Olay Regenerist Advanced Age-Defying Eye Roller Treatment Review

In the final post this week on my current skincare I am concentrating on my eyes.

For the last few weeks I have been using new Olay Regenerist Advanced Age-Defying Eye Roller Treatment twice a day and am quite excited to share my review. I have to say that I don't often get excited about eye care products as so many promise and don't really deliver..

Micro Rollers

Olay say

3 precision micro-rollers gently massage a concentrated hydrating treatment into the skin to help reduce eye puffiness instantly. The formulation with Olay moisture helps to smooth the skin's surface. The advanced formula with penta-peptide technology helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye are.

My thoughts 

One click of the pen provides enough cream to do both eyes. I love how easy and gentle this eye roller pen is to use and it is non messy. As soon as you apply it the area feels hydrated and the area looks smooth and plumped up. I have been using this for just over 3 weeks now and am clearly seeing an improvement in the eye area. I have mentioned many time how crepey and old the area around my eyes look. Years of Hay fever and rubbing my eyes have done a lot of damage. However, with continued use I am noticing that the area under my eyes looks so much more smoother and far less crepey. I have a couple of deep lines which haven't really gone but the finer lines have reduced and the area looks brighter and feels more hydrated so when I use a concealer (for the dark shadows that are genetic) it is much easier to apply and looks nice and fresh.

Final thoughts - I am liking the ease of use and the results of this eye treatment a lot.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Age Defying Eye Roller costs £21.99

*PR Sample

BlanX White Shock Toothpaste Review

Wouldn't you love a toothpaste that actively whitens your teeth every time you smile?

Well that is the claims of the latest toothpaste from BlanX - White Shock with LED Accelerator 

BlanX say

Whitens teeth from first application. Non abrasive toothpaste. Non peroxide

The only toothpaste in the world containing Actilux, an innovative formula protected by 2 international patents.

LED light has been designed to boost the effect of the toothpaste

Actilux is deposited on the surface of the teeth and remains active throughout the day, whitening teeth naturally. Every time you smile Actilux reacts to light, naturally whitening and removing bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay.

My thoughts

Needless to say whilst I have been trialling BlanX White Shock I have been smiling at every opportunity :-)

The LED attaches to the toothpaste and activates it as it comes out of the tube, but you can also apply the light over teeth to give it an added boost.

The paste is a gel formula and tastes lovely - minty and fresh.

I have now finished the tube of paste and have noticed that my teeth appear to be brighter. I would imagine that this would work exceptionally well after having had your teeth cleaned or whitened professionally, maintaining the results. Personally I don't whiten my teeth but I do like the idea of the gentleness of this paste. I found the results to be subtle but effective.

BlanX White Shock (50ml) with LED £6.99 
BlanX White Shock (75ml) £4.99

*PR Sample

Olay Total Effects 7 In One Moisturiser & Serum Duo Review

Just a few years ago we would wash our faces, follow with a moisturiser (most probably Oil of Ulay Lotion) and away we go, these days we are bombarded with adverts for moisturisers, serums and oils that promise to give us all wonderful hydrated and youthful looking skin. I must admit I use all these products and spend a fair amount of my time applying them morning and evening.. but like everyone else in these ever busy times I am always on the look out for time saving products - the lazy girl's version!

The latest moisturiser from Olay is Total Effects 7 in One Moisturiser + Serum Duo SPF20 - 

One bottle - two skincare products to be applied in the morning

Olay say 

This is our most concentrated daily 7 in 1 product, with SPF20. It combines a proven 7-in-1 anti-ageing moisturiser PLUS an intense serum.

It provides the Total Effects maximum anti-ageing power with essential hydration, plus it protects skin with broad spectrum SPF 20 (UVA/UVB) and anti-oxidants to fight the 7 signs of ageing. Micronised mineral pigment adds a soft focus effect finish to immediately blur the look of visible imperfections.

Results

Visibly younger looking skin.

One pump of the moisturiser + serum do 

My thoughts 

This has the same lovely fresh scent of the other Total Effects products, texture wise this is a fairly thick cream once out of the bottle but it is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. One pump dispenses ample to cover my face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft, velvety and hydrated all day, a great base to apply primer and then my foundation.

