Ciate Paint Pots In Talent Scout - Nails Of The Day

Today's Nails Of The Day are from the October Glossybox - Ciate Paint Pot in the shade Talent Scout, a gorgeous and rich purple creme. Two coats achieved a glossy opaque finish that is perfect for Autumn/Winter.

British Beauty Blogger Eye & Blush Palette & Eye Pencil Kit

British Beauty Blogger AKA Jane Cunningham was one of the very first bloggers that I followed and I still read her site today and so I was delighted to find out that she had created a small range of makeup products with high street giant Marks and Spencer. In their own right they have really upped the ante with their beauty department - bringing in quality niche brands and revamping their own ranges.. I guess it was only natural for them to look at what was going to be the next big thing. In my mind it is bloggers collaborating with brands and they couldn't have had a better fit with Jane and her delightful little collection. Featuring eyeshadows, eye liners, nail polish, bronzer and lip products.

The packaging for the limited edition capsule collection features illustrated designs from fashion and beauty illustrator Nuno Da Costa. Clean white packaging with striking black and white drawings that have a flash of colour, this is so Jane and the price point incredibly affordable.

I was sent the eye products to review and I just couldn't wait to have a little play!

Eye & Blush Palette £14

There is a lovely mix of shades in this palette, all you need from neutrals for day and smokey shades for night, the pigment is excellent, the quality brilliant and the shadow has good staying power. The inclusion of the blush is a fab idea as then you can leave out taking a separate blusher if you are away for the weekend/holidays.

Eye Pencil Kit £15

Jane has chosen the pencil shades well, I would wear and use every single one of these colours. There is a brown, grey, black and glittery black (ideal for party season), navy and wonderful pops of colour in the green, turquoise and purple. Whilst I wouldn't wear the lighter colours as I would the darks I would (and already have) used them to line and brighten the eye area. Texture wise they are soft to apply with no drag but hard enough for precision...

With eight pencils in this kit makes it outstanding value.

With this little collection.. the eyes have it!

British Beauty Blogger MakeUp Collection is available from Marks & Spencer now

*PR Samples

Party Outfit - An Alternative To The Little Black Dress - Outfit Of The Day.

I was going to a Surprise Birthday Party and my first thoughts were to wear the usual LBD which I adore and feel comfortable in ..however I soon changed my mind having tried five of them and just not feeling it!

I had recently purchased a black blazer and thought it an ideal time to wear it, pulled out a statement t-shirt, popped on my skinny jeans and added some nude heels for some height, well being only teeny tiny I need all the help I can get and these have the added bonus of elongating my legs.

The look was completed with red lipstick and lashings of mascara.

Voila! I was party ready!

Rimmel London BB Cream Matte Light Review

Rimmel London say 

A fresh take on the 9-in-1 skin perfecting super makeup, in a matte formula.

Minimises the appearance of pores, mattifies and controls shine all day.
Smoothes and soothes skin.
Conceals dark circles and helps prevent blemishes.
Dermatologist Tested. Clinically Tested. Non Comedogenic.
SPF15

Available in shades Light & Medium 

My thoughts 

I was sent this small sample in October's GlossyBox and the shade given was light.

Honestly I wasn't holding out much hope for this bb cream, I seem to (well my skin does) prefer the higher end bases but I was really quite pleasantly surprised.

I am still trying to work out the 9 things that it does but all I can say is that the shade is perfect, the texture and consistency is ideal for blending into the skin and the coverage is simply magnificent.

Pores are covered, skin looks bright and even and redness concealed. It lasts the whole day and true to its word there is no t zone shine. The only little thing that I would say is that I didn't really notice that it was matte, you can achieve a more matte appearance by setting with powder but I am happy with the finish without powder.

For just £6.99 I am incredibly impressed by this BB Cream. A big limitation is that it only comes in two shades - Light and Medium.

Rimmel London BB Cream Matte £6.99

L'Oreal Infallible Nail 001 Stay Nue - Nails Of The Day

Today's Nails Of The Day are from the L'Oreal Infallible Nails Collection - The shade (Stay Nue) is such a pretty shade of fleshy/peachy nude.. I love it!

L'Oreal Infallible Nails are inspired by a salon gel manicure, with glorious shine and up to 12 days wear. I am wearing 3 coats and managed 3 days before wear and tear started to show on one nail...

Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Eye Pencil

Eye of Horus is a new brand for me and my first introduction to it is pretty impressive.

