ARK Skincare Regenerating Skin Defence

Bonjour!  Today I have a product I very kindly received back in November. Which I know, was a fair while ago. Fail. So, why post about it now? Well I've used it so I want to put my two cents in... After all, there's no point posting about something you haven't used right?

ARK Skincare is a brand with a great company ethos, designed with your individual skin in mind, understanding how we all differ and to provide the tools to achieve 'your own personal skincare solutions'. They also do not test on animals, an issue close to many peoples heart with an ever conscious society. Brownie points already!

The Ark Regenerating Skin defence* is designed for under moisturisers to defend against ageing, environmental stress and is to aid skin regeneration. Big claims eh? As you can see, it contains a whole host of skin helping ingredients: vitamins B C and E, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid which plumps and improves firmness and camelina oil which boasts skin elasticity improving properties. 

The texture of the gel is quite thick and smells quite fruity. It does have a strong scent indeed so be aware. It is easy to apply, glides onto the skin and soaks it quickly which leaves the skin glowing and insanely soft. You really can feel a difference once applying this and I personally can see a difference, it makes my skin look radiant in a word. I have used this continuously now for months and it has been a saviour for my skin whilst the weather has been questionable. I haven't noticed any anti-wrinkle properties due to my lack of wrinkles but hopefully the use will keep my skin firmer for longer. I also find it helps the moisturiser you follow with sink in with ease leaving your skin with a healthy plumpness.

And the packaging.. Well who doesn't like a snazzy pot? This innovative pot.. You turn it so one turn is enough for the whole face! Solves that age old problem of hygiene, if you haven't washed your hands you don't have to keep calm and carry on because.. It will never happen! Only downside is not knowing how much you've actually got left!

So as I said I've been using this for a few months now and I can say, hand on heart, scouts honour etc that this is absolutely fabulous. My skin has improved, it feels softer and I when I stopped using it boy did I know about it. Skincare is subjective, not many are alike but in my case this stuff has provided results and is the bees knees.  However it is worth mentioning that all this doesn't come cheap. This product is £42, which whilst not up there in the high end category is still going to make a dent in your salary. The benefits I've found with it really do make it worth it though and when you have good skin, not only do you feel fabulous but you also look it too (insert imagery of me walking through Selfridges with people turning to stare at my clear and radiant skin.. wishful thinking perhaps).
Next time you are looking around for some products for a Skincare shakeup look towards ARK skincare perhaps as yes, a tad pricey maybe, but worth every penny?

Oui oui! 

 £42 here.

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The Bakewell Soap Company Luscious Lips in Palma Violets

Whilst attending the #eastmidsmeetup back in October (oh so long ago) in the goody bag I recieved this little gem. At first I cast it off as nothing but a job move and a heater blasting in my face for 8 hours a day left with with a lip situation that made me look twice.

This is where I present to you The Bakewell Soap Co. Luscious Lips in Palma Violets*.  The Bakewell Soap Co. is handmade in Derby (not so far away from me at all, which is nice to know)  and make soaps and other products with natural and organic ingredients. A look around their website gives you a great insight into the company and their ethos. Normally not one for the homegrown product, I really like the way the website isn't too preachy and tells it like it is. Pretty awesome in my opinion and it will make me look twice at beauty products closer to home from now on.

So onto the review. Firstly.. yes. It smells EXACTLY like those childhood favourites which is especially nice on the lips, really pleasant. Made with Shea butter, Cocoa butter and Vitamin E they go onto the lip and stay there for a while, to guard against the dry and harsh elements. Unlike vaseline you can really feel that there is a layer there and it applies like a lipstick, not too hard and not too soft so you end up with it half way up your face and one touch and its gone forever. I used this solidly for a week and I really did feel an improvement. And let's just point out the applicator shall we? Easy to apply with a little dial so the product doesn't get smushed. Perfect.

As I'm sure you have gathered, I really like the product. It is £2.95 which is on par with high street lip balms so it's not going to break the bank. It is also free from parabens and petroleum based ingredients so you are paying for quality products rather than... well less than quality stuff.

What do you think? Will you be trying them?

Have a look for yourself here.

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Lush 'Dream Steam' Calming Toner Tabs

Good evening all!

