Have you heard the Exciting News???!

Now ships to the UK! We no longer have to drool across the pond.. We can actually have them in our little mitts! Woo Hoo! I cannot tell you how excited I am.. Roll on Pay Day :) 

*Shipping & Taxes are proving to be a tad steep but Beauty comes at a price! 

The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes in 30

A quartet of shimmer shades, each of these comes in a rose coloured pigment, That are individually wrapped in a little plastic box allowing you to popping your favourite one easily into your handbag, each one isn’t much bigger than a sugar cube. 

Use these iridescent pinks to add an opalescent highlight to your blusher. I'd suggest If you’re using these on the eyes, be sure to use them as accents of colour – too much pink may leave your eyes looking a little sore. Save them for the lid and brow bone and team with darker shades to define the lash lines.

The shades are stunning perfect for Spring/Summer to give you a pretty daytime look with a floaty summer dress and sandles... All we need is some SUN! You can pick this up from The Body shop for £16.00.

What are you looking forward to this Spring/Summer?

Topshop Highlighter in Polished

Polished is a cream highlighter - It's a really pale champagne colour with an iridescent gold shimmer running through, when applied it doesn't look glittery at all, it just gives a really lovely natural glowing highlight. I apply this with my fingers and a little bit goes a long way.

It blends really well over my make up, it doesn't rub my foundation off or clump together or sit on your skin looking obvious, It really does make you glow, giving you a more youthful look. I also like to put a tiny bit on my cupids bow & under my brow as well as on my cheek bones to just add a little something extra!. This is the first cream highlighter I've tried as I always leaned towards powder as I found it easier, but this little pot of loveliness has got me searching for other highlighters I may have over looked in the past.

This little jar with a screw top lid is £9.00 from Topshop which is a good price as this will last you a good few months if not years!

What's your favourite Highlighter?

Apivita Antispot Face Cream SPF 50

I have been on the search for a daily SPF that is non greasy and good for my skin, I found this Apivita Antispot* sunblock which is made with 77% natural ingredients and contains natural extracts such as sesame oil, some sort of tomato extract, propolis extract, different grades of organically-cultivated green tea extract, sea fennel and sea lavender Prevents and helps reduce brown spots with sea fennel and achillea.

It also offers High protection with an SPF 50 and UVA 2 effective protection against UVA and UVB radiation with photostable combination of filters, Protects against photo-ageing and free radicals with propolis1, sea lavender, lycopene and vitamin E, It also Enhances skin defense and maintains skin’s natural moisture with sea lavender and panthenol. I don't fully understand all of the ingredients.... but I do understand that the cream in this tube is really great in protecting my skin from harmful UVA & UVB radiation without causing me greasy skin and breakouts! It is a great primer for my foundation, it blends in with no problems its non greasy and leaves my skin matte. I got mine from Farmaline its online pharmacy that stocks lots of French pharmacy brands providing you with everything you could wish for in skincare.

What's your choice of daily SPF? 

Yves Rocher Comme une Evidence Eau de parfum intense

This perfume is lovely, I saw the notes and was intrigued - All the fullness and harmony in a more intense and sensual formula. The initial pairing of Damascus rose and Jasmine absolute is enriched with an enveloping solar accord revealing a denser floral heart. At the base, the union of the vibrant notes of white wood and indulgent praline reveal the perfume’s sensuality. It doesn't disappoint if you a lover of rose scented products then you need to smell this! It have the freshness of rose but with a kick of sexiness once it settles onto the skin leaving you with a musky, sensual rose scent. It's Secret formula Botanical-based ingredients: Damascus rose essential oil, Jasmine absolute. The Jasmine gives it a tiny touch of sweetness without being sickly, this is a perfect scent for Spring/Summer available from Yves Rocher £42.00 for 50ml but they always have amazing deals and sales so check the website out! 

What's your perfect Spring/Summer scent? 

ROGER & GALLET Fleur de Figuier Fragrant Water Spray

The fresh and indulgent scent of Eau Fraiche Fleur de Figuier radiates light and opulence. The sensorial accord of fig pulp is first enhanced by a hint of caraway and the freshness of grapefruit.

