Beauty Review: Boots 17 Waterproof Mascara

So when I got up last Sunday morning I wasn’t exactly planning on giving the Boots' 17 Waterproof mascara such a vigorous trial. I had in mind a day by the pool to see if it gave me panda eyes after a brief dip. But instead I found myself on a high-speed boat in the sea off Ibiza being thrown around and then thrown – quite literally – into the sea. And you know what? Not a panda eye in sight!


Do you wear waterproof mascara for water activities? Or go mascara-free? Or just hope for the best?!

Beauty Review: Nair Silky Sensations hair removal cream

With less than a week until I jet off to Ibiza with my girlfriends - to celebrate my birthday and my friend's birthday - I have given up the rather ambitious dream of a washboard stomach but thanks to the lovely people at Nair, I will be hair-free when I put my bikini on next week.

When getting beach ready: do you wax? Shave? Or use removal cream? Shaving is a pain. Waxing is a drain on my purse - and pretty painful too. Removal cream is cheap and pain-free. What's not to love? Really?


I already used Nair's removal cream for my bikini line and so when I received an email asking if I'd like to try other their new range of Silky Sensations hair removal creams I said, yes please. I was sent both the Silky Sensations cream and the Silky Sensations Sensitive cream. The first boasts Pomegranate and Soy extracts and claims to keep skin smooth for up to seven days. Whilst the second, is enriched with Kiwi, Vitamin C and Anti-Oxidants. Both creams have "a Dual Moisturising Blend and 20% hydration, so you not only get rid of hair, you get radiant, healthy skin, that feels fresher and silkier than ever before".

I chose to try the Silky Sensations Sensitive cream today, as my legs can sometimes be a little problematic. The new cream smell amazing - gone is the old fishy smell and in its place is a yummy fruity scent. No unpleasant stubble rash immediately after, as I sometimes suffer from after shaving and my legs are indeed lovely and smooth and silky.

Hair removal is now a pleasure. I'll be bikini ready in no time! Roll-on beach time!!

How do you get beach ready?

Beauty review: Quickies Nail Polish remover wipes

Bottles of nail polish remover are without a doubt the best way in which to take off that five day old chipped manicure. But when on holiday, another bottle of liquids is just not going to make it into my already over stuffed toiletries bag, so instead I like to take nail polish remover pads. I've tried a fair few in my time too. Recently I tried Boots Conditioning Nail Polish Remover Pads. Cheap they might be, but effective they most certainly are not. It took me two pads to remove the polish from one nail! So move over Boots' Pads and make way for Quickies Nail Polish Remover Pads. These are a little more expensive and the box is slightly bigger but it took me just two pads to remove the polish from both hands! Now that's some hard working pads! And they'll last more than one manicure.

Which brand would you recommend for removing my weekly mani?

New Beauty Alert: b.right Radiant Skincare by Benefit!

Just come across a fabulous new skincare range by Benefit whilst out shopping for a friend's birthday present. Have you ever noticed how no one you know has a birthday for ages and then there are four in one month? Seriously! All I seem to have done recently is shop for other people and there is something wrong with that, in my opinion!! 

Ready, set, GLOW with b.right Radiant Skincare by Benefit! 

"b.right offers skincare essentials that cleanse and moisturise, for a radiantly refreshed, lit-from-within look. Instantly turn on a brighter–looking, more youthful–appearing complexion!"