I bring you today a review of something that I bought on a whim. And we all know how they go. Epic win or epic fail. So what do we have here? These are the Lush Dream Steam Calming Toner tabs. A mouthful? Totally. So what are they? A steamer mask to help clear skin and doubling up as a toner that you can use after the steaming (so not a total waste!). What does Lush say about them?

'A blend of oils for both mind and skin, skillfully presented in an easy to use tab. Steam clean your face whilst you inhale the mood-adjusting essential oils.'

 The main oils are lavender, rose, tea tree and chamomile blue which mix together to create a calming smell, not overpowering , and easy to inhale. When I purchased these the lovely sales assistant assured me they would help my dire skin clear itself up, and this point I was desperate so I would have tried anything. It's the same set up as any steaming.. you need a bowl, a big towel, some hot water and to ensure your woodwork stays in tiptop shape, a mat (that might just be me who needs that, after all I've already spilt a whole bottle of nail varnish remover over said table).

A little bit of fizzing later you are left with a yellow tinted water, and under you go. After 5 minutes I emerged, calmer, and with nicer feeling skin. No miracle though. The best bit is you don't throw the water, you keep it. You are left with a toner for your face which makes it pretty good value for money. If you use toner....

So I haven't really said what I thought up to yet and that is simply because I don't really know. To me it's a bit of a meh product. Yes, it is a steamer mask and did that job but it didn't work miracles and the toner water is okay if you use it. I tried and it rid my face of grime but I wouldn't hail it as an essential. I think it is just safe to say that I personally wouldn't repurchase but that doesn't mean to say I regret buying it. But I also don't regret buying another nail polish..

For £2.50 here, it may very well be worth you giving it a go. If you use toner, of course.

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The Body Shop Muslin Cleansing Cloth

Short and sweet post today! As you more than likely know, The Body Shop is currently offering 40% off all orders (plus if you use the code 'HONEY' you get a free gift, winner) which makes these muslin cloths the bargain price of £1.50 (normally £2.50).
They are rather large so will cover the whole face and are a great way of washing off cleanser/face masks and removing makeup as they gently exfoliate at the same time. If i were you I would stock up whilst you can as these really are a worthwhile investment.
Do you use muslin cloths? Or do you recommend something else? Let me know!

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No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Mask

Skincare!
Grabbed your attention yet?
No7 is a brand most of us have probably dabbled in (due to those wonderful £5 off skincare vouchers boots do). I myself have a lot of No7 products as their quality is worth the extra few pounds (an plus I stock up with those amazing vouchers). This mask, their Beautiful Skin Purifying mask is the bee's knees. Something I will repurchase again and again.

So what is it? It is a face mask that uses thermal technology to draw out impurities. Yes you heard that right. You apply it to a damp face, massage it in, leave for five minutes then wash away. The gimmick is that upon contact with the damp skin it heats, leaving a warm sensation that opens pores. As you can see its rather a thick cream that has exfoliating bits in it to, so great for combination skin.  When washed off you are left with soft skin (feels like a babies! Amazing I tell thee) that gives you that clean feeling. I follow with a moisturiser/cleanser depending what routine I'm going with that day. Good tip is to use a muslin cloth for removal and for extra gentle exfoliation.
The packaging is plain and simple, not OTT which is great and with a squeezey tube you can control how much you want to use. Good times!

Get it for £12.50 here or from your nearest Boots.
Well.. what are you waiting for?

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Lush: Quick Reviews

A few quick reviews on some Lush products for you today guys. All tested when I was recently away in hotel for a night so was very relaxed and needed a good pamper! Heres the lowdown...

Sugar Scrub (£2.95 here)
Bit on an awkward one. If you use it directly onto the skin it is really scratchy and will leave you with red marks all over. I'd recommend running it under water, breaking a bit off then applying it to the skin from your hands so you can control the level of exfoliation more. It does it's job after you get over this hurdle and will rid you of all sorts of nasty dry patches. It's mainly made up of sugar, ginger and fennel so it's less perfumed but still pleasant. Rebuy? No, as I find pots are easier to apply in the shower.

