The Body Shop Smoky Palette in Plum.

The smoky eye palette is back with a cool new twist on colour. It includes palettes of four on-trend eyeshadows and a mini eyeshadow brush and mini eyeliner brush so you can touch up on the go. Including Step-by-step instructions.

The Smoky eye palette in Plum comes in a sleek black compact with a big mirror, which would be perfect for travelling.  It contains 4 different eyeshadows and 2 mini good quality brushes, I usually throw them away but these actually feel like they'd be of use. The eyeshadows are really pigmented making them lovely and easy to work with. They blend beautifully to create a stunning smokey eye for a night out or a more subtle daytime look.

I’ve really enjoyed using the plum palette and I’ve had lots of compliments too. I love eyeshadow quads because you can create several different looks from one set. Use the eyeshadows individually, create a smoky eye with two shades, highlight your brow bone or simply use the darker shades as eyeliner for top or bottom lash lines, it has been a lovely change from the usual browns, blacks & greys I normally wear the colours are perfect for autumn/winter.

This stunning palette is £15.00 available in store or online, but TBS are always having fantastic sales so I'm sure you could get a great deal if you keep your eyes open! I love wearing these shadows over my Maybelline 24hr tattoo in Metallic pomegrante, it justs adds an extra oomph for an evening smoky eye, making it last all night long!

What colours have you been wearing? 

bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream.

Powered by our proprietary ActiveSoil^TM Complex, this formula revitalises skin and boosts moisture leaving the delicate eye area looking smooth, refreshed and luminous. Unique electrolyte delivery system optimizes your skin's ability to absorb and retain moisture, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin We formulated our skincare to perform expertly with our foundation to give you a younger-looking complexion over time. As I have got older I have noticed my under eye area has become increasingly dehydrated, and as one who laughs quite a lot, I have developed more than just fine lines, My fine lines seem to have all but diminished, In general my whole eye area looks more hydrated. 

Our proprietary ActiveSoil Complex represents a new generation of active minerals with extraordinary skin-renewing benefits, including faster cell turnover and helping to protect against environmental stressorsProven to reveal brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. I Love how quickly the cream is absorbed, leaving my skin feeling soft and fresh, I haven't been using bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream* that long but I can already see a difference in the skin around my eyes. I'm sure that this is helping and I'm positive that with longer use I will see a marked improvement.

As the cream is thick I tend to use this at night, but I have used during the day when I was looking a little extra tired due to a late night & my foundation went over it perfectly and stayed put, so it could definitely be use for both day & night, but at the moment I am using another day eye cream up. This sells for £23.00 which is about average for a good eye cream, it should also last a while as you only need a tiny amount. bareMinerals have free delivery at the moment, use code XMAS1 at the checkout.

What's your favourite eye cream?

Lily Lolo Molten Bronze Eye Shadow Quad

Limited Edition Pressed Eye Shadow Quad, containing a peachy sheen to highlight, antique gold and bronze to frame the eyes and shimmering black to use as an eyeliner which when combined ooze sophisticated glamour.

   

The shadows contain Jojoba oil, which helps to nourish and moisturise. They are long lasting, I'd say it stayed on for about 6-7 hours without creasing. I loved how light weight the formula is, It felt like I wasn't wearing any. Easy to blend and you are able to build the cover up if you are looking for a day to night palette, the shades are really flattering for all eye colours.

I'd not tried shadows before from Lily Lolo but have been pleasantly surprised by the quality and overall finish of the Molten Bronze Quad* , I will definitely like to try more products from this brand in the future. The quad sells for around £18.99 which I don't think is too bad for a mineral product and you get four shadows.

Have you tried this brand before? 

The Body Shop - Colour Crush lipstick in Red Siren 101

The Body shop's new Colour Crush™ Lipstick collection is an on-trend palette of 24 brilliantly vibrant shades of lipstick, each delivering maximum colour impact. The fashion-forward line-up is available in three colour families; the brightest reds, the sweetest pinks and the finest nudes, in a mix of pure colour and subtle shimmer finishes. Whatever your style, whatever your skins tone, it’s time to reveal your true colours…

Containing high-quality pigments, which are finely crushed then blended with a drop of nurturing cherry seed oil and coated with the finest, silkiest Community Fair Trade marula oil. The result is vivid, wow-worthy colour that glides onto lips and feels mega-comfortable to wear. What’s more, each lipstick has a sophisticated delicate floral rose fragrance. Divine! 