There are five products in the range and the lovely lady on the Benefit counter was kind enough to give me a sample of a couple, so just as soon as I have finished wrapping presents and have tried them out, I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with them. For now though, check out the range:

Cleanse:

foamingly clean facial wash

1–step gentle facial wash

• thoroughly removes makeup & impurities
• retains moisture for fresh, smooth & luminous skin
• perfect for all skin types

refined finish facial polish

smoothest surface facial exfoliator

• gently exfoliates & smoothes for bright, soft, even skin
• purifies with seaweed extract
• perfect for all skin types

Moisturize: 

total moisture facial cream

hydra–concentrated facial cream

• contains exclusive tri–radiance complex developed for Benefit
• instant deep hydration & long–lasting comfort for soft, supple skin
• perfect for normal to dry skin

triple performing facial emulsion SPF 15 PA++ 

sheer oil–free facial lotion SPF 15 PA++

• contains exclusive tri-radiance complex developed for Benefit
• lightweight, oil–free formula absorbs quickly for instant moisture
• perfect for all skin types

Eyes:

it's potent! eye cream 

brightening eye cream to fade dark circles

• decreases under–eye bags & smoothes fine lines
• hydrates & soothes the skin
• evens out skin tone & helps to reduce puffiness
• perfect for all skin types

And throughout the whole of the month of April Benefit are offering FREE DELIVERY - automatically applied at the checkout. What could be better than that?

BEAUTY REVIEW: Spring Make-Up

we heart it

Springtime has finally sprung here in the northern hemisphere and as we all begin to allow ourselves to dream of sunny days and picnics in the park and bare legs and sandals and long, light evenings and BBQs and, oh well, I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture! My favourite thing about the onset of sunnier and warmier weather is that I can at last do away with the heavy make-up of winter and choose a lighter camoflague. Here are some of my top Spring make-up products that will see you right through the summer too:

Clockwise from top left: L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream; Eyeko Summer Hols nail polishes; Benefit hoola bronzing powder; St Tropez Everyday Light/Medium Gradual Tan (Face); Eyeko Pastel Polish; bliss pore perfecting facial polish; Benefit posietint poppy-pink tinted lip & cheek stain; and L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Solid Perfume.

Let me explain my choices:

L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom collection is, in my opinion, the perfect scent for Spring and this hand cream will continue to keep your hands soft after a cold winter, while the sold perfume is great to keep in your handbag.

I have used Benefit's Hoola bronzing powder for years. It can be pretty dark, so make sure to knock any excess powder off the brush before you apply, but the colour goes on evenly and isn't too orangey. It also works well across the decollage. Posietint is the paler little sister of the popular Benetint. Posietint is just the right shade to add a little colour to cheeks and lips in the summer.

The Eyeko Summer Hols nail polish collection is just the colour to be seen in in your sandals, while Eyeko's Pastel polish fulfills this Spring's big trend.

St Tropez's Everyday Gradual Tan is splendidly moisturising and adds some colour to your winter skin. I don't know about you but my skin is looking oh-so-pale right now and a tan would be just lovely. With the absence of any trips to sunnier climes on the cards, I'm just gonna have to fake it!

Before applying any fake tan, make sure you exfoliate with bliss's pore perfecting facial polish.

What are your go-to Spring make-up essentials? I always love adding new products to my dressing table!

Friend Friday #30: Beauty Products



Source

 I admit it, I am so excited to read everyone else's responses to this week's Friend Friday topic. Aside from fashion, I am addicted to buying the latest make-up or beauty product. During a recent rummage in the cupboard in our bathroom I discovered three - yes, THREE - unopened bottles of fake tan! Now, that seems a little excessive. I have therefore made a pact with myself not to buy any new beauty products until I have used up all of the ones I already have (obviously, I can buy shampoo if I have used up all of my shampoos but still have five bottles of body lotion in the cupboard!!). So, you'd think that with all of this buying, I might know a thing or two about beauty products but I still feel woefully ignorant. But I will do my best for you:


1. What's your favourite drug store makeup product and your favourite higher-end product?

Boots No7 is my go-to make-up brand. Mainly because they so often do their £5 vouchers and I therefore feel myself compelled to spend them! Their mascaras are particularly good and my two favourites are their Exceptional Definition Mascara for evening and their Lash 360 for everyday.

For a little luxury in my make-up bag, I like to treat myself to a Chanel nail polish or two every so often, as you'll know by now, probably!

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

Mascara. Without a doubt, I would not go out without mascara. I do. Of course. But I prefer not to.