The Big Blue bath bomb (£3.25 here)
Surprisingly, it turns your bath blue. Lavender oil makes it heavenly and relaxing (what you need from your bath bomb) and Arame Seaweed and sea salt to make your skin feel scrummy and soft. Oh, and it smells Devine. I only used half and its sufficient for a soak, so value for money wise it's a great investment for a luxurious bath. I genuinely feel better after using this. It does have bits of seaweed in so if floaty bits weird you out, it might be worth steering clear of this one. Rebuy? Yes.

Ayesha Fresh Face Mask Sample (£5.95 here for full size)
Featuring ingredients such as Elderflower, Rosemary, Kiwi and Asparagus, Lush states that 'This mask was designed for those times when you want to make a quick difference to your face, for a night out'. Did I find this? Well it was a great mask, it made my skin feel clean and fresh afterwards but I didn't feel like it appeared much different. It does smooth but I felt that brighten it did not. I think, as part of a proper routine, this would be a great finishing mask but as a stand alone product I'd try one of lush's other amazing offerings. Rebuy? Yes, as it smells pretty spiffy and my skin does feel nice afterwards.

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No7 Stay Perfect Foundation

A foundation match made in heaven? With the launch of No7s Match Made service, offering the perfect match, the allure of the perfect colour was too much to resist. Off I went to my local boots, had the lady brandish the funky looking machine at my naked skin and five minutes later I walked out with this. Stay Perfect is medium to high coverage with a natural finish also offering SPF 15 which is always  important in skincare. It promotes a long wearing formula that is moisturising, a claim I would personally agree with. The boots website says 16 hours, but I can't say I have tested this claim. It is a hardwearing formula though, covers dark circles and evens out my skin tone. (See me wearing it here) Lovely!
The colour spectrum is wide in this range, but the very pale or the very dark skinned may struggle to find their perfect match. But what do I think? Its my day to day, go to foundation. It lasts as long as I need it too and makes me feel confident. The price? Is it worth it? For £14 pounds, it is mid range, and compared to Rimmel and Revlons new offerings it could be seen as a little less value for money than those however the quality speaks for itself. Theres never a bad skin day when I'm rocking this.

Get it here.
Tah dah!

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The Starting Off Project: Skincare

The modern age means one thing: reviews are plentiful, lust is there and there are a whole sea of products all vying for you to open your purse to purchase. If you are new to this mess, where do you start? Enter The Starting Off Project (#theSOproject) the brain child of Steph over at Stephs Voice. An initiative for those who maybe need some guidance by those who have tried and tested many things, a collective of good (and questionable) advice!

Today, I'm going to talk about skincare. For reference, I have normal/combination skin that doesn't break out unless I'm having a hormone fight. Below, the products that you need, some alternatives to them and an explanation why. Oh, and nothing will cost more than a tenner. I'd like to point out that this stuff is normally on offer in one of the drugstores, so shop around. The links I've provided are for the cheapest at the time. Enjoy...

Morning

So you've woken up after a fitful nights sleep. You drank all that water you are told to before bed right? You KNOW that you are supposed to.. terrible. Drink more. In the morning I like to go the extra mile, as putting makeup on skin that isn't smooth takes more time and effort. I use Nivea Refreshing Facial Wash Gel  and depending on how the skin is feeling, either use a flannel to take it off or my Bodyshop Facial Brush, which for £4 is a bargain and if you take anything from this post go out and buy this. Once your face is clear of any dead skin cells, grime and buildup lets plump it up using a nice moisturiser. Firstly, buy one with SPF. Every little helps and all that. I use No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal Skin which is £12.50 but Boots normally have £5 off No7 skincare vouchers knocking around. I like the smell, it sinks in quickly and makes my skin feel plump and ready to go. For a cheaper alternative, use Nivea Visage Light Daily Moisturisng Creme. As you can imagine, this takes all of about 5 minutes, if that.

Evening

This is where a little more time is taken, as it is removing the build up of general dirt and makeup residue. Start by taking that pesky eye makeup off. I use Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover as it is hardwearing against that pesky waterproof mascara. And currently its £2.66. Once that is done I like to was the face. My current fave is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask as it washes the face, it feels clean after but also doubles up as a 5 minute mask for more in depth cleaning. Also currently £2.66. The Biore Nose Strips are used as and when I need them, at the most once a week. These things are handy to have in your arsenal of goodies. Finally, a night cream, mine of choice being the Nivea Regenerative night cream, £3. In the morning my skin still feels moisturised, thats why I use it so much. I really rate the range, and you should too.

