June Joliebox

I apologise for how late this is, I got my box even later than most as I missed the postman, and then I've been on holiday so here it is;

I got the orange box, although I keep wondering what box I would have got if the boxes never got re-addressed. The one I got was originally supposed to be sent to a girl in Ireland!

I was really happy with what I got though, and I will use all of the samples. I do wish that I had gotten the Yonka cream for dry skin as my face is so dry after being on holiday.



Elysambre Gloss- Full Size

This is a really deep red gloss with a subtle light pink shimmer. I think this is definitely a night time lipgloss, but very pretty. It's paraben free and 100% natural.

Yon-ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Cream

I received this cream for normal to oily skin types. This was supposed to be a customized product, but after the shipping fiasco everyone got uncustomized random boxes. This cream has a very strong scent so probably not the best if you have sensitive skin, but it feels lovely on. It soaks in well to the skin so would be a great morning moisturizer, but on the other hand it's relatively thick at first so I think it would also work as a night cream too.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration cream

I love this range! I already had a sample of this cream and the toner too and my skin loves it. I have stopped using my Clinique 3 step in favour of this range (although I still use my Clinique mild facial soap). It smells amazing and is a pleasure to use.

Instiut Esthederm Bronz Repair Body Lotion

I took this on holiday and didn't realise it was a body lotion- I was using it on my face! It was actually very good to use in the sun, but I'm now using it to stop me peeling. 

Overall a really nice box, there isn't any product I don't like or won't use. Just a shame about the time it took to arrive.

No7 Limited Edition Summer Collection - Nourishing Lip Shine



I managed to get my hands on both of these lovely colours as soon as they came out a few months back, but I'm only just getting round to reviewing them.
This stuff is gorgeous, so soothing and they both give a really pretty colour. The pink colour is my favourite as it's slightly more tinted. These have a sheen but don't contain shimmer.



The packaging is very similar to the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors, but I can't compare them as I haven't tried the Clarins [and I don't feel the need to- as I like these a lot!]
They are a perfect daytime lip product and would work really well on a natural look or if you are working heavily on the eyes on a night out and want a subtle balmy lip.
These are £10.50 but I got £5 off of mine with a No7 voucher so a lot cheaper than Clarins (rrp £16)



Remington Pearl ProStyler Ci9522 Review & Guide

I first seen this double barrelled styler on a  you tube tutorial by FleurdeForce and was stunned when she mentioned it only cost £10.99 from Amazon! I am usually wary of any hair styler that isn't ghd because I have really long but quite fine hair, that doesn't hold a curl particularly long. However, I was after natural looking waves and this delivers. I bought it before Fleur's tutorial had even ended.


It has varying degrees of heat to suit your individual hair type and comes in a heatproof sleeve, with a black heatproof glove provided. I believe these are now retailing at £14.99 but they are more than worth it!

                         

Step by Step Guide;

Turn the styler on (I use it at 210 degrees C )

Hold in the ' - ' button for 2 seconds to lock this temperature and prevent accidental changes

Section your hair into two halves, then section your chosen first half into three and clip the top 2 sections away

Use a heat protectant of your choice - I used KMS California Hot Flex Spray

Take a section of hair about 2 inches wide (thinner for tighter waves, and wider for looser waves)

Put the heat-proof glove provided onto the hand which you will use to wind the hair round the tong (trust me use it!!)

Place the 2'' section of hair in between the two barrells

Wrap the hair under then over the barrell furthest from your head until the hair is back in the middle of the two barrells

Now take it down then over the barrell nearest your head until the section of hair is back in between the two barrells.

Continue to the outermost barrell in a figure of 8 motion and back to the innermost barrell, until you have wrapped the length of your hair.

Hold for 10 seconds and release.

Now on the next section start with the barrell nearest your head, then on the neaxt go back to the outermost etc etc

You can add a twist by taking the top 2 curls and twisting them round each other, then adding in another 1 or 2, and secure with kirbies

Voila, easy pretty hair that is quicker than straightening when you get the hang of it!

Here is the finishing look I got using the above steps:

And the finishing look using wider sections of hair (and added headband):

 

Glossybox June 2012

Man my box is good this month! Mainly thanks to two of the samples; one I was hoping I'd get, and the other a complete, very welcome surprise!

