Empty Product - Sanctuary Spa Gentle Polish Body Scrub

 

Since I have been pregnant for what feels like around two years of my life the one thing I have noticed is the toll it has taken on my skin. I am not sure if you are the same, but because I concentrate on my face and ensuring this looks good, I don't always pay the same attention to my body skin. 

So, this time around, I have ensured that my skin is in good condition. Ok I have a couple of stretch marks but I am nearly due so there was going to be some impact on my body and we all cannot be perfect. 

I have been using the gentle polish scrub throughout my pregnancy and it has helped to keep my skin looking pretty good and clearing those pesky dead skin cells off and any dry patches that I had. My skin has been left feeling soft and smooth and I have even packed on of these in my hospital bag just because I know it simply just works. 

The second quality I love about this product is the smell, I am a massive fan of the traditional fragrance from Sanctuary and it is always the one I ask for when people are asking what to get me for my birthday or Christmas. This product contains patchouli and orange oil and I love the smell which is released into the bathroom, it just relaxes me straight away. 

The last quality I love about this product is the lack of mess it leaves. I find some of the body exfoliates leaves a film around the bath / shower and you have to spend ages clearing out the scrub. With this product, I find you do not get that and there is no mess.

I have of course have many, many bottles in my collection as I just cannot be without this product and at £5.50 is a bargain. This product is available here.

L'Oreal Professional Paris Care For Dry Hair

Professional Care for Dry Hair

Oh my, I have found my favourite hair care range for the year. I know the year is nearly done but boy you have to try many many products to find the one. My hair during pregnancy has been interesting and like my skin changes on a daily basis, but predominantly it has been dry and a bit lank.

However, when this landed on my door step I was very very excited. These products are simply amazing and if you have dry hair this is a must for your hair care regime. 

Nourishing system silicone-free melting masque

This range is specifically formulated to combat undernourished hair. 

Shampoo

L'Oreal have an understanding and research into the environmental and what negative effects occur on a day to day basis on our hair. It is their understanding the causes and contributing factors are many including: -

• Genetics
• Sun 
• Pollution 
• Colouring

These all have a negative impact on our hair. 

Conditioner 

All of these products are silicone free. 

Heat Protection (up to 450 F / 230 C) 

The Glycerol and Coco Oil formula help to hydrate and nourish your hair, which is perfect as we head into the Winter months. The Coco Oil adds lustre, shine and prevents hair breakage and split ends. 

With these products being silicone free this means your hair feels lightweight and soft to the touch.

DD Balm 

Now, I have left the best product to last this is the DD balm which protects your hair from external factors including the sun and cold weather. The DD balm is for dry ends and you pop it in after you have finished drying your hair. I actually put it in my hair everyday and find it leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated and the ends of my hair look amazing compared to before when they just looked "yuk" no matter what I did, nothing would improve them. However, since using this amazing balm they look healthy. In addition, because my hair does get tangled, even straight after I have brushed it this has really helped to ensure my hair remains tangled free. 

Since using all of these products my hair feels amazing and the smell I just love. In addition, I am not having to wash my hair everyday I can get away with leaving it 2-3 days without feeling greasy, it still feels like I have just washed it - BONUS!!! 

The price of these products is a little more then you may usually spend however, if you are limited budget I would recommend for you to either get the DD balm or the masque.  

PS- I have already repurchased the range again because I am so worried as I am due to give birth at any time that I would end up running out of the products and cannot rely on my husband to purchase these products again. 

The Serie Expert Nutrifier range prices are as follows and is available here: 

• Shampoo - £10.99
• Conditioner - £11.99
• Masque - £13.99
• Heat protection - £13.99
• DD balm - £10.99

All of these products are going to be in my Hall of Fame for 2016 as they are simply amazing and just work!

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - Embryolisse Radiant Eye (Artist Secret)

Stay tuned for this product review. Check this product out here.

Makeup Revolution Strobe Highlighter Moon Glow Lights

I am a massive fan of the Hourglass cosmetics range and love the highlighter powders within their line. However, as you may know Hourglass is quite expensive and is not always readily available, on online especially where I live. 