As you can see there are no makeup wipes. Why? Because even if you are drunk this doesn't take long, it can be done and makeup wipes are work of the devil.

Notable Extras

These are for when my face needs a little extra, or there is a bit of residue left over. Fit these in between  the cleansing and moisturising stages. Lush Eau Roma water is a Lavender based toner water that removes any excess cleanser and doubles up as a facial spritz on hot days. I leave this in the fridge.

The Neutrogena Blackhead eliminating Cleansing Lotion is a powerful little tool I use when my skin is feeling clogged.. a quick sweep over the face after taking the makeup, used every other day, keeps spots at bay. Finally a hot cloth cleansers is a great tool to have if your stash. I use the Boots Hot Cloth Cleanser but Superdrug do a great alternative too.

There you have it. The routine. All under ten pounds. Your welcome.

Do you agree with any of these? Disagree? Lets start a discussion! Let me know what you think below.

Remember, you can win a MAC lipstick of your choice by entering here.

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Soap and Glory Bodycare: Quick Reviews

L-R Heel Genius, Smoothie Star, Clean Girls, Slimwear

Every girl has (probably) either owned or used something from this iconic retro brand. No nonsense on the label, cute pink colours and retro glam all neatly containing some wonder products. Today I'm going to focus on a few, and give some 'quick reviews'.

Heel Genius (£5.50 here)

Socks? Check. Bed? Check? Heel Genius? Check.

This stuff is worth the hype. I used to work in a bar, constantly on my feet so they developed a very hard and crusty (sorry for using that word.. imagery or what) layer of hard skin. Massage into the feet before bed and go to sleep. You'll notice something in the morning but do it everyday for a week and you will have feet that are as soft as a babies bottom. It smells of fruits and mint, not an overpowering one but it is a strong scent all the same. Out of all the products mentioned this one would be the ultimate re-buy as for the price you can't go wrong. If you are going to buy anything, buy this.

Smoothie Star (£10 here)

Ingredients like Almonds, Honey, cocoa butter and oaks makes this smell divine. With its useful pump it means you don't over use the product and have to walk around like a zombie whilst it dries. It soaks into the skin with ease and makes it feel plump and soft. Works well on those nasty areas such as knees and elbows. I rate this more than the body butters and its great for after showers and everyday use, rather than a luxury treat. Did I mention it smelled divine?

Clean, Girls (£6.50 here)

Not quite the iconic Clean on Me body wash, Clean Girls is a much more girly and pleasant scent (in my opinion). Vanilla, musk, blackcurrant and freesias help make this body wash smell a lot more luxury than it really is. It lathers up really well so you don't need to use much (1 pump) and it locks in moisture so you don't get out the shower and have that tight skin feeling. I'd recommend this over Clean on Me anyway, but ultimately it depends what scent you prefer. Apparently boys prefer this to, if the other half is anything to go by. He often smells of this.

Slimwear (Discontinued but £3.99 here)

Advertised as an anti cellulite product, Slimwear was always going to be hit and miss. It didn't promise miracles but with morning and evening use it claimed it would firm, and I did notice a slight difference but nothing to hail the gods about. It was minty so gave that tingly feeling to legs, and moisturised well. It's a shame it isn't readily available anymore as it was an alright product after everything!

So my lovely bunch of readers, what do we think? You tried one of these? Inspired to or simply disagree?

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Nail and Hand Care under £8

Just putting this out there: nail care is boring.

There, I said it. 

However it has to be done, so here are my top picks to get it done and dusted so that you can get finished in no time (and so you can get to the fun bit of painting them). Because I'm a poorer lass, all these come under six pounds! Winner! 

Starting off the thrifty talon routine is the Cutex Norishing Nail Polish remover (£2.15 here). This is my fifth bottle of this and I am rather partial to it. It's quick, it's Norishing and it makes removing the old, chipped disaster my nails were in a doddle. It makes light work of glitter polishes too! Following this a file and buff of my nails using Boots Four Way Buffer Block (£2.00 here). I do this at max twice a week to keep ridges down, smoothness and shine up and for a shape of the nail. One for the nail bag at home.

