Honest reviews, regular hauls and all things beauty.

Thursday, 30 May 2019

Spilling the tea? What makes you stop supporting a brand - actions/PR/ghosting?




I had a different post planned for today but after receiving a nasty DM from a PR on Instagram yesterday morning when I wouldn't dance to the beat of her drum, I wanted to have a discussion about brands/PRs and what makes you stop supporting a brand. To be clear, I didn't support this brand in the first place as I had actually never heard of them before but I have heard from other bloggers that PRs have reduced them to tears before and that's just not ok! So, let's chat....
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Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Discover your route to radiance with the ESPA Optimal Collection


ESPA, ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Cleanser, ESPA Skin Pro Serum, ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Moisturiser, ESPA Discover The Route To Radiance #RoutetoRadiance


It's a few years since I tried anything from ESPA so when they got in touch about their new #RoutetoRadiance Campaign, I was delighted to get involved. The Optimal Collection is a range of luxury products that use natural, effective and results-driven ingredients to achieve radiant skin and I was kindly sent three products to try. I actually used the Optimal Skin Pro Moisturiser before and loved it so I was keen to try the other products in the range.
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Tuesday, 28 May 2019

The fake tan edit: Which type is best for you?


Which type of fake tan is best for you? A guide to fake tans


I'm a weekly fake tanner but I know that some people only wear fake tan when the sun appears in summer. I have tried pretty much every type of tan going at one point or another and wanted to share my thoughts with you today, which I hope may be helpful for anyone who is new to fake tan and is unsure which one will work best or for anyone who wants to try a new type of tan. I know that it might look like this post is sponsored by St Tropez but it honestly isn't. I bought all of these products myself apart from the Ecooking product.
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Monday, 27 May 2019

3 treats for 3 budgets


3 treats for 3 budgets, Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer Review, Gallivant Nomad Set Review,  Overose candles review


It's that time of the month again when you might be feeling flush after payday so I have another 3 treats for 3 budgets post to share with you! Like I always say, you don't need to spend a fortune to treat yourself - I used to treat myself to something on my monthly trip to Boots to collect my medication, which I was prescribed for 22 months in a row. Some months, it would be as minimal as a nail polish, other months it might be a palette or perfume - it depended on my budget but there was always wriggle room for a treat!
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Friday, 24 May 2019

Caudalie SPF will protect your skin AND nature! Plus 20% discount code


Caudalie, Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Face Suncare SPF 50 Review, Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF 30 Review, Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum Review, Caudalie discount code


Call me ignorant if you wish but I only recently became aware of the huge damage that sun creams have on the environment - every year, 14000 tonnes of sun cream are discharged onto coral reefs, which is shocking. I think that we are all trying to make changes to protect our planet - reusable shopping bags, reusable coffee cups, not using plastic straws, eating less meat etc. All of these small changes add up and make it easier and less intimidating to be more environmentally friendly. It's difficult to be perfect but if we all make small changes, it will help. Another way that we can help the planet is switching up our suncare products and Caudalie have made it easy for us. Their new range of SPF products don't contain any of the filters that are suspected of being Endocrine disruptors as well as those known to be toxic to the marine eco-system, which kill thousands of corals every year.  There is no compromise on the protection the products offer though - the offer maximum SPF UVA and UVB protection and are water-resistant and are highly bio-degradable.

*Edited to add: I have had some questions (both in the comments and in DMs on social media) about the research behind the sun creams and filters. The filters, which Caudalie will not use are octinoxate, octocrylene and nanoparticle filters - these are the ones suspected of being Endocrine disruptors. They also won't use Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as these are the ones that research have shown to be toxic to the marine eco-system. This is based on the research by Joseph C DiNardo on Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone in Journal of cosmetic dermatology 09/29/2017.  Furthermore, Caudalie have stated: Our commitment also includes a scientific guarantee by Professor Piccerelle of the Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, whose tests have validated the non-toxicity of the Caudalie filtration system on algae. This is based on ecotoxicological tests on algae, carried out by the Hélioscience Laboratory.*

I am not a scientist or medical professional but based on the research and the integrity of Caudalie, I believe that these claims are true. I'm not saying that suncream is the *only* cause of corals dying but, in my opinion, if we can play our part in reducing damage on the marine eco-system, then it is incumbent on us to do so and, in my opinion, Caudalie have made it easy for us to play our part by producing a range that will not harm the corals.
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Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant VS Daily Superfoliant


Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant VS Daily Superfoliant


Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant was the first product I ever tried from the brand, around 17 years ago! At the time it was probably the most popular skincare product on the market, with so many celebrities swearing by it. It's a product that I still repurchase to this day and still has that same cult status. When Daily Superfoliant was released, I wondered what the difference could be - I really was curious as to how they could improve on the original but the thing is, they have different aims. They are similar as in they are powder exfoliants but they are also different enough to justify both products being in the Dermalogica lineup (or, indeed, in your skincare cabinet!).
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Wednesday, 22 May 2019

Angel Eau Croisière - a summer cocktail in a bottle!


