Recent Purchases

The sales near where I live have been bonkers it has been worse then just before Christmas. I had to pop into my local Sainsburys (I have a one year old who is teething like crazy, so need anything that will help ease the pain) and Boots to pick up essentials for my month old and spotted a couple of new bits on the Boujois counter. So, I have started to try these new bits out and will of course report back my views on the products.

Bourjous Blur The Lines Concealer

Dirty Works Overnight Facial Lift

Bourjois Sculpt Highlighter 

December 2016 Empties

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - this was my saviour during my pregnancy, especially towards the end as my sleep was somewhat erratic. I went through a period of not being able to "drop off" and with the aid of a little spritz of this, helped me relax at least. 

This is one product I would repurchase and recommend.

Simple Kind To Skin Shower Gel - Simple products do exactly what it says on the tin. Its great if you have sensitive skin as there is no reaction. It smells great, and I love the fact the bottle is a good size together with being great value for money.

I will be repurchasing and would recommend this product.

 

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment - this has been my saviour during the cold months. I especially like to use it in the evenings and prior to going to bed. The formula is rich and nourishing so my lips feel hydrated and beautifully soft.

I would recommend this product and I would repurchase.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream- this has been one of my favourite moisturisers this year. My skin feels so hydrated and "plump". I love Neutrogena as a brand and wish they have a lot more products available like they do in the US.

This product I would buy again and would recommend.

LA Roche Posay Serozinc - I have gone through so many of these that my husband thinks I have shares in the company.

Its just a great product a great brand and I have bought many many more of these.

Maybelline Lash Sensational

I must be the only beauty blogger who is not keen on this product. I really dislike the formula, it is far too runny for my liking and I find it really difficult to work with.

I have made attempts to try and dry the mascara out, but it has not and I continue to dislike it.

In addition, this mascara is so messy I spent a lot of time trying to clean up the little black marks and found more throughout the day.

Remember this is my opinion, this mascara may work for you, it just was not the product for me.

PS Velvet Matte Lip Crayon

Primark have really upped their game recently where it comes to there beauty products. My advice to you is that even if you like the high end brands, I would give some of there products a go - you may be surprised by some of them.

This lip crayon is one of my favourites. I love a nude lip colour, and this certainly fits the bill. 

My favourite way of wearing this lip product is by simply putting a small amount on, then dabbing with my finger. The colour was long lasting, and not drying at all.  I just love the formula, the colour and the overall product.

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

When I first purchased this bronzer, on many many recommendations I was so disappointed. I just could not make it work. 

So, recently after changing around my daily makeup bag I found this bronzer, so I had to give it a further go before making a decision whether I was going to keep it or donate the product to a new home.

I have finally worked out the best way to use this product. I use it with a duo fibre brush which seems to really work well . The colour tone of the bronzer is perfect for my skin tone. I sometimes have yellow undertones whilst other days its pink, so I really struggle with getting the tone that suits. This beautifully light up my skin especially during these winter months, it looks like my skin has been "sun kissed". I add a tiny amount of highlighter which is my perfect mum on the go make up for the day. I have received compliments that despite not having much sleep that I look " glowing" . This product is on the expensive side and I am currently seeking out a dupe from Boots \ Superdrug .

My Current Favourite Eyeshadow Wild About Beauty 05 Fern

Wild About Beauty Powder Eyeshadow 

I believe this is a really underrated brand and I do not see products from this brand around in the beauty blogger world. However, it is a brand I really like and believe the products are amazing and should be spoken about a lot more. 

The shadow is highly pigmented and enriched with Vitamin E and C. There is little to no fall out when applied and blends. 

I love wearing this product on its own but it makes a great transition shade too. This product costs £6.00 which is great value for money and there are five other shades available too which I will be definitely purchasing. Check out the Wild About Beauty website here.

PS Pro Lip Primer Prep & Perfect Vitamin E

PS Pro Lip Primer 

Recently, Primark are really stepping up their game with expanding their makeup range and I have noticed on YouTube and in the blogging world has gone completely bonkers with different products. Some of the products are amazing and some are not so good. 

Prep & Perfect 

I am not the biggest fan of lip primers as I think they are pointless and just use a lot of lip balm rather than a primer. I have yet to find one that changes this. 

Unfortunately, I did not like this product it did not apply smoothly the formula was hard and did not apply well - to the extent I did not feel as if I had any product actually on my lip. I wish for Primark to re-look at the formula of this product as I like the concept of the product but at present the formula is off. 

I love the fact Primark have worked hard on the packaging of the lip primer as it is a click and pull (like many of the high end products) it feels a lot more luxurious and then you realise it is Primark- I do think Primark need to give themselves a pat on the back as it is excellent. 

Don't let my blog post put you off, my recommendation is for you to have a look at the beauty stand as the product selection is amazing. 

