April's Hits and Misses

I know I am ever so late with these, but I actually did write this post a couple of weeks ago - its just been hiding in my drafts!  This month, I've fallen in love with a few new products and rediscovered a couple of old favourites.

KMS Quick Blow Dry Spray

I discovered this through the now defunct Carmine box and its become a staple of my blow dry routine.  I'm not going to say too much about it as there will be a review coming up this week, but suffice to say, I have been very impressed.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne

This is so fresh and summery and feels very light, making it the perfect daytime perfume for warmer days.  It is sweet but not cloyingly so and lasts throughout most of the day for me.  I've been wearing it constantly and have had quite a few compliments on it!

Nars Orgasm Blush

This is much-loved as you can probably see!  Before I was properly into makeup, this was the only blush I owned and I wore it every day.  I've had this one for about three years and, although I now have lots of other blushes in my collection, this is always the one that I reach for if I am unsure about which blush to wear with a look.  It really does go with anything!

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti

 

I'm jumping on the Lip Butter bandwagon here but it is totally justified with this colour!  I reviewed it here, along with Lollipop and Creme Brule and although I adore all three shades I own, this tangerine is so flattering and just screams Summer.  

Dr Hauschka Facial Toner

I reviewed this last week here as part of the Dr Hauschka Cleansing Ritual and for me, this was the stand out product.  Refreshing and cooling, helping to close my pores after I've cleansed, I have been really enjoying using this toner on a  daily basis.  I never really understood the need for a toner before, and whilst I wouldn't say it is an essential part of your beauty routine, it is a nice addition and it has certainly left me skin feeling a lot softer as of late.

And now, over to this month's misses...

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy - review here

 

'Chiptastic' is probably the best way to describe this polish!  It took several coats, applied streaky and the formula was very difficult to control, and after the time and concentration I took to apply it, it chipped the following day!  Love the colour but it is very high maintenance!

Alpha-H Handcream - review here

 

I think I may have been expecting miracles with this handcream for the price I paid (£22!) but I was disappointed to find it couldn't compete with my trusty L'Occitaine hand creams.  You don't always get what you pay for!

What have you been loving recently?  Have you tried any of these products?

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant

I've been fascinated for some time by all the praise surrounding Alpha-H and their products, and when I was in need of a new facial exfoliator and noticed their products were on 3 for 2 at Beauty Bay, I thought it was time to take the plunge.

The Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant is  a fairly unique experience as far as facial exfoliators go, smoothing and brightening without the use of harsh scrubbing particles.

The packaging is standard for Alpha-H - clean and minimal, with an almost clinical look to it.  

To use, you flip open the top to reveal a large hole from which a small amount of white powder is dispensed. The directions for use indicate that you should use  two  of the amounts of powder for application. The great thing about this dispensing system is that it dispenses the correct amount of product each time, so it is impossible to pour too much out which is great for minimising wastage!

You pour two applications into very wet hands and it transforms into a smooth paste which is then massaged into your skin for up to a minute.

What struck me with this exfoliator is that it doesn't seem to be gritty at all! It almost feels like some kind of mask, and at first I didn't believe that it was actually doing anything!

Over the past month using this on a daily basis, my skin has become noticeably smoother and I have suffered hardly any breakouts, so I have to conclude it works!  The only disadvantage is the high price, which at £32 may make me reconsider repurchasing.  If you are someone who invests a lot in your skin care regime though, this would be an excellent choice.

Verdict
A surprising twist on traditional exfoliation, this exfoliant leaves skin both  smooth and soft, and it is great to find something that isn't harsh and abrasive to the skin, but still packs a hefty punch. If you can overlook the higher price point, this could be a great addition to a skincare regime.
4/5 
Price- £32
Where to buy - Beauty Bay, Salon Skincare  Cult Beauty

Alpha-H Handcream - can it turn back time?

I’m addicted to hand creams - if there is one area of our body which constantly suffers, it is our hands and I am determined to protect them as much as I can!

I recently purchased a bunch of Alpha-H products, amongst them, their Age Delay Hand & Cuticle Care cream.  Alpha-H products often contain Glycolic acid, which aims to rejuvenate and lift dull-looking skin.  The back of this hand cream explains that you shouldn’t use it if you have any skin conditions, and that when using it, you may experience an initial tingling which should subside with use.

This all sounded pretty hardcore to me, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’m of the age which would see the most benefit from this.  The cream itself is of medium thickness and absorbs effortlessly, leaving no greasy residue.  It has a lovely citrus scent which is quite subtle but lingers on the hands for an hour or so after applying.  I’ve been rubbing this into my cuticles too and it has done wonders for them and kept them well-moistened.

One of the main benefits with this hand cream is that I felt like I only had to apply it a couple of times a day to keep my hands soft, whereas with other creams I feel like I am constantly reapplying!  I’m not sure if it would be moisturising enough for very dry, cracked hands or if you do a lot of gardening or work outdoors, but for general use, I was very impressed.  I do, however, have to mention the price, which is a rather steep £22!  This is much more than I would usually pay for a hand cream, although I did purchase it as part of a 3 for 2 deal for Alpha-H products a while ago on Beauty Bay, so this softened the blow a little.

Verdict

As far as hand creams go, this certainly ticks all the boxes!  Is it worth £22?  I’m not entirely sure as I still have a special place in my heart for my L’Occitane and Palmers Cocoa Butter hand creams.  If you have issues with dull, tired skin on your hands, this may be a good option for you, as I’ve read a number of reports from reviewers with anti-ageing concerns who mention that their skin seemed much brighter and that their age-spots faded.  For me, it is a pleasant cream to use, but I will not be repurchasing due to the high price, for which I can get at least two L’Occitane creams!

3/5

Price - £22

Where to Buy – Beauty Bay, Salon Skincare

Mini Haul - Alpha-H, Davines, Max Factor and Dior

A quick post to show what I have bought / received this week.  Sorry for the quality of the photos - I wanted to get these up and my flat has awful lighting!

Alpha-H  Daily Exfoliator and Alpha-H Handcream

I was after a new daily scrub and I’ve heard good things about the Alpha-H range.  I purchased the handcream as Beauty Bay were doing a promotion where you got a free Alpha-H eyecream if you purchased two products and I always need handcream!  The eye cream didn’t arrive though as it was out of stock grrrrr!!

Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo

I’d heard several people rave about this shampoo for coloured hair.  I’m wishing I had also picked up the conditioner too as I didn’t realise I am almost out of my Tigi Dumb Blonde.   I may have to do another order!  Not that impressed by the packaging though, it looks a bit like something I could have done!

Max Factor Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

I won this a while ago from a giveaway with Special K.  It looks rather bright so I’m not sure if I will have the confidence to wear it outside the house – it may be donated to my mum as she is the Red Lipstick Queen!

Rouge Dior 351 in Elegant Pink

Another prize from a giveaway, this time from Pink Lady Apples!  I love winning lipsticks!  I haven’t tried any Dior lipsticks before and this looks like a very wearable, bright pink so I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

As an aside, Boots are currently running a giveaway where you could win one of 5000 Benefit Lip Glosses.  You need to buy 2 bottles of Diet Coke, scan the leaflet listing the promotion (I found this attached to the fridges next to the coke) and swipe your Advantage card.  I love Benefit glosses so fingers crossed for this one!

Have you tried any of these products?