Angel Eau Croisière Review


I seem to be doing a lot of fragrance reviews recently but what can I say? I love perfume! This is the time of year when summer variations on scents are released and that's the case with today's fragrance: Angel Eau Croisière. This is a limited edition release and if you like sweet, fruity fragrances, you will love this one!
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Tuesday, 21 May 2019

3 brilliant moisturisers for dry and sensitive skin


3 brilliant moisturisers for dry and sensitive skin, Drunk Elephant, Protini Peptde Cream, La Roche Posay, Toleriane, Dermalogica Intensive  Moisture Balance


I've mentioned (aka droned on about) several times on the blog about my dry skin. It's something I tackle daily because if I don't keep on top of my routine, my skin looks dull and makeup applies very badly on it - uneven, gathering in certain areas and patchy. Coupled with being dry, my skin is also quite sensitive so I like to use gentle but nourishing formulas and I have three moisturisers that tick my boxes to share with you today.
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Friday, 17 May 2019

Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel


Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel Review


In celebration of the brand's 10th birthday, Emma Hardie has added a new product to the Moringa range.  For those who tried the Moringa Cleansing Balm and found that it was a tad too rich for their skin or prefer something a little lighter in texture for mornings, the new Moringa Light Cleansing Gel is just the ticket! 
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Thursday, 16 May 2019

Worth the hype? St Tropez Purity Water Gel


St Tropez Purity Water Gel Review


I have worn fake tan for years. It's a weekly ritual for me and I have tried so many different brands and types - lotion, mousse, gradual tanners, ones with guide colours and others without a guide colour. Until recently, I had never tried a gel tan but that changed when curiosity got the better of me and I bought a bottle of St Tropez Purity Water Gel.  I was curious about whether the claims of no fake tan smell and transfer proof tan could be true.  I know that people often say that they apply tan, then get dressed and leave the house and these claims baffle me because I'm old school and prefer to apply my tan at night, then wear baggy clothes to prevent streaking and wash it off the next morning. I could think of little worse than getting dressed after applying tan as most tans would stain clothes but also,  tans might smell nice in the tube or when initially applied but usually after a few hours, they get that biscuity smell.  I digress but you can understand why I was skeptical about the claims of this new tan.....
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Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Makeup for days when you look like you haven't slept in weeks!


Makeup for fatigued days, Makeup for days when you look like you haven't slept in weeks!


We all have days where we look like we haven't slept in weeks and many of us suffer from broken sleep or ill-health that really shows in our faces. Even invisible illnesses can show in our faces - not as a physical illness but the toll they take shows in dark under eyes and dull or grey skin. When I'm extremely ill and when I was bedridden, I didn't wear any makeup but on days where I am able to be up and about but know that I look awful, I like to wear some makeup so that at least even if I don't feel well, my face won't show it. That being said, I don't always have the time or energy for a full on makeup routine so I have some go-to products that will make me look fresh but don't take very long to apply. I think we all have days like this so I wanted to share my go-to products with you today.
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Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Review & Giveaway: Bee Good Skincare


Bee Good Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser, Giveaway, Bee Good Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum, Bee Good Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream


I was introduced to Bee Good skincare earlier this year and blogged about the Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser in this post. Because I love the cleanser so much, I was kindly sent some more products to trial and have also been given the opportunity to run a giveaway so that one of you will get the chance to win three of the products too! Keep reading to the end to find out how to enter!
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Monday, 13 May 2019

Azzaro Wanted Girl - a hot new fragrance!


Azzaro Wanted Girl Review


I think I have mentioned several times before but I am a bit of a perfume addict! I get it from my mother who is another big fragrance fan. When I was young, I did that thing that lots of other perfume fans will be able to relate to - I tried to make perfume using rose petals from the garden! I can see it in my niece too who always asks for a spray of perfume so she can 'smell nice like my Auntie' - her words! Scents can evoke so many memories - anything rose scented reminds me of my childhood, anything citrusy reminds me of the lemon balm plant that was at my Granda's front door, lilac blossom reminds me of my First Holy Communion when we had lots of lilac on the altar and apricots remind me of the awful skincare products I used in my teens! Finding the right fragrance for you or for a particular time in your life is important. My husband and I like to buy each other a perfume/aftershave in Duty Free when we go on holiday as that scent will always remind us of that trip. If you're in the market for a new fragrance, today's post is for you as it's all about a brand new perfume: Azzaro Wanted Girl.
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Friday, 10 May 2019

Giving Embryolisse another go....