The fragrance notes of crisp fig leaves then reveal themselves as they blend with those of mandarin blossom. Finally, the sensuality of musk and fig wood provides a sensation of delightful & relaxing well-being. This perfume is 'Summer' in a bottle, the fresh citrus scents hits your nostrils when you intially spray but then a soft creamy scent arrives - but not sickly or too sweet, it is a very sophisticated unique scent. I wasn't familiar with this brand but now I am very keen to try some other scents now from the collections. Available in 30ml and 100ml prices starting from £15.00.

Have you tried this brand before? 

Introducing Snails.. For your little Princesses!

As a Mummy of a five year old who's going on fifteen and also showing signs of having my Beauty addiction, I was very excited to see this press release drop into my inbox. Introducing you to SNAILS (Safe Nails!) a brand that have created the first French-made chemical-free kids nail polish. A bit of background behind the brand... It all started when a mum of two scoured the market for safe non-toxic nail polish to add colour to the imaginative play of her little ones. She quickly found that such a product just didn't exist — so she created SNAILS*. 

My little Girl loves playing dress up and is always asking me to paint her nails and putting make up on her, so when I saw this brand I thought it was a fantastic idea and as the company was kindly offering for me to review them I jumped at the chance as I knew she would love to try them all out without causing any damage to herself or my house!

Many highlights of these new products, such as:

Revolutionary formula — containing just water, acrylic polymer and non-toxic colorants, SNAILS is safe in its simplicity. 

Totally water soluble — SNAILS washes off easily with simple soap and water, making  harsh solvent-based toxic remover a thing of the past.

Environmentally friendly — from biodegradable packaging and lead-free bottles, to a strict no animal testing policy. 

Hypoallergenic — SNAILS is chemical, Paraben and toxin free, so little nails are kept safe and sound and splendidly coloured.

Vivacious colour choices — every SNAILS polish delivers glorious high-quality gloss and a deliciously gentle fragrance.

These polishes come in a cute little bottle with a white lid and a pretty little bow to match the shade of polish, my little girl loved them at first sight! The formula is just like any other polish but without the smell. The polish is smooth and applies easily with no streaks. Lasting power is good to as she washed her hands throughout the day and the polish stayed put, you have to rub the nail varnish with the soapy water to remove, just be careful when drying hands!... I love that it can be simply wiped off in the bath, meaning I no longer have to dash around my house on a monday morning looking for some nail varnish remover to take her's off before school! 

Available from safe-nails.com polishes are €8 each, the site shows all the countries they are for sale.

What are your thoughts on washable nail polish?

Vichy idealia life serum review

The Vichy Idealia Life Serum performs a global action on all aspects of this behavioural ageing, combining powerful correcting active ingredients with an illuminating, opalescent texture made up of golden and red pearls. This serum has been designed for when skin is overstressed, overexposed and unbalanced due to pollution, stress and poor diet, skin can look older than it actually is. It becomes prone to greyness, sallowness, uneven colouring and drawn features, while enlarged pores, oiliness and dry patches become a problem. 

This silky fluid aims to protect and improve all aspects of the skin’s appearance and texture to give the skin a more perfected look. Its core active ingredients freshen the complexion by evening out the skin tone, boosting radiance and refining pores. The bottle of the Idealia Life Serum is made of lovely, weighty glass in the Idealia range’s emblematic pink colouring. It has an lovely little pump which dispenses the right amount of product, two pumps is all I need to cover my entire face and neck.

The ultra-light concentrate formulated with regenerating Vichy Thermal Spa Water to suit all skin types, even fragile and sensitive. Its emulsified texture leaves a light, non greasy, protective film on the skin’s surface and protects the skin from the micro particles that it collects throughout the day. With it's innovative formula it is created with a complementary association of LR2412 and LHA. The LR2412 molecule is inspired by the jasmine flower’s process of repairing itself, accelerating epidermal repair and improving the skin’s natural ability to protect itself. LHA stimulates cellular repair in tired skin, and exfoliates the surface of the skin to better reflect light and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

Did I like it? I don't even know where to begin in describing this product without giving you the impression that I'm trying to sell it! Since using this serum I have felt more confident with my skin. I have actually started going out without makeup on during the day when I nip doing my errands. It works instantly to illuminate my skin and create a more even complexion. Making it look healthier and younger. I also have noticed an improvement in my skin-tone and reduction in my pores. My wrinkles around my eyes have become softer and possibly even less noticeable. I seem to be experiencing less redness overall. The scent is lovely a blend of green tea leaves, white flowers and woods, which lingers very subtly with every application. I am so impressed... I want to try more products from the Idealia range. This sells for around £25.00 for 30ml.