I have long long eyelashes - everyone comments - but they do straight out, so I prefer to curl them and then add a quick wipe of mascara.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

Toni & Guy's Straight and Shine Smoothing Balm is the absolute best ever hair product. My hair is frizzy. Frizzy to the point of looking like I had an accident with my fingers, an electric socket and some water! Yep, truly, it is that bad. So, I straighten my hair every single day. But this balm makes my hair so much straighter before I even start to straighten. And it stays straight too. Even if the horrid British weather decides to rain.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

A pixie crop. It didn't look good. In fact, I looked like a boy. No, really. I have such a flat chest and, at 17, had no clue how to dress, that I do just look like a boy!! Agh! A whole year of my life with photos I can not look at. Oh well. You live and learn!

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

I (nearly) always have my nails painted in some bright colour - red, blue, navy, green, purple, black, beige, pink, orange, fuscia - you name it, I've probably got that colour in my collection!

Black eyeliner and kohl is another favourite.

What is your can't-live-without-it beauty product? Which piece of make-up can you not leave the house without? Tell me, tell me!!

Remember to check out the other contributions to this week's discussion over at ModlyChic. And if you would like to be a part of the Friend Friday Group, you can find all of the details here.

Beauty Review: Burt's Bees lip care

When I received an email a little while ago, asking if I'd like to try Burt's Bees products I thought, why not? It's a brand I have heard of but have never actually tried. I was sent two lip care products to try out: the Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter and the Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry.

I noticed on the packaging that they are: 100% natural. Now, I don't profess to be a stickler for these sorts of things. I'm not. But I do like a brand that is.


For the past two weeks I have been using the Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter. I always have some sort of lip care product in my bag but I have never really found one that works. Or maybe I just haven't used one as regularly as I should. Whichever it is, I have been using this lip balm once or twice a day and have realised that my lips are in much better condition. So much so that I've even been putting coloured lipstick on. That might sound like a strange thing to say but I usually only use a very pale MAC lipstick (I think it is called Angel) which doesn't really do much except make my lips look a little shiny. But in the last week I have been putting on a darker Avon lipstick (more on that next week) and my lips are in good enough condition for the lipstick not to look cracked straight away.

The smell of the lip balm was the first thing I noticed. It is such a fruity smell without being too sickly sweet or artificial, which I suppose is due to it being, 100% natural.

I usually use a balm in a pot but the stick is much easier to use and less messy - particularly in the cold weather when you normally have gloves on too!

It's price - of £3.69 - is good for those on a budget (like myself!).

If you're looking for a new lip care product, look no further!

Next week's beauty review will be Avon's Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick.

Beauty Review: No7 Pampering Dry Oil Body Spray

I don't often write beauty reviews on this blog (except for the regular Mani of the Week series) but when I do it is because I have found a product that I just have to tell you about and this is one such product.


I love Baby Oil and the way it moisturises my skin in a way that no other moisturiser I have found does. But I don't like the way it leaves my skin greasy for hours after and gets all over my clothes if I have to get dressed quickly after applying - as is often the case in the morning. I often leave myself with barely enough time to throw some lotion on, dress and run out of the door, let alone wait for any lotion or oil to sink in.

Boots No7 Pampering Dry Oil Body Spray is the perfect solution. It comes as a spray so you don't end up with the oil all over the bottle. It is also easy to apply just the right amount of oil. It dries ultra fast! The smell is subtle and leaves no lasting smell. I find this important as I wear perfume and don't like all of my lotions and potions scents conflicting with each other!

So far this week, I have already noticed that the dry patch of skin on my upper arm is smoother and my legs - which are always dry -  are a little less dry already.

What moisturiser do you use? Or recommend?

Beauty review: Boots No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara

If there is one bit of make-up I feel naked without, it is mascara. Whilst I love to go bare faced, particularly on holiday or at the weekends, I rarely go without a quick coat of mascara. And for me, Boots' No 7 mascaras always do the job. I think that over the years I have probably tried them all. 

