No More White Bits

I know I should embrace my English rose complexion, but there’s nothing I love more than having a healthy tan – even if it does come from a bottle. But I’m far from a fake tan abuser. In fact, you’ll only ever catch me wearing it on two occasions: 1) on a night out and 2) during the summer when I’m looking a little pasty and want to wear my prettiest dresses. So this could explain why I jumped at the chance of reviewing this product – No More White Bits, available from Superdrug.

The sample I received came in a mousse formula, a formula I’m used to using and prefer compared to others. I’ve always found lotions and sprays tricky to use. They appear, patchy, too dark or barely noticeable, but mousse formulas always give the perfect consistency without being too messy.

Fake tan formulas have enhanced greatly over the years. You no longer have to sacrifice looking good, by smelling like a soggy biscuit as most fake tan products are perfumed instead – as it this one. The smell is over-powering, but I’m not sure if this is to mask the soggy biscuit smell. However, I’m complaining – eau de soggy biscuit is not kicking off anytime soon.

As for the final outcome of the product I was pleased. I only applied one layer with my hands (slap on the wrist) and once dry, it gave a subtle glow with even coverage. Long gone were my pasty legs and I was left with glowing pins instead. I wouldn’t necessarily say they were brown, but more natural instead, like my skin was a little more tanned than usual.

But I will say that when you first apply the product, it barely looks like there’s anything there. Just be patient – it does work, honest!

No More White Bits is available from Superdrug from 1 April for just £3.99 – a bargain for a fab, high street self-tanner.

The Mascara Monologues: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

Firstly I want to apologise for my serious lack of blogging lately. The newest addition to our family has really turned our lives around – who’d have thought, having a pet dog would take up so much time. But regardless of her mischievousness, she’s incredibly cute and cuddly and we love her to bits.

But anyway, I’m back now and promise not to keep you guys waiting so long for the next post. I have so much to share with you, some new products and some that I received from the Lisbon EADV conference (that long ago, I know!)

I thought I would start off with another post in the Mascara Monologues though and what better way to kick it off than with Rimmel’s Lash Accelerator Mascara, of which I purchased around two months ago. I’m still using it and do so every day, but I’m due a new one because this one’s pretty much on its last legs.

I’ve never really been a huge fan of Rimmel (excluding their Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner, which I just LOVE and have used for the past 5 years) because I’ve always thought of them as a younger brand. But for a budget, high-street mascara, I’ve been quite impressed.

Rimmel claims that the Lash Accelerator Mascara will help your lashes appear 80% longer, due to its combined grow-lash complex. Being the sceptic that I am, I think it’s pretty challenging to measure whether your lashes have grown or not. But I must add, they are much stronger.

The wand is different too, the bristles are much shorter, which helps coat the lashes better making them look thicker and fuller. I've always found longer bristled brushes to be a bit clumpy and they dry up a lot quicker too. Although I said I wasn't a fan of Rimmel, I'd purchase this mascara again. It doesn't give a dramatic look compared to others, but it's great for everyday wear and lasts all day without flaking. It seems to have lasted a long time too, so it isn't one of those products that lasts a few uses and then it's done.

So a big thumbs up for this mascara. Can you guys recommend any for me to try next?

Have you tried this mascara? If so, what were your thoughts? Can you recommend any other Rimmel products I should try?

Apologies...

...for my lack of blogging recently. We've recently gained a new member to our family and shes been keeping me very busy.

Meet Bailey, our beautiful Chocolate Labrador.

She's incredibly cute, very cheeky, full of beans and most definitely going to keep me on my toes.

Check back soon for more beauty blogging. I haven't forgotten about you all, honest!

MUA Heaven and Earth Palette

I cannot begin to tell you how long I have been trying to get my hands on this product. Every Superdrug store I went into it was no where to be seen and the website was out of stock every time I checked. You should have seen my face when I spotted it in the new store in town. So to make sure I didn't run out, I bought two.

I honestly think this is the best selection of neutral eyeshadows I've seen (I haven't yet got my hands on the Urban Decay Naked Palette) and MUA certainly haven't scrimped on quality either, even for a £4.99 price tag.

Top row left to right

Bottom row left to right

Each colour is completely different, with a shimmery consitency and they last for as long as you're wearing them. Even without an eyeshadow primer. I have mostly worn the second shade on the top row and third shade on the bottom row. I can't wait to try a smokey eye with the other shades.

I'll be honest, I always assumed cheaper brands produced cheaper products but MUA have completely changed my mind. They show that you can get budget products that work just as well as brands which are slightly more expensive and compared to similar products produced by more expensive brands, it comes out on top.

Have you tried any other MUA products? Or have you tried any similar products that work just as w

My favourite products of 2011

I can't believe how quick 2011 went. At the beginning of the year I was praying I was still going to have a job by the end of it, let alone buy a beautiful starter home with my boyfriend. As 2012 approaches we're still decorating and finding endless bits and bobs to furnish it with. Slowly, it's starting to look not just like our house, but our home.