Here it is...

Caudalie Eaux Fraiches in The Des Vignes

I really wanted the Caudalie perfume as I knew it would come in a 10ml bottle rather than the little 3 squirty samples they were giving with the variation (which is Agent Provocateur). It smells divine; kind of similar to Dolce and Gabbana but with a m ore floral scent rather than that citrus than goes up your nose and makes you sneeze. I would buy this in a heartbeat. Perfect summer scent!

HD Brows Precision Tweezers [Full Size, worth £19.95]

Ahhh how I love how they read my mind... I badly needed to pluck my eyebrows- although im trying to grow them, there where little strays that needed gone, these grasped the tiniest hairs swiftly and easily. I've  also been waiting for a HD brows product since I started subscribing and I was so chuffed to have these. They are hands-down the best tweezers I've ever used.

BM Beauty Mineral Bronzer

This is definitely a cheek bronzer and not a sweep all over your face (unless you favour the clown look) kinda product. Very nice bronzey colour, although somewhat messy. I suggest decanting into a different, larger pot to help reduce mess. As mentioned in a previous post, BM are a creulty- free company.

GlossyBox Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush

I wish this wasn't goat hair, as a vegetarian I don't like animal hair brushes. This is not a particulary soft  blusher brush and has terrible fall out. I think I'll pass this on to my mum. Nice thought but expected better quality and preferably not from animal hair, tut tut.

Vichy Dermablend Ultra-corrective Foundation Cream Sampler

I've been wanting to try this for ages. As you can see there a 6 shades provided which allows you to customize a colour to suit your skin tone, although the nude suits mine perfectly. This stuff has exceptional coverage for anything from dark circles to rosacea and scarring.

Overall I am very happy with this month's GlossyBox. Definitely one of their better ones I have received!

Joliebox April

I just have to start by saying that I've been very bad at blogging lately. I had made a draft of this post a long time ago so here it is:
 I have LOVED this Joliebox... it's probably one of the better boxes I've had due to the fact I really liked 4/5 of the samples and that there are a few things I would considering repurchasing.

Balance Me Daily Essentials Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

I really liked that you need so little of this product to remove makeup. A tiny amount with some warm water removes a full face of makeup. The original size of this provides a muslin cloth, although this wasn't provided I found cotton pads just fine. This is really good for travelling, rather than having to carry facewipes/big bottles etc.

Pure Fuji Coconut Exotic Bath and Body Oil

This is one of my absoloute favourite products that I've ever had in a beauty box. I love

coconut! I've also been looking for a hair oil and this one is perfect- smells amazing and doesn't leave my hair looking greasy, just really shiny and healthy. It also works well on the skin and a little goes a long way.

KMS California FreeShape Hot Flex Spray 

LOVE this. It's a great heat protection spray but also helps hold a style. I use this on nights out and when sprayed into the roots really gives me much better volume with or without rollers [obviously markedly better with rollers]. I will definitely repurchase this!

Tropic Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream

This was the ok product of the box. It's just a strongly scented moisturizer that makes my eyes water. I wouldn't repurchase this.

BellaPierre Black Mascara- Full Size

Liked this a lot! Lasts well all day and has a really nice natural (ie. not clumpy) look but with just the right amount of volume and length to make the eyes stand out. Keeps lashes feathery which I love.

This costs £20 so it's not that cheap, there are slightly cheaper ones which I would probably reach for first.

GlossyBox April

This months box was a little late, so it felt like an age since my last Glossybox. This was another themed box [I love themed boxes]. I already new what to expect as the Impatient Annie in me couldn't resist looking online at the spoilers on Glossybox's blog.

So here is April's enviromentally friendly box;

Very pretty box made with fully biodegradeable materials

Contents:

Figs & Rouge lip face and body balm- Peppermint and Tea Tree [ full size ]

Really wanted the Rose version of this, but I love this one too. So refreshing! Have only, and will only use this on my lips- it gives a glossy finish and keeps them lovely and moisturized for ages. I'm going to buy the rose version myself. I think this is about £3 odd to buy which is really good as a little goes a long way!