I have been using this for just over 3 weeks now and have to say I like the way my skin is looking right now . I like using this moisturiser + serum duo and will be finishing the product.

On a shallow note I love the swirly  look of the serum and moisturiser and the fact that the tube is clear so I can see it as it goes down and know how much I have left..

Moisturiser, serum and high SPF and all in one tube, at a reasonable price point, this is a great product.

Olay Total Effects Moisturiser + Serum Duo costs £16.99 for 40ml

*PR Sample

Kallo Sweet Jumbo Rice & Corn Cakes Reviewed

I have been eating Kallo Rice Cakes for many years now, mainly as an alternative to bread/sandwiches. I love to fill them with ham and salad or houmous or cucumber and cream cheese and have them at lunchtime.

Recently Kallo sent me two packs of their new Sweet Jumbo Rice and Corn Cakes to try.

Blueberry & Vanilla Flavour

These are just 36 calories a cake and are a pretty shade of lavender. These have a delicate taste of fruity blueberry and are not overly sweet.

Caramel Flavour

The caramel cakes have 40 calories in each one, these are much sweeter. Taste wise I liken them to sugar puffs for grown ups.

I like to eat these whenever a sweet craving comes my way, which is usually at 11am or at 4pm!. Just one (or 2!) satisfies the need for a sweet treat, happily though the calories and fat are so low that you can afford to eat 2...Although I liked both flavours I would most probably purchase the caramel flavour.

Jumbo Rice and Corn Cakes are made with no artificial colours, preservatives or gluten. Suitable for vegetarians.

Kallo Sweet Jumbo packs are available in Tesco stores and cost £1.79

My Hair Loves - Milkshake Conditioning Whipped Cream - Review

I LOVE this leave-in conditioner from Milk_Shake.

In my teens I used a leave-in conditioner mousse from L'Oreal Elvive but it disappeared from the shelves so when this can appeared in December's Glossybox I have to admit to being really quite excited.

Having used this a few times now I am very impressed with the results.

Milk_Shake say 

For all hair types

Formulated to condition the hair keeping moisture balance and preserving the hair colour integrity. It leaves the hair soft, shiny and healthy. The milk proteins improve the hair structure and conditioning, special emollients give long lasting hydration and the integrity guarantees a great colour sealing.

My thoughts

First of all it has real novelty value, it looks like a can of whipped cream, it sprays/squirts like a can of whipped cream and it smells DELICIOUS. The scent is sweet like vanilla - just like Cream Soda in fact. I really am so tempted to lick it off my hands or add it to my hot chocolate.

This no rinse conditioner is light in texture and non sticky, I just apply it to washed towel dried hair and style.. my hair is easy to comb through, making detangling a cinch, and when dry is soft, sleek and manageable and I don't get any frizz, even with the weather we are having.

I don't often rave about hair products but on my hair this is fantastic (and it appeals to the lazy girl in me)

Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream costs £11.94

Sisley Instant Perfect and Global Perfect Pore Minimizer Review

In the second post of my week long skincare routine posts I share with you skincare from Sisley. I like to call these two products The Dream Team as used together they combat some issues that I have with my face - mainly fine lines, pores and the dreaded t-zone shine.. once I apply my foundation my skin is truly flawless.

I have been using both these products for over a month now.

Sisley Global Perfect Pore Minimizer 

Sisley say 

A pore-minimizing skin perfector.

Global Perfect is a powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-around corrective, preventative and treatment action.

At any age, it tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin's surface and ensures flawless skin texture day after day. 

Active Ingredients: 
Java tea extract: regulates sebum production
Lentil extract: combats parakeratosis responsible for deformed pores over time
Ratanhy extract: instant astringent action
Natural Alpha-bisabolol: soothes

Directions for Use:
Apply morning and/or evening to perfectly cleansed skin, alone or under your usual skincare. Non comedogenic.

Results:

Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Pores are tightened.
Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even.
The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed.

My thoughts 

A pleasant herbal scented light cream that is magnolia in colour. I find this to be excellent at disgusing pores and makes the skin appeal smoother and refined. I was applying this before my moisturiser but since changing my moisturiser and finding that it clashed with it and made the product roll, it works better when applied after.

A great skin prep product.

Left Instant Perfect and Right Pore Minimizer

Sisley Global Instant Perfect

A corrective and skin-enhancing product for an instant beauty boost.