Have you tried any Vichy products? 

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Paint in Rich Russet

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Paint is an ultra creamy liquid eyeshadow that leaves a metallic sheen of colour on your lids. It can be worn alone as a wash of colour or as a base to amplify the intensity of your powder eyeshadow. Advertised as waterproof and crease-proof with 8-hour wear but from my experience, it is not waterproof, only crease-proof. It has a thick and wet consistency that applies easily with incredibly intense colour payoff.

I managed to pick up mine in Rich Russet which is a beautiful metallic taupe brown for only £3.00! in the Asos sale...I have no idea why it took me so long to buy?!.. It is also available in Slate Grey, Golden Bronze, Mercury Silver and Manganese Purple.The packaging is very similar to a lip gloss with a long clear tube and a doe-foot applicator. Once it's dry there is No budging it! it’s so much easier to blend and doesn’t tug on the skin on my eyes. All I need is just a tiny dab which is more than enough to cover my entire lid and a small soft brush.

I’ve been using mine as a base and I've noticed that it does increase the intensity of my powder eyeshadow as well as the longevity. It adds a little extra shimmery effect. There is also lot's of product in the tube, you literally need just a dab of it per application, this product is going to last a really long time. And for the price, it’s a total bargain in my opinion. I’m thinking of picking up the others at this price why not?!

Have you tried these, What's your favourite shade?

Nars Guy Bourdin Mini Nail Polish Coffret - Beautiful Stranger

Part art. Part fantasy. Pure fashion.

The editorial legacy of Guy Bourdin is one of insatiable glamour and transfixing, sexually charged imagery. François Nars embraces the seductive spirit of Bourdin with this Mini Nail Polish Coffret, a collection of provocative Nail Polishes in four hyper saturated limited edition shades.

This is a beautiful little NARS set. Is so pretty, every shade is exactly what I'd choose, I love this collection and can't get enough of my Guy Bourdin Blush Palette. I also have my eye on the Lip set! 

Lost Red is a stunning true red shade.

Dance Dance Dance is a beautiful violet purple cream

Shameless Red is red with hints of pink and coral.

Manosque is a taupe shade with hints of purple, grey & brown.

I got mine from HQ Hair.com it sells for £25.00, I didn't realise they sold NARS until I came across them whilst browsing, I already own lot's and lot's of nail varnishes, but I just couldn't resist these little beauties especially as it's a limited edition set! - It also doesn't take up much space.....  I'm currently wearing 'Lost Red' ready for tomorrow! 

What colour will you be wearing for Valentine's day?!

Elemis Top to Toe Collection 2014

Elemis have done it again with this new Top to Toe collection that includes a handful of their award winning products all packed into a pretty lavender vanity bag. If you haven't tried Elemis this is a good opportunity to sample some of their best sellers at a reduced cost. This collection is £55.00 but worth £115.18.This gorgeous bag they come in, is perfect to re use for travelling.

Inside you'll find - A full size 300ml skin nourishing shower cream. Hydrating and scented with macadamia and Jojoba oil. This smells lovely very fresh and adds moisturise to my skin.

A full size 50ml Papaya Enzyme Peel. a cream exfoliator - has no bits! Great for a sensitive skin that requires a really gentle exfoliator. The fruit acids exfoliate the skin gently with no harsh grains.
Frangipani Monoi Body oil 35ml. Imagine the scent of an exotic holiday on a tropical island....well this is that scent. The body oil solidifies at cool temperatures, but if you place it in a sink of warm water to melt and then massage into skin once you have showered. You can also use on dry hair ends and cuticles. Great for taking away on holiday to keep you looking perfectly hydrated!
Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 30ml is a great product. Massage in and wash off. The size makes it the perfect cleanser to keep in your wash bag for weekends away.
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml is an award winning product, that is popping up in the beauty news, it Best for a mature skin that is in need of extra hydration. But is suitable for all ages.

I go to Sicily in May and this whole collection has bought a place in my suitcase, I love all the products and am really impressed with the sizes of them.