Caudalie Vinosource SOS thirst-quenching serum

The sample of this was virtually empty! It's also very watery for a serum, even after shaking. I've tried it a couple of times, but I wouldn't purchase this for myself as it didn't really make much difference. I much prefer, and recommend Olay 3 point super-serum which is the same price. This is £29 for 30ml and I think really dry skins might benefit from this serum more [I have dry/combo]

Inika Organic Eyeliner in Green Lagoon [ full size ]

I like Inika as a brand, but I would have prefered the lipliner as I really don't use pencil eyeliners. In saying that,  the colour is really nice and it has great pigmentation and texture so maybe I'll be adventurous and wear it. I did get a similar colour Eyeko in a previous Glossybox so was a little disappointed to have another one. £11.75

MonuSpa Enriched body cream

Slightly disappointed again- I had my eye on the Monuspa facial mist or the collagen face cream- I got the one I didn't want- that's what I get for peeking!

It has a very fresh lemon zest sort of scent- very similar smell to Davines balm actually. This costs £23 for 200mls.

It contains marine collagen (? urgh) and vitamins A,E and B5. What more can I say about a body cream...

Philip B Drop Dead Straightening Baume

Another straightening balm Glossybox! I have straight fine hair with a slight wave that my GHD's easile glide over- I don't really need this, although I need the hair gel other people got even less!  I need hair oils and the like. I will try this on holiday when the humidity and voltage make straightening a little more difficult. This is £17 for 178mls.

Overall my favourite product was the Figs & Rouge balm. My least favourite is probably the straightening balm just because it's a product I don't really need. 



L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Cheeky Magenta 07

I had read about these and was looking for an alternative to my favourite No7 Spring collection lipstick, that I could wear at work. I opted for this instead of a Revlon Lip butter as they are more pigmented and
I really loved this colour on the model in the advert, but it's a more brighter and candier pink IRL, which is ideally what I was after.



It doesn't have as buttery soft a texture as the No7 Blossoming pink, but it's a really good alternative, which leaves a bit of a stain on the lips after it's worn off. Lasts maybe 2 hours without eating or drinking, so does need to be re-applied fairly regulary, but worth the £7.99 I paid for it.

March JolieBox

Sorry this is extremely late, I've been so busy lately that I haven't posted for ages, not helped by the fact that JolieBox had to send me another box as my original one didn't arrive! I wonder if I had the same products in the original one too?!


So this was my first JolieBox. Packaging- Outside is nice, inside is boring, I much prefer GlossyBox's paper etc. The bag may come in handy, which is the purpose of it; but it just lacks the aesthetics of GB.

I received;

Jane Iredale lip & cheek stain

Very nice little product, but very little of it! [Although I shouldn't moan, it was a gift for new subscribers and everything else was full size]

I didn't get this in GB so I was happy I got it in my JB. It's one of those lip products that supposedly changes colour depending on your mood. Here it is swatched below

It definitely changed colour on me after a few minutes of wear, to a light fuschia pink (this photo shows it a bit lighter than IRL)

Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm (Full Size)

I actually already have this, as given to me in a previous GlossyBox. It's a multi-tasking product which can be used as a makeup remover (not sure i'd use it for that and you can't use it near eyes), hair balm or body moisturiser (which, strangely they recommend you rinse off). I really like it as a hand cream, but I haven't tried it on my hair. The scent is lovely and this will definitely be coming on holiday with me.

Yardley Body Wash (Full size)

When it comes to body washes, I favour only one- Palmolive Almond Milk, so I rarely try any other. I would usually associate Yardley with old women, but I am just so glad I received this in Peony, as I would have gone a little crazy if I'd received another lavender scented thing. Has a pretty floral scent, very spring like and was a generous 200mls with lovely packaging. I'd take this away with me for a long weekend.

Eyeko Skinny eyeliner (Full Size)

Another product I've had in a GB, but thankfully not the same colour. This is a browny plum- not particularly well pigmented, but nice enough colour.

LCN Nail Polish- Free your mind collection (Full Size)

There isn't actually a colour/name for the shade I received, but it's a shimmery iridescent pale pink which is great for natural daytime

Nice colour but not particularly long lasting, began chipping off the next day even with a topcoat.

Merit for-  Number of full size products, free mirror.