This highlighter is not "sparkly" it is more a glow which you can make as subtle to as bold as you want it is just a beautiful product. 

You can apply this product both wet and dry for different intensities and you can most definitely build this product if you require. 

I think this is one of my favourite products within the Makeup Revolution range and one product I would recommend for you all to purchase and a £3.00 is a bargain. Check this product out here.

Blast From The Past Beauty Products Sleek Pixie Pink Blush

This is one of my all time favourite blushes and I always reach for this when I have "blush fatigue" sounds silly but sometimes I need some inspiration and reaching for this just recharges my make-up batteries. 

I know what you are thinking the colour looks very scary in the pan and for those of you who use a bit more a sedate colour I cannot stress enough for you to give this product a try as one applied with a light hand on the face looks beautiful so go on give it a go. 

Sleek blushes are simply amazing and at £4.99 is a bargain and I think better then some of the designer blushers currently available on the market. Check this blush out here, in addition, there are other shades that you may be interested available within the range. 

Spa To You Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush and Massager

I have never used this type of brush before, they have never really taken my fancy. However, when I recieved this in my Glossybox I thought that it would be good to give it a go. 

I know most beauty bloggers have been on this band wagon for a long time and I am slow to join, but I had my skin care regime down to a T and it worked for me. So, why change. However, this has changed my skin care regime completely and I have had to buy one for my husband to as he loves it too.

The brush is designed with silky soft bristles and silicone cushion, this means you can deeply cleanse your face and gently massage the dead skin cells away and improves circulation. 

After using this brush my skin felt amazing, so soft and plump, if you are new to cleansing I would recommend purchasing this brush if you do not want to spend too much money on an electric one this would be an ideal dupe. 

This product is available here and at £6.99 it is a lot cheaper then the electrical brushes currently available on the market. 

Makeup Academy Professional Glitter Ball Eyeshadow Palette M

Glitter Ball Palette 

I think I received this palette in a recent Glossy Box - I know I didn't purchase this palette. I do have a lot of the MUA palettes but they tend to be the more neutral colour palettes and this is the first one I have tried with a bit more colour.

Makeup Academy Professional 

I thought there would be a lot more colour payoff, unfortunately, the shadows were not as pigmented as I had thought. There was a small amount of fall out when I applied the shadow so, I had to change my routine around and do my eyes first rather then putting my base on. 

On the MUA website it stated you can convert looks easily from day to night which I can see, however, it will not be as a dramatic look you may anticipate. 

L to R - Boogle, Equinox, Disco, Vibe, Hustle, Freak, Remix, Odyssey, Inferno, Jive, Fever, Vinyl

This palette is ideal if you are on a budget or are new to makeup and want to experiment with new looks - I think this would be an excellent choice. But for those of you that love a dramatic look and are used to wearing make-up this may not be the best palette. 

This palette costs £4.00 and is available here.

Milani Total Lash Cover (105 Black)

I recently purchased this product whilst I was in TK Maxx - I was very excited. I have only tried a couple of products by Miliani and wish it was more readily available within the UK. I have not been disappointed with the products I have tried so far, a blush and lipgloss and have been impressed by the quality. In addition, I love the fact on my random trips to TK Maxx you find little gems in the beauty section - you do sometimes have to look through the random crap and mess though which I do get irritated by. 

This mascara has a "three zone" brush: 

1. Define - inner and outer lashes 

2. Build - centre lashes 

3. Curl - comb applicator 

Milani confirmed that this will stop non-clumping and gives an instant lash length and separates lashes (defining, volumising and curling). Initially, the brush I found quite scary, I know it sounds really strange but it is rather big and it has a long straight end bit at the end of the brush which when coming towards your eye can be quite daunting. However, once I have got used to it and being extra careful during application I actually really like the mascara. It separates my lashes and lengthens them. Another positive, is there is no fall out no "panda eyes" during the day which is the most important quality for a mascara. 

I would love to try a few more products within the Milani range and this mascara only cost £3.99 which is excellent value. This mascara is available here.

L'Oreal Paris Glam Bronze La Terra Healthy Glow

I am a massive fan of highlighters/ bronzer / blush all in one compacts it makes my life a lot easier as I have now try to make my make-up bag compact due to the limited time I have in the mornings to put my face on. 