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Wipes

I am not the biggest fan of wipes as you may know by now (with my rants on my blog). But, as a beauty blogger, I do feel obliged to try all products out to let you know my thoughts and you never know it may change my mind and view point. 

Why am I not the biggest fan of wipes ? They sting my eyes, leave a horrible oil trail on my face and you know what, I just do not feel clean after using them as I still feel like I have my full face of makeup on. 

I had noticed these were getting some rave reviews by other beauty bloggers, which is great and they found a suitable place for them in their skincare regime. However, for me they will not be part of my skin care regime and will only be used to remove swatches from my hand. 

I did like the smell of these wipes, however, they did sting my eyes when I tried to remove my makeup and yet again, I still had a lot of makeup left on my face despite using these. 

I had read review on these and some people enjoyed the fact they left their skin feeling soothed - I didn't. Whilst others found the formula efficient at removing all types of makeup including waterproof mascara - I didn't. 

Again, I do not want to put you off from purchasing these, they may have a time and place for you in your skin care regime or you simply just like a wipe (your own personal preference). For me, they still do not meet the mark although like I said the one positive I did like was the smell - which was nice. 

These wipes are not the cheapest on the market at £3.26, my advice is to shop around as you will find some of offer. These wipes are available here.

Collection #Conceal And Light Like A Pro Palette

# Conceal And Light Like A Pro 

I am a massive fan of Collection, its a brand that has considerably improved over the years going from a teenage market (my views) to being taking seriously and establishing themselves as a market leader on the high street. If you like following trends for makeup Collection are great for keeping up with this at a fraction of the cost and keep up with the demands of their customers. In addition, they seem to have a real insight to actually what their customers wants and needs are and step up to that mark without trying to cut the quality in the product. 

Eight shades available 

When I saw they had this palette out (I have had it for some time without using it), I simply knew I had to purchase it. I am not the biggest fan of these palettes usually as I find the colouring can be off and I have never found one that I felt was quite good enough. 

With this palette you can conceal, colour correct and brighten your complexion. It strives to cover any blemishes and imperfections (concealer), brighten dark circles (yellow), revive dull skin (purple), neutralise redness (green) and sculpt / highlight.

(Top to bottom - highlighter, reviving of dull skin (purple), brightener ( yellow) neutraliser (green) and concealer

Unfortunately, for me this product just did not work for me. The consistency of the product is oily and slippery which made working with it very difficult to the extent at times with the yellow corrector I was wiping the product off and did not see any pay off. The concealer did not conceal and the highlighter just didn't highlight. I was disappointed as it just did not seem to work with my skin - however, at £5.99 I would encourage you to try this product as it may work for you. You need to bear in mind that products I may try perhaps do not work for me and I have my own opinion but may in turn be a hidden gem for you! 

I am not discouraged from purchasing any more Collection products as this is one dud in a lot of good products currently on the market. Check out this palette here.

My Current Minimal Makeup Look

My Daily Go-To Makeup 

At present with two very small children I do not really have much time during the week other then testing products to put a full face on. So, I have managed to put a basic look together which looks presentable when I go to the mum and baby groups and means I look somewhat  half way presentable for the day ahead. I know a lot of you will be thinking that I should be putting being a mother first and foremost, which I do but I also believe that you also should feel good about yourself, especially when you are in the transition period of losing that baby weight and establishing routines etc etc. It is hard work. So, this little look takes little to no time to put together and does not look half bad. If I have extra time, then I will put some eyeshadow on but this is my basic look. 

My daily look consists of: 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Light 2 Vanilla) - £22.50

George Tint N Pout Tinted Lip Oil (01 Barely There) - £4.00

George The Tamer 2 in 1 Lash Definer & Brow Tamer (01 Clear) - £3.00

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara - £19.00

MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlight Kit - £6.00

Essence Mattifying Compact Powder (10 light beige) - £2.00

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - PS Pro Lip Primer Prep and Perfect

Lip Primer Prep& Perfect

I have to say I am not the biggest fan of primers, I don't see the point and do not see what they actually do. I just use a lip balm if needed. However, during a recent spending spree in Primark I noticed this product and I thought that I would give it a go.So, this product is currently under review and I will get back to you with my thoughts and views in the next few days.

Ruby Eyeshadow Brush

I am always on the hunt for new brands, especially when they sell makeup brushes. I do own a lot of brushes already but always striving to find the perfect brushes. When I received my recent Glossybox, this gem was part of the monthly picks. 

And, this is my new favourite eyeshadow blending brush. It is so soft and blends the product so well that it could be up there with the more high end brands. 

Ruby the brand has been developed by people who know there stuff about makeup and what is required by their customers. Check out their website here.

Current Eyeshadow Favourite

Current eyeshadow favourite combo 

At this moment in time,  I do not have much time on my hands so whatever I do makeup wise needs to be quick and easy. This combination is my current favourite. 