So once that is all done time for a paint job. A recent addition to the lineup, OPI Matte Nail Envy (£7.03 here). As I barely wear my nails nude, the need for the standard shiny version isn't there so in the interest of all things  thrifty I opted for this. Not completely sold on it quite yet however it dries quickly and the finish it leaves is lovely and natural (if you wanted to bare all that is).

After all that effort these are the bits that stay in my handbag to keep my nails looking top form on the go. My top pick here is the Coconut Hand Cleanse Gel from The BodyShop (£2.50 here). This stuff is divine. It smells like suntan lotion and holiday. People cannot get enough of it which means I run out veeery quickly. Could be likened to the infamous Bath and Body works hand sanitiser but this stuff is readily available. To keep the hands smooth on the go I'm using a cheapo one from Asda (80p here) which you can't really go wrong with! It absorbs quickly and has a pleasant smell. For 80p it IS worth picking up. Finally.. a glass nail file to smooth those little catches and breaks before they pull.

So, what do you think? Anything that may sneak its way into your daily nail rotation? Or something I'm missing out on? Tell me!

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Beauty Wishlist #2

So, considering I haven't bought anything from my last wishlist (not through lack of trying.. I WILL find that MUA palette) it seems a bit odd to have another wishlist already. Oh well... this is what I want this week:

 

1. Crealine Sensibo H20 Micelle Solution - Bioderma - £12 (on ebay)

I'm falling into the blogging hype. Good lord. In all honesty I do want to try it as if it's as good as they say then it's worth having. Might wait until it appears in Boots (it's bound to surely?) so I can get some points :p

2. Clean Start Wash Off - Dermalogica - £14.30

I got a sample of this is a Glossybox and good lord its FAB-U-LOUS. The skin feels like velvet - so soft, so smooth! Will definitely repurchase at some point but am trying a few high street versions first (anyone have ideas?)

3. Clarifying Lotion 2 - Clinique - £16

Another thing I've used in sample size and I love it. My elder sister swears by clinique and still gets ID'd at 30 so something good must be happening.

4. No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask - Soap and Glory - £11

Am in the market for a new mask, I love the lush ones but they do go off (the last one I had went off before I had a chance to finish it) and you have to keep them in the fridge so I'm thinking of something I can put in the bathroom to make sure I do use it.

5. Express Hydration Primer - Nivea - £3.99

A time saving product? If this means I can do two things at once then it must be worth a go? I think it's more the case of remembering to buy it rather than the price aspect (who can argue with £4?!)

Any suggestions on what I should try skincare wise? Any of these products work for you or just get left on the shelf not being used? Let me know.

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Battle of the Drugstore Nightcreams

I've been using two pretty cheap nightcreams for a while now, and whilst I am not totally into my skincare I understand its importance. So if you are like me and would like to start a simple night routine, without spending serious money, have a read.

So here are the contenders:
Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Night Cream 50ml - £4.99 here
Described as being a rich moisturising night cream with hibiscus and hylarunic acid so brighten and renew. It hydrates overnight to leave soft skin.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream 75ml - £5.99 here
Formulated with kiwi fruit and mulberry extract, it 'delivers rich and long-lasting moisturisation whilst helping to refine skin's texture as you sleep'. It brightens, helps even out skintone and softens skin.

So I'd say they are pretty fairly matched, do you agree? So onto the battle!

Price
Both are currently on offer, the Boots product being £3.49 and the Superdrug one being £2.99. With the Superdrug one though you get more for your money, so Superdrug wins this one.

Smell
If I'm going to sleep with this on my face, it has to smell nice otherwise it's going to become irritating. The superdrug cream smells fresh very earthy whereas the boots cream the hibiscus really comes through and it smells a lot sweeter. This is down to personal preference but I vote for the Boots night cream.

Moisturisation
So I've used these individually but for the purpose of testing, I wore them both last night. Yep, I had half and half face. In on application the boots cream sinks into the face quicker wheras the Superdrug cream leaves an oil sheen on the skin which is a bit annoying. In the morning I tried to feel a difference in the skin but they felt the same! I'm going to go with Boots Botanics as the winner because it didn't leave an oily residue.