I was sent the new Scarab Sapphire Goddess Eye Pencil to try.

Eye of Horus say 

Eye of Horus’ Goddess Eye Pencils are exceptionally highly pigmented and easy to apply with a smudging applicator on the reverse end. The formulas are waterproof, smudge-proof and long lasting.

My thoughts

The Scarab Sapphire Goddess Eye Pencil is a wonderfully rich and intensively pigmented deep indigo blue shade with a metallic touch to it that leaves a lovely multifacted sheen.

It applies softly applying colour and coverage with no drag and once it dries it does not budge.

This is a fabulous alternative shade to black as it picks up the colour in my green eyes and brings them alive. I can see myself using this a lot.

Here I am wearing it

Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Eye Pencil costs £17.50 and is available from their website and Cocktail Cosmetics. 

*PR Sample

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Hand Cream

No7 say 

Visibly younger. This super hydrating, easily absorbed, protecting and renewing formula has been created to target the signs of ageing and help your hands have a more youthful future. It intensively conditions with day long moisturisation for softer and smoother skin and works to reveal younger looking hands in 4 weeks. Fine lines are visibly reduced, skin feels more supple with improved elasticity and looks more even.

My thoughts 

This is a lovely cream, it has a scent that is one that I would call a real cream fragrance. Texture wise it is a curious mix of feeling light on the skin, instantly absorbing with a non greasy finish and yet also feeling rich and comforting at the same time. Hands are left feeling comfortable and moisturised, super soft and appearing smoother for hours. It also has added protection of SPF15 which is fabulous.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Hand Cream 75ml £10.50

*mini sample 

October 2014 Glossybox - Andy Warhol Inspired Pop Art Collector's Edition Box

Ooh I absolutely love the print on this month's GlossyBox! The Andy Warhol Pop Art design is so apt for a beauty blogger and is bright and cheery for this dreary October ... I will have no problems recycling this after I have used the contents.

As ever though, the outer is very nice but do the contents live up to expectation...

What's inside the October Glossybox

Inside my box features no less than 4  full size products, a fairly generous perfume sample and a bonus sample product.

From Left to Right -

Etre Belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel € 12.95 (Full Size)

They say - Get replenished and defined lips in an instant with this moisturising lip exfoliator. The gentle formula removes dead cells, refining the skin's surface for perfectly soft lips.

Out of all the products this is probably the one I am least enthused about getting use from as my lips are in pretty good condition, but you never know with the changing weather this could come in useful.

Yves Rocher France Quelques Notes D'Amour 5ml sample (Full Size £33 for 30ml)

They say - This scent encapsulates the feeling of falling in love through fusing notes of Damascus Rose , Guaiac Wood and Patchouli.

I like perfume samples and this is handy to pop into my weekend bag. This scent is lovely too, a bit like a delicious Turkish Delight.

So Susan Cosmetics Flutter Mascara £14.95 (Full Size)

They say - An intense carbon-black mascara formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible.

I am always up for trying new mascaras and this sounds good, watch this space for my review!

Nuxe Creme Fraiche de Beaute Mask £19.50 (Full Size)

They say - A 24hr moisturising mask which hydrates and soothes the skin, instantly reducing discomfort or redness. Skin is left looking radiant and relaxed.

I am a big fan of Nuxe products so I am looking forward to trying out this mask which sounds ideal for the Winter months.

Ciate London Paint Pot £9 (Full Size)

I received Talent Scout a purple creme shade that be dressed up or down.

Bonus product - Rimmel London BB Cream Matte (sample size)

They say - This mulitasking 9 in 1 skin perfecting makeup cream with a natural formula contains kaolin, witch hazel and salicyclic acid for a flawless matte look.

I haven't tried this BB Cream so I will be interested to see how I get on with it, watch this space for the review..fingers crossed it is shade perfect!!

Final thoughts

This month's box represents outstanding value and with a great mix of products enclosed.

Thumbs up.

*PR Sample

Vaseline Lip Therapy Queen Bee

Buzz - Have you heard?

The fourth limited edition Vaseline Lip Therapy is Queen Bee, this honeylicious lip balm has a delicious light honey scent and leaves lips feeling soft and conditioned. Plus, I cannot get over just how cute the shimmery gold and black striped tin is!

Limited Edition Vaseline Queen Bee 20g RRP £3.99 is available from Boots and Tesco stores 

*PR Sample

Calvin Klein Reveal EDP - Review

As Summer changes to Autumn and Autumn turns to Winter I like to swap my perfume to something a bit more season appropriate and this is where the delightful new fragrance from Calvin Klein enters...