Demerits for- Delivery time, sending some previous glossybox products.

[More From] No7 Vital Brights Collection

I absolutely love this collection!

There are an additional few items that I didn't purchase (or should I say haven't yet) which are the highlighter and another cream blush.

The prices range between £10 for the lipsticks and blushes to £13 for the eye palette and highlighter

I got mine for £5 and £8 with... another 3 No7 Vouchers!

The packaging on this range is just beautiful- but the lipstick cases should have the flower print too!

Lipsticks in Blossoming Pink and Blooming Pink (see prev blog post)

Swatched:

On Lips:

Again this lipstick is just as lovely as the Blooming Pink- although the brighter pink is my favourite as it is more pigmented and just lovely! This is the more 'safe' colour and very similar to Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick. Glossy texture with a moisturizing feel that lasts so well!

Cream Blush in Blooming Pink

Swatched: Blended and a swatch

This looks pretty frightening in the pan, but as you can see , it blends to a very soft but rich pink with just the right amount of colour. This matches so well with the lipstick after blending. I love this. The texture really melts in the pan, so you don't end up wasting loads of product- a light dab is all you need for a healthy pink flush. Lasts well too.

Vital Brightening Eye Palette

This has 5 colours of varying neutrals and they are all shimmer- not with chunks of glitter or anything like that, but even the dark brown isn't quite matte, very pretty nonetheless and it looks so gorgeous in the pan.

 Swatched:

The last colour can be used as a highligher, and the yellow gold is perfect for the inner corners of the eyelid to brighten up a smokey eye.

I also did a VLOG on this collection here;



Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup Review

This is in serious competition with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua to be my new favourite foundation!

[I squealed with excitement down the phone to my mum who said ' they are all good' ...ehhh sorry they just aren't!! She's advertently trying to control my spending haha.]


Description:

''See no makeup. Feel no makeup™.
First-ever IntuiTone™ technology guarantees your true-to-life shade and keeps it real in every light.
Fresh, flawless, radiant. Ultra light, ultra breathable, oil-free. It will change how you feel about makeup forever.
In long-lasting shades for every beautiful skintone.Weightless, buildable coverage. Air-infused with every shake. Blends so perfectly for the look and feel of bare skin-only better.
Lasts all day. Controls excess oil. Won't clog pores''.

My opinion:

I received a sample of this in 2WN1. I've been so lucky with sample shades recently. The 2WN1 was perfect for me. Again, quite a yellow toned foundation, but I have neutral skin so it blended in really well. It covers and evens skintone but lets your own skin shine through at the same time.
It's so light that I didnt feel I was wearing foundation at all.
It's oil-free and it lasted a good 8hrs without primer before I needed to blot my T-zone.

The finish is just lovely.
 It is more of a natural matte finish- so it let's natural dewyness come through without making the face look shiny. It's not as dewy as Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua so this would really work for an oily comibination skin/oily skin if you primered and powdered. It has a really smooth texture which blends extremely well, giving you just the right amount of time to play about with it before it sets. The coverage is so hard to describe because this does even out skintone and cover redness/blemishes to a good extent, but at the same time maintains a really  ''I'm not wearing any foundation, I just have amazing skin'' no-make up look. I barely had to conceal my blemishes, just under my eyes.


Best for:
I'd say this would work for the majority of skin types. Doesn't cling to dry patches, so works for dry and dry/combination skin (which I have), yet doesn't slide off my oily nose so would work really well, as I said, with primer and powder for combination/oily and oily skins.

Purchase/Repurchase:

Yes! I think I may buy this instead of Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua, but I love them both!
If you love VA but think it's a bit too dewy then go for this.

Overall:

 Invisble but flawless finish... Win!

No7 Vital Brights Lipstick in Blooming Pink and Beautiful Skin Hydrating Mask Review

I got this lipstick for £5 with my No7 voucher and I absolutely love it! This is the nicest lipstick I've had for a long time.

[Usually £10 for 3.5g]

They say ''Give lips a pop of colour with this soft and Luscious lipstick. Light in texture & glossy in finish, this lipstick delivers long lasting colour to gove a sheer since but ultra smooth result''

I couldn't have put it better myself! This lipstick really delivers.