Embryolisse, Embroyolisse Creme Hydratante a l Orange Moisturising Cream With Orange Review, Embryolisse Micellar Lotion Review


Back in the day when I first started to read blogs and watch YouTube, Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate was very much one of the most hyped products online.  It wasn't easy to get hold of but because of the hype, I wanted to try it so I ended up paying above the odds and a big shipping fee  to get it from France. I was expecting big things but was disappointed because it just did nothing positive for my skin - I felt that it wasn't nourishing enough for my dry skin but it also broke me out in very sore, cystic spots. At the time I really couldn't figure out why my skin reacted so badly but I now know that my face hates shea butter, which is in the ingredients list. Because of that I was never tempted to try anything else from the brand....... until recently! A new take on the original moisturiser has been released, this time without shea butter and with the addition of Vitamin C. I was very intrigued when I was offered the opportunity to try their Moisturising Cream With Orange. I've been using it for around 5/6 weeks now as well as their 3-in-1 Micellar Lotion and am ready to share my thoughts.

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Thursday, 9 May 2019

Review & Swatches: Charlotte Tilbury Lighgasm Face Palette


Review & Swatches: Charlotte Tilbury Lighgasm Face Palette


Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you will have seen that Charlotte Tilbury launched a range of GlowGasm products in recent weeks. There are two face palettes, three beauty wands, an eyeshadow quad and two cream eyeshadows. If I won the lotto, I'd buy everything but because I haven't, I settled on buying one cream eyeshadow in the shade Rose Gold and the lighter of the two face palettes: LightGasm. I assumed that LoveGasm would be too dark for my skin but the more swatches I see, the more I realise that it would have worked for me. In any case, I am happy with what I bought and have really been enjoying using it over the past few weeks.
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Wednesday, 8 May 2019

The Unglamorous Side Of Beauty


The unglamorous side of beauty, how to deal with cellulite, how to get rid of bumpy skin on arms, how to treat ingrown hairs


We beauty bloggers are guilty of only talking about the glamorous side of beauty - the latest highlighter, the lipstick of the moment, the best glow-giving skincare etc but what I rarely see mentioned on blogs, Instagram or YouTube is the not so glamorous side of beauty.  I'm talking about cellulite, ingrown hairs, chicken skin arms - things that most of us have to deal with but for some reason, nobody seems to talk about! Today, I am sharing with you the products that I use to treat these issues. 
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Tuesday, 7 May 2019

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser - worth the hype?


Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser Review, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser - worth the hype?


When I read that Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser was particularly suitable for those with dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, I knew I had to buy it even  though I didn't need a new cleanser! The description coupled with the fact that Blanche from The Beauty Bloss recommends it meant that resistance was futile, although I did have to wait twice for it to be re-stocked as it sold out so quickly when it was re-released.
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Monday, 6 May 2019

My favourite bronze eyeshadows with swatches...


Too Faced Creme Brulée:    Pat McGrath Bronze Struck:    Natasha Denona Copper Stone:    By Terry Bronze Moon:    Marc Jacobs Bravo-O!:    MAC Tempting, Bronze, Mulch, Bronze eyeshadows for green eyes


My go-to makeup look is a bronze eye and nude lip. I have umpteen palettes and probably every eyeshadow colour under the sun but my default is a bronze eye. It's pretty much a universally flattering eye look so I decided to share my favourites with you today and if you're in the market for a new bronze eyeshadow for summer, you might find one here! All swatches are completely unedited.
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Friday, 3 May 2019

I'm having a Charlotte Tilbury moment!


Charlotte Tilbury, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes 2 Mascara, Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder, Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk, Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Worth The Hype


It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury makeup but in recent weeks, I've noticed that I cannot apply my makeup without using at least a few of her products - I'm having a real love-in! I skipped her recent Icon palette because, although it looks beautiful,  there are no matte shadows and I tend not to wear all shimmer looks. (As a side note, I'm a total eyeshadow palette addict but I haven't bought any this year so far - I feel like I have palette fatigue and it's going to take something really special to make me take the plunge and add to my collection) When the new Glowgasm range was launched, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist adding some products to my collection (in reality,  I wanted everything!). I love a glowy base as it's youthful and works well on my dry skin and Charlotte Tilbury makeup is all about radiant, glowing skin so I have a number of her products in my regular routine.  Here are my most used Charlotte Tilbury products!
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Thursday, 2 May 2019

Spanx for the face #2: Clarins Extra Firming Phyto Serum


Clarins Extra Firming Phyto Serum REVIEW


Long term readers will remember my first spanx for your face post from almost 3 years ago! It was the first time that I used a product that felt like it instantly firmed, lifted and tightened the skin and I have repurchased that mask numerous times since then. Until a few months ago, I hadn't really used any other product that gave the same instant feeling (usually firming products only show results after a good number of weeks of consistent use), until Clarins Extra Firming Phyto Serum came into my life! I love it so much that it's actually rivalling my beloved Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, which is my most repurchased skincare product ever!
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Wednesday, 1 May 2019

3 treats for 3 budgets


L'Occitane Almond Shower Shake, Anastasia Beverly Hills power Duo, Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm


I'm a little bit late with this month's 3 treats for 3 budgets post (given that it's now May)! Hopefully you'll still have some money left from your recent pay cheque and are in the mood for treating yourself! As I always say, you don't have to spend a lot of money when you're in the mood for shopping, which is why I love doing these posts! 
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