Available from Time to Spa.co.uk for £55.00

Will you be asking for this for Valentine? 

Date Night OOTD

Valentine's Day - Some people love, most people hate it.. My Husband isn't a fan! We usually just have a meal at home or occasionally go out for a meal as we're not really soppy lovey dovey people.. But when I do go out for Valentine's or a Date Night, Like everyone I like to make an effort.. I thought I'd show you what outfit etc I have put together for our next Date Night.

Usually I just put on a nice dress and take time doing my make up, not the usually two minute mad dash school run super fast challenge! I absolutely love this heart dress it is so flattering on, I'm also really into rose gold accessories and fell in love with this delicate heart chain from Asos above, my new Rebecca Minkoff pink bag, is fast becoming a firm favourite!

If I really want the Wow factor then I dig out the false lashes and my hair extensions I have been loving these Clip in High quality Russian Hair Extensions as well as these funky Dip dye hair extensions especially the Ombre style from Pauls Hair World. I then complete my look with a few squirts of Hugo Boss Deep Red perfume... This is the most sexiest perfume I have ever smelt, I get so many compliments & comments when I wear it!

What's your Date night style?

*SP

Becca Blush in Gypsy.

BECCA's packaging is so refreshing. It is unique. I love seeing a brand that is easily identifiable by it's packaging. The compact is nice, I like the weight of it, giving you a feel of luxury. With this Blush Becca gives you a delicate powder blush infused with micro-fine minerals that deliver a soft glow. I have collected a good few products from this brand and love them all.

A soft halo of colour onto the apples of your cheeks with this delicate powder that subtly reflects the light and casts a luminous glow. Formulated with a natural mineral complex and infused with antioxidant vitamins A, E, and C, this blush nourishes and conditions skin for a smooth, illuminated complexion. 

On the skin it is such a nice soft cool toned pink with golden shimmer. The swatch looks like  a pearled pink that is highly shimmery but I assure you that on the cheek it is the most natural shimmer I have ever seen in a highlighter/blush. Suitable for all age ranges. What I like about this blush is that it seems to work on both cool and warm skintones as it is a cool toned pink with a warm golden shimmer. 

I need to try more of this brand as it is great quality and not too expensive, it is available for £26.00 at Space NK.

Have you tried this brand? 

Shiny (Un)happy People - Matte Pressed Powder.

No one likes a shiny face, me being one of them, meaning I am always on the look out for a great powder to combat the shine, over the years I have managed to have a VERY big collection of powders from High end to Drugstore.. These are the ones that I currently find myself reaching for! 

When it comes to your T-zone curb shiny skin and keep the attention on you for all the right reasons, Urban Decay relaunches their cult-favorite De-Slick Mattifying Powder. This lightweight pressed powder blots oil and stops shine without messing up your makeup.  Don't let the pale lavender colour fool you; this baby goes on invisibly and works on every skin tone. And unlike many powders, De-Slick leaves oily skin luminously shine-free and natural - never dull or cakey. Apply it to bare skin or use it over foundation to touch up throughout the day. This really is a great product, it will give you a good 9-10 hours shine free. Available for around £20.00

Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder claims to give you a 10 hour matt radiant complexion. A unifying powder that evens out and boosts the radiance of your complexion whilst taking care of your skin.With Asian fruit therapy formula to restore balance to the skin: the Sharon fruit smoothes and moisturises dry areas, whilst Yuzu fruit absorbs excess shine. Its ultra fine, blendable texture provides a light and undetectable finish on skin. Includes a handy large mirror ideal for achieving the perfect make-up result!  This provides a good 6-8 hours of shine free in the summer but much longer in the colder months.. Available from Boots, Superdrug or any good store for around £8.99.

Corn Silk translucent pressed face powder* provides a subtle, natural, satin finish. Contains a unique, patented walnut ingredient to control shine for a longer lasting, fresh complexion. Balances skin tone without clogging pores.Suitable for all skin types. This powder really is great on oily skin, I first tried it in my Teens at school. It gives a lovely cover, only downside is the translucent transfers a little dark on my skin but it isn't really noticeable after I've applied my bronzer, This gives me a good 9-10 hours of shin free skin. Available for £8.16.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder controls shine for up to 12 hours. It minimises the appearance of pores with a natural, matte finish. You won't go out without it! Stay Matte feels lightweight. It glides on smoothly to provide even, natural-looking, long-wearing coverage that effectively conceals imperfections while revealing your natural flawless matte perfection. it is also free of fragrance, oils, 

parabens and talc, and because it won't clog pores, it's great for all skin types. I have used this powder for Years and always repurchase as for the price of £3.99 it is amazingly good, This easily gives me 10 + hours of shine free skin.