Calvin Klein Reveal EDP is described as defining a new olfactive category – the solar oriental –
characterised by intriguing duality, unexpected freshness, and enveloping warmth.

For the first time in fragrance, a highly sensorial raw salt signature captures traces of the erotic scent of skin. The surprising raw salt signature melts into a heart of glorious orris, and the drydown is characterised by sensual sandalwood, reverting back to Calvin’s core identity.

Top Notes: Salt, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, White Pepper
Heart Notes: Oris, Ambergris, Solar Accord
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Musk, Cashmeran

My thoughts 

Reveal is a bit of a revelation for me as it starts off fresh, a little salty which I simply adore and then with almost perfect timing draws slightly sweet and with an intense warmness that is like being wrapped in Cashmere. Rarely do perfume descriptions describe perfectly what you get but in this case it is literally on the note...Warm, sensual and sophisticated. I love it. 

Calvin Klein Reveal EDP 50ml costs £52 from Debenhams 

*PR Sample

Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing Face Cleansing Gel Review

I am already a fan of Karin Herzog products, I think I am now on my third or fourth pot of the Vita-Kombi Day and Night Cream Moisturiser which I like to use as a night cream. I loved the deliciously scented Finest Chocolate Cleansing Gel as well so when the opportunity came up to try another cleanser from the range I jumped at it.

Karin Herzog say 

A dual action cleanser and highly effective makeup remover that successfully removes
impurities while simultaneously conditioning the skin. Formulated with nourishing sesame oil and pure essential oils, this professional strength product helps to unclog pores, dissolve impurities and remove waterproof makeup without stinging or irritation, even in the sensitive eye area.

Benefits:

• Gently cleanses, without the use of harsh detergents
• Highly effective even for waterproof makeup
• Effectively removes dirt, sebum and makeup from the pores
• So gentle that it is suitable even for the most sensitive eyes
• Restores the skins optimal pH balance, priming it for the subsequent
  application of oxygen products.
• Leaves the skin feeling hydrated, soft and supple
• Contains no preservatives

My thoughts 

A tiny bit of product goes a long way, the slightly waxy gel balm comes out almost solid but melts with the warmth of the skin so that you can work it into the skin. It has a very pleasant coconut scent. I find it to be really effective at removing makeup and an exceptional, gentle facial cleanser. It leaves skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and looking clear, bright and radiant.

A wonderful, rich cleanser now the weather is turning colder.

Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing Face Cleansing Gel 50ml £38 available online from Karin Herzog, Fenwick and SpaceNK 

*PR Sample

Nail Inc Whitechapel Snowflake Polish

Nails Inc Whitechapel Snowflake Polish is my Nails Of The Day today, it is a gorgeous and sparkly mix of gold glitter and white flakes to mimic the effect of falling snow. It looks super pretty under lights, just like glistening snow.

I popped it over two coats of the nude polish Colville Mews for this cool and snowy effect. However, I am thinking it will look incredible over a dark blue/navy polish too, so this is what I will be doing next with it. Party season is already looking up!

Nails Inc Whitechapel Snowflake Polish is £16 from Debenhams 

*PR Sample

Bareminerals Survivor Lipgloss For Look Good Feel Better

To support Breast Cancer Awareness Month bareMinerals has teamed up with Look Good Feel Better to launch an exclusive pink lipgloss. This partnership aims to raise awareness and provide vital funds for the charity.

Survivior is a suit all Carnation pink shade - as with all Marvelous Moxie Lipglosses, it is infused with vitamins and minerals to smooth and hydrate lips, lips look fuller for a luscious pout. It features a delicious minty scent and is super glossy with sheer to medium opacity. 

For those who love a tingle, this gloss certainly has it!

For each sale of this £16 lipgloss a very generous £5 will go directly to the Look Good, Feel Better charity.

Look Good Feel Better is the only international cancer charity, providing free skincare and make-up workshops and self-help materials to help women and teenagers combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment.

Available now from bareMinerals boutiques and online at bareMinerals. 

*PR Sample

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask

I recently had my hair highlighted and felt it needed some TLC, it seems to have lost its way after styling and heat damage so I thought a treatment was in order.

I absolutely love the L'Oreal Ever Sleek range and fancied trying something else from within the Ever range - I opted for the EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask for coloured and dry hair. It is designed for colour weakened hair.