The colour is a lovely bright pink, it's not as sheer as the hand swatch and is well pigmented with a lovely sheen that keep the lips feeling moisturized. It almost feels like a lipstick and lipgloss combined, without the stickiness of a gloss. It lasts well and even after eating/drinking there is an even amount of colour left, with a lip balmy type feel remaining. It's amazing!! If you are after a new lipstick for spring/summer then make this it...

I also purchased the Beautiful Skin Hydrating Mask

This only cost me £7.50 [normally £12.50 for 100ml] with ANOTHER voucher haha!

''Created to help your dry skin behave like normal skin and provide tailored skin nutrition for healthy looking, bright and beautiful skin''

The spirally look of this gel come cream reeled me right in, it just looked so luxurious that I had to have it.

This is for dry/very dry skin and I have dry combination skin and it does provide really good hydration.

I spoke to the SA about this as I only realised that this was only to be left on for 3-10 mins, and I was really after something like Clinique Moisture Surge with the gel like texture (review to come), to keep on overnight. She said that a thin layer could be applied and left on overnight, so I decided to buy it. My skin felt and looked lovely the next morning (blemish redness was actually reduced), but I had a whitehead spot appear at my hairlink/cheekbone so I haven't tried this again incase it causes me to breakout anywhere else- which I really don't need right now (well ever, but especially not when my skin is already terrible) but I think the 3-10 minutes will be adequate in the future and I will stick to Clinique for overnight use.

Overall: A nice once a week treat for the face :)

Sleek Pout Polish & True Colour Lipstick

I am loving peachy colours for cheeks and lips just now and spotted these at the Sleek section in Superdrug. I am so impressed by all the Sleek products I have so far, and I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with these.

Pout Polish in Peach Perfection £4.29 for 10g

SPF 15. Contains Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Shea butter, Wheatgerm oil and Avocado oil.

True Colour Lipstick in Peaches and Cream (Sheen) £3.99 for 3.5g

Contains Vitamin E and Jojoba oil

Swatched:

Pout Polish- Peach Perfection on lips:

I'd say it's more pinky than peachy on the lips, the 'Electro Peach' colour was probably more the colour I was after, but its very nice, is non-sticky and has a reasonable lasting time. This has a sweet vanilla scent but no taste (I like scented lip products to taste of what they smell). I think the packaging is suitable for what it is. It's great for me to just pop in my pocket at work. I will definitely buy more of these in other colours.

True Colour Lipstick in Peaches and Cream (Sheen) on the lips:

One coat of this is just enough to give a nice peachy coral finish, with a slight sheen. I tried 2 coats but it looked too heavy and orange for my liking. Lasts well and feel nice, non drying or flakey. Wouldn't wear this if you have dry lips without a good lip moisturizer as it highlights dryness.

Again, I'd happily try this in other colours.

GlossyBox Harrods Edition (March)

Hmmm.

I hate to feel any negativity towards this box, as I was SO excited for this...but I was expecting just a bit more of a wow factor, and the contents just didn't inspire the excitement in me that I had anticipted with this box.

I can say I was definitely pleased with a couple of the items of I received.

So here it is...

Lol @ that still.

Eyeko Mascara Review

So as you may well know, Eyeko rebranded and got WAY more expensive, like 3x more. They used to be considedered a quirky but very affordable brand of makeup

I rediscovered a pre-rebrand Eyeko mascara in my Scotland house when I was on the hunt to find alternatives to my forgotten makeup bag without spending a small fortune again.

It was one of Eyekos tube mascaras that I swear I bought off ASOS for £5.
It's called 'Long Luscious Lashes' and basically is the EXACT same as their rebranded 'skinny brush mascara' which retails for £15!! Seriously, do companies think we are daft? Unless there has been some miracle formulation that they invented, how can a rebrand justify charging 3x the price for essentially a different font on the packaging. The long luscious lashes is an excellent mascara in terms of wear, look and staying power... a little clumpy if you layer too much, and an absolute flakey nightmare when trying to remove it, but a good product all the same for £5, but not justifiable for £15 if they are palming us off with the same formula. I hope this comes in a glossybox soon so I can review it, as I'd rather spend £15 on High Impact by Clinique.

