to apply much pressure to get perfectly curled lashes and it also comes with three extra rubber pads. For a value of £20 I am really impressed with Glossybox and it just completes the box, however personally if I was to spend £20 on curlers I would definitely get the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers.

Eucerin Aquaphor - £8.50

This multi-purpose balm is a cult product in the US and even Beyoncé and Megan Fox are fans of this little tube. It is clinically proven to help support skin's own regeneration process and is perfect for very dry or cracked skin. I'm actually really curious to try this on my feet and heels to see if it will give me baby soft feet!

TRESemmé Platinum Strength Concentrated Treatment Shot - £1.49

I love using treatments in my hair and this treatment shot really grabbed my attention. You just leave it in for 60 seconds and rinse out and should transform your frizzy damaged hair into beach goddess hair. This is perfect for using in the shower for a quick pick me up on those rough hair days!

Óceane Makeup Remover Pen - not yet available in the UK

This makeup remover pen from Brazil is not yet available in the UK, which is a shame because it is a genius invention! You can throw this into your bag and you'll always have perfect makeup. It's perfect for touching up your makeup and removing smudged mascara or lipstick on-the-go. It's even good for cleaning up those raccoon eyes from the leftover mascara that has smudged overnight.

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner - £10

This creamy crayon is the perfect multi-tasker for travelling that can be used as an eyeliner or smudged and blended out as an eyeshadow. I received the Plum shade which is really pretty and I would definitely wear it as eyeliner for a subtle pop of colour and a less harsh alternative to black.

What was your favourite product you received in your beauty box?

Nail of the Day - Ciate Island Hopping

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 12:27:00 +0000

I'm currently wearing this gorgeous Ciate nail polish which I received in my July Glossybox, and I'm absolutely loving it!

Ciate Nail Polish - £9

Island Hopping is an orangey red with gold shimmer, which screams tropical! It's part of the Bottled Sunshine collection which consists of a total of 5 different shades. I think this colour will look beautiful with a summer dress and is perfect for this summer. The brush is easy to apply with, however I don't love it as much as the OPI brush. The bottle shape allows you to have the perfect grip while applying and not to mention the packaging is super adorable. The formula is highly pigmented and you can get away with using only one coat, but I used two coats which gave a full opaque finish.

Have you tried Ciate nail polish before? What nail polish are you wearing at the moment?

Glossybox July 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 17:39:00 +0000

It's that time of the month again - my Glossybox has arrived!

This month's theme is Seaside Splash, which is perfect since we are currently having a heat wave in the UK. As you can see the packaging is adorable and makes me really excited for the summer holidays which is only next week!

Ciate Nail Polish - £9 for 13.5ml

Ciate is one of my favourite nail polish brands as they always have gorgeous on-trend shades and have really cute packaging. I received the shade Island Hopping which is part of their new Bottled Sunshine collection. The formula is highly pigmented and gives a long lasting streak-free finish.

Inecto Pure Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo - £2.49 for 150ml

I never use dry shampoo as I wash my hair everyday and I hate the thick grubby feel that it leaves at the roots, but I really impressed with this dry shampoo. It has a beautiful light coconut scent that leaves your hair smelling irresistibly fresh and exotic but it also doesn't leave my hair feeling thick at the roots and hard to brush through. My hair feels exactly the same when it is applied and it comes out a white colour but for some reason it doesn't leave a white residue even on my dark hair. For only £2.49, you can't go wrong!

Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented - £29.99 for 50ml

I've been really intrigued to try the Coola face sun creams but couldn't justify spending the amount, so I was very excited to receive a sample in my Glossybox. This sun cream is hypoallergenic, free of parabens and packed with antioxidants. It provides UVA and UVB production and fights free radicals while soothing, toning and minimising pores. Organic Acai Oil provides powerful anti-aging benefits and organic Evening Primrose and Linseed Oils reduce inflammation and balance moisture.

Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist - £23 for 125ml

I love any products that add volume and give a beach wave effect. This weightless texturising mist gives a natural tousled 'just-back-from-the-beach' waves which is just what I am looking for as it is now summer. It adds texture, volume and a healthy shine to all hair types. I'm hoping that it does give me tousled beach waves, as my hair is naturally straight and curls usually fall out, so fingers cross this works!

Ila Spa Face Oil for Glowing Radiance - £75 for 30ml

This face oil has become a worldwide cult product and has been named 'a little miracle' by celebrity makeup artists. It contains Argan oil and rosehip seed oil that are high in antioxidants which regenerates skin cells while combating premature aging. This can be used both under makeup for a beautiful dewy finish or as a nourishing overnight treatment for visibly improved texture and radiance. It also has a delicate floral scent which I am obsessed with!

What products did you receive in your Glossybox? Have you tried any of these products before?

Dos and Don'ts for Hair Extensions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 23:03:00 +0000

Ever wondered how celebrities get their thick bouncy hair? Well it's most likely down to hair extensions, whether it's just for a special appearance or an everyday basis. You also don't have worry about splurging on extensions from salons as you can find some of the best human hair extensions online for a fraction of the price, and not only can you get straight hair extensions but also curly hair weaves in a whole range of colours, so you're bound to find the perfect match for your hair. Taking good care of your extensions is the key to keeping your extensions looking luxurious for longer and getting the most out of your money.