Aside from this, I still managed to blog about plenty of products and here's a quick round up of my favourites from 2011:

Skincare

I was given a sample of the Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (not shown) earlier on in the year and instantly fell in love. Teamed with a few other Dermalogica products, it gives skin a deep cleanse, leaving it refreshed and squeaky clean.
Full review click here

I've been using the bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam ever since I was introduced to it in October and I love it. I haven't used another cleanser since.
Full review click here

The Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Scrub smells divine and is the perfect consistency for a body scrub. Some body scrubs can be too soft, which doesn't really do much for the skin. But Palmers have got the consistency right, as well as keeping that good-enough-to-eat cocoa smell.
Full review click here

Clinique SPF 35 Targeted Protection Stick practically saved my skin on holiday this year. I'm fair-skinned so I'm prone to burning, especially on areas like my nose and ears. The protection stick was my ultimate savour.
Full review click here

For me, the Nivea moisturiser was my favourite of 2011. It can be used on any part of your body, from face to hands and body. I currently keep it on my desk at work for whenever my hands get dry.
Full review click here

Cosmetic 

The Revlon PhotoReady Foundation and bareMinerals Mineral Foundation stood out the most in 2011. Although bareMinerals wasn't a new product, 2011 was the year I discovered it. Unfortunately a hotel cleaner smashed my PhotoReady Foundation and I never got round to buying another, but it had a huge thumbs up from me. Both give great coverage - Revlon adds a subtle shimmer with light reflecting particles, while bareMinerals gives a complete matte finish.
Full Revlon PhotoReady Foundation review click here

My favourite nail polish of 2011 was definitely the Maybelline Forever Strong Nudes collection. They may be nude colours, but they stand out and look beautiful on any hand. Plus, the formula lasts longer and doesn't chip, more than any other I have used.
Full review click here

What are your favourite products of 2011?

Happy new year!

Courtesy of Weheartit

...and I wish each and everyone of you the best for 2012! x

Lashes Eyelash Conditioner

Lash boosting products amaze me. Mainly because I'm far to impatient to find out whether they work or not. Plus, the lash boosters I've seen, carry some pretty outrageous claims, which I'm sure are near impossible to live up too. But something different attracted me to Lashes. Instead of focusing on the promise of thicker, false-looking lashes, it claims to improve strength, condition and rejuvenate them into better condition.

According to the brains behind Lashes, their special cocktail of ingredients helps stimulate the hair follicle and protect against further cosmetic damage from mascara, false lashes and lash extensions. Not only does it aim to look after your lashes, but it conditions them too - something I'm sure my eyelashes need after years of mascara abuse.

I haven't tried this product myself, but I'm definitely going to save up for one. At £69.95 a pop, it better live up to my expectations. Available from www.beautyproductsdirect.com

Are there any lash boosting products you'd recommend? 

The Mascara Monologues: Maybelline Falsies Black Drama Mascara

This is the first of many posts in my Mascara Monologues and boy I've started with a good'un.

Maybelline are well known for their quirky, brightly coloured and beautifully packaged mascaras. But unlike other Maybelline mascaras, the Falsies Black Drama comes with a new formula. Containing extra long fibres and carbon black pigments, it sets out to give lashes a full on, false lash effect. 

The brush is slightly different to your average. Instead it's curved upwards like a spoon. According to description it's to help fan out your lashes and ensure even coverage of the product.

After one coat and a full day's wear

Even after one coat it gives eyelashes a beautiful length and a subtle false lash effect. Maybelline claims that this mascara doesn't clump, but I wouldn't necessarily agree. When I removed the wand from the tube, the brush looked too full of product and I ended up having to wipe of a lot of excess. Also, it's not so strong on bottom lashes - it takes quite a few coats to make them stand out.

However, I'd most definitely recommend it for everyday wear. I think I bought it was around £8, which is a good price for a high street brand.

What are your thoughts on the Maybelline Falsies Black Drama Mascara? Are there any mascaras you'd recommend?

Models Own in Red Red Wine

Models Own in Red Red Wine

I've recently started a new job, which means I'm now working in a building 5 minutes walk from town. This is quite dangerous for my purse. And this was proven the other day when I managed to spend £30 in Boots on my lunch break.

One of the purchases was this gorgeus deep red nail polish from Models Own - a brand I've never bought anything from before. I'd been after a red nail polish for ages, because I didn't own one, but I'm not a huge fan of the bright, traditional red polishes. So this one, which is slightly deeper in colour, is perfect.

While I picked this up, I noticed that at the moment if you buy two items from the Models Own brand you get a free gold nail polish too.

Available from Boots for £5.

Are there any Models Own shades you'd recommend?

The Mascara Monologues: An Introduction

 Courtesy of Weheartit

Mascara has to be my most favourite make-up tool ever invented. I love how it can transform a fresh face into something sexy and beautiful, whether you wear it on its own for a natural look or combine it with other make-up products for a little extra va-va-voom. 

Like most females, I won't leave the house unless my lashes have been coated. But recently I started to notice a re-occuring habit - I never buy the same mascara twice. And it's always because of the same reason - I'm never satisfied.

This is why I've decided to dedicate a collection of blog posts aimed at finding the perfect mascara and named The Mascara Monologues.

In my quest I'm hoping to discover the mascara of all mascaras. Whether it thickens, lengthens or defines, comes from a high street store or high end, I will blog about it honestly and openly.

I hope you all enjoy!

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