I have about 4 of these lipsticks but today I'm talking about Red Siren 101, which is a gorgeous bold and beautiful crimson that adds a touch of Hollywood glamour, it is a beautiful (matte) deep true red, it looks a little lighter in the photo, it glides on like butter and has pretty good lasting power. This is a perfect shade for the party season to bring your LBD to life!. They are £10.00 which is a little higher than drugstore, but the pigment and quality could easily match a high end lipstick, making it a pretty fair price.

What's your perfect Red Lip?

Transformulas Marine Miracle Crème

This rich marine cocktail with Lysedine heals and transforms the complexion while reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Marine derived ingredients, including seaweed, algae and sea salts, flood the skin to enhance skin firmness, elasticity, plus rejuvenating nutrients help strengthen the cell structure, resulting in younger, healthier looking skin.

Marine Miracle Creme floods the skin with rejuvenating nutrients and works to help relax the dermal layer, resulting in less movement and fewer expression lines.

The Ageless Range - The Fab 4, consists of Glycol Primer, Skin Tightening Tonic, Cell Support Serum and Marine Miracle Creme.* They all work in synergie together giving you optimum results and long term benefits. The collection was formulated to work together, like “flower food working together with cut flowers to prolong their life”. Excuse the basic explanation but we do find it simply and the best way of explaining the benefits of how the Tonic and Serum, along with the Creme work. Like changing the water and adding the food regularly – prolongs the effects and maximizes the benefits seen and felt.

Marine formula loosens expression lines

Fades lines and lessons wrinkles

Tightens and firms your skin

Hydrates, heals and restores with vitamin E3 properties

Ultra -hydrating

Aids cell structure rejuvenation

Gentle effective and safe

I have been using this cream for around two weeks now and am starting to notice little changes, my fine lines are looking less obvious, but I think I need to use the whole jar before I decide if it is a 'Miracle' cream it is expensive at 50ml for £69.95 a pop but if it does what it says on the box then It's a price worth being paid. I'll update once I've finished trialling it, but so far it seems to be doing something! 

Have you tried this brand, What's your favourite face cream brand?

The Body Shop - Vitamin C microdermabrasion

microdermabrasion simply is a technique that uses tiny rough grains to rub away the outermost layer of the skin in order to improve the overall appearance. This at-home microdermabrasion boasts of making the complexion bright and improving your skin's texture. 

Fine exfoliating micro particles and crushed garnet stones remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

• Removes dead skin cells
• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Gives skin a brighter, more radiant look
• Improves skin texture and tone

Its advises on the tube that this microdermabrasion technique should only be used once or twice weekly. As this is actually a harsh procedure and gives effective results with use over a period of time. I think once or twice is fine as if you over use your skin would become sore as even though the grains are fine you can feel them on your skin exfoliating away the dead skin cells. It has a lovely fresh subtle citrus scent which I really like, the price is £13.00 for 75ml which I think is a fair price.

Are you a fan of microdermabrasion?

Pür Minerals "Bare it All" Gift set

Highlight, contour and accentuate your natural features in four easy steps! Give your cheeks a healthy glow and enhance your bone structure with Pür’s vitamin-rich Mineral Blush and Contour/Highlight Powder Duo. 

Add a splash of lush, natural colour to lips with Au Naturel Lipstick with hydrating shea butter and jojoba oil. Pure Black Precision Eyeliner completes the look with a quick and easy dose of long-wear definition.

What’s Inside
Pure Black Precision Eyeliner – defines eyes with long wear, bold colour 
Au Naturel Shea Butter Lipstick – hydrates with shea butter and jojoba oil
Contour/Highlight Powder Duo – enhances features for natural definition
Mineral Blush in Peep Show – nourishes a healthy glow with vitamin E

This really is a great little Christmas gift set for female in your family who are interested in make up, 2 great compacts with a lovely natural bronzer/highlighter and a gorgeous rosey blush that would compliment any skin tone, priced at £29.00 and available online or at Marks and Spencer, the shades are soft, easy to use & pigmented. This brand also don't test on animals.