Here are a few dos and don'ts when it comes to hair extensions:

Dos

Wrap your hair together or tie it up when sleeping to prevent tangling
Wash your hair in downwards motions to reduce tangling
Use a leave in conditioner at the ends of the extensions to keep the hair nourished and silky
Always place your hand on your head while brushing your hair to prevent pulling
When brushing your hair start from the ends and work your way up
Always brush your hair to remove tangles before washing it
Buy a detangling brush, such as Tangle Teezer, as it prevents tugging on your hair and removes tangles with ease

Don'ts

Never go to bed with wet hair when wearing your extensions as it can cause the hair to become tangled.
Don't condition the scalp with a heavy conditioner as extensions become greasy easier than your natural hair
Never blow dry extensions
Don't overload your extensions with products as it will damaged the hair overtime and weigh it down
Don't used too much heat on human hair extensions - just like normal hair, it can develop split ends
Never wash your hair upside down or use circular motions on the scalp while using shampoo on the hair

Have you ever worn hair extensions for a special event or wear them everyday?

Lush Haul and Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:29:00 +0000

Today I want to share with you a few Lush products that I have bought which I had been eyeing for a while and tell you a bit about what I think of them!

Mask of Magnaminty - £8.75

Mask of Magnaminty is great for oily acne-prone skin which can be used on both the face and back. I've only use it on my face but it has a really cool and refreshing feeling on the skin which is really calming. Whenever I have a few spots, I'll use this face mask and it helps reduce the appearance of redness and just soothes the skin. This isn't one of the fresh face masks which lasts for around 4 months instead of 2 weeks. However I have never experienced any problems with Lush products after their expiration date and they all work the same as usual.

Ocean Salt - £12.95

Ocean Salt smells amazing with its citrus scents - there is even lime and vodka in this scrub! This product can also be used on the face and body and leaves your skin feeling really soft and nourished as it also moisturises the skin with the avocado butter. The sea salt exfoliates the skin and slowly dissolves leaving a creamy consistency. The only downside to this scrub is that if your get it in you eye it stings like hell! Around the eye area is can become a bit sensitive after using it but for the rest of the face, I love it! With this scrub you can adjust it to be abrasive or gentle depending on how much warm water you mix it with.

R&B - £10.95

I picked up the R&B hair treatment which is a leave in moisturiser for the hair. Personally I think it has sort of a granny scent to it but it's not so bad that I can't use it. I also recommend using this overnight and washing it out in the morning as it doesn't make the hair look quite messy as the strands stick together.

Have you tried any of these products before? What's your favourite Lush product?

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow - 07 Moon River

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:25:00 +0000

Chanel have recently released their new Stylo Eyeshadows with a total of 6 illuminating shades ranging from a luminous gold to aquamarine green to black. After hearing about their released I couldn't help myself and just had to pick one up. Moon River instantly gravitated towards me and I think we're a match made in heaven!

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow - £23

Moon River is a beautiful metallic taupe with a champagne sheen and is described as 'platinum'. With only on swipe Moon River gives a semi-opaque colour but can easily build up to a really intense opaque colour. The consistency is creamy and is cool to the touch. I find this eyeshadow perfect for lazy days or when I am in a rush, as it is super quick and simple to apply and is one of those eyeshadows which looks incredible worn alone.

I am really impressed with the longevity of this as it lasted well over 12 hours and was still standing strong without a primer. I haven't ever come across any eyeshadows, whether it is cream or powder, which has never creased on me until I met this magic stick. The Urban Decay Primer Potion and Mac Painterly Paint Pot still manage to crease on me, so I was incredibly impressed that this eyeshadow was did not crease at all. This eyeshadow is also water-resistant and is slightly smudge-proof, it does smudge a bit but the majority of the eyeshadow doesn't budge.

Have you tried out the new Stylo Eyeshadows yet? Do you think you're going to?

Bye Bye Google Reader!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:35:00 +0000

If you haven't already heard, Google Reader is shutting down on July 1st.

For those using Google Reader to follow me, the easiest solution is Bloglovin, where you can follow many blogs and there are even categories such as, beauty, fashion, food, etc. Another bonus is that there is an app so you can read your favourite blogs on the go! I personally find that Bloglovin is brilliant at discovering new blogs and it tells you all the top blogs and popular posts, which I find really useful.

To subscribe via Bloglovin, click here!

Glossybox June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:35:00 +0000

My Glossybox has finally arrived and I am pretty excited about most the products that I received!

Monu Hydrating Moisturiser SPF 15 - £29.95 for 50ml

I was really excited to see this in my box as summer is approaching I want to product my skin from the sun and using suncream on the face usually causes breakouts. I have received products by Monu in previous Glossyboxes and have loved them, so I'm really interested in trying more. This moisturiser is for all skin types which is perfect because I have oily skin and I hate getting products that are only for dry or normal skin types. It has a very light scent and is non-greasy on the skin which dries really quickly. It contains Zinc Oxide which provides protection against both UVA and UVB, while Vitamin E fights free radicals and soft focus technology helps to blur imperfections and correct skintone.