Brightening
Both of these claim to be brightening but in all honesty (and I've used these for weeks now) I can't say they do.

Ethics
The Superdrug cream is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and is certified by Cruelty Free International and this is clear on the packaging. The Boots night cream, as stated in their policy here 'No animal testing of any kind is undertaken or commissioned by Boots or its subsidiary businesses'. On the website it states that  Boots have tried to reduce the 'impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey'. For transparacy I vote that Superdrug with the battle of the ethics.

Results
Out of the five categories there is a tiebreak. So I'm going to be controversial and say that my favourite is the Boots Botanics. The feel of the skin and the smell are two important factors, after all that is why we want to use a night cream right? The results of both are the same so whichever you choose, be safe in the knowledge you are helping your skin be as lovely as it is now it ten years time... hopefully...

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Lush Love Lettuce Face Mask

Today I'm going to tell you all about my experience with Love Lettuce. As we all know, skincare is subjective, so what I say here may not work for you. However, that does not mean you shouldn't read it :p

I find fresh face masks are the best for tired skin. They wake your skin up. They are cool. They smell devine. So what does this one do? Lush says:

'This mask is a seaweed gel with exfoliating granules through it. 
Ideal for those who want to clear away dead skin and brighten the face, whilst also gently treating it to softening ingredients.'

 

I say: Yes, I agree. You do have to gently rub this into the skin otherwise you can really irritate it (those ground up almonds really do pack a punch!). I left it on for about 30 mins whilst faffing around with other beauty routine related tasks and washed it off with a muslin cloth (an old one, I don't think a white cloth would return after that!) for extra exfoliating goodness. It does feel quite heavy and cakey so it can become a tad annoying. Just think of the end result ladies!!

It made my skin feel lovely, very clear albeit a bit red but that subsided after slapping a generous amount of moisturiser on. It cleared away the dry bits around my nose without problem. With this tub you can get a fair amount of usage out of it, I used it about ten times but I didn't cake it on.

Overall I would repurchase. It does what it says on the tub, and for £5.95, I wouldn't say that pricey considering what it is and the ingredients in it. Buy it here.

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No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser

Hi everyone!
Skincare is a difficult thing to blog about as everyone has different skin and wants different results from their skincare. Some skincare is pricey and not worth it, some are little gems and come cheap as chips. However today I want to talk about an alternative to the holy grail that is the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser.

The No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser has the same premise behind it: rub on, rub off with the muslin cloth that has been in warm water. The texture of the cream is quite thick and there is a slight fragrance to it, think more baby product smell rather than perfumed. I like the packaging too as you can see exactly how much you have left.

When I used this I took my makeup off first then used eye make up remover simply because I can't stand the cloth having massive black marks over it. After using it my skin felt soft and fresh - always a bonus. After a week of using it I think my skin looked brighter, and it felt a lot better to the touch!

I definately would recommend this product, a definate 9/10. It is not the cheapest product out there at £9.95 but I think its worth every penny.

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Freebies!

Hi everyone! Just a quick line to tell you about some make-up and skincare sample freebies going around.

Maybelline BB Cream Sample
Get three sachets of their new light shade BB cream! BB creams are great, especically for days when lighter coverage is wanted.

Une Foundation Sample
Done via boots, get a free 1ml Sample.

YSL 7 Day Trial Sample
This is what I was most excited about. Click to print the voucher and take to any participating YSL counter for a free sample of their new Touche Eclat Foundation!
I have this and am planning a review :)

Garnier Ultralift Challenge
Register and get 14 free sachets of their Ultralift cream!

Get in there quickly and don't miss out!

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Body Shop Buys: Under £3

I love the body shop. I really do. You go in and there are fruity smells everywhere, it's like a party in your nose. With that said I don't shop in there too often. However I found 3 Beauty Buys Under £3 that if you don't already have, you should.

1) Born Lippy Pot Lip Balm in Satsuma Shimmer. £2.00.
This smellts absolutely devine. Just like satsumas (suprisingly). The Pot Lip balms are really good value for money, they are very moisturising and they are perfect to pop in your bag. The satsuma shimmer does have little golden glitter particles, but as the swatch shows they aren't overpowering and they aren't gritty on the lips which is always a bonus. They do other flavours too so if not this scent, definately pick up another!