What do you want under your Christmas tree?

Winter Skin care - Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil.

Naturally astringent for Oily or Combination Skin. 100% pure plant extracts. Clarins’ exclusive blend of Rosewood, Geranium and Lotus extracts purifies, tightens pores and refines the skin texture. Hazelnut Oil softens, soothes and seals in moisture to prevent fine lines.

Some people think If you have oily or even combination skin, using a facial oil will make the problem worse. In truth, an oil can do wonders for all skin types - aiming to balance and decongest. Lotus face treatment oil* is a really light oil, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin, it absorbs quickly. I usually apply a drop or two at night, after cleansing and before my night cream. 

I usually try to take a few minutes to unwind and give myself a relaxing facial massage, using your fingers and working in circular motions. It's the perfect evening treatment to really improve complexion and skin type, It has also improved my night sleep, not sure if that is the oils or the relaxing massage before bed!

My skin has really improved by adding in this extra step, it has become slightly less oily during the day, but it feels much more supple and hydrated than it was before, I'm not sure if I would include this step in my summer routine (watch this space, as I've only been using for the past 2-3 months) but during these past few months it has been a saviour in improving my skin after the cold wind, rain & central heating..

It costs £30.00 from Clarins, I also discovered that with every order you can choose 3 samples, which is great for trying new products.

Do you include a face oil in your routine? 

Hot Mama by theBalm

An all-in-one essential, this smart shadow, beautiful blush and subtle highlighter is tucked inside a go-anywhere compact. 

This pinky-peach hue adds a splash of colour to your cheeks and a hint of shimmer to your lids, while illuminating your finest features.

I picked mine up from Birch Box online store using my reward points, so technically got it free which is always a bonus!

It is stunning on, I use it as a blush & highlight in one, the shade is similar to Nars Orgasm but I think it is more luminous, it looks amazing on an skin tone, I use it all year round with a tan or pale and It looks fab.

It sells for around £12.50, which I think it a fair price as the quality is really great, but if you are a bargain hunter there are sites selling it cheaper.

What's your perfect blush?

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements Month one

I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic ovary Syndrome) in my early twenties & soon discovered all the horrible symptoms that came along with it, one being Thinning hair, it has gradually got worse over the past 5 years, Since I had my Daughter, when I was pregnant I had thick, shiny hair and after it started coming out every time I washed/brushed my hair which is normal after pregnancy, but it just never stopped coming out. I don't have any bald patches neither is it massively noticable but it just knocked my confidence, it also became very dry & somewhat frizzy! All I do is tie it or clip it back now, as I don't like it down.

I decided to try Viviscal hair supplements* to see if it would improve the condition & help my hair grow back to how it was. I have a 3 month supply so will do an update every month to let you know how I'm getting on. It says to take two tablets daily they contain the important nutrients Biotin and Zinc, which help maintain normal healthy hair growth from within and the proprietary marine protein complexAminoMar C™ ,Vitamin C, Niacin, Iron, and Millet Seed.

Viviscal understand hair. Statistics show that a whole range of factors, including stress, post-pregnancy, menopause, overstyling, poor nutrition, hereditary, age can impact on the health of the hair and hair growth with one in three women experiencing the distress this can cause at some stage in their lives.
I am also usuing thickening shampoo's and conditioners to help with it's condition,I am hoping to have great things happen to my hair over the next 3 months, have any of you used them before?

180 tablets 3 month supply £119.99, but they have offers on at the moment.


Do you suffer with Thinning hair?

elemis perfect pro-collagen gift set

Your complete anti-ageing regime for perfectly cleansed and nourished skin. Presented in a gorgeous silver vanity case, carry your the power of Pro-Collagen with you wherever you go. This collection includes:

Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 30 ml - a new generation anti-ageing cream facial cleanser which deeply moisturises to reveal a youthful complexion with Active fragrances of Sweet Brazilian Orange, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli veil the face whilst essential plant extracts purify and cleanse skin. It defends against daily pollutants with skin-protecting Moringa Seed Peptide. Great Burdock helps to balance the skin whilst Noni and Assai Fruit are known for their high levels of anti-oxidants.