You might remember that I raved about their Lash 360 in this post, which is still my favourite for day-time mascara. But I have a new favourite for evening make-up lashes: Boots' No 7 Exceptional Definition Mascara. It has three different types of bristles on the brush that all do different jobs and make eyes and eyelashes so defined. 

Even better, if you buy the mascara at the moment, you get this free autumn palette (above). And, as if that isn't enough, all No 7 make-up and skincare is 3 for 2.

I used the mascara for the first time on Thursday when I went out for dinner with the girls. Here are my before and after shots (I also used the eye shadow palette):

There's even a video on the Boots' website to show you how to apply the mascara - using the brush - properly.

Have you tried Boots' No 7 Exceptional Definition Mascara? What did you think? Which is your favourite mascara?

Beauty review: inside my make-up bag

Before I jetted off to Sardinia, I decided to treat myself some new holiday make-up. My usual go-to when I need new make-up is MAC but after trying Topshop's make-up line when it launched earlier in the year I headed to my high street fav:

Inside my bag: Topshop Skin Glow in Light; Topshop Skin Tint in Light; Topshop Blush in Nutmeg; Topshop Eyeshadow Duo in Rocky Road (left) and No7 Lash 360 Mascara; No7 Extravagant Lashes Mascara.


I love the Skin Glow as it gives my skin a lovely dewy glow. The Rocky Road eyeshadow is perfect for day time wear, right through to evening.


I am a complete mascara addict and was recently raving about Rimmel's latest offering. But for this holiday I went back to a couple of old friends! Boots No7 Lash 360 Mascara is great for day wear. I love the silver retro packaging too - très chic, no? Boots No7 Extravagant Lashes is perfect for maximum evening eye make-up.


Incidentally, while stocks last, if you buy three items from Topshop's make-up collection, you will get a free and fabulous exclusive make-up bag.


What's in your make-up bag?

Beauty Review: Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash

I wasn't sure that I really believed the adverts when I first bought the Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash. But it works. It really does.

I am lazy and that means that when it comes to moisturising, I don't. In the winter that's not so bad as I'm all covered up but come summer and short sleeves and no tights, I have a problem. A flaky skin problem. Which is not very attractive.

This summer was no different. So when I saw the adverts for the Dove Visible Care Creme Body Wash I couldn't help but be a little bit excited. I have to shower, right? And whilst in the shower I use a body wash, right? So now I could exactly what I was doing and still not bother mositurise and my flaky skin would be a thing of the past. It was worth a go.

A month on and I am still using the body wash. I was surprised at how quickly my arms looked better. I even stopped using it for a few days and the flakes came back! I have got a bit better at moisturising my legs but I will not stop using this body wash.

10 out of 10 Dove, thank you very much.

Have you tried Dove's Visible Care Creme Body Wash? If so, what did you think? What is your shower/post-shower regime? Are you lazy, like me? Or are you a bathroom goddess?

Beauty review: St Tropez Wash Off Body Lotion

To me, St Tropez is the last word in fake tanning. I have only ever heard good things about it. So when my mother encouraged me to buy the St Tropez Wash Off Body Lotion I didn't really think twice. I figured that it would be perfect for those sunny mornings when I wanted to chuck on a summer dress and had forgotten to fake tan my legs the night before.

I tested it one Sunday morning. The colour is subtle and doesn't look too orange. However it did take a while, I couldn't just slap it on as I do my fake tan and I had to rub it in properly. My hands were quickly a very grubby brown colour that was difficult to wash off and when I left a little excess for a minute or two in a blob on my leg it left a very dark mark that wouldn't go until I scrubbed it the next morning.

The colour was definitely very true and it didn't run or smudge all day, or come off on my clothes. But it was not quick - I couldn't just slap some on in the morning before work - and it stain my hands. Maybe I'll just have to get myself some of the St Tropez Latex Gloves or the St Tropez Tan Applicator Mitt.