To be quite honest, I am not too sure why I have purchased this as look wise, it does not really appeal to me- I think I got sucked into the new make-up stand. 

L'Oreal confirm this compact will warm up your complexion and boost your glow. You can layer this product as there are two bronzers, a highlighter and a rosy blush. 

1. Bronze - provides an all over glow which can define your features. 

2. Blush - apply to the apples of your cheeks for an intense pop of colour. 

3. Highlight - which provides illumination in an iridescent champagne glow. 

If I am being honest, I am not keen on this product. You cannot "swish" your brush in all the colours to make a beautiful shade - it just looks odd. You need to have a small brush to be able to pick up the colour and when you apply it just looks blotchy. I believe it would have been better if the colours were placed in separate pans rather than altogether and for there to be more space between the colours. Unfortunately, this is one product I do regret purchasing and at £12.99 it is quite expensive for a high street product. This product is available here.

Soap and Glory Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser

The Ultimelt 

One of my favourite cleansers which is firstly at a reasonable price and readily available is The Ultimelt by Soap and Glory. There a couple of reasons why I love this product, firstly, is the face I can use this everyday without any adverse reactions to my skin, secondly, the price point is so reasonable and all I need to do is pop into my local Boots store to get this product. 

Product Available Here

This product contains a rich blend of essential oils (orange, lavender, clary sage, rose and geranium, sweet almond and coca seed butter). The smell of this cleanser is divine and you do feel like you are having your very own personal spa treatment. This cleanser I find helps to clear the dirt and grime from the day and leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated ready for my evening skin care regime.

This product only costs £10.00 which is an amazing price point. Lastly, my other favourite thing about this product is the packaging so simple and no waste as you can get every last bit of product out. This is one product I would recommend if you are on a limited budget.

Blast From The Past Beauty Products Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti-fatigue effect + radiant glow concealer 

This is one of the best under eye concealers currently on the market, yes that even includes the designer concealers. I have a real issue with my skin as I have both yellow and pink undertone, dependent on the day so, I really struggle to find a concealer that is appropriate for my skin tone. 

One of my favourite qualities of this product is that it covers my rather large under eye bags (they are pretty bad at the moment), and I definitely look more awake after using this. I sometimes if I am only wearing limited make-up would put a bit of this concealer and a couple of coats of mascara and I am done. I at least look less scary and feel ready to face the day.

Ivory concealer 

I personally don't like using this product as a concealer due to the luminosity but it is an amazing under eye highlighter and highlighter. I have used this for many years, I do change up my under eye highlighter as I am always intrigued to try new ones that come on to the market from other brands. However, I always go back to this product. At £5.49 this product is great value for money, however, it only comes in four shades so there is limited colour choice so you may struggle to find one which is suitable. I would recommend you having a look at the Rimmel stand and see whether there is a colour that is appropriate for you. This product is available here.  

Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex Hand Cream

As I have said in my previous post, now we are heading towards the Winter months my hands and lips suffer the most. During the day, my hands get battered with the constant hand washing, heating and cold weather they become so dry and incredibly sore. 

This hand cream I believe is one of the best on the market and again, I have so many tubes of it that my husband believes I get sponsored by Hand Chemistry - I don't by the way, I love it and when I find a product I like I do have a tendency to buy a lot of them.

The cream is multi-functional and targets the eight signs of hand ageing: 

• firmness 
• elasticity 
• density
• evenness
• brightness
• texture 
• smoothness
• hydration

I notice an immediate difference in the condition of my hands. However, Hand Chemistry state there are visible results in 11 days and from their website there are pictures of other users before and after. 

For me, my skin reacts and improves almost immediately and there is an automatic relief. In addition, there is no strong fragrance as my little one now has a tendency to try and put my hands in his mouth (I know a bit weird - but he is teething), so I do worry what I use to ensure he does not have any adverse reactions. 

I have also recently found out that my husband has taken to using this product and in fact has a tube in his desk drawer at work so it must be a winner as he is so fussy about smelling like "a girl". 