This silky, weightless finishing powder blends flawlessly to set makeup and cut shine - for a luminous, demi-matte Naked finish. Designed to be virtually invisible once applied, the high-tech, jet-milled powder has an insanely silky texture that feels amazing on your skin. Optical blurring pigments instantly minimize imperfections, diminish shine and create a stunning soft-focus effect that looks professionally retouched. Unlike powders that leave skin looking chalky or cakey, Naked Skin Finishing Powder gives you a radiant complexion and natural - looking Naked coverage. This powder is super soft and blends like a dream easily giving me 8-10 hours of perfect looking skin! Available for £22.00.

What's your HG Matte powder?

Clarins Opalescence Powder and Blush.

I love the formula of Clarins' powders and their limited edition powders always have a pretty design, This one is no different! It is from the Opalescence Collection it comes in a stunning gold palette with a holographic lid, I LOVE it...

The powder is finely milled , decorated with a gold over spray which fades after the first application. There are three shades combined, a mid-toned coral, a mid-toned cool brown and a peachy skin shade. Ideal for all skin tones, this silky face powder warms the complexion for a fresh, sun kissed look. A trio of fresh, complexion boosting shades which can be swept over the face together or applied separately to highlight and create a rosy glow. It also Mattifies and evens the complexion.

The collection was released early February and if it has not yet sold out make sure you grab something from the powders, lipstick, glosses, eyeshadows to cream blushes the whole collection is beautiful! You can pick this Clarins Opalescence Powder and Blush* up for £30.00.

What have you picked up from this Collection?

I bought a dress!!

Here is my latest purchase it's the Alice & You Heart Print Skater Dress from ASOS £25.00. It is stunning in real life for day time with tights & boots or dressed up with heels.

It is Black with white hearts, has a little stretch in it, so skimps over lumps and bumps whilst pulling you in, in all the right places.

I'm not a dress person but something about this made me want it? It has a gorgeous peter pan collar and a zip up the back, I love it!

When I tried it on it looked great, I even got a compliment off my Hubbie... I also have my eye on this Stunning Biker jacket, but I need to save my pennies to be able to own it!!

What have you been buying? 

*pics taken from ASOS.

Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream

This is the first anti-pollution cream cleanser I have ever tried, it is for skin challenged by a polluted urban environment. Enriched with extracts of purifying Moringa and nourishing Shea and mango, this rich cream cleanser is ultra-effective and restores the skin's purity, radiance and beauty while providing ultimate comfort.

• Perfectly removes make-up and impurities while providing ultimate comfort.
• Rids the skin of traces of pollution. Detoxifies the epidermis and protects the skin from the harmful effects of pollution.
• Nourishes, softens and hydrates. Restores the skin's biological balance to preserve its youthfulness.  It is safe for use on face and eyes. 

It is different to my usual cream cleansers as it has to be applied a little differently to get the maximum benefits..

1 - Take two small dabs of cream. Warm Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream between the palms of your hands so that it is the temperature of your skin.
2 - Apply cream to face and neck (including forehead) without pressing down.
3 - Use your hands to make fast suction-like motions by quickly pressing down and removing hands. Repeat seven times, working from the centre of the face towards the outside, then repeat five times on each side of the neck. The cleanser thickens and produces a 'suction' effect that releases and eliminates make-up, impurities and traces of pollution without irritating the skin or disturbing tissues.
4 - Rinse off thoroughly, or absorb any excess with a paper tissue using light smoothing motions on the face and neck. Finish by applying the Lotion. 

The scent is gorgeous, very Spa-like. My skin felt super clean and very hydrated after just the first use, but after a week it has totally improved the look of my skin, it is baby soft and I've not had one breakout!  Available from Clarins £25.00 for 200ml.

What Cleanser are you using at the moment?