NEW Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 20g - This Award winning powerful treatment cleansing balm dissolves make-up and daily grime. Developed first and foremost for its performance in Elemis treatments, this super-cleansing, luxurious treatment balm is expertly formulated with a 100% active base of natural oils grown within the UK. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm combines precious starflower, elderberry and optimega™ oils with rose and mimosa waxes, and anti-ageing padina pavonica to deeply cleanse, nourish and smooth for a glowing complexion.

Rehydrating Ginseng Toner 50ml - combines extracts of tonifying Korean Ginseng, Quillaja Wood 

and Sweet Betty Flower. This combination of ingredients works to revitalise and nourish the skin, 

whilst thoroughly removing any last traces of facial cleanser. This toner is perfect for rebalancing the 

skin´s natural pH and for rehydrating dry and mature skin.

Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml - Natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating Papaya and calming Pineapple smooth and clarify the complexion. This rinse-off exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant rich Vitamin E and Marine Algae to Moisturise, repair, and Protect Skin. Perfect for complexions which are sensitive or mature.

Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml -  is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth by up to 78%, and increase hydration and moisture levels by up to 45%*. This powerful anti-ageing cream provides a progressive lifting effect through increased collagen support. The dynamic combination of the marine algae Padina Pavonica, Rose and Mimosa Absolutes,and Gingko Biloba Liposomes delivers visible results within 15 days.

Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 15ml - This luxury, moisture rich night cream leaves your skin feeling plump, brighter and hydrated. Developed with the revolutionary Padiana Pavonica, which actively mobilises Calcium to protect and support the cell structure, strengthening the 

epidermis for a more youthful, firmer appearance.

It also includes a 100% Cotton Wash Cloth, every product is a multi award winning product and will give your skin a treat of it's life! I love everything in the set and think it is a fantastic way to introduce new products for you to try and then fall in love with, since using Elemis products my skin has been looking so healthy, smooth, flawless making my make up sit perfectly, my fine lines are reduced.

This set is perfect for any skin junkie! At just £70 The Pro-collagen Perfection gift set* saves you £38 if bought separately, it is Perfect for travelling or just simply trying the product to see if it suits you but I'm sure this will make you want to switch up your routine and tempt you to buy the full size.

What's your favourite Skin care?

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

****Update you can now Pre-Order on Look Fantastic release date is 21st Dec**** use code TENSAVE FOR 10%off Bonus! 

It's finally here..... (Well if you live in the USA) -The long awaited follow up to Naked and Naked2 palettes - when I first  heard about this palette, I thought - What?! Another neutral palette, no one needs another Naked palette, do they?!...... Oh My! Was I wrong......... As time has gone on and the more pictures I see & the more reviews I read..... I now know I WANT this palette in my hands now!!.. I must be mad, I do not NEED another neutral palette but I'm counting down the minutes until it is released.... Rumoured to be mid-december for us in the UK.

The gorgeous colours... Strange (pale neutral pink matte-satin), Dust (pale metallic pink shimmer w/iridescent micro-glitter), Burnout (light pinky-peach satin), Limit (light dusty rose matte), Buzz (metallic rose shimmer w/silver micro-glitter), Trick (light metallic pinky-copper shimmer w/tonal micro-sparkle), Nooner (medium pinky-brown matte), Liar (medium metallic mauve shimmer), Factory (pinky-brown satin), Mugshot (metallic taupe shimmer w/slight pink shift), Darkside (deep taupe-mauve satin) and Blackheart (smoky black matte w/rosy red micro-sparkle). 

I love the rose gold shades and think it is different to the last two palettes, or am I just talking myself into buying it! Ha I'm sure I'll be posting another post very soon with swatches etc....

It is also rumoured to be around £36-£40.00.

Are you lusting after this?

CHRISTMAS GIFT SET - Vita Liberata moment by moment.

The Ultimate Tanning Kit* includes everything you need for the perfect tan. This luxury gift set contains Moment by Moment Rapid Development Tan Mousse (100ml) which allows you to choose your self tan shade and enjoy a super-fast developing tan in under 3 hours. 