This product comes in a regular and a small travel size - so, to all the mums out there this is a must for your change bag!!!

This product is available here.

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

Now the Winter months are setting in and the heating is on there are two things that suffer the most and that is my lips and my hands they get incredibly dry. This has been my saviour and I have tubes of this around the house, in my car, in my mums bag and I even found one in my husbands work bag. 

The lip balm is so hydrating and it will help to repair your dry, chapped lips. The consistency is so rich (which for some of you may take some getting used to especially if you use just a chap stick). I especially love using this product just before I go to bed as when I wake up my lips feel amazing, soft and smooth - its a great start to the day. This product is expensive at £14.00, but I do feel it is worth every single penny. This product is available here.

Product Currently Under Review Collection Colour Match Foundation

I have to confess, I have never tried foundations from Collection. I am not too sure why, but I just have not given them a go. I know people rave about the Collection concealer which I like but it is not my favourite. 

Colour match is part of the new range established by Collection, it comes in six colours, which is not a massive variety of colour choice (I hope this is something they improve on). The technology use or this product is that it adapts to your skin tone for a natural look. Collection stress the foundation is lightweight and easily blendable (so I will try with both a brush and a beauty blender to see which is best - and of course update you). 

What I love about Collection is the price point as this foundation was £3.99 which is a bargain. A few years back beauty experts used to stress the importance of spending money on your base, but now due to the investment beauty brands are putting into their products this rule no longer stands. 

I will of course feedback to you within the next week as to how I get on - stay turned. Product available here.

Current Favourite Lip Combo

Current Favourite Lip Combo 

I am currently going through a massive transition as within the next six weeks I am due to have my second child and I am currently dealing with a one year old who requires all of my attention. So, I have very little time to do my make-up however, I still make every effort to spend five minutes making my face up for the day- it is also a great way to give you a little boost for the day instead of being a frumpy mother. 

I have found this lip combo and yes, I have purchased many of them, there is even this same exact pairing in my hospital bag. My husband has questioned why I have a small make-up bag in my hospital bag (he has yet to learn to never argue with a pregnant, hormonal woman). I have suggested that it is because I may want to trade him in for a dishy doctor if he continues to question me. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat - Pillow Talk 

Pillow Talk has become an iconic lip liner and suits pretty much every skin colour and is an ideal nude for everyone. I sometimes wear this on its own or in combo with my many, many, many pink nude lipsticks and it just goes with everything. It is the one lip liner I would recommend for you all to purchase as it is so versatile. I know it is expensive - but it is worthwhile. 

Rimmel Rock 'n' Roll Nude (Kate Moss) 

The lipstick I am loving at the moment is Rock 'n' Roll Nude within the Kate Moss collection. I have a real issue with Rimmel and I have made attempts to contact them about this. But, I really struggle to wear most Rimmel products apart from the lipsticks as all of the eye products I seem to be allergic to. I do not have any issues with any other high street products, just them. I have never received a response to my enquiries about this issue. I am glad I can wear their lip colour as they are simply amazing and for the price you really cannot argue with. Although, when I do go to the Rimmel counter it takes me back to my teenage years and my love for Heather Shimmer (totally does not suit my skin tone - but it was the colour that all of my friends wore). 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat available here (£16.00)

Rimmel Rock 'n' Roll Nude available here (£6.49)

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + Unifiant (Light)

I have been using this product for a couple of weeks now, what can I say - what an amazing product. This is to be expected as it is La Roche-Posay they always make amazing products and really know their stuff when it comes to skin care. 

This product is great if you are a busy person as it makes a great base and really evens out your complex. This product comes in two shades (which although does not seem much) the colour payoff is minimal. It has made my skin look amazing and clear and ready for any other products I choose for that day. 

I am always concerned with bases like this that my skin becomes dry and dehydrated, however, I did not experience this. My skin remained hydrated throughout the day, with no dry patches.

You can apply this product as a primer to even out you skin tone before your make-up application. However, I love it as my base and just add a small amount of blush which makes my face look amazing I have even had compliments about how my skin is looking with this product. 

I have recommended this product to all of my friends and family and I know a couple of them have gone out to purchase this and are not disappointed. 