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Multi-tasking Lip Balm - £5

This 100% natural lipbalm is packed with antioxidants and has a beautiful pink tint. Not only is it a lipbalm but it can also be used on cuticles, elbows, knees and even on eyebrows! As it is tinted, I'm not exactly sure how well it will work in other places but for the lips it is incredible! It feels so smooth and moisturising on the lips and I am just in love with it. I also love the pot lipbalms by Fig & Rouge so as well - I recommend trying any of their lipbalms.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse OR - £34 for 100ml

This is a dry oil which has shimmering gold particles! It contains six precious plant oils and Vitamin E which are formulated to be easily absorbed and illuminate the skin and hair. It gives a beautiful subtle hint of shimmer to the skin and looks incredible with a little bit on the shoulders, cheek bones and collar bone. I have the original NUXE Huile Prodigieuse which has no shimmer and love using that on the ends of my hair!

MeMeMe Long Lasting Nail Gloss - £5

I received this MeMeMe nail polish in the shade 66 Innocent which is a nude ivory. I think it would be nice as French manicure base and it also has a wide brush which makes it really effortless to apply. It also has a beautiful glossy finish for the perfect groomed nails.

Helen É Shimmer Eye Powder - £5

This loose eyeshadow can be used both dry and wet for different effects. I received it in the shade 26 which is a grey with blue shimmers. I never use loose eyeshadows and I wasn't very excited about this product but I will give it a try and I think it could possibly look nice applied wet as an eyeliner. The packaging is really cute and doesn't look cheap like most other loose eyeshadows.

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? What did you receive this month?

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:19:00 +0000

I've been on a hunt for the perfect BB cream for my oily skin and I have finally found it. Maybelline have recently released their new BB cream with a new formula.

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream - £6.99

The new formula contains 2% Salicylic Acid which helps fight against breakouts for clearer skin. I'm not really bothered about makeup containing spot fighting ingredients as that is what skincare is for, however it is a good bonus. The oily skin formula only contains SPF 15 whereas the original one has SPF 30, I'm not sure why it has less SPF but it could be to do with suncream usually causing clogged pores and breakouts. I quite like that it has less SPF as it means it is more photo friendly.

It has a light buildable coverage which evens out my skin. It doesn't cover up spots and hyperpigmentation so I use my Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer on areas that need more coverage. I actually really enjoy using a lighter coverage and then concealing other areas because it gives a less heavy and natural look. This BB cream gives more of a natural finish rather than dewy which I love because all other BB creams that I have tried feel so greasy on my skin and slide around like crazy. I've tried the Garnier BB cream before and it is incredibly greasy and if I swipe my finger across my face it leaves a really unattractive streak, that's how greasy it is. I set it with a powder and throughout the day my skin does still become oily but it is nothing compared to other BB creams and some foundations out there. My skin becomes slightly dewy which I can handle because it gives more of a healthy glow than greasy.

Usually foundations tend to slide around the side of my nose and upper lip but this doesn't slide around or move at all, and I am super impressed with it. I've worn this out on really hot days where my face because really oily and it is still in the exact same place it was when I applied it. Another bonus about this product is that is doesn't sink into fine lines. My foundation always enhances my left smile line and it is so annoying having to blend it back out all the time, with this BB cream it has not done that at all.

There are only two shades available; light and medium which isn't the best range but they do blend really easily into the skin and sort of adjust to your skin tone. I bought medium as summer is approaching, which at the moment is slightly darker than my skintone and it doesn't leave any horrible lines on the side of my face. It works great applied with fingers and brushes, but my personal favourite is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush as it helps it blend seamlessly into the skin.

Have you tried any of the Maybelline BB creams? What is your favourite BB cream?

MUA Undress Me Too Review and Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Today I wanted to share with you an exact dupe of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, the MUA Undress Me Too palette. You can check out the dupe for the original Naked palette here!

MUA Undress Me Too - £4

I don't have the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette to do a comparison with however seeing as though the MUA Undress Me palette is almost spot on with the colours from the Naked palette, I assume it can be said for this palette as well. For only £4 the pigmentation is really good, it's not as silky and pigmented as Urban Decay eyeshadows however it is really buildable and can give a really intense payoff. I find that with the MUA palettes that the matte shades are never as good as the shimmery eyeshadows in terms of pigmentation which is to be expected with a £4 eyeshadow palette.

(From left to right)

Shade 1 - matte cream bisque

Shade 2 - shimmery golden-bronze

Shade 3 - shimmery cork

Shade 4 - shimmery copper with silver micro glitter

Shade 5 - matte creamy pale brown

Shade 6 - shimmery dark bronze with metallic base

Shade 7 - shimmery pale golden beige

Shade 8 - shimmery light greyish brown

Shade 9 - shimmery oyster

Shade 10 - shimmery cool bronze with metallic base

Shade 11 - shimmery deep brown

Shade 12 - matte blackest black

Have you tried the MUA Undress Me Too or Naked 2 palette? Do you think you'll try this palette before you splurge on the Naked 2?

Urban Decay Naked vs MUA Undress Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I've found an exact dupe of the Urban Decay Naked palette and I wanted to share it with you and show you swatches! If you're unsure about wanting to splurge £36 on the Naked palette then this £4 MUA Undress Me palette will be perfect for you, especially if you want to try out the colours before you buy the original.

