Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel

I've been meaning to blog about this product for a while, but I misplaced my camera lead, so I've been trying to make do with my phone. But I managed to find the bloody thing, so I'm back on the blogging game!

Trilogy, a natural and ethical skincare brand created by two sisters, have introduced a very unique product - their 100 per cent natural Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel, an instant bronzer that gives skin a subtle shimmer. Made with a unique formula, it uses Caramel from natural cane sugar to provide the instant colour, light reflecting minerals from natural Mica and Aloe-Vera to soothe and hydrate.

After trying the product for the first time, I was expecting it to be a lot darker on the skin than it actually was. Instead it gives more of a shimmer than an actual tan and the smell is incredibly strong (and not in a nice way!) But to give the product its dew, the smell doesn't stick to the skin as much as you'd expect. It dries quickly and doesn't leave a sticky residue on your skin either. In fact it's actually really pleasant to use.

Priced at £17.50, it's expensive for what it does, but from what I seen, natural products tend to be that little bit higher on price compared to products that aren't. I don't think the bronzing gel works as well on it's own, but it could potentially help enhance your tan by using it on top of your self-tanner. Also it might work well for those who've never used a fake tan before and don't want their skin to look too dark.

Available from www.trilogyproducts.co.uk and selected House of Fraser, pharmacies and health stores.

Beauty staple: Astral Original Cream

Every woman needs a staple moisturiser as part of their beauty regime. The perfect moisturiser that can be used on any part of your skin.

Astral All-Over Moisturiser makes a great staple. Although it's really thick and creamy, it sinks ito your skin quickly and nourishes even the driest of skin. And it's not too greasy to use on your hands either. I find a lot of hand creams too greasy - slightly ironic considering that's what they're aiming not to do - which is why I keep a pot of Astral All-Over Moisturiser on my work desk, at all times.

A 200ml pot of Astral All Over Moisturiser cost around £2.99 from Boots.

PR sample

Little BU Nail Polish

My niece (who's three years old...) is always diving into my make-up bag. Digging out the latest blushers and lipsticks, ready to decorate her own face with. Unfortunately for me, this means my lipsticks end up with teeth dents and my blusher is damp (she thinks everything is lipstick...) But not only does she like make-up, but she loves having her nails painted too, which is why I was extremely excited to hear about this product.

Little BU was designed with little girls in mind. A nail polish that's non-toxic, water-based and odour-free and it's safe for even the smallest of girls to use. So I gave the nail polish a go myself...

I was quite surprised to find that the consistency was quite thick and it took rather a long time to dry. But once dry, it was a perfect shade of purple metallic, with a lovely sheen too. The nail polish doesn't come with that awful toxic smell - infact, it doesn't smell at all, which is fantastic for young girls. However, after doing the washing up I'd noticed that the colour had faded and on some fingers, disappeared completely. Although this was bad for me, I think it's a really good idea for children. It means the nail polish will come off in the bath and you haven't got to worry about using harsh nail polish remover on their tiny nails.

Priced at £9.95, I think it's a little steep but its such a fantastic idea. You haven't got to worry about using any harsh chemicals on your little girl's nails. And with eight colours to choose from, I'm sure you can find a colour in your collection that'll match.

Lisbon treat: Sephora Nourishing Nail Balm

While away in Lisbon, I thought I'd make the most of the opportunity by picking up a few beauty products. Ideally I wanted to pick up a few Portuguese brands, but a very kind lady in one of the malls informed me that there wasn't many available. So instead I spent my time browsing Sephora and picked up this little beaut.

As you're probably well aware, I love painted nails and it's very rare that my nails are naked. Because of this (and the change in the weather) my nails had become so brittle, that they started to break and peel. So I picked up the Sephora Nourishing Nail Balm in hope that it might help promote stronger nails and bring them back to life.

I think it cost me around 8 Euros and so far I'm really impressed. My nails have become stronger and look healthier, and so far, my cuticles and the skin around my nails hasn't cracked. The product does have a strong almond scent to it, which I'm not a fan off. Also, if you have long nails, the product can be a little tricky to get out of the pot. But apart from that, it's a fantastic product and worth the investment.

I've searched high and low on the Sephora website and unfortunately it looks like it's only a European product, which is a shame. But I've discovered Neal's Yard have a similar product (Nourishing Melissa Nail Balm) that comes in a tube - perfect for when the Sephora Nourishing Nail Balm runs out.

Softlips Revitalising Vitamin Enriched

If you're anything like me, as soon as the weather gets colder I'm prone to getting really dry, chapped lips. So receiving an email from a brand called Softlips, definitely caught my attention. Especially when it claimed to make my pout soft, smooth and kissable...

On first appearance, I was really surprised at how skinny the product was. Unlike most other lip balms, it can easily fit into your pocket or purse without being seen. The product is actually really nourishing and not to heavy either. It's completely colourless too and comes with added SPF20 - bonus!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when it landed on my doormat, but I'd definitely give it a thumbs up. I must admit, I don't think it's going to cure dry lips but it acts as a perfect inbetween product or even as a quick fix for when you're on the go.

Available from most high street pharmacies, Boots and Superdrug for £2.07.

PR sample

Just a little bit of pixie dust...

...is all you need. Especially when it's as cute as this...

A body fragrance inspired by Tinker Bell - perfect for any Disney fanatic. Infused with a fruity scent of citrus fruits, purple sweet pea and cool lemon sorbet as well as a subtle hint of Lily of the valley and dewy green leaves, is brought to you in this really cute bottle for £16.

Although this is probably something suited for your daughter, I can't help think there'll be plenty of mums spritzing themselves in secret. The Disney Store have done a fantastic job designing the bottle - it's not aimed specifically at children, infact, the bottle is surprisingly grown up.

The Pixie Dust Eau de Toilette is available from selected stores and online at www.disneystore.co.uk.