Instant Perfect is a siliconated gel emulsion with an ultra-soft touch, which acts instantly to erase skin imperfections and highlight the eyes.
Its formula combines specific active ingredients for a targeted treatment and highly effective and yet imperceptible corrective foundation.

Peptidic soya extract stimulates collagen synthesis for a long term filling and smoothing effect on wrinkles,
Frangipani blossom extract minimises the appearance of dilated pores and improves skin texture,Vegetable Glycerine provides comfort.

Silicone polymers give the texture its “velvety effect”, improve make-up hold, fill in wrinkles and fine lines through an optical effect, and have shine-control properties,a soft-focus powder improves optical light diffusion on the skin surface for a unified complexion and soft-focus wrinkles and imperfections.

Directions for Use

Using light, smoothing strokes with the fingertips, apply locally to the T-zone, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark areas, after day cream and before make-up to optimise its hold.

Instant Perfect can also be used for quick and easy retouches during the day on areas that tend to shine or need brightening up. 

Results:

Fine lines and wrinkles are instantly smoothed and filled in.
Shine, dilated pores, imperfections and dark areas are reduced.
The complexion is radiant and even, the eye area is rested.

My thoughts 

This is a silicone based and velvety textured primer to be applied before foundation, once again this product does exactly what it promises - foundation glides on and lasts, fine lines are smoothed away and not a hint of shine all day.

As these are not just products for instant results but also 'treatment' products with continued use I am noticing an overall improvement in my pores and general condition of the skin with the result that I am actually needing less product to do the same job.

 *PR Samples

GINVERA Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel - Review

This week I will be sharing my current beauty routine with you and today I am starting with GINVERA Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel - with the tagline - Zero Blackheads in 1 step.

GINVERA say 

Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel works by specifically targeting the cornified skin layer, dissolving and removing the dead skin cells on the top most epidermis layer. This gentle yet effective exfoliating action zeros-out blackheads thoroughly and painlessly and helps remove deep layers of dead skin. When the dead skin barrier is removed, the new skin underneath is revealed, allowing your skin’s healthy radiance to glow from within. It helps prevent pimples and controls oil secretion to help you stay shine-free the whole day!

Directions for Use:

Before cleansing, squeeze an adequate amount and apply onto dry face and neck with dry fingers, focusing on the T-zone area in particular. Gently massage in circular motions until you can see small flakes appearing (these are the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin). After massaging, rinse off with water or facial cleanser afterwards.

Claims

1. Rubs away deep layers of dead skin cells

2. Rubs away blackheads painlessly

3. Contracts pores for refined skin

4. Lightens black spots, freckles and scars

5. Removes oil seeds

6. Regulates sebum secretion to prevent pimples

7.Brightens dull complexion

8. Changes dark, rough skin to smooth skin

9. Whitens skin as it gives way to new born skin

10. Enhances quick absorption of skincare products.

My thoughts 

I received this gel in a press bag last Summer and having not heard of the brand I must admit I put it to one side. Before buying a facial exfoliator I checked my box of skincare and makeup still to use and came across this, finally giving it a go..

I have to say I am glad I did. 

On opening the product I wasn't keen on the scent, it doesn't smell as nice as other green tea products I have tried but strangely I haven't noticed the scent since, the strong smell has disappeared.

This is a gel textured, completely smooth and extremely gentle facial exfoliator. On the outer packaging it says you can use this daily and I have been for the last 2 weeks (If you are exfoliating daily or regularly make sure you use a moisturiser with high SPF)

I have found that it glides on smoothly, as it is rubbed it eventually rolls into balls as you can see in the picture above. Once rinsed off my skin is left feeling so smooth, it clears out the pores brilliantly.  Over time this has really cleared up my skin, it looks and feels smoother and much, much brighter (which has been a challenge with the current weather)

I would recommend this product.

GINVERA Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel costs £22 for 60ml and is available online or from Harvey Nichols

*PR Sample

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Limited Edition 10th Anniversary

To celebrate 10 years of Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Elemis have created this gorgeous marine-blue anniversary jar with an embossed silver lid (depicting the hero ingredients of the cream). Contained in a soft velvet pouch and a prettily printed outer box to keep it all safe.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream facial moisturiser is a firm favourite of mine, despite me trying many products over the years and even more since I started blogging, it has remained on my Beauty Essentials list. 