Urban Decay Naked - £36

MUA Undress Me - £4

Comparison:

As you can tell they have the colours in the exact same order and they are pretty much the same colours! Obviously the packaging of the Naked palette is much higher quality and comes with an eyeshadow brush and mini primer potion whereas the Undress Me palette comes with a dual end sponge tip applicator. The main difference in the texture of the eyeshadows is that the Naked palette applied more smooth and silky compared to the Undress Me palette. I find that with the Undress Me palette the eyeshadows first don't apply really pigmented on the first swatch but when you build it up, it becomes really intense and opaque, even more so than the Naked palette. The matte colours from the Undress Me palette aren't very pigmented and are harder to build up than the shimmery eyeshadows. A plus about the Undress Me palette is that the dupe for Sidecar doesn't have any glitters so there is not fall out, unlike the original. Also MUA have an Undress Me Too palette which as you can tell is the dupe for the Naked 2 palette. I will be doing a post of swatches for the Undress Me Too palette however I don't have the Naked 2 palette to compare it with. Overall my personal favourite is the Naked palette just because I don't want to build up the eyeshadow and I prefer that it is pigmented with the first swatch, but I do still love the MUA palette and will continue to use both!

Swatches:

Left: Urban Decay Naked

Right: MUA Undress Me

From left to right: Virgin, Shade 1

Satin nude

From left to right: Sin, Shade 2

Shimmery champagne

From left to right: Naked, Shade 3

Matte buff

From left to right: Sidecar, Shade 4

Beige with silver glitter

From left to right: Buck, Shade 5

Matte brown

From left to right: Half Baked, Shade 6

Shimmery golden bronze

From left to right: Smog, Shade 7

Shimmery bronze brown

From left to right: Darkhorse, Shade 8

Shimmery bronze plum

From left to right: Toasted, Shade 9

Shimmery pinky brown

From left to right: Hustle, Shade 10

Shimmery mocha

From left to right: Creep, Shade 11

Metallic near black

From left to right: Gunmetal, Shade 12

Metallic dark grey

Have you tried either one of these palettes before? Do you think you'll pick one of them up?

Selfridges Summer Beauty Box 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:09:00 +0000

Today my Selfridges Summer Beauty Box arrived and I was so excited to share it with you. The value of the box is £70 but you can get it for only £25 - what a bargain!

Selfridges Summer Beauty Box - £25

Aqua Splash Tangle Teezer - £13

You probably have heard of the original Tangle Teezer which many people have raved about, but this unusual looking thing is actually the Aqua Splash Tangle Teezer for wet hair. It's the latest innovation from Tangle Teezer and it has an upright design with unique drying feet which allows water to drain quickly after use. I'm actually really excited to try this out, as you know wet hair is a pain to brush. It actually is hollow in the middle which makes it really lightweight - perfect for travelling! It has revolutionary convex teeth for pain-free detangling and distributes conditioner and treatments evenly. I'm so happy that I finally have a Tangle Teezer and even though this one is for wet hair, it also works just as well on dry hair.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - £11.50

I was super ecstatic to see the Caudalie Beauty Elixir in this beauty box because I have always been intrigued to see how it works because this is one of the cult beauty products. It is perfect for all skin types and is a powerful plant-based skincare which smoothes features, tightens pores and gives a burst of radiance to the skin. Not only is it for women but also men can use it too for after shaving.

St Tropez Instant Glow Face Lotion - £10.50

This face lotion adds a velvety smooth tint and an all-over glow to your face. It deeply hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and radiant. It is non-transferable and can easily be washed off with a cleanser. I have been wanting to try this product because when I use St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, my face is always lighter than my body because of cleansing and using my Clarisonic Mia 2 which takes off the fake tan, so I thought this would be perfect for making my face match the rest of my body!

Models Own Neon Nail Polish - £5

I'm really excited to try this neon pink nail polish because I've never owned a neon nail polish before and it is perfect for summer coming up. The shade of this nail polish is called Bubblegum. I'm also interested to try out the formula of Models Own nail polishes and to see how they live up to my all time favourite OPI nail polishes.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray - £8.50

I have super straight hair so I think that this product will be perfect for me because it recreates the tousled beach hair and adds texture. It contains extracts of sea kelp which adds shine and manageability.

Erborian BB Cream - £13

This BB cream is a 3-in-1 formulation that combines a moisturiser, sun protection and foundation. It contains Korean Red Ginseng which is a natural element known for its regenerating and energising properties. This BB cream gives your skin a soft, flawless, no makeup look that last throughout the day and provides perfect coverage that is often better than foundation. I'm really looking forward to try this out because I've always been intrigued by BB creams but they usually don't have enough coverage to cover up scars, but this one claims to have really good coverage and healing benefits.

Lancaster After Sun - £9

This is a lightweight, fast-penetrating after sun for the face and body which gives a soothing sensation while intensifying melanin production, naturally enhancing tanning by 50% to 80% for the perfect tan. It leaves the skin soft and makes your tan more radiant and long-lasting. It has active hydrating properties which re-moisturise dehydrated skin and reduces the risk of peeling. I'm looking forward to trying this out, because I have never used such a high-tech after sun before, so I'm interested to see how it performs.

Molton Brown Blissful Templetree Bath and Shower Gel - £8

This is one of Molton Brown's exotically fragranced bath and shower gels that gives you a taste of island life with plant extracts that help to hydrate the skin. It has templetree flower with jasmine and patchouli which smells incredible!

Jane Tran Hair Clips - £8

These clips have a beautiful summery design and the set contains three large clips and two bobby pins. I love the design of these clips so much and the gradient effect makes them more interesting. I don't often use clips in my hair when I'm out but I always use clips to pin back my hair when doing my makeup.