This range is sulphate free and features botanical oils of Rosemary and Mint. It claims to respect the hair fibre and protect coloured hair, just what I am looking for!

Instructions for use - A generous walnut sized blob of the mask on the hair, distribute evenly and leave for 3-5 mins.

My thoughts

The mask has a lovely and rich minty scent and the texture is relatively thick. As soon as it is rinsed out hair feels instantly smoother. Having blow-dried my hair and then straightened it I noticed a real difference to the finish, smoother, sleeker and more defined hair. It looked and felt so healthy.

I will be using this once a week to keep my hair healthy and manageable.

Top marks for this as my hair loves it.

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask costs £7.30

OPI Skating On Thin Iceland - Winter 2014 Nordic Collection

Today's Nails Of The Day come from one of OPI's Winter 2014 Nordic Collection.

Skating On Thin Iceland is a rich plum creme shade that has a pretty glossy finish. This is two coats.

Available from Debenhams

Dior Diorskin Star Foundation Review

Dior Diorskin Star Foundation SPF30 is the newest foundation from Dior and as there was a sample in my RED magazine I was only too happy to give it a try!

Dior say

A new weightless perfecting liquid foundation with a high concentration of brightening pigments and ingredients. Diorskin Star maximises light, neutralises colour imbalances and delivers lasting flawless perfection.

Immediate and lasting studio glow.

Dior Star Foundation 020 Light Beige Swatch 

My thoughts 

I tried shade 020 Light Beige which is a tad too dark for me but I just warm up my neck with a touch of bronzer. The foundation has a lovely fresh scent, if a little perfumed but I don't mind it at all. The consistency is neither too runny or too thick and it applies and blends like a dream. It covers pretty much everything (it can be applied barely there or built up if necessary) to leave an absolutely flawless, soft focused and radiant finish that lasts for a good 8-9 hours. As an added bonus makeup seems to cling to it too to remain perfectly in place as well.

Light and Bright this is a winner of a foundation. 

Ps it photographs beautifully - take a look below.

Wearing Dior Star Foundation 

Dior Star Foundation costs £32 for 30ml

Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Sunflower Pumpkin & Sesame Seeds & Goji Berries

At a recent Holland & Barrett showcase I was introduced to Linwoods Milled food products, I tried the rather delicious superfood Milled Flaxseed Cocoa Strawberries & Blueberries and equally tasty Milled Chia Seed. I was very excited by the taste that I vowed to take another look at that section in Holland & Barrett, I normally just buy a breakfast mix for my porridge or yoghurt! I was also given a packet of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Sunflower Pumpkin & Sesame Seeds & Goji Berries to take away with me and try.

Linwoods say

If you love seeds then you will love this tasty blend which provides nutrients, vitamins and essential fatty acids to support a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Simply add a spoonful or two to give your meal a nutrient -packed pick me up!

Health benefits include -

Omega 3 (ALA)
Protein
Zine
Vitamin E

No added sugar and gluten free

My thoughts 

I love the texture of this delicious healthy accompaniment to my porridge, the fine milled seeds and berries are easy to pop onto a dessert spoon and sprinkle on food, I am looking forward to adding it to plain yoghurt and smoothies for a healthy boost. Its fine texture can be added to any meal though!

Taste wise this has a pleasant nutty taste and is easily digestible. A quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy treat.

Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Sunflower Pumpkin & Sesame Seeds & Goji Berries 425g £5.79 available from Holland & Barrett

Higher Living Green Tea Coconut Review

Higher Living say

An exotic combination of green tea, coconut and the unique addition of delicate lychee make this a delicious and distinctive tea blend that is both smooth and sweet.

15 biodegradable pyramid teapees within each pack. Each teapee is packed full of crisp and tasty 100% organic green tea. Made with care in the UK.

Ingredients - 

Organic Green Tea 89%

Organic Coconut 6%

Natural Coconut Flavour

Natural Lychee Flavour

My thoughts 

Green Tea Coconut smells amazing in the packet and doesn't disappoint in taste, It is the tea equivalent of a Pina Colada. Delicious with a good amount of coconut flavour, there is no bitterness from the green tea. Colour wise this tea is a delightful golden shade. 

I do like my flavoured green teas and this one is well worth trying if you like the taste of coconut.