Pro Collagen Marine Cream has won 21 beauty awards, comes in a light gel-cream texture and smells amazing. An impressive product where the results are visible.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 10th Anniversary special edition celebratory jar costs £99 for 100ml and is available from April 1st 2013.

*PR Sample

Win 1 of 3 Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kits

Tomorrow I will be starting my Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit trial and will be following up with a review of the results on these pages .. This peel and serum duo treatment promises to help combat the signs of ageing by removing a layer of dead skin cells & improving the skin's overall firmness, tone & hydration.

*Win*

Sanctuary Spa are offering 3 readers of BeautySwot.com the chance to win their own kit (worth £22.50) and try the 30 Day Youth Revolution out for themselves.

Hiow to enter 

• You must be a follower of this blog - Please leave a comment stating how you are following the blog and what your favourite childhood film was and why. 
• You can gain an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway. Just tag your tweet with @BeautySwot at the end so I can see it. 

The (not so) Small Print -

• Maximum entries per person is 2
• Open only to UK residents
• All entries will be logged and numbered, and the winners will be selected by www.random.org
• Entries close at 23.59pm, 7th April 2013 
• Winners and instructions as to how to claim your prize will appear on the blog on Monday 8th April. You will have 48 hours to get in touch.

 Thank you and good luck!

Perfume Sample Saturday - Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'eau

Flicking through April's Easy Living Magazine I found this perfume sample on a page. I love the original Narciso Rodriguez EDP and from the name L'eau, I was expecting this to be a lighter Summer version of this scent.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'eau is the newest EDT from Narciso Rodriguez, described as a floral fragrance - A heart of musk enhanced by a soft yet bursting floral opening..

Top notes - Jasmine, Cyclamen and Peony
Heart notes - Amber, Rose and Lily of the Valley
Base notes - Patchouli and Musk

My thoughts 

This reminds me a lot of Issey Mayake's L'eau d'Issey from the early 90's. As ever, curious to see why I was reminded of it and to confirm my feelings, I went and had a look and found that they share many of the same notes in their composition.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'eau is an extremely fresh and pleasantly light floral fragrance. Once I had opened the sample the magazine smelt so fabulous I couldn't help keep returning to smell it and on my skin it retains that lovely sparkling freshness. I like this a lot.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'eau EDT costs £32 for 30ml

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion - Review

Aveeno say 

With naturally active colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients. Clinically proven to moisturise skin for 24h and improve condition of dry skin in just 2 week. Absorbs fast. Fragrance free.

My thoughts

I don't often share other people's recommendations but  my mum rang me the other day to rave about a product that really works for her. She wanted me to write about this moisturiser as she thought it would be useful for other's suffering in the same way to know about it.

My mum has been suffering from dry ,flaky, scaly and itchy skin on her legs for a long time now. Despite buying and trying loads of body moisturisers there was no improvement. Her condition was severe enough for her to seek help from the Dr's and she was prescribed two products but neither really worked or gave her the relief she sought, much to her disappointment. Out browsing in Boots one day she came across this bottle of Aveeno and purchased it, feeling she had nothing to lose.

Incredibly within 48 hours her legs were transformed, once again soft, smooth and moisturised and have remained so with daily application. It promises 24 hour moisturisation and that is exactly what it does.

Scent wise this has a very light smell of oatmeal, texture wise it is a lotion formula that absorbs quickly.

This has been her miracle product. A product that performs well.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion 300ml costs £7.15 (now in Boots for £5.10)

Spring Fashion 2013 - Warehouse and River Island

With the British weather being cold, abysmal and dreary for so long I have felt that my clothing choices have been so limited and left me stuck in a rut.  It was definitely time to inject some new life into my wardrobe and with the shops awash with Spring Fashion I could think of no better time to head to the shops and purchase a few key pieces.

Today I could not resist these gorgeous pieces from Warehouse

Accessory - A new handbag in camel shade - two tone faux leather/faux suede with gold detailing. Nice and spacious inside, it will fit everything I need it to.

I think this would look fab teamed with red lippie or nude lips and smoky eyes.

Butterfly Floral Print Cardigan  - I love this lightweight knit cardigan, I am going to wear it with a white T shirt and blue jeans. This is going to look great with a soft pink lipstick or deep petal pink. I can just see it now...