As something extra they included this St Tropez exclusive in-store offer card which you can receive a limited edition beach bag with any spray tan treatment. Sadly I don't live near a Selfridges so I can't use this but it's a nice extra for the people who do have access to Selfridges.

Have you bought the Selfridges Beauty Box? If not do you think all these goodies have convinced you to?

Urban Decay Naked Basics Review and Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:45:00 +0000

I've been a fan of the original Urban Decay Naked palette so when I heard that they had a Naked Basics palette I just knew I had to get it.

Urban Decay Naked Basics - £20

The palette is much smaller than I imagined however the eyeshadows are the exact same size as the original Naked and Naked 2 palette (1.3g). I find that it is quite hard to open and that I need to use my nail which I am always worried about chipping my nail polish, but thankfully it is always fine.

I love using Venus in the inner corner and as a highlighter on the brow bone and tear duct, Foxy and Walk of Shame all over the lid, Naked 2 and Faint in the crease and Crave as a liner or in the outer corner for a more smokey look. Recently I have been obsessed with using Naked 2 in the crease because it is so natural and looks perfect with any look.

The eyeshadows are very smooth and almost creamy which is to be expected from Urban Decay and they also apply really well onto the lids with a good longevity. I must admit that I do still prefer my Naked palette because of the wide range of colours and finishes but also the eyeshadows compliment my skin tone more.

From left to right: Venus, Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, Crave

Venus - soft off-white demi-matte

Foxy - cream bisque matte

Walk of Shame - very light nude matte

Naked 2 - taupe matte

Faint - warm dusty brown matte

Crave - darkest brown/black matte

Have you got the Naked Basics palette, or want to get it? Are you more of a matte or shimmer girl?

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm going to be reviewing a few John Frieda Frizz-Ease products which I have been trying out for a while now. So first of all I think I should tell you about my hair; my hair is long and naturally straight and not frizzy at all, however I do get a hair bit of fly aways as does everyone else. I really like using hydrating and nourishing hair products in my hair to restore the moisture which is lost from washing and blow drying my hair every day.

Frizz-Ease Miraculous Recovery Intensive Masque* - £5.89

This intensive hair mask has to be my favourite product that I tried from the John Frieda Frizz-Ease range. It is used as a conditioner that you leave in for a minute, which is what I typically do with ordinary conditioners however this honestly leaves my hair feeling ultra soft and silky. It also makes brushing my damp so effortless rather than having a battle with my hair and worrying about breaking the strands. It says to use this daily however I don't have the need to use it daily because it leaves my hair feeling nourished for a few days so I use this every other day.

Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme* - £5.89

This smoothing creme can be used in damp and dry hair, but I tend to apply it to damp hair then blow dry it. I must admit that I never use a heat protectant for when I blow dry my hair everyday, which you would never think that blow drying your hair can be that damaging but in fact it is and I'm so bad at realising that it actually is so I never bother using anything to prevent the damage. I discovered this smoothing creme that contains ThermaGuard® Complex which helps protect against damage from heat tools as well as smoothing frizz and helping block humidity. This product helps tame my fly aways throughout the day and also would be perfect for the summer or countries with humid climates. It also claims to keep hair silky-straight for up to 24 hours which I can't really test because my hair is straight already, however when I use this product my hair doesn't become as kinky which it tends to get when it is windy. An added bonus is that it also contains sweet almond oil and milk protein which smoothes and conditions the hair leaving it silky and healthy.

Frizz-Ease Secret Agent Perfecting Creme* - £5.49

This perfecting creme is perfect for my hair as it replaces the natural oils lost through blow drying and helps with camouflaging split ends. I don't get a lot of split ends but I do get a few and this perfecting creme makes my ends look really healthy and nourished. It also adds shine without looking greasy which I love, even though my hair is naturally silky, I still love using products that give my hair a healthy glow. It also has a UV filter which really appeals to me because it will help prevent my hair becoming really dry in the summer. I apply this to dry hair after blow drying it, concentrating the product on the ends and working the excess up the hair to the roots.

Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray* - £5.59

I love using this hairspray for smoothing down fly aways. I spray the top of my hair from a distance then smooth the fly aways with my hand and they seem to stay put for most of the day. I also love how it doesn't make the hair feel hard and crispy which is a hairspray pet peeve for me. It also contains a UV filter and barrier against humidity which is perfect for summer and hot humid countries.

Overall I'm really enjoying using these products and they are great value for money. I can't really tell you how they perform at keeping your hair straight throughout the day, however they are definitely good at controlling fly aways, so if you're looking for some affordable hair care then I'd recommend these especially for taming your fly aways and hydrating your hair from the loss of moisture caused by heat tools.

You can check out the whole range of Frizz-Ease products here.

They also have a YouTube channel which has videos of expert hair styling tips, which you can check out here.

Have you ever tried any John Frieda products before?

Bourjois Healthy Glow Little Round Pot Cream Blush

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:09:00 +0000

You may have seen in my previous post that Bourjois have launched four new cream blushes and they are now officially sold in Selfridges and Boots nationwide.

Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blush* - £7.99

I have shade 02 Healthy Glow which is a beautiful vibrant peach with a pearl finish. I also love the look of the other three shades so I may have to get my hands on them! Although they only have four shades, there is definitely one which will suit your skin tone.