Garnier PureActive Roll-on Review Update

The reason I bought this was primarily to fade marks that I have from my inability to leave spots alone.

Secondly, to blitz any other spots before they have the chance to surface.

When I reviewed this initially after a few days use, I hadn't noticed too much of a difference.

I've been using it daily at least once, sometimes twice a day after my usual skincare routine.

I have to mention, I have switched from using AvonProfessional facial scrub for blackheads to Clinique soap on my face, as my face was getting really dry in areas with overusage of the scrub and then whacking on Clinique's Clarifying Lotion. I still have nuisance blackheads on my nose that refuse to budge!! I'm also using the witch anti-blemish primer.

I'm going to go ahead and say that this product has worked for me! My old marks have definitely faded from a purple red, to a pinky red. The marks I have are in my 'dry' area of my chin/jaw area and one or two on my temple/cheek. The PureActive does dry out the marks/spots in these areas, but that is to be expected with the 2% Salicylic acid ingredient.

For the secondary purpose, I have noticed that this doesn't work so well on spots in oily areas. I had been wearing my glasses for a few days due to a sore eye, and I had 2 little spots appear where my glasses sit on my nose (my oiliest part). As yet the roll on hasn't quite got them to the drying out stage but they have slightly decreased in size.

I'm going to continue using this product daily and hopefully it will remove my marks entirely with prolonged use. Fingers crossed x

Since I still haven't got my Nikon D3100, I thought I'd make a polyvore of my recent purchases, minus the McQueen bag (I can wish!). I substituted the jacket and cuff/earrings for ones very similar to what I have. I absolutely love my Rose Gold Marc Jacobs Watch, it's a nice change from a yellow gold or silver watch.

The Topshop Alibi boots are SO comfortable. The heel is actually higher than you think and they go so well with the printed midi dress, although I wish the straps weren't so thin on the dress as it cheapens the look of it. It will be nice to wear at night on my holiday.

Pics sourced from Pinterest and weheartit

Samantha Chapman for Real Teachniques Core Collection Brush review

The Core Collection

As with all of Sam's brushes these are colour coded. The yellow gold handles denote that they form part of the 'flawless base' brushes and there are a further 2 brushes outwith the core collection that are part of the flawless base coding.  These brushes were bought from Boots for £21.99, but they can also be bought from lovemakeup.co.uk and brush tutorials are available at realtechniques.com

So the core collection is made up of 4 brushes as you can see, from L-R is the contour brush, pointed foundation brush, definer brush and the buffing brush. They come in a handly black carry case which stands when you pull the toggle, and folds in half for travelling. I find the elastic a bit tight round the brushes, but hopefully this will loosen up over time. I was just so excited to use these brushes!

Contour Brush

 ''Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish''

This brush, like the others, is so soft. It's perfect for applying highlighter, a little blusher and contouring the cheekbones. I like it, but I think I will use the blush brush more [when I get my mitts on it] as for me this brush is just a little small.

Pointed Foundation Brush

''Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage''

I personally have only used this for concealer. I think, for me, it's just a little too small for a foundation brush , as I don't have all day to try and smother my face in foundation with a teensy brush. Although in Sam's video it gives a streak-free finish despite it's size. Great for concealer though!

Detailer Brush

''Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition''

This one does exactly what it says on the tin, and does it very well. Boom!

Excellent to conceal round the nose, and on individual blemishes.

Buffing Brush

''Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation''

Love this brush! It's soooo soft. I just want to whish it over my face all day. Lovely for applying mineral foundation, transluscent powder, bronzer or a big sweep of blush. really really good brush.

I highly recommend this brush set and the stippling brush. I can't wait to get a hold of more of these brushes. They are fantastic quality and the value for money is unbelievable when you see what they can do. Tres impressed x

Boots 3 for 2 and No7 offer (Product Reviews)

When I went to buy my Samantha Chapman stippling brush from Boots the other day, the next thing on my list was to pick up the Witch Skin Clearing Primer as I had read some good reviews on it. There was a 3 for 2 on skin care so I picked up a Garnier PureActive Spot-on Roll-on to help fade old spot marks and prevent new blemishes surfacing. I also bought Garnier's BB Cream in medium [which I instantly regretted buying but I was short on time]. Because I had spent over £5 I was given a £5 off No7 voucher and I went straight back to the brushes aisle and bought an eyeshadow blending brush which then only cost me £2.25! 