It also includes Super Fine Skin Polish (30ml) for perfect tanning preparation, Moisture Boost Body Treatment (30ml) to maintain your beautiful tan and an extra-soft flock Tanning Mitt to ensure a flawless, streak-free application. Available in sheer or rich medium.

If you want to buy it as a gift for someone or simply treat yourself its a great price of only £22.50. I really love this brand their products just glides on with hardly any scent & gives you gorgeous natural results within three hours! I also love the instant gel wash off tan by Vita Liberata as it gives you a perfect, natural tan in seconds.

What's your favourite tanning brand?

It's a Ten Miracle Leave In Treatment

The original formula, Featuring an intense fruity scent, this nourishing spray will leave your ends silky smooth and hydrated. This nourishing leave-in is formulated to provide “10″ benefits to all hair types including:

• Repairs dry, damaged hair
• Adds Shine
• Detangles
• Control Frizz
• Seals & protects hair color
• Prevents split ends
• Stops hair breakage
• Creates silkiness
• Enhances natural body
• Flat iron spray & thermal protector

It may sound barmy that a leave in conditioner can do all that, but it really does live up to its claims. My hair has never been this shiny or easy to manage. Plus, my ends have suffered from less breakage and split ends. I didn't believe the hype at first but was intrigued to try it, so when I was browsing in Sally UK a few months ago, when I spotted it, before I had a chance to think It'd been snapped it up & was staring back at me from inside my basket! (As I thought it was a USA brand only? Have I been living under a rock?). As I said I got mine from Sally UK for about £10.50, I have just been browsing their website and noticed them offering a VAT Free day between 25th November to 1st December.... Stock up on all your Hair & Beauty essentials?!

What's your hair miracle product?

Orla Kiely Geranium Mini Bath and Hand Christmas Gift Set

Orla Kiely Geranium uses a blend of essential oils including geranium, eucalyptus and clary sage to refresh and cleanse the mind and body.

This set is part of the geranium bath and body collection which includes six different gift sets priced between £12 and £24. The set I am reviewing is the mini bath and hand set*, which includes a 50ml size shower gel, hand wash, hand lotion and body lotion. They all smell lovely very fresh and with a hint of citrus.

The packaging is really pretty and would brighten up anyones bathroom shelf, I think this a great little gift at a really good price at only £12.00, They would make a perfect present or stocking filler for a lady in your life.

If you are interested in buying them for someone or just treating yourself Available on the Orla Kiely and John Lewis sites, they also have a fig candle & diffuser set that I have my eye on, a great scent for Christmas!

What's on your Christmas wishlist?

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

The natural exfoliating fruit enzyme action of Papaya and Pineapple smooth, brighten and clarify the complexion. This unique, non-granular exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant-rich Vitamin E and Marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect the skin. Which are Perfect for sensitive or mature complexions, this smooth cream peel gently exfoliates without abrasion. Your skin will be treated with seaweed actives and vitamin E, leaving you with a smooth, moisturised and remineralised skin.

This gentle exfoliator will make your complexion appear smoother and brighter by dissolving dead skin cells without rubbing, making it particularly suited to mature and delicate skin as it also gives anti-oxidant and free radical protection. I've been using this Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel for the past 2-3 weeks. It's an excellent product that does what is says on the tube. you will not believe how clear and radiance your skin will become! I love the results of this mask and how it smells. It feels great to use it and it helps reveal a smooth, bump-free skin. I have tried a few very high end ones and I can positively say this is one of my top 2 micro-exfoliation masks. I definitely recommend it for oily/combination skin, and especially for those who live and work in big cities and have their pores filled with air pollutants.

This mask contains seven active ingredients; Papaya, Pineapple, Porphyridium (unicellular algae), Bladderwack (seaweed extract), Milk Protein, Sunflower Oil, and Vitamin E.

It really gives you a pampered feeling as it is lovely and thick, leaving your skin very happy afterwards.

It can be picked up from most websites especially timetospa.co.uk for £29.50 for 50ml.

What's your favourite face mask?