Typically, La Roche-Posay ensure their products meet the needs of their customers and ensure they include all skin types can use their products. Even if you have sensitive skin, you will be able to use this product. If you skin is a little dry you could try adding a small amount of oil to the product before application - this is what I do when my skin is misbehaving. 

You need to have this product in your life and it is currently available here.

Blast From The Past Beauty Products - No 7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define

No 7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define 

I am going to be doing a series of "Blast from the Past" beauty products, those products that you just love and continue to purchase without even realising it. I know a lot of beauty bloggers blog about new products they are trying or products they have been sent by PR companies - however, these are just products that I simply love and adore. So, the first product I want to blog about are the No 7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define pencils. I simply love these products, they are ideal if you have little to no time or do your make-up on the go. 

Cool Mink 

These pencils come in nine colours, you will be able to find a colour for you. There is even a black pencil which a lot of people use as an eyeliner as they are simple to apply and do not budge or smudge throughout the day. 

Coffee Bean 

I do continue to put a primer prior to application as unfortunately, I do suffer with very oily eyelids - other then that they do not budge throughout the day. To the extent when I was doing the testers for this post I ended up with them on my hand all day because they would not come off with a make-up wipe. 

I know there are many eyeshadow crayons currently on the market as many companies understand the need for some of their customers requiring a very quick make-up application as everyone seems to have very busy lives and these are the best I have tried on the market so far - and, I have tried a lot. 

You do not need to use these as eyeshadow sticks you can simply use them as an eyeliner. There is no faffing with a pencil sharpener as it comes built in at the top of the stick - another hidden bonus. These sticks cost £8.00 which is not too expensive and usually No 7 has an offer on or a voucher so you could wait until Boots have an offer on. Check this product out here.

September 2016 Beauty Obsessions

September 2016 Obsessions 

I have recently purchased a lot of beauty products so have spent most of September trying them out. September has been a bit of a crazy time and I am now hoping I have a quieter October in preparation to have my baby in November. So, here are my current beauty obsessions. 

Marc Jacobs Air Blush 504 Kink and Kisses 

Marc Jacobs beauty is new to me as it is not readily available in department stores. Since I have purchased this blush I have worn it every day and every day you can slightly alter the colour impact you want every day. I am going to purchase other colours from the range as I love it. This blush costs £28.00 and is available here.

Time Delay Anti Ageing Wrinkle Reduce Double Action Anti Ageing Cream 

I have never used any of the Time Delay products by Boots, but recently they have had a lot of their products have been on special offer and this product really caught my eye. I have only been using this product for around 10 days and so far so good I really really like it - but, I need to try it a few more times and I will of course complete a full blog post on my views of this product in due course. This product is available here.  

Lottie London Soap Star Solid Brush Cleanser

I am incredibly lazy when it comes to cleaning my make-up brushes and am always looking for products to make my life easier and reduce the time when it comes to cleaning my brushes. This product is a new favourite and it took me little to no time to get my brushes cleaned. My brushes were immaculate and there was no dodgy smell afterwards. This product is available here. 

Sanctuary Spa Cleanse Eye Make-up Remover 

I am a little obsessive around ensuring all of my make-up is removed before going to bed, and no I do not do wipes - they leave my skin feeling dry and I do not feel all of my make-up is fully removed so I usually start with removing my eye make-up and when I saw this product available from Sanctuary I just could not leave it on the self. The dispenser is one of my favourites with a push button, which makes it less messy and the product is dual phase, so you must give it a good shake before use.

I go through many make-up removers and have not yet found one that makes me think "wow this is the only product I will use", however, this is a great product and it did remove all of my day's eye make-up without leaving a load of oily mess behind. This product is available here.

I always use a spring water spray either from Avenue or La Roche Posay I use them after a shower and before I start my skin care regime and sometimes afterwards but it depends on how my skin is behaving. This is one of my favourites and I have lost count on how many bottles I have gone through.In addition, my husband has taken to stealing this especially after he has played rugby - which I have only just found out when he kindly left me an empty can and did not tell me he had been using it - so kind. This is one product I cannot live without and it is available here.