Bourjois have reinvented their powder blushes which a new innovative cream to powder technology which I think is a brilliant idea because they have realised that not everyone likes the heavy, sticky masked feeling normal cream blushes have. The new technology also makes it easy to apply and blend without the harsh edges. The blush feels super silky and luxurious which glides effortlessly onto the skin for the perfect natural blush.

Healthy Glow has a slight gold shimmer which adds a beautiful glow to the skin without being too dramatic. It applied onto the skin with almost a matte finish and feels really light. It has a really delicate rose scent which isn't overpowering or noticeable when wearing.

Overall I'm really impressed with the performance of this blush and I love the innovative cream to powder technology because it feels really light on the skin with no sticky feeling!

I also checked on the Boots website and they have a £1 off offer on, so the blushes are only £6.99 at the moment!

OPI Euro Centale Spring/Summer 2013 Collection Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Today I'm going to share with you OPI's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, Euro Centrale. I have five of twelve gorgeous polishes and they are perfect for spring. Like all OPI nail polishes they are all highly pigmented and a treat to work with.

OPI Nail Lacquer - £11.50

OPI also have a Euro Centrale Mini Collection set which is perfect for if you want to try out some of the colours for a fraction of the price!

Polka.com

Polka.com has blue, teal, violet and pink glitter suspended in a clear base nail which has both large hexagonal glitters as well as small. It looks beautiful layered on top of another colour, especially a dark purple but can also be built up, which I think looks quite like a disco ball.

A Woman's Prague-ative

A Woman's Prague-ative is a gorgeous orange copper with gold shimmer. I think that this colour will definitely attract attention and would be great for transitioning into fall. It also has good pigmentation and only two coats is needed for full opacity.

Hands Off My Kielbasa!

Hands Off My Kielbasa! is a bronzy tan which is one of my favourites from the collection. It has almost a slight metallic sheen and is really flattering on pale skin. I think that this nail polish almost has a milky look to it which I think is really unusual for a shimmery polish. The pigmentation of this one is excellent and you can probably get away with only one coat.

You're Such a BudaPest

You're Such a BudaPest is a periwinkle purple and has a beautiful creme finish with a hint of shimmer. The pigmentation of this is very good and only needs two coats for full opacity. This is definitely one of the prettiest light purple nail polishes that I have come across.

Can't Find My Czechbook

Can't Find My Czechbook is a dusty aqua. It is the perfect shade of blue and is a bit different from others that I have seen. The formula was really opaque and easy to apply, which only two coats needed for full opacity.

OPI Liquid Sand Swatches - The Impossible and Get Your Number

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:52:00 +0000

OPI have introduced Liquid Sand which is their new innovative nail polishes with texture. They dry to a matte finish infused with reflective sparkles.

OPI Nail Lacquer - £11.50

OPI have partnered with Mariah Carey to launch 8 new limited edition shades and I have two to show you.

The Impossible

The Impossible is a matte fuchsia with glitter and star confetti. The photo hasn't picked up the beautiful fuchsia colour and is coming across red, but in person it is absolutely stunning. It applied glossy but dried to a matte concrete finish and only two coats is needed for full opacity. I find that the star confetti sometimes tends to not stick down fully and has a bend corner, which makes it snag on some fabric. I think that it is fine if you put another coat on top of the stars or even a top coat for a glossy finish.

Get Your Number

Get Your Number is a matte blue with sparkles. It's such a gorgeous shade and is super sparkly and fun. It only needs two coats for full opacity and the formula is really easy to work with. The concrete finish has a slight gritty finish, but isn't majorly rough that it clings to fabric.

Glossybox May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:34:00 +0000

This month is a special month as it is the 2nd anniversary of Glossybox! I can't believe it has been two years since they first launched - time flies by!

I was actually expecting a little bit more seen as though it is their 2nd anniversary however I have enjoyed trying these products.

Headline Colors Nail Polish - £9 for 10ml

I received this Headline Colors nail polish which is actually a colour from their autumn/winter collection. I don't tend to wear dark colours like this, but it looks perfect for when autumn comes around. I'm hoping that it won't appear almost black as some dark polishes I have tend to do. These nail polishes claim to be ultra-high pigmented for an intense colour and has UV absorbers for staying power. It also is free from toxins which is really appealing as I have never heard of a toxin-free nail polish before.

Awapugi Wild Ginger Shine Spray - £18.95 for 125ml

This product is part of the Paul Mitchell line and is used to add moisture and shine to the hair. I love the smell of this and I really enjoy using it. It makes my hair feel softer and really easy to glide my fingers through. I didn't notice a huge difference in the amount of shine it gave my hair, but it does give a nice subtle hint of shine.

Jelly Pong Pong Fairy Lashes Mascara - £15 for 8ml

I'm pretty excited to try this out as it is a long-lasting waterproof mascara that is feather light. I'm intrigued to see how light it feels on the lashes because I find that waterproof mascaras tend to be heavier and make the lashes feel hard. It claims to be non-clumpy but at the same time, lengthening and volumising - sounds perfect doesn't it?

Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner - £2.99 for 6ml

This eyeliner has a waterproof formula, which I have actually wanted to get a waterproof eyeliner but never knew of any decent ones. For liquid eyeliners, I love the kind of dip in packaging as it doesn't dry out like felt tips. I was actually disappointed this how it applied because the foam tip is really hard so it's difficult to control and it leaves a jaggered edge rather than a smooth line. When you curl the lashes and apply mascara, it masks the jaggered effect but I want to be able to apply eyeliner in a few clean swipes and with a smooth edge. I definitely will be using it again and trying to figure out different techniques to see if I can manage to make a smooth edge but I also really love the longevity of it. Also for a waterproof product, it is really easy to take off - a facial wipe is enough to take it off, so there's no need to use eye makeup remover. It's really good because you don't have to tug on your delicate eyes!

Beautiful Movements Prime and Create Mixing Medium - £20 for 20g

Beauty Moments, formerly known as BM Beauty have launched a new multi-tasking product which is a primer as well as a mixing medium. It apparently is a clear aloe vera based gel, however it feels very silicony. A little bit goes a long way this with product and it makes my skin feel super soft. I used it under my Revlon Colorstay foundation and it stayed in place pretty well. I will also be trying this out with loose eyeshadows and seeing how it performs.

Green and Black's Dark Chocolate with 70% Cocoa Solids

I received this small dark chocolate which I assume is for the celebration of Glossybox's 2nd anniversary. I actually don't like dark chocolate but I think it is a really sweet gift!

Glossybox Mini Nail Files

As a little something extra, Glossybox have included a little box set of five mini nail files which are absolutely adorable and will definitely come in handy as I am always misplacing my nail files!

OPI Skyfall and Dutch Treats Mini Collection Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:39:00 +0000

I've decided to host a giveaway to give back to my followers. There are going to be two lucky winners who will receive either the Skyfall or Dutch Treats mini set. Seen as it is spring I thought the Dutch Treats collection was perfect, but also I thought I would giveaway set with deeper colours which is perfect for evenings and for when winter comes around. GoldenEye from the Skyfall collection is honestly the most beautiful gold I have ever see and OPI nail polishes are really good quality.

There will be two winners - one for the Skyfall set and one for the Dutch Treats set.

This giveaway is international so anyone can enter. If you are under 18 years old, please get permission to enter from your guardian.
You must be following my blog for your entries to count!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Bourjois Cream Blush!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Bourjois have unveiled their new cream blushes which are now available at Selfridges and soon to be at Boots on May 15th!

For the first time in 150 years, Bourjois have reinvented their blush with a new innovative cream to powder technology. I am absolutely excited to try out these fascinating blushes; I'm really intrigued to find out how they apply as they claim to glide effortlessly for a fresh and natural complexion. They are also infused with a gorgeous rose scent, and I am a sucker for anything that smell good!

There are only four shades available at the moment and I am in love with each one! There may not be a huge colour selection however I think that they cater for everyone and are universally flattering.

01 Nude Velvet - light delicate peach with matte finish

02 Healthy Glow - vibrant apricot with pearl finish

03 Rose Tender - soft pink with pearl finish

04 Sweet Cherry - deep brown-pink with matte finish

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer Review and Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:27:00 +0000

Today I'm going to review these Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers which I have been testing out. There are a total of 8 shades with a range from nude to red. They have a great colour selection which I think cater for everyone, so you're bound to find a shade you'll love!

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer - £5.99

The consistency of these are very creamy and incredibly opaque that glide effortlessly onto the lips, which is what made me fall in love with these lip lacquers! They dry to a semi-matte finish which is not at all sticky and the colour lasts on the lips for a really long time, even after eating. One dip of the applicator can be applied to the whole of my lips which I really love and if you want a more intense opaque look you can apply a second coat.

From left to right: Galaxy, Celestial

I picked up two colours, Galaxy and Celestial which are more of the natural colours from the collection. I have to say that Celestial is my ultimate favourite because it is really flattering and it would look great on most people. It is pink/mauve shade which looks really natural and not too vibrant. Galaxy is a plum/purple with a hint of shimmer. It is a much deeper colour than Celestial which personally I find to be too deep for me however it works well sheered out. I would definitely wear this on a night out because it is a gorgeous colour but for everyday use it's too dark.

From left to right: Galaxy, Celestial

Overall I think these are absolutely fantastic and for the price of only £5.99 you can't go wrong with them. They have really nailed the formula and are one of the best drugstore lip products I have tried.

Liebster Award!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Amaislyn which I thought was really sweet and it made my day! I've seen this award on a few peoples blog but I didn't really know what exactly it was. It's basically a honorary award which is passed around to bloggers with under 200 followers.

Liebster Rules

1. Each blogger should answer the questions the tagger has set for you.

2. Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award onto and link them in your post.

3. Create 11 new questions for the chosen bloggers.

4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

5. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

6. No tag backs!

My Nominees

Jo from A hint of glitter

Aislinn from A Beauty Moment

Caroline from Lovely In Lipstick

Alexandra from the autumn breeze of style

Jasmine from whimsical jasmine

Christine from Vodka & Candy

Hazel from Which Hazel?

Amy from iburntyourtoast

Lisa from Damn Precious

Lesley from yeslesley

Helena From In A Few Nutshells

11 Random Facts About Me

I have three Chihuahua cross dogs called Coco, Tommy and Roxy
When I was younger I had a guinea pig called Bella who then died and when I got a hamster I named her Bella again and they were actually both the same colour
I have been vegetarian for around four years
I'm really short - only 4'9!
I live by the seaside which is where I got the idea for my blog name
I have an obsession with California, even though I have never been there before!
When I was younger I use have my hair cut into a bob a lot and now is the only time I've had my hair long before
I have to always be carrying lipbalm with me at all times, and a few years ago I use to carry around 6 different lipbalms in my bag! I know... so unnecessary
I have an addiction to beauty and shopping!
I always put on perfume before I go out anywhere
At the moment my favourite TV programmes are 90210, Pretty Little Liars and Made in Chelsea

My Answers to Amailyn's Questions

What has been your best experience as a blogger?