Green Tea Coconut Teapee £4.79 available from Holland & Barrett

*PR Sample

The Lacquer Lab The Wonderous & Pocket Full Of Jewels - Nude & Glitter Nails

Today's Nails Of The Day come courtesy of The Lacquer Lab - A made in Britain nail polish brand that promises that it is "5 Toxin-Free” (no Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin or Camphor).

The Wonderous is an absolutely gorgeous luxe creme creamy pinky nude shade that applies smoothly and achieves full opacity in two coats. The brush is excellent for non messy application, I found it really easy to use and apply.

Pocket Full Of Jewels is an ultra pretty glitter top coat that combines a mix of gold glitter dust and shards of opalescent flakes. I only applied one coat of this for a subtle sparkle but for a more intense glitter effect you can apply multiple coats, I would recommend waiting for it to dry before applying more coats as glitter products have a tendency to lift off.

Available exclusively from thelacquerlab.com - each polish costs £9 and is available from Nov 1st 2014 

Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection

Luxury relaxation does not come better than this pamper gift set from Aromatherapy Associates. Featuring 10 mini bath & shower oils from the whole Aromatherapy Associates collection this has something to suit every mood and need. Whether you need to relax or be invigorated, these essential oils really do the trick.

10 mini bottles provide 10 baths or you can apply to your body to shower off. I loved filling my bath and treating my senses dependant on my mood. The bathroom smells incredible and the sense of well being following my bath was welcoming.

A fantastic treat for oneself or to give as a gift - It may be too early to think about Christmas but never fear this Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection is available all year round.

Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection costs £35

*PR Sample

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt

Kneipp say

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salt is made with natural oils of Red Poppy and Hemp. It promotes an overwhelming sense of well-being and relaxation from the stress of everyday life.

My thoughts 

The bath salts spill into the bath in hues of pretty blues and reds but once all melted the water turns red which was a little off putting if I am honest. However the lovely scent that was oozing from my bathroom more than made up for it and soon tempted me inside.

The scent is soapy and intensely calming which I was delighted with and the salts left my skin feeling lovely and soft. I can see the appeal of bath salts and I would be tempted to purchase a jar to pop some in my bath for some super relaxation.

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Salt Travel Sachet contains enough product for one use - £1.95

Available from Graftonsbeauty.co.uk

*PR Sample

L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick - Gorgeous Nudes!

I spotted these gorgeous nudes from the L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick collection whilst out shopping the other day - they have decent colour opacity and are super glossy, plus they smell fruity lovely too!

Nude Vibrato is a pinky/peachy nude and Nude Ballet is a browny nude - both are equally lovely, I think I need to purchase them both...

 L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick £8.99 each

No7 Beauty Calendar

Would you like to wake up every day with a beauty treat in the countdown to Christmas? Well now you can with No7's Beauty Calendar. It promises 25 skincare and makeup treats and having seen the contents I completely agree!

It features a great mix of body, face and makeup products that everyone will love. Most products are mini sizes but the sample sizes are pretty generous and there are a few full size products included too. Featuring best sellers like No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream, No7 Youthful Eye Serum, No7 High Shine Lip Crayon, No7 Lash Impact Mascara it is also full of useful everyday staples.

Retailing at £35 but with a value of £130 this is an absolute steal.

I am quite fussy with what I like but I will be using every single one of the products inside!

I predict this to be a sell out.

The No7 Beauty Calendar costs £35 and is on sale 29th October in store and online.

*PR Sample

Lizi's Low Sugar Granola Review

Lizi's say 

Lizi’s Low Sugar Granola is a high fibre, ready-to-eat toasted cereal made from oats and nuts and seeds baked with the minimum of added sugar. Total sugar (both natural and added) is less than 4%. This granola will appeal to those who find other granola products too sweet or who are trying to reduce their sugar intake.

Ingredients

Jumbo Rolled Oats, Rapeseed Oil, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Cashew Nut Pieces, Almond Pieces,Hazelnut Pieces, Walnut Pieces, Desiccated Coconut, Fructose (1.6%), Black Treacle (1.6%).

My thoughts 

Despite being a low sugar cereal Lizi's Low Sugar Granola is packed with taste. The granola is quite fine and smooth but with no less crunch. I liked that the nuts were barely visible and the nut taste comes through along with the slight taste of delicious coconut.

I have been having this as a cereal with fresh blueberries and milk and also with plain yoghurt and fresh fruit.

Delicious, healthy and great value. It definitely makes breakfast times more exciting.

Lizi's Low Sugar Granola 500g costs £3.75

*PR Sample