Makeup Revolution - Touch Me 

This colour is an ideal base and provides an even colour for the lid and for £1.00 you cannot really argue. The shadow is creamy and long lasting and one shadow that is a must for your kit. This shadow is available here.

Makeup Obsession - E139 Hypnotic 

You may think this eyeshadow looks a bit scary but I use it in several different ways. Sometimes I use it was a liner or I do a subtle smokey day eye or when I go out (which is not very often), you can layer and do a full on evening smokey eye. Again, this shadow is long lasting and there was little to no fall out which is a bonus. This shadow costs £2.00, yes you read that right and the collection is now a permanent fixture in my makeup kit both professionally and at home. This product is available here.

Beauty Products Used Up - Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water

I am not sure how many of these I have been through - I have seriously lost count. I use micellar waters every day to remove my initial makeup before I double cleanse. 

With micellar waters, I believe it is trial and error as to which one works best for you as  it is down to personal preferences. I have about four different brands I switch between and I know they work and remove my waterproof mascara. 

My advice if you have not tried the product see whether they have a travel size, as most of them do and purchase that before you take the plunge buying the full size. This micellar does not sting my eye, it does not leave any residue it just does its job of removing my initial layer of makeup before my skin care routine starts. 

Simple ensure all of their products are kind to your skin and gentle which is why I love the brand. This product would be ideal if you have teenage children to encourage them to cleanse their face and it is so cheap to purchase you don't mind them using it up. 

This is one product I would recommend to you all. 

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlighting Kit

I am so pleased to see the high street brands producing palettes like this as years ago, they pretty much did not exist or if they did they were not very good. 

MUA really work hard to meet the needs for their customers and strive to provide both quality and value for money. When I saw this palette I was very excited as I love a good highlighting palette and usually I have expensive tastes as I simply adore my Hourglass palette and cannot live without it.

This highlighting kit it states that it creates a light luminosity. There are six shades which can be layered together or applied separately for a glow to your complexion. 

I have just started to experiment with this palette and of course will report back to you as to my views on whether this should be on your shopping list and at £6.00 it is a bargain. Check this palette out here.

L'Oreal Professional Steampod Brazil Fantasy Limited Edition

I hope my sister is not reading this, but I have re-purchased this product for her for Xmas as I have fallen in love with this hair tool and it is going to be in my favourites for 2016, which will be on my blog towards the end of December.

I have tried many straighteners, and I am quite fussy as I am not the biggest fan of GHD's - I know all the other beauty bloggers love them, but I am just not a fan. I cannot put my finger on it. I am also, not a fan of poker straight hair and have a tendency to stray towards "beach waves". In addition, I am reluctant to continue to straighten my hair as I get concerned around the heat being continually used. 

This Steampod is amazing and uses a combination of steam and pro-keratin technology which helped to keep my hair smooth and shiny and aided with protecting my hair from heat damage. The continuous steam pressure helps to open the hair cuticles without losing any moisture. The "beach waves" lasted a lot longer which compared to my other straighteners really impressed me so I did not have to do it everyday. 

The Steampod can be used on all hair types.

✓ Long lasting 

✓ Can be used to straighten hair 

✓ You can create curls and waves 

The compliments I received after using this product was mind blowing, and a lot of the wives on camp have since purchased the Steampod and have ditched their GHD's. 

If you are struggling with either thinking of a gift for your partner or what you want for Christmas, I would highly recommend this product!! You will not be disappointed at all. Check these styling tools out here.

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - Revlon Colourstay Palette

Not Just Nudes Palette

I recently popped into my local Superdrug store and stumbled across this palette which I thought would be right up my street - I mean look at all of those nudes - just perfect. So, I have started to test this palette out and will get back to you and let you know my thoughts in due course. 

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £5 from Primark

Stocking Ideas

If you are stuck for ideas for present under £5.00 (which is not easy to find) or you need some ideas for stocking fillers it is worth having a look in your local Primark store as they have some great ideas to meet both of these needs. So, here are a couple of things I have picked up. 

Contour Crayons 

Lipstick and Liner 

Brow Kit 

Lipstick and Liner Kit 

Superdrug Haul - November 2016

Over the next couple of days I will be sharing a couple of hauls I have recently purchased. I know it is so near to Christmas but I just could not resist. I made the mistake of going into Superdrug and there were a couple of new bits and pieces I simply could not resist and to try out. 

I will be writing further reviews on each product once I have given them a go and let you know what my actual views are so stay tuned. 

L'Oreal True Match Highlight 101 Golden Glow - £6.99

MUA Luxe Glow Beam Liquid Highlight Cushion - £5.00

L'Oreal True Match Highlight 301 Icy Glow - £6.99

MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlighting Kit - £6.00

Maybelline Master Precise Curvy Mascara - £6.99