And finally I am SO excited about my new Wedge High Tops from River Island

These black contrast wedges are super comfortable, give me height (9cm heel) and bang on trend! Worn with skinny jeans in any shade, these are my key purchase this season.

Cannot wait to wear them, Spring is looking up :-)

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - Review

The latest Elemis cleanser which apparently was 2 years in the making  - Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago and since then I have been using it twice a day

Elemis say

This powerful treatment cleansing balm dissolves make-up and daily grime. Precious starflower, elderberry and optimega oils, combined with rose and mimosa waves, and anti-ageing padina pavonica help to deep cleanse, nourish and smooth for a glowing complexion.

Directions for use - Smooth over face, neck and decollete gently massaging into skin. Moisten fingertips and continue to massage. Remove with a warm, damp cleansing cloth.

Can also be used as a nourishing treatment, apply with fingertips and massage gently. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe away with a damp cleansing cloth.

My thoughts

Complete with a soft fluffy flannel this cleansing balm is absolutely beautiful. It has a wonderful aroma that changes as you are using it, I find it to be calming and citrussy. The blend of oils and waxes melt into the skin like a dream and I find it to be a very effective cleanser which removes make-up perfectly.

My skin is left clean, soft and not tight at all. This is a really gentle product which Elemis says is suitable for all skin types.

Everything you want in a cleanser.

The only downside is the premium price tag, however you do get a lot of balm in the jar so I imagine this is going to last a fair while.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm costs £39.50 for 105g

*PR Sample

Yardley Polaire Eau de Toilette 50ml - Review

Just over a week ago I attended a special launch evening for Yardley's first premium fragrance launch - Polaire. We learnt how to make cocktails in a special masterclass (including creating our very own in a competition!) but more importantly and excitingly for me, got to smell not only the fragrance but also the top , heart and base notes that make up the composition of the fragrance.

Polaire is named after a silent film actress of the early 20th century. The fragrance is inspired by the Art Deco era of the 1920's that is very much back in the spotlight thanks to films such as The Great Gatsby and the revival and evolution of the floral chypres that were first launched back in 1917. These fragrances were representative of the period which empowered women - a period of glamour, elegance, seduction, fun and economic prosperity.

In Polaire, Yardley has created a contemporary floral fragrance that takes you from for day to evening.

Top notes: Green, Pear and Freesia
Heart notes: Rose, Ginger and Pink Pepper
Base notes: Patchouli, Amber and Balsam

My thoughts 

Alone the top notes and the heart notes are just so incredibly gorgeous and appealing, so if Yardley would like to make them into scents I would be first on the list to purchase!

The top notes are fresh and similar to the scent of Green Tea, the heart notes are sweet and floral with the tiniest hint of spice. Once combined with the base notes the scent is transformed.

Polaire is quite sharp when you first spray it but this settles down almost immediately into a sweet powdery floral which is light and long lasting,  I just love it. I have been wearing it loads since receiving it. It smells far more expensive than the price tag suggests.

The bottle is simple and classy with its vintage style and faceted lid.

Sophisticated and sensuous, this is a modern interpretation of the classic floral chype and a great addition to the house of Yardley.

Yardley Polaire EDT 50ml costs £19.99

*PR Sample

25 Things About Me

1. I didn't start drinking tea or coffee until I was 25

2. Natalie Portman is my style and beauty icon

3. I have been to a Buckingham Palace Garden Tea Party and met the Queen and Prince Philip

4. I went on Honeymoon to Hawaii

5. My favourite food is Iranian

6. I have had singing lessons

7. I have a degree in Law

8. I am 4ft 11

9. I don't watch any soaps

10. I have a really good memory which can be a blessing or a curse at times

11. I was the intro voice for a very well known Garage DJ in the 90's

12. I love entering radio competitions and once won a 5* holiday to Crete

13. I am scared of animals

14. I don't like walking on grass or mud

15. I am useless at drawing

16. I make great Panna Cotta

17. I love Dolly Parton

18. For an 'A' level Media Studies module I created a beauty brand and billboard advertising campaign

19. At 13 I wanted to be a Forensic Scientist

20. I love writing poems and short stories

21. Before this blog I had a review site for films and restaurants on the now defunct geocities.com

22. I only ever wear black socks

23. My favourite flowers are roses, in particular Dolce Vita Roses which I had in my bouquet on my Wedding Day

24. My favourite colour is purple

25. My hand to eye co-ordination is appalling

Well that's it, 25 facts about me. I hope you enjoyed learning more about me x

Perfume Sample Saturday - Orla Kiely Eau de Parfum

This little sample bottle appeared in one of my press bags and made the bag smell very nice indeed!