Maybe I'll just have to remember to fake tan the night before. Or wear trousers.

Have you tried St Tropez Wash Off Body Lotion?

Beauty review: Toni & Guy Straight and Shine Smoothing Balm

This is not a new discovery but it is a re-discovery. I have had my Toni & Guy Straight and Shine Smoothing Balm for a few years now but had stopped using it for some completely unknown reason. I started again recently and am not sure I'll ever stop again.


According to the blurb: With an anti-humidity agent to combat frizz, Toni & Guy Straight and Shine Smoothing Balm helps smooth your hair and seal cuticles to maximise the straightening effect.


All I know is, I have frizzy hair and this stuff makes it dry straight and so easy to straighten and stays straight all day! What more could a girl ask for?


What is your can't-live-without hair product?

Beauty review: Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion + Shimmer

One of the things I love about summer is having a tan. Clothes look so much better when teamed with a tan. I think. But we all know that tanning can be dangerous - remember this post earlier in the year?


I won't lie to you, I don't hide away when the sun comes out, inside or under a parasol, I do put on my vest and shorts and head out into it but I do use a high SPF factor cream. After a couple of months of good weather, I usually have a little tan on my arms but no matter how much time I spend in the sun my legs always remain pale and not very interesting.


Every year I venture to try fake tan and every year I find my legs streaky and too embarassing to wear a skirt. This summer I decided to try again.


My mum bought me a bottle of Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion + Shimmer so I thought I'd give it a go. So pleased that I did. It works amazingly well. No streaks and just the right amount of colour.


The lotion is pretty thick and has a sweet sort of smell to it. A little sickly if I was to do my whole body I would guess. I just use a liberal amount as I have been stingy in the past and wonder if this might have contributed to the botched results. I just slap it on everywhere I want it, normally a couple of hours before bed and leave it to air dry/soak in. It also has a slight sparkle to it (suppose that must be the "shimmer") which is pretty and would make it suitable for fake tanning if you were planning on going out without washing it off. IT also allows you to see where it has been applied, I suppose.


In the morning there is the usual biscuity smell I'm afraid. But I have never found one that doesn't have at least a little of this. This one can't be too bad though as the boyf doesn't ever complain about it like he has with others!


Before a shower the colour is usually a pretty dark orange but afterwards gives just a little natural colour. As it is a gradual tanning lotion, you can use it more regularly to build up a deeper colour.


One last thing, it moisturises really really well too. My legs have never felt so smooth - and they are normally horribly dry.


9/10 for Dove's Summer Glow Body Lotion + Shimmer. It would've been 10 but for the smell!


Do you fake tan? Which make do you use?


PS It's on offer in Boots at the moment - for less than £2.50!! (Buy it here.)

Beauty Review: Rimmel London NEW Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer & Volume Flash The MAX

I have a new beauty obsession: my brand NEW Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Waterproof Eye Definer and Volume Flash The MAX Mascara.


I have had so many compliments about my eye make-up this week when wearing these too. If you want to see some photos, I am wearing both the liner and mascara in my outfit photos last Wednesday.


First up the NEW Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Waterproof Eye Definer:

It is a sort of creamy eyeliner that isn't quite a pencil. It twists out. I had one like this from MAC last summer and loved it but once the point had worn down it was neigh on impossible to get a point back, this Rimmel liner has a nifty little sharpener in the other end! Clever. It also has a smudging brush to get a sexy smokey eye. It goes on easily and stays put all day. I haven't tested its waterproof qualities yet. I have it in black at the moment but it comes in 5 different shades.


Now the NEW Rimmel London Volume Flash The MAX Mascara:

I am lucky to have long eyelashes already so that is never a problem but they can be quite flat, so I like something that draws them out and keeps them curled all day. This is a rich black colour and coats all of the lashes easily. No lumps yet but I find that new mascaras are always great, whether they stand the test of time is another matter. Well shall see. Comes in black and a waterproof version too.

Have you tried Rimmel London's new make-up? What is your summer make-up must have?