I went back into Boots today, just on the off chance that they may have restocked the Samantha Chapman Core Collection brushes. They had...success! [review pending on these].

So I snapped up the brushes and was given another £5 off No7 voucher. I didn't want any other No7 brushes, so I went back to browse at the No7 makeup counter. My mum also had a £5 off voucher [which she kindly gave me :D ] and I got a lovely cleansing lotion for just £4 and a lipstick for £5!

Boots were still running the 3 for 2 on skincare so I got a Cocoa Butter body lotion and two Coconut body oils, one of which I gave to my mum.

3 for 2:

Garnier Pure Active Roll on £7.99 15ml

 Claims to fight spots and fade marks with results from day one. Contains 2% Salicylic acid  I've used this for a few days and haven't noticed too much of a difference yet, but I'll pursue it a little longer. This is really eye-wateringly fresh when it goes on but in a nice cooling way.

Garnier BB Cream in Medium £9.99 50ml

 This is far too dark for me at the minute, but in the summer when I have a tan, it will be the right shade. It's really greasy, so I haven't worn it out yet as my skin is at it's worst at the minute. I did try it out- it didn't blur imperfections as it says it does. It evened my skin tone out a little and it's very moisturising. This product doesn't wow me in the slightest.

Witch Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer £6.99 30ml

I really like this primer. The purpose of it is to basically create a shield against foundation and other makeup, which may cause or aggravate breakouts. It's also supposed to calm and soothe the skin, while hyrdating and drawing away excess oils, and is fragrance and oil free.

I think it work really well as a base for foundation, and it glides on lovely. It has a nice smoothing effect and feels really light. I did still get a little oily on the nose, but not for a good few hours....I'd also say that was more to do with the foundation I've been using (Vitalumiere Aqua) and it easily blotted away.

Boots Cocoa Butter and Mallow Body Lotion £2.03 300ml

This smells amazing and just glides on and soaks into the skin so well! It's amazing for the price, and you get so much of it. The pump is also really handy for dispensing this lotion. It dries quickly without leaving skin tacky afterwards.

Boots Coconut Body Oil £2.54 100ml

This comes packaged in a glass jar and has a beautiful coconut scent. It's almost like a soft paste in the jar, but on contact with the skin, it just melts into a luxurious oil. This can be used on either dry or damp skin, straight from the shower.

No7

No7 Eyeshadow blend & contour brush £2.25 usually £7.25

Can't complain about this brush, good for using in the crease to add depth.

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion for Normal/Dry Skin 200ml £4 usually £9

Love this! It's so milky and takes makeup off really well with zero effort. It smells really nice too and it's just a pleasure to use. Makeup wipes are gone forever in favour of this.

No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Siren (120) £5 usually £10

Lovely rich colour but transfers terribly. It's so smooth that it just clings to anything that even lightly brushes passed it. Definitely requires a lip sealant like lipcote to keep it from going everywhere.

Oh and my mum and I got ANOTHER £5 off voucher each, so I'll be reviewing again soon!

Nails of The Day

Models Own in Champagne and Models Own Black 'Wah Nails' Nail Art Pen

2 for £8 @ Boots

This is a lovely, shimmery colour that coats well onto the nail. One coat gives enough colour and a streak free finish but retains a sheerness, whereas two coats creates a lovely opaque metallic finish. It dries relatively quickly and didn't smudge. I took this picture about 24 hours after applying the polish, and it didn't chip or flake in the shower, which I find a very annoying problem with other more expensive nails brands [yes you Ciate!]

 

The nail art pens were also part of the 2 for £8 offer, so I picked one of those up as I have never tried them before. I really liked that it had a fine metal nib and also a long thin brush. I found a little too much product comes out of the nib, and it was really difficult to use and draw with my left hand (I'm right handed ). I think using this on other people -or using it in your own pedicure- is much easier!

This took a little longer to dry and did smudge slightly. I also think the nib can drag on your colour coating a little, so be sure to let it dry well before attempting to express your creative nail design ideas!