Orla Kiely's first fragrance is described as a charming fragrance of light floral notes, with natural extracts of rose, geranium and bergamot, subtly balanced with fresh fig and a hint of chocolate.

Top notes: Green Tea, peach and fig
Heart notes: Rose, osmanthus, white flowers, chocolate
Base notes: Cedarwood, sandalwood, musk and tonka bean.

My thoughts 

The light and freshness of this scent really appealed to me as unusually the fruit doesn't make it all that sweet. The blend of floral, fruit and musk combined with chocolate makes this a quite unusual scent but infinitely wearable. It contains many separate notes that are already some of my favourites and to smell them altogether results in something really quite very pleasant. I don't seem to pick up the peach or the fig in this perfume so perhaps that it why I don't find it as fruity as I possibly should. The inclusion of Green Tea is much appreciated.

Orla Kiely Eau de Parfum is available in 60 and 100ml and costs £42 or £55.

Lush A Million Kisses Lip Tint - Lips Of The Day

A perfect lip colour for a Friday night. Lush's A Million Kisses Lip Tint is a gorgeously deep pink shade. It does look redder in the tin but on my lips comes out as a dark pink. This mini pot contains a powerful punch of deeply pigmented matte lip colour that stains the lips and comes with the most wonderful scent of Rose. I love it.

However..if applied with fingers you will need to apply with precision and wash your hands after to avoid getting it everywhere!

Bethnal Green Tube Disaster 70th Anniversary Memorial Service

On Sunday 3rd March, I along with family members attended the 70th Anniversary Memorial Service of the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943.

After a very packed and emotional Church service at the Church of St John on Bethnal Green (many tears shed during the reading out of the victim's names), we ventured outside into the Sunshine to view the Stairway to Heaven Memorial and lay flowers and tributes. On the memorial the victims are listed and stories   from survivors and family members appear. So very, very sad.

Although it was hoped that the memorial would be completed in time for the 70th Anniversary unfortunately the stairs are still to be built. Please, please if you can help in any way to raise money or awareness the trust would be extremely grateful.

Bettina x

The Beauty Buzz - Honey Beauty Products

March's iN Mag is out now and this month I am looking at mostly new on the market honey based beauty products. Recently there has been a real buzz for skincare products containing Honey with many products launched using it as an ingredient. However, honey has been used in beauty for centuries, it is well known for its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties and will also leave skin soft to the touch and smelling gorgeous to boot.

You can read my beauty page and check out these sweet treats by clicking on the link below

http://issuu.com/in-magazine.com/docs/inmagessexmarch13/27

Hope you enjoy

Bettina x

Nails Of The Day - Kiko Make Up Milano Patch Nail Lacquer - Pied De Poule

Pied de Poule

Kiko Make Up Milano is an Italian Professional brand that is pretty new to the UK market and a new brand for me, I have been trying out a few items from the Make Up range recently -look out for the reviews coming soon.. but I was also sent some of their new nail products and as my nails are too tiny really to do them justice I passed them on to my lovely sister to try out for me.

Kiko say

Ready-To-Go Patch Nail Lacquer are made entirely from 100% nail polish. Each patch consists of a unique 3-in-1 layer system, containing base coat, colour and top coat, giving long-lasting wear and maximum colour brilliance.

Easy to apply and with no drying time or heat needed, they give a flawless finish that has been tested to last up to 14 days. As each nail patch is made with 100% real nail polish it is easy to remove using your regular nail polish remover.

There are eight colour nail patches to choose from -

Ready-To-Go COLOUR Patch Nail Lacquer – available in red (review coming soon) for full and brilliant colour.

Ready-TO-Go FLUO Patch Nail Lacquer – fluorescent shades in Hot Pink (review soon) & Orange.