My best experience so far is reaching 100 followers and meeting other bloggers!

If you could go one place in the world you have never been, where would it be & why?

Definitely California, especially Los Angeles! I've wanted to go there ever since I was really young and I also want to live there one day

What's the first good memory that comes to mind when you think of your childhood?

Playing around with my sister in paddling pools and going to my dads and swimming around in the pool with flippers and a rubber ring!

Favourite drugstore makeup brand/product?

I think my favourite has to be Maybelline - they have amazing mascaras and I love their 24hr Colour Tattoos

What are your interests outside of your blog/blogging?

I don't really have any hobbies but I guess it would have to be shopping

Favourite food?

This is really hard, I don't have a favourite but I like a lot of different things like, risotto, Indian food, homemade chips, baby potato salad!

Who do you admire most?

I really like Rachel McAdams because all the movies she's in are my favourite, especially the romantic movies!

What was your best vacation?

I think my best vacation has to be when I went Finland and Estonia with my friends a few months ago. It really makes a holiday so much more fun with friends!

Favourite clothing store?

I love Zara and Hollister especially for summer clothes

What famous/iconic person would you love to meet (dead or alive)?

There are loads of famous people I would love to meet, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Zac Efron, the cast of 90210 and Pretty Little Liars and probably more who I can't think of right now!

Favourite genre of music?

I don't have a favourite genre but I pretty much like whatever is in the charts

My Questions for You!

What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with your name?
If you could do anything, what would be your dream job?
What one thing can you not help but splurge on?
What makeup brand is your guilty pleasure?
Are you more of a lipstick or eyeshadow girl?
What one beauty item can you not leave your house without?
What is your go to outfit and makeup look?
What are you most proud of about your blog?
How old were you when you first started wearing makeup? What was it and what made you want to use it?
What's your holy grail product at the moment?
Do you spend more on beauty or fashion when shopping?

Nail of the Day - Essie Penny Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am wearing Essie Penny Talk which was featured in my April Glossybox post. It is part of the Essie Mirror Metallics Collection along with 4 other shades.

Essie Nail Lacquer - £7.99

Penny Talk is an authentic copper metallic and the formula is very opaque. You can get away with only one coat and even if you apply a second coat it looks identical to the first. It does dries really fast so it's perfect for people who can't help but fiddle with things, however you have to apply it reasonably fast as if you take your time and go over the same area several times it would apply uneven.

Glossybox April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:02:00 +0000

This months Glossybox was designed by Pearl Lowe and I'm absolutely loving the vintage floral design. I really love receiving the limited edition boxes because I use them for storage and they just add an element of fun. I must admit that this is by far my favourite box design for far!

Overall these are some of the best contents I have had in my box and along with the box is a double whammy.

Essie Nail Lacquer - £7.99 for 13.5ml

When I saw that in other peoples boxes they were receiving Essie nail lacquers, I had my fingers crossed that I would also get one! I was seeing a lot of corals and pinks so I was surprised to see this gorgeous metallic colour called Penny Talk which I love it so much. I don't have any colours like this, so I'm actually so glad I got this rather than the coral and pink colours because I have so many of them. Essie nail lacquers are my second favourite nail polish brand after OPI and the quality of them are a dream to work with. There are a total of 15 vibrant, eye-popping shades in rotation for the April Glossybox.

Nap+Fab Dry Skin Fix Body Butter - £9.95 for 200ml

This Nap+Fab Body Butter smells divine and the scent smells pretty much exactly like The Body Shop coconut products. The texture is really creamy and moisturising without being greasy and heavy. It dries almost instantly to a semi-matte finish which is great because you don't have to linger around waiting for it to dry before getting dressed. It also leaves your skin smelling amazing for hours on end. This 50ml sample is worth £2.49.

Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy £14 for 100g

This product is from the latest line from Crabtree & Evelyn which will be available on April 29th. It has the most delicate floral aroma which I just can't get enough of - I am constantly sniffing my hands when I use it! The texture is really lightweight and moisturising without the greasy residue. It has been enriched with macadamia nut oil, shea butter and vitamins C and E.

Illamasqua Medium Pencil - £13 for 1g

This little Illamasqua pencil is the perfect multi-tasking product - it can be used on the lower waterline to make your eyes pop, on the brow bone as a highlighter and even on the cupids bow for the appearance of fuller lips! It has fantastic pigmentation and has a really soft and creamy texture which makes it a treat to work with.

Yves Rocher So Elixir Purple Eau de Parfum - £44 for 50ml

I was ecstatic when I saw that I hadn't received a sample vial and actually a deluxe sample, as perfume vials are my Glossybox pet peeve! The scent is different to what I usually tend to gravitate to however I quite like it. It has a floral-woody elixir and has a unique infusion of Tuberose, Vetiver and Patchouli. It is definitely more of a nighttime scent and it actually reminds me of Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci. This 5ml sample is worth £4.40.