2) Facial Brush with Lid. £3.00.
Not going to lie, I was cynical when I picked this up. It is tiny (the same size as the above lipbalm) and I thought it would take loads of effort to exfoliate the face with. I'm glad I bought it though. It's great to use with a cleanser as the bristles aren't scratchy and after rinsing the face is left smooth. Win.

3) Strawberry Hand Cleanse Gel. £.2.50.
I love cleansing gel as it makes me feel clean. I like this hand cleanse gel as it makes me feel clean without smelling like I'm in a hospital. It smells lovely and is a handy handbag size. Plus it fits in my pinny at work so I  can be clean on the go.

Have any of you tried any of these? Let me know below :)

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No7 Beauty Bargains

Got a spare £5 off No7 Voucher lying around?  Here a few ideas on what to use it on (rather than on the face wipes).

1) No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make-Up Remover. £7.75 (£2.75 with Voucher).
Cuts through waterproof mascara like there is no tomorrow.  Shake, apply to cotton wool and wipe.
It DOES leave an oily residue behind but that can be easily wiped off.

2) No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour. £7.00 (£2.00 with Voucher)
I bought 'Crave Me' a corally red. It's such a summery colour, goes well with any colour clothing. 2 coats and your off. The brush is quite wide too which is a bonus.

3) No7 Eye Contour Brush. £7.25 (£2.25 with Voucher)
This brush is AMAZING for blending and it's soft. Gets right into the crease. Its good quality (I haven't experienced shedding, even after washing). Just over £2 for a make-up brush? Yes please!

Remember these are valid until 15th July, so check your purse or ask friends and family (thats what I did).

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Glossybox June 2012

Getting a Glossybox is like marmite. You either love the box or you hate it. As soon as they land on your doorstop there is a fluffy of excitement to open it. Then the reviews go online (same as this one really). Did you get the 'good' box or the 'bad' box?

June 2012 seems to be a good month. May I present: The June 2012 Glossybox:

What did I get you ask?

1) Yves Rocher France Mini Mascara ultra-volume Sexy Plump

Firstly that is a very long name for a mascara. It's tiny. Should be good for a night out or handbag usage. The brush looks massive. I did apply this to the lashes and they had 'volume' but I don't know about 'sexy'...

Would I pay £16.90 for the full size? No. Why? It's not fantastic.

2) BM Beauty Summer Warmth Bronzer

I like make up in Beauty boxes, my whole reason for signing up. I like the colour: a goldy brown shimmer with no glitter particles. The problem I have with this sample is the size. The pot is tiny. How are you supposed to get a bronzer brush in there? Without getting it everywhere that is. But I like the color a lot. May use for contouring.

Would I pay £8.00 for the full size? Probably! Why: Its a pure mineral bronzer that does what it says. Its not an overpowering  colour either = win.

3) Glossybox Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush

It is just me, or by putting the logo on it they have automatically make it look like a 'cheap' product? Maybe I'm picky. I do actually like this brush though. It doesn't pick too much product off, and it doesn't feel like straw down your face.

Would I pay £15.00 for the full size? Maybe. Why? Because I've discovered Real Techniques brushes and I think they are better.

4) Vichy Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick

Quite excited by this I've seen lots about it in the beauty world. And its a generous size. Go Glossybox. Will try this out on the next night out I go on (tomorrow) as its only then I really wear 'heavy' makeup.

Would I pay £19.00 for the full size? Will get back to you on that.

5) Clean Start Kit by Dermalogica

Now this, for me, is the best product I've seen in a Glossybox for a while. I've tried them out before (Topshop student night goodybag) and I did like them. The best thing is they've given us the three-step, so you can try it out as a skincare routine per-se.

And the moisturiser has SPF in. I am NOT going to lecture about the benefits of SPF blah blah but if its there and you don't have to go out of your way to put it on surely thats a good thing?

The toner is a spray too which is really awesome. Try putting it in the fridge... its a lovely spritz to the face.

Would I pay £12.00 for the full size? I would. Why? Awesome for travelling.

So in a nutshell: I like it. This box shows what a beauty box should be like. However, would have loved some HD brows pluckers. Do you agree?

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