Ready-To-GO ART Patch Nail Lacquer – creative patterns and detailed designs, available in Timeless Leopard, Black Leopard, Taupe Lace, Pied de Poule and Glitter Gradation Pink

My thoughts

I loved the dog tooth print design, I instantly fell in love with it and thought it was really eye catching.

My sister said she found them a little fiddly to apply but they look great once on - I know that people have been asking about her nails this morning!

We have yet to see how long it lasts but so far so good..

Ready-To-Go Patch Nail Lacquer cost £5.90 for each pack and are available from Kiko Stores or online at www.kikocosmetics.com

*PR sample

Perfume Sample Saturday - Versace Bright Crystal EDT

Versace Bright Crystal - Sheer sensuality, crystal transparency and luminous brightness: A precious jewel of rare beauty characterized by a fresh, vibrant, flowery scent.

Top notes: Yuzu, Ice Accord, Pomegranate

Heart notes: Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower

Base notes: Acajou, Plant Amber, Musk

My thoughts

Ah Bright Crystal..my initial thoughts were that it was similar to Estee Lauder's Dazzling Gold but as I last smelt it many, many years this was a memory that could be quite wrong but I am sure there are some similarities in its floral style. 

This EDT is bright,clear and quite simply bursting with floral fruitiness. Yuzu is a citrus fruit but I am not really detecting citrus when I smell this scent, just a general fruitiness. The floral aspects of Bright Crystal are far more in abundance and override the fruitiness, to my nose anyway. This is not a warming scent but a cool fresh scent.

Overwhelmingly feminine, this is a real Spring/Summer scent.

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette costs £47 for 50ml

Dr.Jart+ BB Creams Reviewed

I was sent these BB Cream samples from Dr.Jart+ after winning a twitter competition. I have been trying them out and am now ready to share my thoughts on them.

I have to say I have pretty much ignored the BB (blemish/beauty balm) Cream craze as I just preferred the coverage from a traditional foundation and with the launch of CC (complexion correcting) creams it would seem that things have moved on..

However I was rather excited to be trying out the Dr.Jart+ brand as it originated in Korea (BB creams started in Asia) and was one of the first ones.

What is a Beauty Balm? - Skincare regimen in one tube - moisturises, protects and corrects. No foundation needed. BB is your  moisturiser, sunscreen and treatment serum while hiding uneven skin tone so well that it minimises the need for foundation or concealer. Skin looks smooth, perfect and natural.

I was sent 3 of the BB creams in the range to try

Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream SPF25 50ml £18

Ideal for those aged 20-35s with a soft application which gives natural, fresh looking skin and controls sebum production.

My thoughts 

This is very light and natural looking. It did a good job on evening out skin tone and felt really hydrating, I felt that personally I needed more coverage on my redness and it did nothing to cover blemishes. It also got darker after application. That said there was no appearance of the dreaded shine that I always get as the day progressed.  I did need to do a second application to feel happy about leaving the house however all pores were covered but I found that my skin drank up this product so that after a couple of hours my pores were visible again.

Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Cream SPF40 40ml £24

A slightly glossy, low coverage cream which helps fight ageing. Particularly suitable for those over 30.

My thoughts

Initially I liked this, the texture of the Dr.Jart+ BB creams are really nice, they blend beautifully and it did leave a pretty dewy effect but the level of coverage again wasn't enough for my purposes. The tone is ash like on application (as was the water fuse version) but once blended it does work with your skin so looks more natural

Swatches of Water Fuse and Premium 

Dr.Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream SPF30 50ml £21

Provides strong coverage for redness and spots which won't rub off as easily as traditional cosmetics. Skin will look brighter, whilst still suitable for problem and sensitive skin. Particularly suitable for those between 20 and 35.

My thoughts

Unsurprisingly this was my favourite and actually I really liked this that I would consider purchasing it. I love the fact it has a high SPF, it feels so nice and moisturising on the skin with a smoothing velvety finish. Provides almost perfect coverage. I only needed to add a little more over slightly more problematic areas to gain a flawless appearance. It lasted all day and with no shine. A real winner for me.

Swatches of Regenerating Balm

To sum up, I loved the Regenerating BB cream which was perfect for my needs and the ideal time saving product.

Dr.Jart+ BB Creams available from Boots.com and selected Boots stores.

Will you be trying any of these ?